I had my 4 week follow up on December 11th. At that time I was still spotting and achy at times. My doctor said it was normal and to continue to listen to my body and take it easy when it happens. He said my stitches were starting to dissolve and that the worst part is over, but I have to still use caution and not over do things or lift anything too heavy causing me to strain. He released me back to work full time & for me to wait until 6-8 weeks before running. He said once I'm ready, to take it slow and use a run/walk method. I wont see him again until my final 6 month follow up.
Once I started work back to full time, I wore my binder with the ice packs in it the second half of each work work day. I did this to help with any swelling or discomfort I may have due to working more. It really helped!
Fast forward to yesterday December 29th....I ran for the first time since surgery!!!
I started out walking then began to run. I had the biggest smile on my face when I took off, because I was so happy to be running again and the fear of my running days being over was lifted. I did 3 miles taking at least 3 walk breaks each mile. I felt great with only slight cramping at times. Which, I had that the day before as well, when I went for a bike ride. The cramps weren't painful and only came up now and then and went away. Nothing compared to the discomfort I had running with those fibroid's and enlarged uterus for so long.
I am signed up for a race challenge on February 2nd. Its a 10k with a 5k race right after. I signed up for it way before knowing I was having surgery. I am hoping to build back my running in January. But, I will pay close attention to my body and if I feel its not ready, I will only do one of the races. I'm just happy and thankful to be back running again!!
At 6 weeks post op I am starting to feel back to normal. I still get the swelly belly at times and now and then get slight cramping. I use the heating pad more now than I do the ice packs in the evening. But, only as a precaution, I don't really get too achy anymore and don't need to take anything for pain. I haven't had any brown, pink or red spotting for over a week now. It has turned to a yellowish color and that has decreased too as well in the last few days. My breast are swollen and tender right now. Not sure if its just my hormones trying to get back to normal since I kept both my ovaries.
My doctor said to wait the full 8 weeks before having intercourse. He said it may be slightly painful or discomfort at first, but to start out slow and it should get better over time. I'll let you know how that goes. But, I do want you ladies to know that my husband gave me the big "O" yesterday. I was so nervous to even try, because I was so scared I would never have one again, after reading some women stories on it after having a hysterectomy. But, not only was I able to have one, it was amazing!! I laughed and cried afterwards, I think because I was so scared I wouldn't be able to anymore and so relieved I was still able to and it was amazing! I also did not have any cramping or discomfort afterwards.
I am letting you all know this because I know I had all these questions and concerns and if my experience helps even one woman out there who is going through this, then I'm happy to have given TMI. :)
