Had radical hyserectomy: Why am I still so tired almost 3 weeks out?

Posted by hlthcr2000 @hlthcr2000, Feb 26 10:17am

Should I still be soooo tired? I do a few things- then just want to go lie down. It will be three weeks tomorrow.
Psychologially, I seem fine- not upset or depressed although concerned about transportation to chemo once that''s scheduled.
Is or was anyone else just sooo tired? My family members seem to not understand.

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Daisy | @hort37b460 | Feb 26 6:36pm

Yes. Extreme exhaustion is one of the key features of all of this… at least that’s been my experience and what I’ve heard from others in the waiting room.

1995victoria | @1995victoria | Feb 27 4:42am

It took about 2 almost 3 months to regain some energy after my surgery......

jenelleseaman | @jenelleseaman | Feb 27 5:52am

I started chemotherapy a week after my surgery, so I was affected by both at the same time. That was almost 16 years ago, and I don’t remember too much except that I felt like a rag doll that had all the stuffing removed!

hlthcr2000 | @hlthcr2000 | Feb 27 6:42am

In reply to @1995victoria "It took about 2 almost 3 months to regain some energy after my surgery......" + (show)

@1995victoria Thanks- you make me feel better!

Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Feb 27 10:06am

In reply to @hlthcr2000 "@1995victoria Thanks- you make me feel better!" + (show)

@hlthcr2000 I was fatigued for about 4 weeks after my own radical hysterectomy. My gyn/oncologist told me that although I had just a few incisions in my abdomen from the laparoscopic procedure- in contrast to an open surgical hysterectomy-the healing on the "inside" is the same for both. During those four weeks my energy slowly but progressively got better. Like @jenelleseaman I felt like my Raggedy Ann that I still have from childhood and all my stuffing was removed! That's a good analogy!! ☺️

hlthcr2000 | @hlthcr2000 | Feb 27 11:34am

Thanks. Yes, my daughter- who thinks I should be doing more -reminds me I had the robotic surgery. Your point is well taken…the disruption internally is the same! It’s really comforting to hear from you and others. I really appreciate it.

shivey | @shivey | Feb 28 4:44am

In reply to @jenelleseaman "I started chemotherapy a week after my surgery, so I was affected by both at the..." + (show)

@jenelleseaman that’s a perfect description 😊

shivey | @shivey | Feb 28 4:45am

At least 3 months before full energy returns, be kind to yourself and you will be fine ❤️

ffr | @ffr | Feb 28 7:20am

Rag doll is a perfect description!!
This experience is a life changer, both physically and emotionally.
Re transportation to chemo: I think the American Cancer Society has volunteers who do this. I’m not sure if you call them directly or if the social worker at your cancer facility makes the connection for you. It might be worth asking about, even if it’s just to fill in for when a friend or relative is not available. Best wishes as you heal from surgery and begin the chemo. Sometimes I felt like I was living in an alternate universe.