4 weeks post-op today

Hello Everyone, I am 1 month post-op today. It hasn't been a pleasant 4 weeks, but I did make it. Still not feeling great, but better. Don't have much energy, not much desire to do anything. I'm wondering if I'm going through some sort of depression thing. My family keeps yelling at me to get up and do things. Especially my sister. I know she's doing it for my own good, she dosen't want me to sink too low. Is it that unusual to feel this way 4 weeks out? I don't even want to get showered or dressed everyday. I am going to make myself do SOMETHING constructive today. Please pray for me that I snap out of this fog!!! Thanks you guys, you have been great.

Hello Debbie, I am pre-op but your signs sounds like to me is depression. Maybe you should call doctor and talk about this. Hang in there!!! We are here to support you and understand your feelings. Kathy K

Hi Debbie! I haven't had this particular surgery (yet) but I have had major surgery in the past. I honestly think it is normal to feel kind of down and out - it takes a lot of time for your body to get back to normal after it feels like it's been "invaded" by foreign objects. You should definately contact your doctor, just to let them know how you are feeling, but honestly, it's quite normal to feel the way you feel and it is probably temporary!! Hang in there!!

Hi Debbie, I'm sorry you are having such a tough time. I know for myself that if I didn't go back to work after 2 weeks I would probably feel the way you feel. I sort of felt like that during the 2 weeks I was home. And actually, my first week back to work was so tough because I was tired and my incision was leaking, I started to let myself feel down too. But, then I remembered why I did this, and that all I was feeling is temporary. You will feel better soon, but you probably need to get up and move. Go for a walk outside, get those endorphins going. (They help you feel better, and are released with exercise). Do alittle at a time. Give yourself something to do away from the couch or wherever you're sitting. As Nike says, JUST DO IT! You'll feel better. And if that doesn't help, you probably should call your surgeon for guidance. Hope things get easier for you. Anne

Hi Debbie, I went through the same thing...I was depressed over losing my best friend...FOOD! I mourned that loss for a few weeks. Once I was able to eat some pureed foods it got a bit better, and then one day at about 5-6 weeks out I turned that corner and never looked back - I started feeling good. My energy came back, I was able to do things and better yet, wanted to! So, my advice is to use these boards for support, attend support groups and take heart knowing this too shall pass. Better days are close by! And while your family means well, let them know that they need to support you on YOUR terms, not theirs. You just had MAJOR surgery, they do not need to be yelling at you to get up and do things. Encouraging you to walk and help celebrate the little things is what they should be doing. YOU control the pace, not them. PS - I love your name!

What you're describing is normal. It is also the exact reason why I forced myself to get back to work after two weeks. I knew if I didn't keep busy, I'd get myself in big trouble with the 'woe is me' syndrome that I was falling into. Please DO try to do something constructive, that will make you feel a little better about yourself. The busier you keep, the better it will be for you. But, don't discount the fact that thius may be depression and need to be medically taken care of. Especially if you have been treated for depression in the past. Take care and hang in there. Best, lisa C

What you're describing is normal. It is also the exact reason why I forced myself to get back to work after two weeks. I knew if I didn't keep busy, I'd get myself in big trouble with the 'woe is me' syndrome that I was falling into. Please DO try to do something constructive, that will make you feel a little better about yourself. The busier you keep, the better it will be for you. But, don't discount the fact that thius may be depression and need to be medically taken care of. Especially if you have been treated for depression in the past. Take care and hang in there. Best, lisa C