How long does the fatique last?

I am 3 1/2 weeks out from lap surgery and am exhausted. I went back to work last week and am trying to keep a lighter schedule but I am still working nine to eleven hour days. (That really is a lighter schedule!). Every day between noon and 2pm, I feel like I could go to sleep standing up and it is all I can do to put one foot in front of the other. I usually get a second wind in the late afternoon but am exhausted when I get home. I know the fatique is expected but when can I expect it to get better. Before surgery I wouldn't stop all day and would usually work 60 hour weeks. Please tell me that it will get better. I almost fell asleep while talking to a patient today! I just want to curl up in a ball and sleep for 48 hours straight. Denise

Denise, I am 5 weeks Post Op and this is my first week back at work. Luckily I had alot of sick leave so I chose to take an entire month after surgery off and I'm so glad I did. For the first 3 - 4 weeks I would take my kid to school and then come home and sleep for 2 hours....get up and eat lunch....sleep 2 more hours....go get the kid...come home and sleep some more. Get the picture? I KNOW how you are feeling. But this week I have done well at work. Now I am really tired when I get home from work I am ready to rest but I'm doing well. Night before last though, I went to bed for the evening at 6:45. I felt good yesterday though. It'll get better...rest when you can...enjoy your weekend. You just had MAJOR surgery girl! Robin

It varies between people but the big exhaustion seems to hit the 3rd week and lasts a few weeks. For me its lasted longer but the doctor says its okay. He told me when people go back to work early he writes them a note saying it is medically necessary to have rest periods as needed. I'm finally am gaining energy again. My doctor keeps telling me-don't rush things, let nature take its course.

Denise, I hope you feel better. Inbetween now and then make sure to get enough rest! If you get really, really tired it could be dangerous. I would check with the doctor and see if there is something you could take to give you more of a kick! Best of luck. God Bless, Tiffany.

for me i did not get my full energy bac****il i was eating everything again....I think it is not a lack of sleep but a lack of vitimens that is causeing you to be so tired ......But it will get better and also get a vitiam that will help some too .....well it did for me !!! Laura

It took me a good 4-6 weeks to feel like I could make it all day w/o a nap. I tell ya the B-12 shots have helped a lot!!!! You have a hectic schedule so remember to take time for yourself and rest when you can. hugs, Tonya