Exhaustion and Mack Trucks

Hi Everyone,

I am now three weeks post-op (well, tomorrow I will be anyway) and I am still feeling pretty exhausted.  Is this normal?  Otherwise, I feel pretty well.  I am meeting my liquid and protein goals and walking at least three times a day plus taking my vitamins as I am supposed to. 

I called Barix this morning just because I have a sore throat and I think a low grade fever.  They said it sounded like I have caught one of the bugs floating around and to call my primary if I thought I needed to.  I don't think I will yet.

Anyway, just wondering when the hit by a Mack truck feeling is supposed to go away. 

I did go back to work last week.  (My company doesn't have short term disability so I used up all of my vacation for the year and then went back 2 weeks post-op.)

Hope everyone else is doing well. 

Thanks.

Joylyn

You're doing pretty normal for going through major surgery and then going back to work so soon afterward. Doesn't sound like you have any pain or discomfort in the incision areas so that's good. I went back to work after a week and it took me a long time to regain my energy - in hindsight I wish I had stayed home for at least 2 weeks, but honestly I felt so good it didn't seem to bother me going back so soon. But as the weeks went on I realized how much energy I didn't have! I'm in my early 50s and I'm sure that had something to do with it as well - if I were younger I probably would have had more energy sooner.

You're going to be fine - just give it some time - your body has gone through a lot and its a very emotional time as well, so it all adds up.

Congrats and welcome to the Loser's Bench!!

Kathy

Sounds totally normal to me! Remember that you are getting in less then 1000 calories a day (more like 500-700 probably at least thats where I was) and you are still trying to do your normal activites. Fatigue is normal!!

Here's to a great journey!

Liz

PS congrats on meeting fluid and protein goals already!

oh forgot the rest of the question - you should start to feel more energy as you eat more solid foods.

Hi Joylyn.. I am 3 weeks out today, so we are on the same track.  I still feel very tired, too.  There are some days when I feel fantastic and do all sorts of stuff and then I end up falling over by the end of the day.  Other days, like today, where I just don't want to do anything.  I was supposed to go back to work today, but since I DO have short term disability, I decided to stay out a bit longer.  I plan to go back on March 25 for 1/2 days and then go back full time on April 6.  That should be good for me.  I will hopefully be able to concentrate much better then and not need the mid afternoon nap.  Good thing is, though, that I work from home.  So, if I do need to rest, I can lay down on my lunch break.. just have to remember to get back up. LOL!!

Congrats on meeting your liquid and protein goals.. I honestly don't know if I am because I have not been tracking.  I need to get on the ball on that so I can report in with my doc on 4/2.  Walking 3 times a day is great! I try to do some sort of walking every day, but definitely not 3 times a day.

I'm sure things will get better for both of us as we increase our calories.  Keep in touch, we are at the same place in our new lives!

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for your messages of reassurance.  I have never had a major surgery and must say I am surprised by my lack of energy.  I really thought I would recover faster than this.  All my co-workers keep telling me to call my Doctor, but that doesn't make sense to me.  Why do I need to run to the doctor every time I don't feel well especially this close to my surgery?

I am just going to keep on moving and hope I start to feel better soon.

Lisa, I say stay out as long as you can with your short term disability!  I defintiely would have stayed out as long as possible.  Congrats on your surgery. 

Talk to everyone later!

Joylyn

I was exhausted the first 6 weeks... I took a 3 hour nap every afternoon after Lorelei went to bed... and all I know is thank God that my dad was out to help because I was soo tired... I couldn't play with her... etc... other than that I did great... I always felt more tired on the days were i went out walking for longer...

so since you are back to work... when you get home take an hour nap and then go on for the rest of the day... hang in there... it does get better...

Considering you went back to work 2 weeks after surgery I say that is totally normal!  It takes a lot out of you and like Liz said, your caloric intake is pretty low right now - so that adds to the fatigue. 

I'm impressed you are meeting protein goals this early out - a lot of people have trouble with that in the early stages (I sure as heck did!)

As you advance your diet and get more "real" food in, your energy will increase.  Also, the walking will help, too, so keep that up.  But you do need to rest - so make sure you do that too. I think it was Shannon who suggested taking an hour nap when you get home - and I think that's a great idea.  Also - no shame in going to bed at 7 or 8pm if needed.  The body needs rest to continuing healing!

Like everyone said - it DOES get better!

Pam

Thanks everyone!!!!!!!

It is good to know it will get better.  I have definitely been crashing at night and going to bed by 7:30 or 8 and sleeping soundly all night. 

I appreciate all the words of wisdom.