Soooooooo Tired

Don't know if anyone else experienced this problem.  I am 4 weeks post op and returned to work last Tuesday.   By Thursday, I was feeling a little light headed and just exhausted.  I was to tired to even go to work on Friday and ended up sleeping 12 hours.   Has anyone else had this problem?  I have no problems eating but wonder if this can be a vitamin or iron deficiency.   I try to push myself as feel I have to build myself up but I am not winning!  I was walking a mile a day and haven't been able to do this since Thursday.   I did call and speak with the nurse today and she has me coming in to see the doc tomorrow. 

Your body has been through an ordeal and it sounds like you have been doing a lot with your exercise!!  A mile a day is impressive for four weeks out!!  I think your body is just telling you it needs a brief time out but it is good that you are going in to see your doctor tomorrow.  Take it easy and remember that sometimes it can take your body a while to "catch up" and adjust to all the drastic changes you've just made to it!!  Good luck to you and keep us posted! Hugs, Donna

I struggle with exhaustion, too.   It feels like my muscles are entirely depleted. Up until my surgery in January, I was working two full-time jobs, seven days a week.  I had to drastically cut my hours with my second job, but still work half-time there.  Lately we've been having a lot of special events, though, so I'm working more hours on the weekend than I intended.  So Monday and Tuesday, I generally come straight home from my weekday job and go right to bed, waking up 10-12 hours later.  Tonight I absolutely had to go to a meeting, so I left my weekday job half an hour early to get a one-hour nap beforehand; otherwise I'd still be sleeping right now! I think sometimes we forget that working eats up calories (and my weekend job can be physically strenuous).  Sometimes my net calories (after taking into account my physical activity) are 0 or less on the weekends.  But taking in more calories is difficult; I can't imagine eating more than I do.  I'll have to start bringing protein shakes. AND WORKING LESS. I had complete blood workup done last week and know I'm not anemic, which was a relief.  So in my case, I know it's just that I need to figure out a way to work less intensely on the weekends and take in more protein shakes (there's no way I can eat more, no way) during that time.

I suffered with some pretty serious exhaustion early on.  Don't get too down on yourself.  You've had a major surgery and your body is going through a lot of changes and adjustments.  Not to mention the energy your body is expending in the healing process.  I think it's normal.  If you're that tired, by all means, rest!  It's one thing to push yourself to get up off the couch and start exercising, but that's pushing your motivation.  It's kind of a different deal.  If you're this tired, you need to listen to your body...it wants the rest!  That said, I think it's always a good idea to go see if your doc if you're concerned about something.  Let us know how it goes tomorrow...good luck!

Hello,   I know just hoe you feel. I had the same thing happen to me when I was about 4 weeks post op. Turns out that I did have a Vit deficiency problem ( A BIG ONE).  Not saying that is your problem but ....I was tired week, had no energy at all.....when I did go in it was so bad that I was admited for aday or two to get on top of things.  Glad to know that you are going in ASAP.I hope that all is well ....I know that it will be. Please keep me posted and let us know how you are doing.                                                                                                                                     Stephanie                                                                                                                                    331/169

I was exhausted most of my first 6 months... it wasnt until around 9+ months out that my energy levels really started to be and stay normal.  Anesthesia stays in the body up to 6 weeks and it can cause major exhaustion. Also for some it takes longer for their body to 'feel' the effects of surgery. Some people bust out of the gate with energy then all of a sudden crash, others feel like poo then get energy... and some, like me, just struggle for a while.  Keep us posted on what the doc says - the lightheadedness is definately something that needs to be addressed but more than likely can be due to dehydration. I wouldnt say you have an iron or vitamin deficiency at this point because you are only 4 weeks out, as long as you are taking your suppliments you should be ok. Dont push yourself too much when it comes to walking - listen to your body and let it rest if it needs it!

Went and saw the Dr. Melkonian today and he just thinks I am still recovering from surgery.  He did have me go to the lab and have blood drawn to be on the safe side but doesn't feel it will show anything.  He said the best thing to do is just keep pushing to build my strength back up.   He also suggested I have my PCP check my blood pressure meds as that could cause the lightheadedness.     Thanks all for your input and concern....i really appreciate it a bunch! Pam

Pam -

Good to hear that all is well. Take care and keep us posted.

Barb

P.S. It may take a while, but eventually you will find you have more energy than you've had in years. Hang in there ... it really does get better.