Netflix and Napping Get Old Fast When You’re Recovering From Surgery

So I’m back to writing on Medium and musing aloud about life.

Do I wish I were walking through a grassy field right now? Yes, I do. Photo by Hisu lee on Unsplash

It’s been almost two weeks since I had a total hysterectomy. My amazing world-class surgeon specializes in minimally invasive surgery, which meant she had a long waiting list. She took out my uterus, cervix, and fallopian tubes and left three tiny scars on my abdomen (not counting the scar in my belly button).

My OB/GYN had planned to make a large abdominal incision similar to a C-section incision as she wasn’t comfortable trying to do the procedure laparoscopically. But I waited an extra two months so this surgeon could do it. I’m glad I waited. I was able to go home just 4 hours after surgery instead of spending 2–3 nights at the hospital, bedridden. I even walked outside a bit that same evening I came home to get some fresh air.

I was also off all narcotic medication once I left the hospital and weaned myself off Tylenol/Advil within three days. Then it was all about sleep, TV, and short gentle walks to get my blood flowing. I also found that regularly exercising before surgery helped strengthen my abdominal muscles so I’ve recovered quicker than expected. I’m also now over 25 pounds lighter than I was two months ago!