So Tired!!! 4 weeks post op on 7/28

[michaelp]

I want to ask my experienced Vets - is this normal?  I will be 4wks post op on Monday 7/28 and my life is 85-90% back to normal since about 2nd week.  I started walking, I'm good on my protein and vitamins (I think) and I've back to work seeing clients however around noon I crash.  If I don't take a nap, then when I do get home around 4-5ish I go right to bed.  Today I came home early and slept from noon to 3pm.  Is this normal or if so how long will this go on for?

[Girlrocker]

Hi, glad overall you're doing well! Yes, very normal to be tired, and you went back to work pretty quickly! It's a big surgery, a lot of healing, and lot less nutrition/carboydrate consumption, so many factors contribute to feeling like you need a nap. It varies from person to person, but the first 6-12 weeks are very transitioning healing wise. You will definitely get past this and it gets better once you are able to eat more. Some people like to take B12 (sublingual) to help give a boost to their energy level.

[west4thavenue]

Sounds normal to me, too. You will probably start to feel more energy when you increase your protein intake, but the DS is an enormous trauma to the body, and sleep/the urge to sleep is the natural response.

[bboop]

You sound normal to me. I always had to take a nap after I showered...so at the rate you are going it sounds right on target. Rest when your body tells you to...sounds like you are doing that. Just keep drinking and make sure you don't become dehydrated...that's the worst thing you can do right now.

[bboop]

You sound normal to me. I always had to take a nap after I showered...so at the rate you are going it sounds right on target. Rest when your body tells you to...sounds like you are doing that. Just keep drinking and make sure you don't become dehydrated...that's the worst thing you can do right now.

[historytracker]

Michael - I nap too! Probably 2-3 hours a day and around the same time. I have a part time summer job that I work from 7:30 - 2:00 pm Monday through Friday. Then when I come home I take a nap.

My husband took me to a renovation warehouse yesterday after work to show me something. I could have stayed in the car to sleep!

Hope all is going well.

[michaelp]

Thanks all

[illinids2]

Michael it took me a good six months to feel close to normal. I really had to push the protein to get my energy back and it takes a while for the supplements to somewhat level off/settle in...but you will feel better everyday as you go.

Edit: I was a slow one to recover so you will probably feel your energy back more quickly than I did.

[Joanne]

Totally normal. I thought I was going to go back to work around week 4, and ended up staying out for a full 8 weeks. Those extra weeks weren't because I was in any kind of pain, or unable to function - I was just completely exhausted.

Make sure you keep up on fluids, and stay as active as you can. On a separate but related note, my son is going through chemo and is tired. We are constantly reminded by doctors that the best cure for medical fatigue is activity. You have to build up your stamina. Of course, not overdoing it to the point that you're tired from the activity itself - but the kind of consistent low impact activity. Walking, puttering around your house, that kind of thing. Try not to stay in bed or on the couch for the majority of the day.