Post Surgery Lack of Energy

I think this topic may have been covered in some of your postings but when I tried to search, it came up with articles, not postings.  My husband is depressed because of his lack of energy.  His surgery was 5/13 and he realizes it's only been 3 weeks but, he's wondering when some of you began to feel energetic enough to return to work and/or regular activities.  He's eating well in that he can eat most anything he wants as long as it's in small doses.  I've encouraged him to take walks but he says he's too tired.  Any comments on this?

Thank you,

Helene

Hi Helene, It's good your husband is eating and doing well. I can only speak from my dads experience. A few wks after surgery, went to take him out for a run in the car (he was like a little old man with no energy, wisps of grey hair and a short drive was too much). Then by autumn, his hair had come back in dark, and he looked great and we were all going out for dinner (had his surgery in May last year). Could still only eat a little but it took about a good 3-5 mnths for his energy to come back and then by about 75% of pre surgery. Everyone on this board is different, some recover amazingly quickly, most take a good year or more, and it's good to share all the little worries you have from week to week. The digestive system changes and at times you worry re what is 'normal' in the recovery etc and this board is great for help, and those with similar experiences. I gleaned so much info so was able to tell mum that what dad was going through at times was normal and typical for a lot of this surgery. Lots of patience is required, as I remember Dad getting frustrated in the beginning due to lack of energy and a host of other little 'strange internal plumbing problems!' It takes the body a long time to adjust to new route of food, and for bowels I add. Take care, and best wishes to you both (ask any time you're not sure as I did) Moira X

I am 17 months post surgery and lack the strength that I once had before this surgery. He only had his surgery 1 month ago and believe me he still has a long way to go. I would just continue with the short walks and small amounts of foods and give it time for he just went through one, if not the hardest surgerys on the body. We all heal different but according to my Doctor it take better then a year to feel great and even then I wonder. Tell him to keep the faith and he will be well soon. Take Care and God Bless You both. Phil A.

I agree with Phil. It will take some time and his surgery was not that long ago. I am about 7 months out and I still lack the energy I once had. Your life changes and you must be willing to except those changes or you will be depressed all of the time. Look at all the positives and little by little he will recover. As far as going back to work?? Well it depends on the type of job he had. Part time would be a great start. Good luck.

Payson

Everyone is different and heals in their own time. I am almost 10 months post op and I do not have all the energy I had prior to surgery, I am soon to be 48 years old, and it took me about 5 months to stop throwing up and able to eat more. I had surgery on Aug. 14, 2008 and went back to work Nov. 10, 2008 but I worked like 6 hour days, 3 or 4 days a week and it was hard in the beginning has I had to rest alot, but each day got better and slowly I built up my hours and days and am now working 7 to 8 hour days, 4 or 5 days a week, so be patient and take each day as it comes, but you will see changes as time goes. This is a very major operation, it took me awhile to realize this as I was very frustrated and wondered myself when I could have my energy and strength back and it bothered me to know I could not do things I had done before and I still can't and probably never will be back 100%, once I realized this it was a lot easier to take things as they came. It is frustrated but like everyone says we have to get used to a new normal, but it is worth it to still be here. My oncologist and surgeon says it can take 1 to 2 years to build up energy and I'll tell you by the end of a work week I am wiped out and I am glad to have my Sat and Sun to rest up. I try to walk has much as I can, but I find I get tired more easily now, but I do what I can and I know that is all I can do. So try not to worry gradually things will become better and better. Ask any questions you need to we will help however we can. I know I asked alot and received and alot of help, and it helped knowing others had gone through what I went through. 

Take Care and Be Positive

Evelyn

Hi Helene:

6.5 months out now (41 and was in good shape).  Back to work part time for the next couple of months to see how it goes.  Walking 45 minutes per day and weights every other day.  Played my first 9 holes of golf today :)

Still have at least one day a week where it feels like I got run over, I rest for the day and then back on my feet.

Keep encouraging the exercise as best you can.  I found even with the set backs I would come back stronger...

 

Kevin

Hi, Helene -

I had surgery 3-16-09 and unfortunately I still do not have much energy. I did return to work in early April and just finished this school year (I work in a high school) today. My onc was very sympathetic re: my extreme fatigue. He said there is not much he can do for it. It's a combo of chemo, radioimmunotherapy (similiar to transplant), and several surgeries in one year. Tell your husband to hang in there. It will just take awhile. I have some good days where I remain active and enjoy outdoor activites, then I hit rock bottom the next day. It is very frustrating. If he remains depressed, he could go to dr and see about Lexapro. I don't take it any longer, but it helps depression and anxiety. I will be hoping that it gets better soon for him.

Best wishes,

Pam   

 

 

 

On 6/4/2009 iluvalan wrote:

I think this topic may have been covered in some of your postings but when I tried to search, it came up with articles, not postings.  My husband is depressed because of his lack of energy.  His surgery was 5/13 and he realizes it's only been 3 weeks but, he's wondering when some of you began to feel energetic enough to return to work and/or regular activities.  He's eating well in that he can eat most anything he wants as long as it's in small doses.  I've encouraged him to take walks but he says he's too tired.  Any comments on this?

Thank you,

Helene

I am 11 months post op. and I'd say it took 5 months to be able to do much of anything. But the good news is that with every passing month as I looked back the difference was very noticible to the positive. I am going back to work part time this week and have been golfing 18 holes a week for the past 2 months. I was a swimmer prior to this so I think it made a big difference for me.  Walking since right after surgery really helped me alot. I walked even when that was the last thing I wanted to do. Try to keep moving as much as you can. It gets so much better as time goes on. Keep up the faith and God bless you and everyone on this site. Bill

Helene,

It is only normal for your husband to feel the way he does.  I felt the same way...i thought after 3 weeks, surely i should be feeling better!  truth is, i started to feel worse after the 3 week mark and then gradually got better from there.  i didn't return to work full time until 3 months after my surgery and from what i understand i did very well with everything leading up to that point...no complications, ect.... 

tell your hubby to hang in there....remember this is one of the biggest surgeries anyone can have...bigger than open heart!  the recovery is extremely gradual and there are times where he will feel like he is at total stand still, but if he looks back to the week prior he will notice his progress.

it is important, he keeps moving and don't let him get into a depressed rut.  and yet, at the same time, he is still very fresh from surgery and will need his rest.

 question?  is he still on pain meds?  i know they made me very lethargic.....  if his pain is not too bad, maybe he can limit to them to night time.....just a thought. ; )

be well!  God bless!

-Stacey

Yes.  My surgeon told me just what Stacy said.  EC is worse than open heart surgery.  We found this to be true as my husband had open heart surgery 2 years after me and he was up and around in 10 days, but it took me 5-1/2 months to be up and around like he was.

Keep in mind that everyone IS different.  I was a slow healer and had a difficult time.  I was 58 and my surgeon told me to plan on early retirement because I would never work again.  I did take the early retirement and am glad I did.  I certainly miss the money, but I still do not have the energy I had before.  I am now 63-3/4.

My surgeon also INSISTED that I either get psychiatric help or go on a mood elevator.  I chose the Lexapro.  A pill a day keeps me pretty "sunny".  She said the surgery I had was just about the worst anyone could have and I would need the Lexapro as my body recovered.  I still take it and "life is just grand". 

If your husband is younger, he will have time to build up strength, but in the meantime, concentrate on the fact that he is alive.  Life will not ever be the same, but it sure will be good again. You'll dance in the sunshine some more.  We are so blessed to have the treatments to keep us alive and give us a good quality of living.

Best wishes and God bless you.