I had my surgery first surgery on August 14th. I'm in the process of getting the two step surgery. Two weeks ago I had a blockage that put me in the hospital for 16 days. Anyways I'm sitting at home unable to walk for long periods of time. I have this go go go personality and this sitting around is really bringing me down. I just don't seem to understand why I can't recover faster. I need some words of encouragement. I'm getting depressed too easily. I can't wait to return back to work and the financial stress isn't helping.
Heather

Well, it is not as if you can stand in front of the mirror and slap yourself into action!

Depression is common after a prolonged illness or recuperating from a surgery, particularly if there were unforeseen complications. All you can do is try to understand that stuff happens and it is not your fault. I would make a point of trying to get outside for some fresh air, even if you can't dig in the yard or jog around the block. Just seeing the sky and feeling the wind on your face can be a real pick-me-up.

But, if you find you are really down in the dumps and cannot seem to motivate yourself to get up and do anything, it's probably time to call the doc for some chemical help. Antidepressants can really turn things around for many people.

Jan

I felt the exact same way after my surgeries as you do now. It gets better, trust me. Prior to surgery, I was on amitriptyline (for pain and depression) for pain from the UC, and of course after surgery, it was discontinued. Then about a month after my second step, I couldn't stop crying, and finally I realized it was probably because of not taking my amitripyline. It is enough of an insult to the body having multiple surgeries, but changing those chemicals sent me over the edge. I went to my doc the next day and we restarted my meds and I felt so much better in a matter of 48 hours! It's OK to use an antidepressant, you've been through so much. It's so hard to wake up everyday and not have anything to do but "get better". Give yourself a little credit for handling everything so well so far! You've been through a lot and done so well. Something that really helped me was going for little tiny walks. First I started just walking around the yard, then the next day I would walk a few house down, then one farther the next day. Just small steps, as annoying as it is, help. Like Jan said, depression happens after surgeries like this, and it's OK to ask for help. More of us than you realize have!
Hope things get better soon!
Cheryl

I also felt very down after my first surgery. I was forced into having my colon removed because I got so sick so fast and no amount of medication was helping... I was in the hospital for a month due to infections and emergency surgeries and when all was said and done I came home with a stoma on one side and mucus fistual on the other which also needed a bag for the drainage.

My self image was horrible, I couldn't care for myself or my family and I just wanted to die. I don't have the personality to sit around idle either and it really frustrated me that I couldn't get up and cook supper without having to take a nap

Having said all that, I took it slow and as Cher said, I started by walking down the driveway and back, then to the neighbours, and little by little I got my strength and energy back!

Now, 1 and half years after TD I am back at the gym, cooking meals for my ravenous family and acting as the local taxi going to too many different activities and events.

Just take one day at a time and things will improve before you realize it. And, as mentioned by others, there is no shame in asking for some temporary medical help to get you over this bump in the road.

Hi Heather,
That's the frustrating thing about recovering, you can't really hurry things along! I had my first surgery about a month ago and I was surprised at how long it takes to feel better (i'm still not 100%). The first week I felt lots better each day but then I kind of hit a plateau and was stuck in pain and so so tired of being uncomfortable no matter whether I was sitting, standing, or lying down. I think Jan's suggestion of getting outside for a bit is a good one. I go for little walks everyday and I try to look up at the sky and the trees with their fall-colored leaves and try to be thankful for little things. Just take things day by day, maybe try to find little things to do around the house that you enjoy. I have been baking up a storm for my family, out of boredom! I hope you feel better soon

Thanks for your encouraging words. I found out why I wasn't feeling good after two months after surgery. I ended up having a gallbladder attack. Right now I'm on medication to try to regulate that and they'll take it out with my TD surgery. My stupid gallbladder was just in a constricting mode and caused a lot of pain that I thought was related to the surgery. I feel so good right now. A month ago I would have said I regretted the surgery. Now it's amazing. Not having to go to the restroom every five minutes. Not having any stomach pain. Not being on 36 pills a day to try to regulate UC. The pills never worked. It was well worth it. I now realize how lucky I am. I've now returned to work and I'm wearing jeans with my stoma! I would have never thought that I would get up enough courage to wear jeans again. I'm a baking up a storm too Pixie. Everyone is enjoying it though. You guys were right, it takes time to get through a surgery like that. I just have to keep telling my go go go personality that.
Heather

Hi Heather,

That's great news! I'm so glad that they figured out what was wrong and that it will be fixed with your takedown. Hopefully the meds will keep you feeling good until you have that rotten gallbladder out.

Take care.

Shell