How Long is Fatigue & Weakness After Surgery?

[LadyH 57]

I've been reading that after the surgery, the patient will be weak and fatigued due to lack of nutrition as well as recuperation. I don't know if I can handle even more weeks of sub-human living after all the delays, pre-op stuff, and quarantines.

Given that I have to quarantine for 2 weeks both before and after surgery, do 2 weeks of Protein Shakes and Clear Liquids only, and cold, crummy weather which prevents even outdoor activities, I'm already depressed after 6 months of delays getting surgery. I can't see friends or family, go to the gym, swim, garden, walk, or even be outside much due to weather. Ugh. Plus, Christmas and Thanksgiving are ruined for the second year in a row. I feel like a prisoner.

Any ideas on how long the torture lasts after surgery?

[vikingbeast 987]

I was back in the gym doing cardio only (and things involving nothing heavier than a 15-lb. training bar) at 2 weeks post op. At 6 weeks post-op I was allowed to resume all normal activities.

The first two weeks are truly the hardest. After that it's much easier. And honestly, you'll be so shocked at the scale moving steadily downward that you'll be re-inspired.

[Arual85 26]

My fatigue lasted about 5 weeks. I was off work for 3 and the first 2 weeks back I was absolutely exhausted when I got home- and I sit at a desk all day!

[LadyH 57]

3 hours ago, Arual85 said:

My fatigue lasted about 5 weeks. I was off work for 3 and the first 2 weeks back I was absolutely exhausted when I got home- and I sit at a desk all day!

Thanks for sharing. It helps so much to know it only lasted about 5 weeks! At least it sounds like there's an end to it.

[Queenpal 8]

This is me. I am 11 days post op and I am so tired. I get a burst of energy when I wake up but after about 11am I have to lay down.

[Arabesque 7,168]

It’s another one of the everyone is different things. The post surgical fatigue & your body needing rest to heal can take a a month or so - some more some less. I got hit by low blood pressure issues (my tendency to occasional drops became all day every day) & that caused fatigue, brain doughiness, low energy & weakness. Then around months 3 or 4 I experienced a big drop in energy again. Electrolyte drinks like Hydralyte helped a lot. But I’m someone who takes longer to recover & as I said the low blood pressure was pre existing which complicated things. It wasn’t debilitating or stopped me doing things. It was more annoying than anything. I just listened to my body & took it slow & easy as it needed. And enjoy having nana naps.

Edited December 1, 2021 by Arabesque

[Mariann812 268]

On 11/30/2021 at 22:08, Queenpal said:

This is me. I am 11 days post op and I am so tired. I get a burst of energy when I wake up but after about 11am I have to lay down.

This has been me! Surgery was 2 weeks ago tomorrow. I can home and took things slowly and wisely.
About days post op, I felt like superwoman. I was getting out of bed at 5am, and I could go till midnight without stopping.
Today, I’m exhausted. My blood pressure is dropping, and it’s probably time to call my PCP and let her know so meds can be adjusted. My bp in the hospital was 188/89 and today it’s 129/76.

[DonnaGS 58]

I've had to completely go off all my b/p meds. At first I stopped or weaned off the night dose, now the day time dose. I was getting lightheaded and almost fainted upon standing up. B/p now is usually 120/78. I'm excited!

[DaisyAndSunshine 303]

Took me about 2 months more or less I would say to feel normal again with my daily routine.