As for what you can do, I would recommend getting plenty of rest especially during this first couple of weeks so that your body can heal. As for housework (giving an example) I wouldn't even worry about it because doing it right now could make you more uncomfortable.
As to what to expect, I've learned from other women who have had the surgery that it takes about 6 to 8 weeks to recover from the surgery.
Oh also please be careful with bending because those muscles are going to be sensitive but do try to walk for a tiny bit if you are able but don't overdo on that or other things you may try to do when feeling up to it. The reason is because doing too much even though you think you can will set your recovery back some.
I've not had the surgery but based on the surgeries I have had which were outpatient surgeries I can personally verify what I'm telling you about what happens if one does too much.
Also, I would recommend trying to eat lightly now and for the next several weeks because of your stomach and muscles there in the abdomen being very sensitive.
When getting up from bed or off the couch, use your arm muscles to help you move because the abdominal area will be very sensitive for some time to come.
As for pain medications please take the medication on schedule to make sure that all post-op pain will not get out of control. Above all else please remember that you have a need for this medication. If you should decide to wait for the pain to take the medicine please take it as soon as the pain starts. This is what the dr means when they write on the prescription take every so many hours as needed for pain, not when you can no longer stand the pain.
When one waits til they can't stand the pain the medicine will either not work at that time or take longer to work. But the best way to deal with the pain to keep it from being a problem when it comes to starting is to take the medication on schedule around the clock.
If you have other questions for me about post-op pain please feel free to e-mail or IM me privately any time.
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