A couple of weeks ago I underwent abdominal surgery to remove a fibroid that was invading my bladder and causing grief. Recovery has so far been miserable.
They gave me IV antibiotics after surgery for a couple of days (not sure what kind) and then had me on oral cipro. I started to herx/react a lot to this while still in the hospital. The day I got home, a bart rash appeared on my arm.
I finished the post surgery abx but then my catheter (which I need for a few weeks because my bladder had to be cut into to get out the fibroid) got infected and I was prescribed bactrim after a visit to the ER. The next day, back at ER and dx'ed with a candidal infection of the urinary tract.
I felt some of the worst fatigue of my life today, which is saying something since that's been one of my worst lingering symptoms. I was scared to fall asleep because I felt like my life was draining.
Between the irritated infected cath and the lethargy, I can barely get up a few times a day and spend all my time in bed or reclined.
Tomorrow I have an appt to hopefully get the catheter out, though I'm terrified of the pain. My spouse is taking me since I can't/wouldn't drive myself.
I want to ask at my appt tomorrow if the extreme fatigue and malaise are typical for recovery from this type of surgery. I just don't want the surgeon to think I'm crazy. Anyone else have experience or thoughts on if/how Lyme can interfere with "normal" recovery from surgery?
Thanks
Posted by Carol in PA (Member # 5338) on :
Increased fatigue can be part of a herx. What are you doing for liver support.
LED light therapy would help with the surgical site and the bladder, and would help the urethra to return to normal after the catheter.
I'm sorry that you're feeling so lousy.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Yes, the fatigue could be from a herx. I think the LED therapy would be great too!!!
I really feel your pain since I have IC. UGH. At least it is under control now.
I hope your infection is gone because the worst fatigue I ever had was 11 days after my gallbladder surgery. I got an infection somewhere. (they never found it)
But I had really high fever and was on IV abx for 6 days in the hospital. I was as weak as a kitten for a long time. I could not get out of the hospital bed until day 5.
Posted by Wonko (Member # 18318) on :
Thank you for the replies.
I'm starting to think that Herxing is what was sending me over the edge (and not just side effects) because I suddenly feel better today though I'm still on all the same meds.
I wish it was easier to tell what is post-surgical fatigue, what is active infection, and what are Herx-like symptoms, but I guess it's never that obvious.
My incisions are healing very well and I got my suprapubic catheter out, so I think I'm on a good path to recovery.
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