I'm 10 weeks post op, is it normal to still feel fatigued? (photos)

Question

I had a full extnded tt/panni (horizontal and vertical incision), wk 2 post op was re-hospitalized due to infection and low blood. bad case of staph (cellulitis) on my low rt quadrnt. given blood, iron and IV antibiotics- ALOT. Wk3 post op infection better but still aspirating fluid. hospitalized again. IV ANTIbiotics and surgery to re open clean it out. Doc says fatigue will decrease by 12 wkspost tt and at wk10 still tired! Depressed (seen my psych and upped my meds) and up 10 pounds.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi asquill17,It sounds like you have endured many different complications post-operatively. In my opinion, any one of these complications can extend your recovery time and cause fatigue. I recommend you seek a complete evaluation of your health status from your physician. Take care of yourself!#fatigue #complications #tummytuck

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you very much for sharing your concerns with us.At this point (10 weeks post-po) the swelling is normal.To reduce it, I recommend you perform daily lymphatic drainage massage therapy over the abdomen and wear a postoperative girdle from thigh to the breasts.Fatigue can be due to other process suck as anaemia, I recommend you to have a personal evaluation to determinate whats going on.Kind regards,Dr. Emma Mallol Cotes.-

Winfield Hartley, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

It sounds like you have had a very complicated postoperative course. Fatigue  is very normal in an uncomplicated situation for up to 8 to 12 weeks following surgery. When you require multiple hospitalizations, blood transfusions and antib, this time frame can be pushed out significantly. As long as your surgeon is  happy with your current state of healing, I would not be too concerned about the fatigue. As your blood volume is restored and your body continues to heal, your energy levels should return to normal.

Paul W. Papillion, MD · Answer

Hello, I am sorry that you are still not feeling back to normal. Its obvious that you had additional problems to deal with aside from recovery. With your post operative course being such... I would expect you to take a fair amount longer to get back to your old self. Anemia, chronic low grade infection can cause fatigue among others. I would keep in close contact with your surgeon for any changes or new issues.

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Sorry to hear about your troubles after tummy tuck.For uncomplicated tummy tuck, most people start to feel back to normal after 3-4 weeks.However, give your complicated course of recovery, it is not surprising that you are still fatigued.Try to be positive and follow up with your plastic surgeon to be evaluated in-person.Good luck with your recovery.

I'm 10 weeks post op, is it normal to still feel fatigued? (photos)

Answers (5)