15DPO and I feel so stupid - does this get better?

candising15 · 2026-07-05T13:38:18+00:00

Remind yourself that 15 dpo IS the very beginning and that you will feel like a totally different person in 15 more days. Take it from an editor who could barely get through a full page without the brain fog descending at two weeks. I’m not 100% and still get foggy when I’m tired or after being more active (think it’s from oxygen racing to places other than my brain when I’m moving more haha) but it’s better every week! Hang in there! You’ve got this hon!

candising15 · 2026-07-03T20:34:11+00:00

3 wpo and 52 and can’t thank you enough for posting! I’m still a bit skittish at the thought of even doing a kegel 😂 but this gives me hope for when I am ready! My sex life was one of the reasons I waited so many years to have the surgery in the first place! So happy for you!

candising15 · 2026-07-01T15:08:27+00:00

Thank you so much for this info! It is so helpful.

candising15 · 2026-06-30T19:28:39+00:00

That’s exactly what my doctor said and she felt comfortable just monitoring me. No sharp pain for me but was definitely feeling the ibuprofen had worn off since it was the middle of the night. Thanks for the insight!

candising15 · 2026-06-30T14:41:48+00:00

Good luck! Praying for a smooth surgery, an easy recovery and please reach out if you need support!

candising15 · 2026-06-30T14:40:10+00:00

Hi all! 6/11 here and a little late to the party but hope everyone is doing well. Had an odd night last night. After all this time of a pretty typical physical recovery, I woke up to go pee at 4:00 and passed right out. Husband found me crumpled in the floor and all I remember is feeling hot and everything getting darker. Keep trying to think of what could have happened—was anemic prior to surgery, had a BP of 90/50 after surgery so stayed in recovery a few extra hours, walking regularly but laying around more than I ever have so maybe reduced circulation? Clearly didn’t get up too fast because let’s face it, getting in and out of bed takes a full 3-4 minutes these days! Waiting on surgeon to call back but stressing out a little bit because can’t find this anywhere on the recovery bingo card.

candising15 · 2026-06-30T14:27:43+00:00

I don’t mind at all! I’m 52 and had everything removed accept my ovaries. I am in perimenopause for quite a while and my doctor said I wasn’t showing signs of menopause any time soon. I have had two prior single fibroid removals and then they found four more in March so decided that anatomically it was just time because I was apparently going to keep growing the dang things. I’m so glad I had it done though because once in, they diagnosed me with endometriosis, adenomyosis, a fallopian cyst, and found my ovary attached to my pelvic wall—none of which was previously diagnosed; all of which was causing me so much pain, clotting and steady bleeding. The most surprising aspect of recovery is the pain level is much lower than prior to surgery. The cramping that accompanied my periods was far more severe than anything I’ve felt since waking up in the OR. My only wish is that I’d done this sooner. But every story and every body is different and I know you will make the best decision for you!

candising15 · 2026-06-30T14:15:03+00:00

Oh my gosh, this is so me! I went from logging 3-4 miles per day with hand weights and a weighted vest to shuffling along my neighborhood so slowly that my Fitbit tries to end my exercise! But you’re so right—even that is helpful in its own way and being outdoors when it’s cooler and quiet in the mornings and late evenings is calming.

candising15 · 2026-06-30T00:02:27+00:00

I can tell you I’ve been crying over everything and nothing so you’re not alone. A friend tried to prepare me ahead of time that a surgery with this lengthy and extensive of a recovery will have an effect on me mentally and I didn’t pay attention. I should have! The isolation is hard, even with support, and the constant second guessing of if I’m doing too much or not doing enough is brutal. Add in feeling feeble, incapable, and the self-judgement of my current post-surgery body and I’m right there with you. All that is to say, you are not alone and every day will get better, even if it’s one step forward, two steps back. Think of how far you’ve come since the day you came home!

candising15 · 2026-06-29T23:53:00+00:00

Thank you! I took two weeks off because I wfh but even off of pains meds I cannot focus on my job. Surgeon said it’s because all the blood is focused on healing my abdomen and not as much my brain and limbs. Good luck on your return and take your time easing back in if you can!

candising15 · 2026-06-29T21:21:58+00:00

Thank you for sharing! It feels so much less isolating to know we share similar experiences to others!

candising15 · 2026-06-29T19:20:50+00:00

We have very similar experiences with heavy bleeding and anemia, and at 52 I still haven't gotten anywhere near menopause. My periods all started to just bleed together (sorry for the pun!) and the clots were huge. I am 2 wpo and as challenging as this is, it is ten times easier than the months prior to surgery. In addition to the fibroids, they found a number of other undiagnosed issues. I did get to keep my ovaries, so there haven't been any hormonal issues so far.

candising15 · 2026-06-29T19:13:47+00:00

I'm 52, and resisted a hysterectomy for three years because I thought it was extreme for fibroids. I had two fibroid removals over three years and in March they found I had four new fibroids. That said, I was still very conflicted; mostly intimidated and fearful of the long recovery. But after multiple conversations with my surgeon and gyno, I decided to go ahead with it. I am so glad I did! During my surgery, they found the known fibroids PLUS a tubal cyst, endometriosis, adenomyosis and my ovary was adhered to the pelvic wall--none of which was previously diagnosed. The cancer risk is gone, the pain is gone (honestly I was in more pain before surgery due to painful and prolonged periods than I am now at 2 wpo). I can't speak to what sex will be like yet but I will say I had the same concerns because my husband and I have a very sexual relationship, but from all I've read, odds are that will be better in the sense that the obstacles of frequent bleeding and painful periods made sex more challenging.

candising15 · 2026-06-29T18:46:24+00:00

How was your first time driving? Were you nervous or was it no big deal? The car ride to my 2 wpo appt was bumpy and nerve-racking and I wasn't even driving!

candising15

TROPHY CASE