Hysterectomy Recovery - fatigue

[jumpjackflash]

I had a laparoscopic hysterectomy (all out, inc ovaries) 4 weeks ago now and was doing really well with my recovery, building up walks each day, no pain killers, on HRT. This week the fatigue has really hit - I am exhausted and crawling back into bed by mid morning / lunchtime. I know fatigue is part of the recovery, but I would have thought it would have been earlier in the recovery?

It could be the fatigue related to menopause (which can be utterly exhausting), depending on your age you may need a higher dose of estrogen? Or it may take longer for the estrogen to build up in your system. The anaesthestic related fatigue probably would have worn off by now.
Hopefully it improves soon

I felt like I'd been hit by a train when I had my hysterectomy and yes it does take a while to get energy back, I still needed an afternoon nap weeks later too and when I went back to work after 6 weeks I would be exhausted by the end of the day. It might be worth asking for a phased return if possible.

I was told it can take up to 12 months to get back to feeling your normal self again, I don't think it took that long for me but its definitely not a quick recovery.

I think what you're describing is perfectly normal, pace yourself and don't rush to do things because you feel you have to to get the best recovery.