When I was looking through all the motivational graphics I've saved for myself, this one jumped out at me. It's perfect for where I find myself in life right now: taking small steps toward full recovery from my hysterectomy every day.

The first week I was home are kind of a blur. I weaned myself off round-the-clock painkillers and took them only at night. Before my surgery, I ordered one of those armchair pillow things and that's come in real handy. The first two weeks, I actually slept propped up with it. Now I just use it when I'm set up in bed.

As for now, pain varies from day to day. Most days, I feel like I overdid a workout. Other days, I feel like I was run over by a truck. My energy level feels pretty normal in the morning, but by mid-afternoon I feel like I'm crashing down from a sugar high. Aleve gel caps, Dulcolax, GasX, and melatonin gummies have been my friend.

I haven't seen many emotional side effects, but there have been a couple of days where I cried at literally everything for no apparent reason. That should all even back out eventually.

Working is still a work in progress (ha). I can't sit at my desk for long periods of time, so I usually work either from my bed or the recliner. I try to find time to sit out on the back porch every day, and there have been a few days where I've set up to work outside and ended up spending the entire day there. Those days have actually been my favorite.

I had my first post-op visit last week. Everything appears to be healing like it should. I still can't drive myself places or bend or twist. My husband is still carrying things around for me and helps me dry off the bottom half of my body after showers. Exercise right now consists of walking to the mailbox and back. I've got another three-and-a-half weeks before I can possibly be cleared for normal life again.

So until then, small steps.

Happy Monday!