I am 42 and 11 days ago on the 27th May 2016 I had an abdominal hysterectomy retaining my ovaries. I had previously had 3 cesarean sections so I thought I knew what to expect but it seems to be much harder and more painful. I had been suffering with very heavy periods and had an 8cm fibroid which was pressing against my bladder. I had a spinal block and general anesthetic. I stayed in hospital for 4 nights. I am starting to move around a little better now but obviously not overdoing it (my hubby and 3 boys are looking after me) and I've started to sleep on my side with pillows for padding. I've not had any blood loss and I'm managing to go for a bowel movement most days (thanks to a good diet and the odd dose of lactulose) which helps a lot with the wind pains and swelling but apart from the obvious bruising around my scar, belly button and hips (I'm assuming from the op), my belly is quite bloated and I feel a tight, prickly, bruised type of pain across my whole tummy, it almost feels like sunburn, very tender. I'm hoping/assuming this is normal and connected to all the internal scars and nerves that are healing? I also have a section of skin above my scar that I can't feel as it is totally numb! Any advise would be much appreciated, thanks, Mel X
Yes that's normal I had the same as you spinal block and general anasestic it's the switches pulling
Switches pulling? What do you mean...the nerves?
I've asked that question on another thread melanie. I've worked in gynae for years and never heard that phrase before.
It's still very early days melanie so you are going to notice the odd ache, pain and funny feelings as you heal. The prickly sensation you feel is the nerves and ligaments starting to heal and you may find at some point that area goes a bit numb but don't be alarmed, it's normal. Oooops just read your post again, you have some numbness, apologies. All you can do is rest and get pampered until you start to feel stronger but listen to your body, if you get tired, rest and don't push yourself otherwise you'll regret it probably the next day. Take care and let us know how you get on.
Yes the the nerves and the actual sitches I still feel them now every so often and I had mine back in nov
Thanks to both of you... I will do! It's so nice to be able to talk to people who understand as I won't be seeing my consultant until the 6 week check and my questions may not be relevant then! Thanks again X
Good morning Melanie, i can't answer your question, I too had a hysterectomy on Saturday but mine was done laprascopicaly. I wish u well and hope everyday gets easier 4 u. X
Thank Catherine...I hope you make a good, speedy recovery too x
Dont worry Melanie I had exactly the same feelings . Your body has gone through a lot of trauma and as you say quite rightly your nerve endings are healing. I had TAH June last year and still have'nt much feeling down one side of my scar and still get bloating. I find peppermint oil capsules help with that.
Thanks Susan, I was taking various peppermint concoctions whilst in hospital to help with the wind and bloating...I've been having Pukka three mint tea at home but might have to send my husband out to the health food shop for some of those capsules! X
Start writing questions down that you may want to ask your consultant if you haven't already. Some as you say may not be relevant at your 6 week check but some could be and so many patients forget when it comes to their consultation. I'm pleased you are actually having a 6 week check, so many consultants seem to be cutting back and not doing them anymore which I definitely don't agree with. Take care x
Good day Melanie. I too had that pain but mine was lower. It lasted 3 weeks until my cousin told me to buy a stomach wrap. Its like a girdle but not as tight. I purchase it at Walgreens for $15. I couldn't believe my doctor didn't send me home with one!!! I asked him why he said BC they didn't believe in them. It helped with the pain, panderers and burning sensation. Most of all it helped with the bloating! !! My tummy was smaller than before the surgery it was great! Best of luck. But you should still ask your doctor about the pain, just in case😊👼💝
Good day Melanie. I too had that pain but mine was lower. It lasted 3 weeks until my cousin told me to buy a stomach wrap. Its like a girdle but not as tight. I purchase it at Walgreens for $15. I couldn't believe my doctor didn't send me home with one!!! I asked him why he said BC they didn't believe in them. It helped with the pain, panderers and burning sensation. Most of all it helped with the bloating! !! My tummy was smaller than before the surgery it was great! Best of luck. But you should still ask your doctor about the pain, just in case😊👼💝
Dear Melanie.
I am 12 weeks post up. Feeling great thank God. Looks like you might have a hematoma after the surgery, especially if visible bruses are present. I also had a hematoma which healed by itself after 6-8 weeks. Hope you are feeling better soon. Good luck!
Hi Diana, I live in the British Isles so we don't have a Walgreens but I will certainly see if I can get one from Boots maybe? Thanks for your advice X
Thanks Claudia, I'm looking forward to feeling great like you, can't wait to get through these difficult days! Good luck to you too in your continued recovery x
I had my surgery 4 weeks ago also. I'm having a similar pain too. I did get the wrap from the hospital which is called a binder. It helps some but is not a cure. The pain is much worse without it tho.