Discharge with odor 7 days post hysterectomy (LAVH) with bladder sling

I had a LAVH on 10/23/15 with a bladder sling (cow). I was released from the hospital within 24 hours, peeing on my own. I had slight bleeding on Saturday and Sunday, but it turned brown on Monday. By that evening, I began to have an awful discharge odor. I called my OB/GYN on Tuesday and she said it was normal and I would experience a discharge for up to 6weeks. As long as I didn't have swelling or a temperature, she wasn't concerned. Yesterday, I called her back and I also called by urologist because the smell was too awful to bear. My urologist told me it was normal and it was the sutures dissolving and I would experience an unpleasant smell. I asked was I supposed to smell like a DEAD ANIMAL? They said basically the same thing as my OB/GYN. I have never had any odor like this and I just can't believe this is normal. Is anyone else experiencing this?? I can't take it!!!!

Hi there,
I am 3 weeks post-op, LAVH, and the odor is starting to fade. It was horrible by week 2, but doctor did vaginal swab and it turned out fine, no infection or yeast.

Thank you for replying. Well, I guess I'll have to live with it until it fades. I go to the doctor for my post op visit on 10/9 so I'll definitely get it checked out then.
Good thing I'm single!

	Quote:
Originally Posted by SarahEliz1 Hi there, I am 3 weeks post-op, LAVH, and the odor is starting to fade. It was horrible by week 2, but doctor did vaginal swab and it turned out fine, no infection or yeast.

That's odd. My doctor said that if there was any odor, I should be seen. You should not smell anything that smells like rotting flesh. If neither of them will do anything about it, go to an er. Hope you are okay?

I also had an odor that faded about week 4, and yes, it was unpleasant. If you don't have fever or chills, I wouldn't be concerned.

I don't want to alarm anyone but I want to inform: I ended up with an infection 2 weeks after my upper vaginectomy and it eroded my surgical site. I started to hemorrhage so quickly I collapsed just as the paramedics got to me. I was rushed to ER and was in emergency surgery in just over an hour. It was a big job for the surgeon to clean it up and repair. It was one of the most traumatizing experiences I have ever had.

Here's the thing: I never had a fever, chills or aches. I had an odour - not horrendous. I most definitely would never have described it as something rotting or dead. It was perhaps slightly worse than after my rad/hys.

I am amazed that your Drs are discounting the odour you are describing. Maybe they think you're overreacting because they can't smell it. I just can't believe anyone would think an odour that strong is "normal" (hate that word!).

Why on earth would they not be willing to see you? It would take literally less than 5 minutes for them to check you and either reassure you that all is well or get on this immediately before it could become much worse. Antibiotics would potentially be a simple fix for this.

So for sure, a slight odour is common. Pretty much everyone that gets a hys has a brief period with one as stiches dissolve, old blood passes, etc. I'm not suggesting everyone needs to go to the Dr for it.

But classyiam - I feel you are right to be concerned and right to advocate for yourself to be seen. And if everything is okay, you have no reason to feel sheepish or embarrassed that you were a "squeaky wheel". Just say thank goodness and you can feel reassured that you are healing without complication.

I wish you all the best. Let us know what happens.

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Originally Posted by Neekers I don't want to alarm anyone but I want to inform: I ended up with an infection 2 weeks after my upper vaginectomy and it eroded my surgical site. I started to hemorrhage so quickly I collapsed just as the paramedics got to me. I was rushed to ER and was in emergency surgery in just over an hour. It was a big job for the surgeon to clean it up and repair. It was one of the most traumatizing experiences I have ever had. Here's the thing: I never had a fever, chills or aches. I had an odour - not horrendous. I most definitely would never have described it as something rotting or dead. It was perhaps slightly worse than after my rad/hys. I am amazed that your Drs are discounting the odour you are describing. Maybe they think you're overreacting because they can't smell it. I just can't believe anyone would think an odour that strong is "normal" (hate that word!). Why on earth would they not be willing to see you? It would take literally less than 5 minutes for them to check you and either reassure you that all is well or get on this immediately before it could become much worse. Antibiotics would potentially be a simple fix for this. So for sure, a slight odour is common. Pretty much everyone that gets a hys has a brief period with one as stiches dissolve, old blood passes, etc. I'm not suggesting everyone needs to go to the Dr for it. But classyiam - I feel you are right to be concerned and right to advocate for yourself to be seen. And if everything is okay, you have no reason to feel sheepish or embarrassed that you were a "squeaky wheel". Just say thank goodness and you can feel reassured that you are healing without complication. I wish you all the best. Let us know what happens.

I agree with Neekers. I am shocked they are dismissing it, as I two had an infection with no fever. I caught mine really early because years ago I had a uterine infection after my daughter was born (and almost died because I had no fever and was dismissed as OP for 10 days) and the smell is very distinct. This time it was a mild odour and a mild/mid burning pulling feeling on one side that came in waves. Got it seen too, was dismissed as above average swelling but was swabbed. Got a call two days later with an emergency script for 2 antibiotics I needed to take for 10 days. I never had a temp above 37.8.

My surgeon follows up with me every week and checks/swabs for infection and will do so until I am completely healed. I would insist on a swab test.

I'm going to call my doctor back tomorrow. I had some Amoxicillin left from an old tooth infection and started taking them. I've taken six so far but the odor is still there, although it's not as bad as it was. You all are making me nervous...

You shouldn't self medicate because it may interfere with the cultures. You don't want to take an improper dose and then end up with a more stubborn or resistant infection. Good luck to you!

Yikes!!! Please pray for me.