LAVH: Swelly Belly

Good Morning!!

I'm trying to figure out what is the best thing to do for comfort after my surgery.
I'm having a vaginal hysterectomy, will I need something for my swollen belly? Will my belly be swollen?
I like to sleep on my side, is that going to make a difference?
Thank you!!

Hi Policebound,
I had a LAVH 4 days ago and I have swelly belly. It seems to get worse when I overdo it eg: today I hung two loads of washing on the clothes airer (daughter carried washing baskets for me), and I cooked dinner this evening. Although I didnt lift anything heavy, just spending alot of time on my feet has made my tummy swell tonight and it feels tight.

Good Luck with your upcoming surgery. You really wont know yourself afterwards!




PS. Sleeping on my side was a bit awkward so I supported myself with a pillow behind my back and soft floppy pillow under my tummy when on my side.

Thank you kmh72.

Sounds like you are feeling great, after 4 days. Wow, everything I've read says don't over do it...

What did you mean by I won't know myself?
I will definitely purchase some more pillows.

Thanks again!!

After you have this surgery you will be surprised how good you feel both physically and emotionally!

And yes to the new pillows

Spoil yourself with some new pyjama's for hospital too

I CAN'T WAIT!!!

I always feel so run down and in pain. My surgery isn't until July but I'm first on the cancellation list because my prolapse is so bad.

So you wore pjs at the hospital? Weren't they always poking and prodding in there? I figured I'd just stick with hospital gowns which are easier access to the nurses.

I wore a hospital gown into surgery and until the next morning. Then I was able to have a hot shower the next day and change into my own PJ's. It felt so much better....and I didnt have to worry about the back of my gown opening when walking the ward and flashing everyone! LOL

I didnt have much poking and prodding as I had no cathetar or anything else. All I had was an IV and a few blood tests for haemoglobin after the surgery and that was all. Oh, I had to let them check the sutures on my tummy a couple of times. PJJ's didnt restrict anything.

Wow, I'm glad your surgery and after was so smooth.

I have to have a Lap. Vaginal Hysterectomy, an anterior cystocele and a trans vaginal tape. I have no idea if I will have a cathedar or what. My Pre-op testing isn't until 2 weeks before my surgery, so I won't know anything until then. My surgeon is so busy I can't even get in to see him before that. Everything happened so quicklly I wasn't able to ask many questions.

Did they give you shots for blood clotting?

Thanks so much for taking the time to answer all my questions.

i understand what you say about everything happening so quickly for you. I struggled with pain and heavy irregular bleeding for nearly 3yrs with no answers, Then it was just luck that my GP was away so I seen another one who referred me to the "best" gynocologist in town. This gyno really listened to me, didnt try to change my mind and placed me straight on the waiting list for surgery. I seen my gyno on 4 Feb 2011 and had my surgery on 11 May 2011.

I think it was the second day in hossy that I was given an injection in my right thigh for blood clotting. They asked if I would like the injection in my stomach and I recall saying "noway, already too much trauma there!"
I also had to wear compression stockings for 4 days after the surgery. And, remember to keep moving. I read a book that was VERy helpful about hysterectomies. The book suggested that to alleviate the risk of blood clots you should rotate your ankles, and extend and flex them when you are laying or sitting. They state that the calf muscles are like little pumps and to keep these moving is very helpful.

I hope my info is helpful and feel free to ask anything

Cheers,
Kim

Hi Policebound,

sleeping on your side...I can answer that one! LOL I am a side sleeper..and for about 3 days post-op, I couldn't..too uncomfortable..but I do have a body pillow..you know, one of those full length pillows? I've found that it offers great support when sleeping on my side..just tuck it right into you, in between your knees as tight as you can get it into your body..and I sleep like a baby!
also, boycut undies and leggings have been good enough for me to wear..actually got my undies a size smaller, holds in just snug enough to offer support without bothering any incisions. the surgeon also recommended celebrex to help with swelling..and so far, I've seen my swelly belly go down..but do notice that if I overdo it, I look swelly again..tonight (5 days post) I made supper...wrong thing to do..
hope this helps you!

THANK YOU LADIES!!!!!

You both have been a great help!! I have added the body pillow to my list and will remember to move my ankles and legs when I'm laying down.

Someone suggested taking Arnica pelletts. They are some kind of homeopathy pills. Apparently they are for trauma, bruising and swelling. I may try them as well. I also have GasX and Laxatives on my list.

Any other suggestions?