It's been 2 weeks - any advice?

This website was recommended by my Dr. & I am looking forward to participating! Here's my story...2 weeks ago I went in for a TAH. The surgeons found some surprises. A fibroid tumor the size of a cantelope was inside my uterus. There were other tumors in the walls & on my ovaries. They also discovered endometriosis that had spread to other organs. A specialist was called in due to some suspicious lesions on my colon. He took a biopsy, the results were inconclusive, so they removed part of my colon, part of my small intestine, & my appendix along with my ovaries, tubes, and uterus. Four days later the pathology report came back: NO CANCER! As I recover (first Dr. appt. is tomorrow)I'm having all kinds of strange aches & pains, plus swelly belly. The only time I feel good (and I feel REALLY GOOD!) is when I'm on pain meds. How does everyone else deal with the pain? Thanks for listening.

Hi Aprilshower,
Glad you found us. and very glad that you have a NO CANCER report!

I suggest you ask your dr about using a hot water bottle or heating pad. It isn't for everyone, but it might be ok for you.
If you use a heating pad do be very careful about NOT falling asleep when it is on!!!!

I found that rubbing my tummy very gently and keeping my hands on it felt very soothing.

If you feel your pain meds aren't working, again, talk to the dr -- but be careful because they can be constipating, and that is the last thing you want!

If you do get blocked up, use a stool softener rather than a laxative, as they are easier on your system.

If you have not yet seen our Post.op articles and Checkpoints, I suggest you visit the home page, left hand side and take a look. You'll find a lot of great info there, which can help you get through your recovery.

It has only been two weeks, you had A LOT of work done in there. If you need pain meds I say. . . . take them! that is what they are for. You will know when you can wean yourself off of them. Take care of yourself there is no reason to be in pain.

You deal with the pain by taking your meds - and if the meds aren't controlling it by talking with your Doc -- if you are having pain try writing down what you are feeling, where etc and then giving the info to your doc.

I came off presc pain meds 5 days after surgery (mine was a lot less surgery though) and even tylenol the next day. HOWEVER - do not be a 'hero'. There is discomfort and soreness (you have had surgery) and then pain - please understand the difference - it will help immensely in medicating you properly.

Aprilshower,
Wow! You really had a lot happening during surgery. I hope that down the road you feel much better, be sure and pamper yourself while you are healing.

Yeah for your doctor! I wish every doctor would suggest this website as support for women. It has been the biggest help during the healing process to have this forum.

Take care!

I agree stay on your meds until you dont need them. You had a lot done in there and suffering through pain will slow down healing. Glad to hear about the Cancer. I had bowl repair done and I know the pain can get brutal. But eventually it did get better and now I feel great (touch wood).

I am slowly educating the Docs in my town. My doc asked me how I had become so well informed about dealing with post surgery and womens health issues. When I told him about this site he made a note of it on his desk he then asked how I had found out, (nurses in the hospital). Both my docs were interested in this site and have started recommending it. I wish I had found it before surgery.

Hope you feel better soon and take good care of yourself.

Cynthia