3 Weeks Post Op with Questions

Hello,

I had a TAH on 5/14. I came home in about 24 hours, was standing up and walking normally with minimal pain within a week-10 days. I think I overdid it, came down with a fever on Thursday that hit 103.5 at one point and feel like I am back to day 1. I am discouraged for sure, and wanting to kick myself. I did read about recovery time but because I am young and strong and very healthy I expected that I would heal more quickly than most so it is extra discouraging to find out I may have been wrong about that. Now I am concerned about a few things and would like to ask some questions.

If I did any tearing of the stitches inside, how would I know? I can't seem to find any symptoms of this.

I have a rather large deep hematoma but the outside of my incision looks great, no redness. The doctor thought I may have had an infection in the hematoma indicated only by the fever so he treated with antibiotics and that definitely fixed the fever- but- I feel almost like I have a growing brick inside my belly. I am starting to even feel like there is something under my ribs. Is this a normal sensation?

I am terribly teary. I did not lose my ovaries so I am wondering why I might be experiencing this and if there is anything to be concerned about. I saw the doctor on Friday and mentioned it, he didn't seem concerned so I am thinking it's okay but just want to check to be sure. I was focused on the fever and may not have communicated how bad it was very well.

I hope this isn't too much to ask- thank you to anyone who takes the time to answer my questions!

Hi there...nearly 2 weeks post-op from a better than expected TAH. Of all your questions, the one about being teary prompted me to respond since I just saw my dr today with that issue! Even with ovaries there may have been blood flow to them that's now been halted and creating some imbalance. I asked for help with the tears and extra emotions (not typical for me) and dr was more than willing to address it with meds. Just knowing that my reaction was normal was reassuring. Have that discussion with your dr and get the help you need! Best wishes during your continued recovery!

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Originally Posted by gr8lady Hi there...nearly 2 weeks post-op from a better than expected TAH. Of all your questions, the one about being teary prompted me to respond since I just saw my dr today with that issue! Even with ovaries there may have been blood flow to them that's now been halted and creating some imbalance. I asked for help with the tears and extra emotions (not typical for me) and dr was more than willing to address it with meds. Just knowing that my reaction was normal was reassuring. Have that discussion with your dr and get the help you need! Best wishes during your continued recovery!

So glad to hear your TAH was better han expected- yay! It is so good to hear, I am encouraged you are doing so well other than the teariness. There are so many stories of tough recoveries here that I think my teariness got worse reading them. Your better than expected recovery has brightened my night.

I am sorry about your teariness, but glad it sounds like it is temporary and fixable. Thank you so much for responding!

I am 3 weeks post op today, also have a large hematoma under my incision. They ended up draining what they could last week at the hospital via needle and ultrasound guidance because it was causing problems with my bladder. I was like you, it felt like a huge brick, was hard to move and caused alot of pain. Since the drainage, it has been alot better. I can move around much easier! Best wishes!

Thank you! I would love to just drain this thing! I imagine it would be so much better, but my doc hasn't even mentioned it. I think I will give him a call in a day or two if it doesn't start to dissolve on its own. I am in a lot of pain today and it is starting to feel like when I was pregnant and the baby would press on my bladder. So glad you wrote- at least I know there is something to be done if it doesn't resolve itself. Thank you!

AlliG,

I can say that day 1-10, I was pretty sure I was on my deathbed. From then on, it's absolutely been getting better and better everyday. I have had two uh-oh's and they both landed me in bed for the following 24 hours.

Other than that, I honestly feel really really good. My incision is itching like CRAZY...but I know that is to be expected.

I work in the school system, so there is no returning to work until August, but I honestly feel like I could go back if I needed to. I stayed in bed until 9am today, and once I started, I JUST sat down. I even drove to a friends house to hang out with her fam tonight and then a storm was coming so I came home.

I have weaned myself from naps. And haven't taken advil in days. The only thing I am struggling with is sleep. That's probably why I stayed in bed till 9 today.

One more week and I really think I will feel totally myself again.

Now I feel bad for typing all this when you are struggling! (but you asked...haha)

Hang in there. I feel terrible for you!