10 days post hysterectomy- UTI ?

I have to pee every 5 mins it seems. Fullness in the abdomen...but it doesn't burn to pee. Just uncomfortable. I had problems with UTI'S before surgery. It's not fun to begin with but with stabbing pains...it's even worse. Did you get this? I swear this on top of constipation may just be enough for me to scream. Going to the doctor if it doesn't get better. I hate UTIs. Brandy

Bladder issues, stabbing pains, constipation and fullness are common complaints post-op - I had a textbook recovery, and had all of those.

Our bladders have gone through surgical shock, too - that's often why the hospital staff makes sure we can void before we are discharged from the hospital. My bladder spasms seemed to difficult to start even though I knew I had to go, it was hard maintaining a steady stream, and I didn't feel like I was empty afterwards. Having said that, the antibiotics we're given during and after surgery have the unfortunate side effect of killing off the good bacteria as well as bad bacteria, so UTIs can happen after surgery. Since you'd been susceptible to UTIs in the past, I would watch for other signs, like the burning sensation when urinating, cloudy urine, or fever/chills.

The stabbing pains could be the nerves healing themselves, sluggish bowels, or just part of the normal healing process. Healing comes in stages with earlier scar tissue dissolving as its being replaced by newer scar tissue, and we'll feel it in twinges and zingers.

The sluggish backlogged bowels are best handled with tweaks to the diet, and if stool softeners are working for you, stay with them. Go for foods high in fiber and magnesium: whole grains and fiber cereals, dark leafy greens, dried fruits, fresh fruits, frozen fruits in smoothies, nuts, seeds, avocados, prune juice, warm liquids, peppermint tea. With that, water-water-water - enough to swamp a canoe, otherwise you're making rocks. I woke up with severe stabbing pains around Day 17 - the cold-sweat, make-you-dizzy type pains. Turned out to be digestive (I could feel the churning), and I'd not had enough water that day. Lesson learned. I had to actively manage my digestive system for about 7 weeks.

Finally, the fullness could be swelly belly, and trying to figure out what it was brought me to this site . Fluids gather around inflammation, and lucky us, that's in our tummies . My doctor indicated that I'd notice it less around the 8 week mark and he was right, though I'd still occasionally go to the mat with it after engaging my abs in something intense. You can read more about Swelly Belly here.

Continue to rest. If any of your symptoms are still causing concern (ie. the frequency of urination and your past dealings with UTIs), give your doctor a call. You're still a patient until you're released, and a good doctor would rather see you heal properly.

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Originally Posted by a1cbrandy I have to pee every 5 mins it seems. Fullness in the abdomen...but it doesn't burn to pee. Just uncomfortable. I had problems with UTI'S before surgery. It's not fun to begin with but with stabbing pains...it's even worse. Did you get this? I swear this on top of constipation may just be enough for me to scream. Going to the doctor if it doesn't get better. I hate UTIs. Brandy

. I am at 5 wks. First couple weeks especially had those issues with lots of pressure in urethral clitoral area. To be sure no uti, I drank a lot of water and lots of (sugar free) cranberry juice. Peed more but all seemed correct and to help.

As I've seen in this forum, UTI'S and constipation are quite common after a hysterectomy, for reasons Cussette has mentioned. What I would recommend to restore your good bacteria is a probiotic supplement, including the strains L acidophilus and B longum; regular servings of Activia yogurt would also be a good choice. My top picks for magnesium include dark chocolate and pumpkin seeds. Another good choice for a warm drink would be a glass of warm water with the juice of half a lemon. Another good drink choice would be a smoothie with almond milk, cherries, spinach, and ground flaxseeds; that's what ultimately worked for me. Also be sure you're taking regular walks, which has always been my top recommendation. Another of my top tips to encourage regularity is to sit on the toilet right after a meal; this stimulates the gastro-colic reflex, in which the stomach tells the brain that it's full, then the brain tells the colon to empty its contents, to make room for the new stuff coming in. Sitting with your knees drawn into your chest, and your feet elevated on a low stool, straightens the rectum, enabling smoother passage of stools. Here's hoping you'll be back to 💩 soon, as well as over your urinary issues, and back on the road to recovery!