5 week post-op swelling and cramping

I had my LAVH a little over 5 weeks ago....and HAD been doing beautifully. I was in no pain....my hormones were taking care of my surgical menopause symptoms....life was beginning to return to "normal".

But several days ago, I began to notice some "tummy swelling" as well as "minor cramping". Yesterday, I was swollen to the point that I looked 4 months pregnant. I called my doc this morning and he told me that he doesn't think that this is related to my hysterectomy, but rather a gastrointestinal problem. He advised me to take three tablespoons of Milk of Magnesia to "clean me out" and come see him on Monday. I told him that I didn't feel as if I needed the Milk of Mag, as I was not constipated. He said "Do it anyways".

I have yet to take it, as I do not feel that this is the problem. I have read several other posts recently about "swelly belly". Any thoughts??? Suggestions???

Thanks in advance!!!

i did have swelling even months down the road .. if it causes alot of discomfort you might want to consider the ER .

they will HAVE to see you there

mei

I'm almost 5 weeks.
I have noticed my belly seems bigger lately.
And today I was having cramps starting in the AM, coming and going. Then we went out to dinner and I got bad stomach pains. I dont know what it was, but I came home and took some TUMS and I felt better.
Maybe the doctor wants to rule out the one diagnosis with the Milk of Mag. and if its still there, he'll go on to the next supspect diagnosis.

I too had problems about 4-5 weeks out (LSH/BSO). I am finding out that I have to "relearn" how my innards feel. I don't know if it is protocall, but my innards were thoughly inspected durring surgery. I have had some intestinal pain because of this, and from my "system reboot". Your doc could be thinking that this is what is going on. Now, at 6 weeks post op, I am begining to recognise my innards again, and I do still get some pain with gassiness, or prior to feeling the need to hit the restroom.
Also, you may be getting more active than what you are ready for. I did that today, lifting a lot of weight for our yard sale, and I am pretty swollen and cramping tonight. Im not sure yet if I should call the doc for this or not.....

If the pain gets too much, or truely scarey, then consider calling the ER. Otherwise it's probably ok to see the doc monday, like he said.

Mrs Gnarly

Bluebird,
I am now 7 weeks out, and seem to find if I have done too much (and I haven't done much lifting of anything) that my tummy swells more than usual by the end of the day and I hurt too. You might just be overdoing a little. But try to trust your doctor. Good Luck with your appt. with him.