What is normal?

Hello to all,
I am almost three weeks post op from a TAH and am feeling ok. I was somewhat disillusioned as I thought I would be moving around with greater ease by now. I am somewhat concerned as I walk --should i say waddle like I am pregnant. Is this normal? Is it normal for my stomach/abdomen to feel so tight? I have a constant discomfort the right end of the incision. It hurts when I laugh too, bend or go to the bathroom. Yesterday and today I went for a BM (sorry) and had some pink blood pass vaginally, at the same time. Does anyone else have this? Is this just from the pressure of passing? I am just concerned because I don't know what I should feel and don't want to be paranoid or a hypochondriac.
Thank you to everyone. This is a great support system and I will be forever grateful.
Crystal

Hi There Crystal
At 3 weeks post-op, I think it's pretty normal to feel the way you do. I had a little trouble moving around myself. I understand your feeling of disillusionment, but relax, it gets better every week. Recovery isn't a super-quick process! As for the other issues you mentioned, they sound normal to me but you should check with your doctor to be sure everything is on track. All the best for a relaxed and uneventful recovery!

Sounds normal to me. This really does take 6-8 weeks. Maybe stool softeners could help.

Gas and BM's remain a problem. I am wadaling too, and my tummy remains swollen and tight. Dulcolax Stool softners, cranberry juice, and red grapes have seemed to do the trick.. my left side of my incision seems to hurt, but my inner right side gets sore too. I soaked in a nice hot tub for the first time today, since I over did it yesterday , I took a one hour nap and did nothing today This Wednesday is my 2 weeks follow up and then I will feel more confident in my healing process once the Dr checks me out...

I think it sounds pretty normal too. And maybe try stool softeners so you're not straining for BMs at all. Although at 3 weeks it could be a sign of stitches dissolving and was just coincidently at the time of your BM.

Dulcolax softener is the way to go. I had no problem and did not have to strain at all and I was really dreading it! I am going back to work 2 day before my 4th week anniversary and am now second guessing my decision. I can take off one more week if necessary. My right side is the one that hurts the worst I had everything removed LAVH/BSO little or no pain in pelvic or left although I feel pressure in my pelvic floor like I am on my period again achy....This site is the best and has helped me more than I can even express in words. Everyone kept telling me that this surgery was a cake walk and when I discovered it was not I thought I was just being overly dramatic but after every thing I have read I feel so much better mentally.

I had mine the day after you and I'm definitely still sore. While it's not as bad as it was a week ago, it's stilI sore and especially when I laugh, cough or sneeze. Today, for the first time, my incision got really sensitive and I couldn't stand to have anything touch it. It's still healing well with no redness or infection, but I think it's irritated from fabric rubbing on it. I took a walk around the backyard today that was longer than usual and that probably was too much rubbing of skin and material. I had to lay with only a sheet over me and no panties or pants tonight because the irritation was so bad. I guess we have to expect these little annoyances for awhile yet.

Judy

Thank you everyone for your assurance and advice.

Crystal sounds pretty normal to me. If you are straining having bm's, try more fiber and drinking lots of water. I found that if I ate a half of a peeled red grapefruit in the morning, and left some of the white stuff on it it helped bunches, because of the fiber in the grapefruit and the white inside of the peel, and the acid in the fruit. Sunsweet makes dried plums that are orange or cherry essence and are actually very good work well too. Keep us updated on how you are feeling.