TAH Home 2 days post op

Came home this morning and am doing Ok as long as I take pain meds regularly and don't do much. I think I have swelly belly as it's such a perfect description of my abdomen at present is there anyway to help this along? Cool pads? Heat pads? All feels a little numb too I presume this is normal?

Hello. and welcome home!

The swelly-belly is normal. Not sure there's anything that can be done about it. Even my doc says it will be there for 6 weeks and then slowly shrink. If your belly is really large and you feel you need to hold it with your hands when you're up and walking, you might benefit from a belly binder.

My belly skin was numb for first week, then began to get some feeling back. There are still some patches on my belly that have no feeling. The areas that have feeling are very sore, like there is a bruise, and I can't stand to touch it.

Personally, I would avoid the cold/hot pads if you have no feeling.

You'll likely have lots of pressure from gas and bowels. Eat very small meals. Lots of fluids. Try prune juice, prunes, fish oil to get the bowels moving. Keep walking.

Happy healing.

Thanks redandwhite it's reassuring to know it's all normal I probably have not walked enough but now I'm home can start to pick this up a bit. I tend to feel better mid morning and tired by the afternoon so have a little sleep post lunch.