Hematoma Help

I am two weeks post-op and began bleeding last week. It turns out that I have a fairly large hematoma (above the vaginal cuff I believe). In any case, the doctor decided to let it drain naturally so I've been bleeding regularly (and fairly heavily) since last Tuesday. The bleeding has not let up at all since it started and it's still bright red.

Has anyone had experience with a hematoma and can give me some information on what the process is for this thing to drain itself?

I'm frustrated becasue I thought I would be feeling better by this point but still don't have good days so much. I don't know if it's because of the hematoma or just because I am healing slower than I expected.

Any information or advice is appreciated. Thanks!

I too had a hematoma after my TAH. Mine bled from my abdominal incision. I bled heavily at first, but noticed a decrease every week or so. I had to use a pad across my abdomin to absorbe the 'drainage'. At the beginning I was filling a pad about every 2-3 hours. Now I use a gauze pad and change several times per day whether it is needed or not. The drainage went from dark, foul smelling, drainage and then got lighter; eventually it changed to a clearish red/orange oily substance and then became clear. I had to have my reopened wound cleaned twice daily. I can now (and have for a couple weeks) clean it myself. I am still waiting for my wound to close completely.

I don't know how to post a link, but feel free to look up my posts about the hematoma.

Shelly

Thanks Shelly. It actually sounds like yours was more painful. I don't have a lot of pain (though I do have some pain that seems unusual and I wonder if that is what it's from). Mine is more inconvenient than anything. I'm just concerned that as long as the hematoma is there, I am at risk for an infection.

How are you feeling overall at this point? Do you feel like you've turned the corner and have a little more energy?

Brier 44

I was told I had a hematoma when I left the hospital 1 wk ago. My entire lower abd was black and blue. Now it is turning a lovely yellow. I have not had any bleeding/discharge. I feel better each day. It just feels like I have a lot of extra weight that I am hauling around.

It is nice to know that others have gone through this

nestle

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Brier44 Thanks Shelly. It actually sounds like yours was more painful. I don't have a lot of pain (though I do have some pain that seems unusual and I wonder if that is what it's from). Mine is more inconvenient than anything. I'm just concerned that as long as the hematoma is there, I am at risk for an infection. How are you feeling overall at this point? Do you feel like you've turned the corner and have a little more energy?

Overall, it wasn't painful, more uncomfortable. I had a feeling that my abdomin was full. I did end up with an awful yeast infection due to the moisture. I am feeling fine now, I just have to improve my stamina. I was released for work and 'normal activities' at six weeks as planned. I am exhausted at the end of the day, but not any more than I would think would be normal.

Wow, maybe the Hematoma is more common than I thought. I ahd TAH on 2-07-08 and have a hematoma that measures 11 by 15 cm. It is pretty much numb, but the area around the hematoma is very sensitive as well as my backside on the same side as the hematoma. Mine has not started to drain, Shelly how long after your surgery did your's drain? I am going to the dr again this week so that she may check on the hematoma. Did anyone take antibiotics?

Thanks all, I was beginning to think I was going crazy!
Nicole

If you do a search on this particular forum you will find many postings about hematomas (mine included).

I developed a hematoma at around 3-4 wks because I believe it was because I was stupid stupid stupid and did a tiny bit of vacuuming! So don't even think about vacuuming ladies!

Anyway, mine drained (took about 2 wks for me to stop bleeding). Then I developed a pelvic infection which took 2 courses of antibiotics to clear up.

If you are concerned at all about the amount of blood you are passing, the color or the smell...PLEASE, I urge you to call your doctor's office. They are there to help you!

Hope your recovery gets easier from this point on!

	Quote:
Originally Posted by nrwood Shelly how long after your surgery did your's drain?

I had my surgery December 26 and the hematoma broke through on January 4. I don't know when the hematoma developed. I didn't do anything strenuous during the almost-week I had been home from the hospital. I woke up with a coughing fit and decided to go to the bathroom. I started draining while on the toilet, Lucky for me!! I always carried my phone with me where ever I went and that morning was no different, thank goodness. I called the doctor's office and he told me use my pads to absorb the blood and to be in his office at 8:30. He opened my incision and helped it drain by pushing on my stomach. I had to go in for weekly checks and he cleaned the wound.

Shelly, Could you see or feel the hematoma?
Nicole

I couldn't feel or see it, I think because of my extra weight. After I knew what was going on, and after the hematoma was going away, I discovered my tummy had a 'hard' feeling to it. I never had a bruise or discoloration to the skin.