7 Weeks Post Hysterectomy & having abdominal & stomach issues.

I am almost 7 weeks post op. I had a full complete abdominal hysterectomy. The only problems I've had to this point was at about week 2/3 the area of my incision around the belly button got infected. Antibiotics cleared it up.

The main issues I'm having at this point is that heaviness feeling in the lower abdomen where I always had cramps just before and during a period. But obviously there is no uterus/ovaries/tubes left in there. Sometimes on the lower left side it actually aches. Kind of like a dull toothache type ache. (It's so hard to describe the feelings so people understand what I mean. lol ) BTW...I am obese and am wondering if the heaviness of my stomach fat sagging could be causing this.

Anyway, and the issue bothering me the most is my stomach feeling queazy almost all the time and having, what I assume is gas, pains in the left rib cage area and going around the back. I have been having problems pooping but not really full on constipation. I go but it's usually a little bit at a time. Instead of that one good BM and you feel 'clear'. I will get the feeling of needing to go and when I get in there it's just a little bit. Frustrating.
I have been taking the stool softener the doc prescribed.

So anyway, I guess my questions are:
1- At 7 weeks is it normal to still have the abdominal cramp feeling?
2- I read the organs can shift around. Should I be worried about my intestines or bowels being twisted?
3- Is it most likely gas causing the stomach queasiness and rib/back pain?

I have tried to not read too much because I don't want to get myself all paranoid. So any insight anyone can give me would be much appreciated. Thanks!

I just got cleared today for all activity after 6 weeks. I still have the aching in the left side of my abdomin. It helps to walk around if you feel gassy. Sitting just keeps it kinked up.

I took colace a stool softner until my bowels were more regular . I also noticed pain in the left side when I was due for a BM. Hope this helps.

I am excited to go swimming .

Hello, Our GI system will be a bit different post op...Narcotics cause constipation, hormones affect digestion too. Reduced estrogen from ovaries being removed-menopause (or if theyre not functuoning due to blood supply being severed). The intestines also move where the uterus was & all these changes affect digestion...

Its important to keep the GI system moving or uncomfortable bloating, gas & constipation will persist.. If your system mobility is slow & theres gas, yes you can fee nausea & discomfort from gas pains.. peppermint tea, & or gas x for gas. Walk, water..Then GI: eat apples, prunes, fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds-pumpkin seeds are great, they contain magnesium. (apples & pumpkin seeds take with you if youre on the go).. It will keep you going. Walking, stay well hydrated. If you need more help, stool softeners (or oil like olive oil or coconut oil. The fats lubricate GI track). Prune juice, or Fiber1 bars w lots of water...If have caffeine, follow w equal amount of water bc its dehydrating..Avoid processed foods. Go light on starchy carbs like bread, rice, pasta bc theyre binding...

Natural things to help w estrogen would be to have soy products if youre ok w it...It helps ease menopause symptoms, including digestion. Omega fatty acids help menopause symptoms, salmon, flax seeds, olive oil, avocados.. Supplements are fish oil, flax oil, or primrose oil..

I take B12, b complex & magnesium... I notice varied symptoms when I dont eat right or take supplements. Using a step stool or squatty potty to go helps. Lean forward or pull knees to chest aligns the colon.

Sodas, any kind cause bloating & retain fluids, so it will make you feel uncomfortable. (I know bc Ive been bad, on the go, drinking diet soda & Im all bloated. It feels heavy also on the belky tisdues like edema). A swelly belly is swelling in the tissues & it can take time to go down. It can be confusing, making us guess if its a roll of fat, swelling or both. It has a mind of its own & wont leave until its good & ready. If you have discomfort from it, ice packs for swelling & heat pad for pain.

It can feel like a full time job in the begining keeping the GI system going & trying to avoid unpleasant symptoms. Read about natural remedies for menopause. Take care!

Wow! Thank you! This is very informative! And definitely very helpful! Some of it I knew but quite a few things I didn't or just never thought of. Thank again. :dance

	Quote:
Originally Posted by LailaStar Hello, Our GI system will be a bit different post op...Narcotics cause constipation, hormones affect digestion too. Reduced estrogen from ovaries being removed-menopause (or if theyre not functuoning due to blood supply being severed). The intestines also move where the uterus was & all these changes affect digestion... Its important to keep the GI system moving or uncomfortable bloating, gas & constipation will persist.. If your system mobility is slow & theres gas, yes you can fee nausea & discomfort from gas pains.. peppermint tea, & or gas x for gas. Walk, water..Then GI: eat apples, prunes, fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds-pumpkin seeds are great, they contain magnesium. (apples & pumpkin seeds take with you if youre on the go).. It will keep you going. Walking, stay well hydrated. If you need more help, stool softeners (or oil like olive oil or coconut oil. The fats lubricate GI track). Prune juice, or Fiber1 bars w lots of water...If have caffeine, follow w equal amount of water bc its dehydrating..Avoid processed foods. Go light on starchy carbs like bread, rice, pasta bc theyre binding... Natural things to help w estrogen would be to have soy products if youre ok w it...It helps ease menopause symptoms, including digestion. Omega fatty acids help menopause symptoms, salmon, flax seeds, olive oil, avocados.. Supplements are fish oil, flax oil, or primrose oil.. I take B12, b complex & magnesium... I notice varied symptoms when I dont eat right or take supplements. Using a step stool or squatty potty to go helps. Lean forward or pull knees to chest aligns the colon. Sodas, any kind cause bloating & retain fluids, so it will make you feel uncomfortable. (I know bc Ive been bad, on the go, drinking diet soda & Im all bloated. It feels heavy also on the belky tisdues like edema). A swelly belly is swelling in the tissues & it can take time to go down. It can be confusing, making us guess if its a roll of fat, swelling or both. It has a mind of its own & wont leave until its good & ready. If you have discomfort from it, ice packs for swelling & heat pad for pain. It can feel like a full time job in the begining keeping the GI system going & trying to avoid unpleasant symptoms. Read about natural remedies for menopause. Take care!

	Quote:
Originally Posted by NancyJ-OH Wow! Thank you! This is very informative! And definitely very helpful! Some of it I knew but quite a few things I didn't or just never thought of. Thank again. :dance

😊For the record, although I feel good, I still feel little brief twinges here & there..TMI-especially when have to go, the colon feels more sensative. (I used to have pain on my right side when have to go up to week 5). I still get swelly belly.. Most of the time I forget Ive had a hysterectomy..except when Im on this site of course or when my swelly belly reminds me! It gets better