4 weeks post hysterectomy: Swelly Belly, Still?

Thanks for all of your replies. This is my first full days work week. Last week I only worked half days. I am trying to still take things slow. It's hard though. Once you come back to work people at home and at work just assume you are healed and good to go. All the swelling makes me so uncomfortable by the end of the day.

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Originally Posted by Jamie C Almost 4 weeks since my hyster. Still having swelly belly issues. When does it go away?? I feel like a huge, bloated, pig

That's interesting as that is something a person goes through during the healing process of the tummy tuck also, which a person who had a TT experiences for about a year, off and on, it goes away eventually. I wonder if there is a similarity due to the type of hysterectomy a person has?

If your swelly belly continues, please push your doctors for answers and treatment.
I am four months post -surgery. 22lymph nodes removed from pelvic area. After several weeks of complaining to my doctors about the "swelly belly" issue, they finally determined that I have Lymphedema. My swelling began af my first radiation/brachytherapy treatment, and became worse after each treatment. Apparently the radiation aggravates the already compromised lymphatic drainage. Since I have been going to occupational therapy, wearing abdominal binder, lots of exercise, and doing daily lymph massages, I am seeing improvements, but ot tells me this swelling may continue for quite some time until my lymphatic system rebuilds.
Wishing you luck with your swelling. Hang in there.

The swelling is frustrating. I bought several a-line dresses before surgery, because I had heard that a waist band probably wouldn't be comfortable for a while. The dresses at least make the swelling less noticeable.

I am 6 weeks and 2 days. Doc said that stitches and cuff are still healing. Limitations continue to 10 weeks at this point.

Yes-it is very frustrating. I actually bought maternity pants to wear when swelling occurs. Since I've been at Lymphedema clinic, they now have me wearing compression garment during the awake hours.
If your problems continue, be persistent with your PCP until you are satisfied with the care and treatment plan.
I am also finding that acupuncture works great.

I am just four weeks post and totally notice that the swelling gets worse at the end of the day.

I know I am nowhere near "healed" however there are days that the main reminder of my surgery is the "double bump" (each side of my 6 1/2" incision) on the belly. Oh...and I was reminded that if I wear anything that pushes against the incision, it will look like I have TWO belly buttons. :-/

Very happy to hear it is normal, and curious how long the swelly belly will continue.

GG

Walking is really important for your healing. Keeps your legs from getting blood clots. Start out slow and remember how ever far you go out you will still need to save strength for the return.
There are gentle massages you can do to keep your incision from staying lumpy and cordlike. They also make a silicone tape that does wonders for the incision. You can ask your doctor about it.