SAH 9 days post op--hard tissue under incision normal?

Hugs everyone! I'm 9 days post op from an abdominal hysterectomy and I have thick hard tissue developing under my incision. It's tender, but I don't think it's infection. Is this normal? I'm also experiencing a TON of discomfort when air and/or stool moves through my bowels. Just wanted to see if others have experienced this?

Everything you describe are things that I experienced during my recovery.

The hard tissue under your incision is most likely scar tissue and it will eventually soften up. When my incision was fully healed, I gently massaged the area with lotion and it eventually flattened and softened up. That being said, if the area gets red, sore or you have a fever, be sure to see your doctor because it could be something other than scar tissue (possible hematoma).

As to your bowels, they were moved around during the surgery and it takes time for them to find a new permanent resting place. Until that happens, you will be able to feel them sliding around in your tummy and you will feel gas and stool moving through. It is kind of disturbing to feel that but eventually, it goes away for the most part. I can only feel my left side a bit now and I think it is because I probably have scar tissue/adhesions in that area (perfectly normal after abdominal surgery).

Keep us posted on how you are doing.

Everything danni3ll3 said!
It is scar tissue and some swelling, it will get smaller and soften. Watch for swelling and redness.

Oh, the bowel pain. Yes, still getting this off and on. The intestines are irritated and also settling into the empty space left behind.

It will start to improve a little at a time. I am only 5 weeks and 2 days and already the scar is flatter and the pain only comes on occasion, usually when i am close to needing a bathroom.

I don't have anything wiser to say than the other sisters did before me but just wanted you to know there is another sister out there feeling the same things you wrote about. Take care and best wishes for your ongoing recovery.