Back pain after hysterectomy; kept ovaries but hormonal changes?

Between post op weeks of 4-7 was having really bad, achy back pain low back and especially on right side? Also experiencing right side pain in stomach/abdominal region... Not sure if this is normal? Anybody relate?

Hotflashes I get me late night, moments of sexual frustration come on strong and are at times overbearing, and overwhelming ... It feels so weird.

Eating habits totally changed...no desire for meat in particular red meat,but can eat chicken-seldomly, and fish. I am craving more healthier things such as cucumbers, hummus, celery, lemonade, water, tea, non sweet things...not sure if this is common after a TAH. The change is significant. I have lost 16lbs thus far almost at week 8. Eating yogurt and peanut butter, kinda totally stopped eating or craving cheese and sweet things like jelly donuts.

Can't wear jeans because it cuts into my bikini line surgery area and it hurts after a few minutes, stop wearing underwear because it feels so uncomfortable.

Mood goes up and down, sad about not being now able to bear kids and I'm only 40. But happy that I am out of the pain I was going through. Overall I am happy, I just wish I could read complete breakdowns of what some people go thru in detail to see if these things are normal...like my craving cucumbers and my all of a sudden disinterest in salty, meats, soda, and fast foods...is this change something psychological or is it something related to my uterus being removed now? I still have my ovaries, but I think my hormones have changed somehow

I am by far not as far along as you in recovery (day 12 post op, kept ovaries, lost uterus and cervix) My diet has completely changed. I CRAVE salad, water, peanut butter, trail mix, etc. This coming form a fast food aholic/ heavy drinker. I don't want alcohol, I want water. I crave it! I have been eating really healthy... today I ate cruddy at my favorite Mexican restaurant and I am still regretting it!

I am having hot flashes as well and as soon as it hits I drink water, it helps!

Thanks for responding,

My surgeon told me no alchohol! I had a glass of wine around week 5, and it kinda cramped my stomach just a little bit...luckily I didn't have to drive which is why Im sure the docs don't want hysterectomy patients to drink.

They also advised me not to eat anything spicy or hot, in the earlier weeks I didn't want or crave anything spicy, around week 4-5 I ate hot sauce and I felt ok. Whatever you do, don't exercise yet as your stitches internally are nowhere near close to healing!!! although on some days it tricky because you can feel good on the outside but not on the inside...weird but so so true!

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Dowega Between post op weeks of 4-7 was having really bad, achy back pain low back and especially on right side? Also experiencing right side pain in stomach/abdominal region... Not sure if this is normal? Anybody relate? Hotflashes I get me late night, moments of sexual frustration come on strong and are at times overbearing, and overwhelming ... It feels so weird. Eating habits totally changed...no desire for meat in particular red meat,but can eat chicken-seldomly, and fish. I am craving more healthier things such as cucumbers, hummus, celery, lemonade, water, tea, non sweet things...not sure if this is common after a TAH. The change is significant. I have lost 16lbs thus far almost at week 8. Eating yogurt and peanut butter, kinda totally stopped eating or craving cheese and sweet things like jelly donuts. Can't wear jeans because it cuts into my bikini line surgery area and it hurts after a few minutes, stop wearing underwear because it feels so uncomfortable. Mood goes up and down, sad about not being now able to bear kids and I'm only 40. But happy that I am out of the pain I was going through. Overall I am happy, I just wish I could read complete breakdowns of what some people go thru in detail to see if these things are normal...like my craving cucumbers and my all of a sudden disinterest in salty, meats, soda, and fast foods...is this change something psychological or is it something related to my uterus being removed now? I still have my ovaries, but I think my hormones have changed somehow

Hello sister!

I too had/have back pain. First since yours is more to one side have you been checked for kidney infection? Bladder infection? Mine was my entire low back. But since I thought you were supposed be miserable after a hysterectomy (mine was LSH 4/11/16) I let it go. When the pain was unbearable I went in (my dr is 3 hrs away). Sure enough, bladder infection. Treated it with two rounds of antibiotics. Nightmare with the pain. Once infection cleared I was still in pain. Low back... after 3 wks of misery I asked for muscle relaxers and bingo bango! Back pain solved. Apparently I was protecting my abdomin with my back. Muscles were jacked and in knots causing terrible terrible pain. The next day I felt like I had been in a car wreck beause the muscles finally relaxed and we're sore... feeling better daily now. I am hoping this helps you too. I was so frustrated.. good luck to you and happy healing!

Hey,

Thanks so much for sharing! I never thought to check kidneys or possiblity of using my back moreso than my abs...will definately address this with doc as soon as possible - just in case!!!! Thanks a million for responding to this thread sis!

Sincerely,

Dowega

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Dowega Hey, Thanks so much for sharing! I never thought to check kidneys or possiblity of using my back moreso than my abs...will definately address this with doc as soon as possible - just in case!!!! Thanks a million for responding to this thread sis! Sincerely, Dowega

Anytime! I have to say, this has been a great place to find comfort and it certainly helps knowing someone else is going through similar things. I felt so alone in the beginning because there really isn't a "guide to hysterectomy healing for dummies" .. I may look into writing one- hahaha
I know how frustrating it is... I still have some questions and concerns. I am very aware of my bladder these days and I am hoping that is just part of healing and the possibility that it is just my bladders way of learning it's new address! Also, my bowels are pretty vocal and I feel them moving around with gas and what not. Just weirdness all the way around down there. Unfortunately I wound up with a urinary tract infection and bladder infection which led to a yeast infection after antibiotics. So everything below the equater was out of whack. And without knowing exactly how miserable I was supposed to be, I let it all ride. Until I was at my wits end and on the verge of a mental meltdown ! I was told that catheters cause all of this in some women after surgery. But being proactive in your recovery is most important. Whatever you may be feeling, speak up, it's ok to ask questions. I finally did... a shot in the keester and oral antibiotics later... here I am. Learning all along the way. Try not to get yourself down. It does get better. Some of us struggle a little. (Me, alot) .
I hope you find answers... let me know and keep in mind about those muscles being tense. I didn't have a clue- muscle relaxers are my new friend. and this from a person who is scared to death of meds!!
Goodluck sister...

Tiffany