3 days post hysterectomy - how much swelling is normal?

I know the belly should be swollen but my butt, hips, legs, and feet swell. If I lay down feet and ankles seem to get worse. Should I use ice pack? So much gas in shoulders and neck that I can't lay flat to get feet higher. Any suggestions would be appreciated, thank you.

Sorry you are feeling icky. As far as swelling, swelly belly is very normal but swelling all over is probably worth a call to your doc. Ice packs can certainly be used. Swelling in other parts, like your feet, could have more to do with meds you are on and you also want to make sure that you aren't retaining fluid (are you peeing as usual? TMI, sorry!).
As far as the neck and shoulder pain, that sounds like trapped gas. I know it sounds weird but the gas they used during surgery migrates up (think of helium in a balloon) and gets trapped there. Are you passing gas and have you had your first BM yet? At 3 days post op, I am assume you probably haven't so find out from your doc if you can take GasEx or any other gas-relieving agent. Drinking teas and walking helps the gas dissipate as well.
Good luck and keep us posted. Don't hesitate to call your doc and ask questions. That's what they are there for!

By the time I was released from the hospital three days after surgery, my entire lower body was swollen - and this in spite of the fact that I'd been wearing compression stockings for three days. I wore my crocs home because my sneakers wouldn't fit over my swollen feet.

When I got home, my scale said that I'd "gained" 17 lbs. It was all excess fluid, of course. It pee'd itself out over the next few days, and I was left with just a bit of swelling in my belly.

Walking will help move both the gas and the fluid.

I'm up peeing every hour but no sensation for need to pee other than pain, its not a lot but at least its coming. I can pass a little gas but no bm of course it doesn't help to be scared to either, lol. I do take gas x and use heat pad on shoulders. Thank you for the responses.