what's with this weird feeling in abdomen?

Hi there,

I am coming up on 5 weeks post-op from TAH/BSO. Recover has been great, no complications, though it's taking much longer than I expected.
This week I started feeling like I could walk longer, and have extended my daily outings to 1.5-2 hours per day, half in the morning and half in the afternoon. I've suffered no ill effects.
But I do have this weird feeling that my (bikini) incision will split open and my guts will tumble out. It doesn't hurt, it just feels creepy. And it's crazy, I know, my incision is fine. But it makes me feel very vulnerable as I wander around the neighborhood.
I'm wondering if this is related to the overall weakness of my abdominal muscles, and whether it is time to start some gentle exercise to make them stronger. Anybody else out there have this feeling? Any suggestions on exercise?
As always, thanks for sharing your wisdom, this site is great.

Niniko

Hi Niniko;
I don't have any idea's for you as far as exercise. We all go at our own pace.
I have a verticle incision and sometimes it does feel like it is going to split open even after all this time.
Hopefully someone will come along with some suggestions. If in doubt about your recovery please call your doctor!

Best wishes to you!

Sybie

thanks, Sybie, I was beginning to think I was the only one experiencing that. I think it's more psychological than anything else--a feeling of extreme vulnerability. In truth, I think we're all pretty tough, and I am amazed bodies can recover so quickly from so much trauma.
Yay, us!
I didn't let it stop my from voting, and I hope everybody gets out there today.
cheers
niniko

My gosh, I totally know how you feel. I had the same thing when my left ovary was removed three months ago, and then again when my TAH occurred four weeks ago.

I felt like I was going to fall out when ever I stood up. I wore a huge sweatshirt when I walked around the neighborhood so that I could shove my hands in my pockets and hang on to my stomach and no one would see!

It seems to have faded some what over the last week or so.


Sage

My Dr told me that alot of those stange sensations are your nerves regenerating. I have increase my walks daily and that has really helped. I am only 2 weeks post op, but am walking 3 miles daily (1 mile -3 times a day)...it feels so GOOD to get some kind of excersise since I cant do anything else yet. My incision also feels very vulnerable, but ther is no weeping, so I m sure it is fine. Good luck Linda

Hi again;
One thing that does help me is to wear underwear with tummy support. It helps when walking or exercising. Keeps everything "in there" You can buy them at any department store. Just don't get them too tight!

Happy exercising!

Take care!



Sybie

Thanks, guys, that is really encouraging. I'll increase my walking, it makes me feel better too. Sage, after two procedures in three months, you qualify as an expert and an inspiration. Hang in there! You will come through this.

Now I have to take a few minutes to shriek like a crazy woman over the election, but then I'll get back to work. We gotta pull the country together somehow.

cheers

Niniko