I've heard of swelly belly, but what about 'swelly you-know-what'y!'

Hello all!

I'm almost 5 months post op from a LAVH. While everything is going great, when I overdo it, I don't get a swelly-belly like lots of you mention, but I get swollen 'you know where'. Has anyone else experienced this? Especially 5 months post-op or more? It's not really troublesome, just feels weird, swollen and well, different. Any one else notice this??

Thanks!

Hi,

I had some swelling down there when I came home from the hospital , but it got better by 5 mos.

If you are concerned you might have it checked. I am not sure if it is common this far out.

Good luck I hope it gets better.

s

I am only 3 weeks post op and I am VERY swollen below the incision - hoping it wont last too long. I have to wear "boy" type undies without elastic around the legs because the swelling kills me there.

Paula

I am two and a half weeks post radical hyst and have some swelling of my pubic mound and labia. It especially seems to be the right side. It comes and goes throughout the day and seems worse at night if I have had a big day. It is only quite mild and certainly not anything that anyone other than hubby and me would notice.

I attributed it to surgical swelling and in part to lymphoedema (which I am prone to given my pelvic lymph node clearance). I hope it goes away for all of us.

I have read that those with genital oedema post-op should be especialy careful about gential hygiene and keeping the area dry. SOme people have such marked swelling that it causes blisters which may be a problem during intercourse. I gather that it does not seem this bad for anyone here (thank goodness)

Good luck xxx

Sista:

When you say swelly "down there" do you mean actually in the vaginal canal/opening area? I am just asking as when I overdid it on the stairmaster a couple of weeks ago I not only had swelly belly, but had either swelling or something going on in the vaginal opening area. It has subsided somewhat, but I still feel that something is not quite right. I have an appointment with my Dr. tomorrow. I am hoping that I have not done anything to cause a prolapse of "anything".

Good luck!

Michele

Thanks for your replies ladies! Shell, that's exactly where the swelling is (canal, opening area). When I first noticed this at 2 weeks post-op, I thought I had a prolapse as well and went to the doctor right away. He said it was just swelling and that it would go away. It's been 5 months and I didn't think I would have this at all anymore. I notice it after working out as well - especially running. It does tend to get better after awhile, but it's always kind of there. I seriously just think things have changed in that area since the surgery, and this is how it's going to be from now on. It doesn't feel a whole lot different from when I had my uterine prolapse, and that's one of the reasons I had the surgery. At least I'm not dealing with the horrific periods anymore, and that is a true blessing

Thanks everyone!

Sista:

I went to the Dr. today and ... guess what? Not good. I was diagnosed with Cystocele (bladder leading the way), and Vaginal Prolapse which also includes Enterocele... The Cystocele is a III the others are II.

The Dr. explained the different surgeries that can fix this, then suggested that I not do anything for a bit. He does not think it is good to have two major surgeries within a year. He suggested limiting my lifting and to come back in 6 months and see if the degree of prolapse is the same. I have no bladder issues or bowel problems, and that also contributed to his suggestion to wait.

He explained that nearly all women over 50 (I am only 45) have some degree of prolapse, especially after children, and if you are a bit heavy. But I did not really fit into the Prolapse pattern. Even though my uterus was prolapse prior to surgery due to a major tumor on my left ovary, non-cancerous.

In any event, that is what is up with me. I hate it, I am somewhat bummed... but like you, at least I don't have the periods that made me feel like I was going to bleed to death! I am soooo happy for that. I can live with this, see what happens, and take it from there. That is all I can do.

It is sunny here in Missouri today. A wonderful, sunny... warm, nearly spring day. I am here to enjoy it. I am thankful for that.

Michele