I feel like my stomach is a watermellon. Any one else?

I had a TAH on 02/07/05. I am almost 8 weeks post op. I am so disappointed that my stomach looks like a watermelon. I don't look good in anything. I trust it will get better now that I am beginning the walking. I still get tired easy. That is just not me.
I wonder if any of you are experiencing this? Tell me.
Is this just part of our healing process?? Help.

Pam

You can go back and read the archives. Many women have had the same occurrence as you have described. Perhaps it is the norm. As such, what can you do but wait and heal. Be grateful that your health has returned. You did not include details of what type of surgery you had. Give yourself time to get well, and only do the exercise, be it walking or whatever, that feels good. Dress comfortable with loose clothing, and you will feel great

Thanks Judi, Thank you for your kind words. I will look in archives. I guess I am rushing the healing process. I am most greatful for my health.
I had a TAH with lots of fibroids and endometrosis. (sp)

Thanks a million, Pam

Hi (((Pam)))) I'm sorry things are rough for your right now At 8 weeks post-op, your body is steel heeling yet, at the same time, you're also taking on more activities and, hopefully slowly, are going back to your normal activities. This means that, ultimately, you're more tired and your body is using up some of it's energy to recover from the day... meaning that it has less energy to spend on recovery. This may result in a return or aggravation of the dreaded swelly belly.

I remember that, when I first returned to work after my surgery, I would come home simply exhausted, in pain and sooooo swollen. The best "cure" was to lay down, with my legs up and to rest for 30 minutes or so before supper. And, after supper, I would take it easy, put my feet up as much as possible and would give my body a chance to recover. Could be that you need to indulge in a bit of pampering of your own

Hang in there: one day, all of sudden, you'll realize that the swelly belly is a thing of the past and that your energy is way up where it used to be, before all of this started. Hang in there

Hi Dany, Thank you so much for your encouraging words. I know it is still early in my process. I will put my feet up and take it easy.

I am looking forward to getting my full strength back.
Thanks again. You are a doll. Bless you, Pam

Now, what I need to do is help someone who is not as far along as I am in the healing process.

Hi Pam - your post could have described me!!! I am now 11 1/2 weeks and wondering if I will ever fit back into some of my jeans. I finally broke down and bought some, what I call old-lady granny jeans, you know the kind with the elastic waist! Then I got to thinking - I am an old lady grandma!!!!!!! They aren't the best looking things; however, I am COMFORTABLE! They help me make it through the day much easier than the tighter zip-up kind. I don't plan on wearing them forever; however, for now they work great. I am just soooooooo thankful my surgery is over and my health is much improved - I can deal with the bigger clothes a lot better then I could deal with the pain, etc.

Best luck to you - here's to better days!

Lori

Hi Lori, Many thanks to you. I sure am glad to know that I'm not the only one.
I guess I will have to make a trip to the "granny jean store" Ha!
and get some too.
I am so glad my surgery is over too. I am feeling better every day.
Take care of you, Pam

Pam,
I had a TAH on May 16, 2005 for endometriosis. I am wondering if your swollen belly is hard like a watermelon when you stand up and is soft and disapears when you lie down? Does it also feel heavy on your bladder by the end of the day? My belly grows by at least 3 inches from morning to night. It does seem to get bigger if I do to much that day. I cannot lay down and that seems like the only thing that helps. As soon as I get up it starts to grow again. There is no way I could fit into any of my pants. Not even sweat pants. I might have to go to the old lady jean store too! Just wondering if I am going crazy!??
Kat