incision site pain 7 months post TAH

I knew it would take "a while" for the pain around my incision to go away but after 7 months I still can't feel the skin from my navel to my incision and if I bump my abdomen against something, like leaning over the kitchen counter, it is very painful. I want to get back into a shape that doesn't resemble a bowling ball but I have no muscle use in my abs. Am I just impatient or is this something I need to be concerned about? Is there really anything that can be done other than "be patient and wait"?

I am almost 7 months and have a similiar experience. The doctor assured me that all is normal and patience is a must. He also tells me that I should go ahead and do abdominal exercises to begin to regain some strength and that there is no risk of doing damage through exercise at this point.

I don't know why we still have that pain, but I have the same thing. It's sore and especially hurts with my jeans buttoned. Doesn't seem to be anything unusually wrong though. I did not think I'd still be sore and fat at this point! Hormones (rather the lack of them), depression and exhaustion are not helping! Janet

Hi txifonly!

Have you mentioned the pain to your doctor? While it could be normal, it might be something else entirely so it would be a good idea to let your doctor know what is going on and ask for some suggestions.

s and best wishes to you!

Careful with the abs exercises... I too am numb in much of my tummy area and can't feel the workout. No, it doesn't exactly hurt (because of the numbness) but I am afraid that I might have over done it, unintentionally. I am worried about hernia or something going on because I am having swelly belly higher up, on right side, between belly button and ribcage. I am fluffy to begin with, but as I gaze down at my abs I can see that my puffiness is definitely uneven from side to side!

I also feel a pressure against my internal organs (bowel, liver?) when I lie in bed. I have been exercising at least 5 days a week for the past 5 months, including some ab strengthening. The problem is that I don't feel the tummy workout and I may have been putting too much weight on the machines. (I have also gained 20 pounds, but that is a different story.) I might be getting stronger, but, my belly is getting bigger and not toned at all! I am now mostly sticking to aerobic workout and leg and arm strengthening.

I have sore spots too. If I am poked (usually by a cat paw) or I bump certain parts, I just want to hit the ceiling! It's like touching sore trigger points. Try to be careful, and yes, be patient. The Best to You!

I am 6 months post op and still extremely numb in my tummy and incision area. My GYNE said it is normal for that to happen and also told me that some people never get total feeling back.

Thanks to everyone who responded. My husband keeps telling me that "it isn't normal" so now I can tell him that I AM normal....at least in that respect. I have put off the ab exercises thinking I would make it worse (and out of laziness) so I guess I will quit procrastinating and get with it. Bikini season is right around the corner! HAHAHAHA (Like I'd put THIS scar on display???) Thanks again to all of yall (yep, I'm from Texas) for making me feel normal again!