Post-op Heavy Bleeding

Help! Just wondering if anyone else has experienced sudden, heavy bleeding post-op? Sunday, after a pretty busy weekend (traveled 2 hour drive w/Drs. permission, went to niece's wedding shower, couple garage sales...) I was resting and all of the sudden gushed bright red blood and golf ball sized blood clot. I estimated it to be 1-2 cups of blood. After I took a shower and dressed the bleeding all but stopped!

Called Dr. who was on call, drove home (my partner drove, I reclined!) and went to see him Monday morning (not my Dr--he is on vacation). He did a vaginal & pelvic exam and cauterized one small spot that he thought might have been the problem. He told me everything looked good, I was healing very well and could now lift up to 25 lbs! I felt great afterward and had "clearance" so I went to the library and checked out 10-12 books then I went grocery shopping for the first time since surgery.

Then, %@#%*@!, it happened again Monday night. I called Tuesday morning, and was told to come in. Saw yet another Dr. because now the other guy is on vacation. She did another vaginal & pelvic exam and told me to AVOID lifting anything over 10 lbs., stair climbing, vacuuming, etc. etc.. She said some blood from inside needed to get out and it was good that it did because otherwise it might get infected. Said extra activity caused it to come out--then tells me to not be so active? What if the blood then stays in and gets infected??? Where is the blood coming from? Am I bleeding internally? Is this normal?

I am so discouraged and so tired of not being able to do what I want to do. I am tired of resting. And I am scared something is wrong and they don't really know what it is. If it happens again they want me to have a CAT scan.

Anyone have same/similar experience? I would love to hear from you!

Thanks so much--

Mackie

Hi Mackie.

I had the LAVH and on Day 16 had heavy bleeding soaking about a maxi an hour for several hours. Also passed fist-sized clots several times. This was a Sunday and the only thing I did was vacuum and push a chair to the side so I could get under it. Doc said it was normal and that the internal stitches loosen up around the 2-week mark. I went saw him first thing that Mon. and he swabbed the deck with silver nitrate (OUCH) and my bleeding stopped almost immediately.

I still have red spotting but no profuse bleeding. I have since gone back to almost all my activities with the exception of any lifting/strenuous stuff, but I do drag laundry baskets and vacuum. Haven't gotten down on my knees to scrub the floor yet, but other than that, it's been good.

I was told to listen to my body. If I start to bleed heavier, then get back on the couch for a few hours and read or nap. When it slows, then I can move around more. It'll be 4 weeks for me on Friday and so far I just get red/pink spotting and mostly on the TP. No more pad-soaking.

IMHO I think it's normal, but ALWAYS check w/your doc.

Hi Donna and thank you for replying I really appreciate your input. I think the A"listen to your body" advice makes more sense than anything I have heard so far. My "episode" took place on Day 24 and 25. What is the LAVH? I had a total hysterectomy, abdominal incision. Same thing? I am not familiar with the abbreviations. And IMHO? LOL! I need a dictionary! )

Hi. Check out the very first annoucement thread posted by Kathy on the post-op forum -- it has a list of the types of hyster. and abbreviations -- also some of the text-messaging slang that is used on-line. I type very quickly and don't always use it -- unless I have to make a fast trip to the toilet.

I know it's hard to "rest" - I'm 2 1/2 weeks post op and I'm bored silly. But it sure sounds like you both are doing way too much housework too soon. Why do you feel the need to vacuum so soon? Take care of yourselves first - the housework will get done eventually and you are way more important.

wow, vacuuming? I can't imagine, and i'm only 3 1/2 weeks out. I get my husband and or one of my 2 boys to do it. And a do bleed a little. On Sunday, I did pass a small clot. Doctor said that can be normal, but if it continued, so call him again. It did not happen after that. But last night after Choir practice, I bled again, but not a lot. I guess the singing it too much?

Nooo, vacuuming is not on my list of priorities My loving partner, Norma, has taken such good care of me AND the housekeeping. I just want to be outside, gardening, landscaping, enjoying Spring! But, remember those 10-12 books I checked out from the library? Reading the 4th one right now.

I haven't been singing in the choir for a long time, so I don't know if that is too much or not. I guess it depends on what kind of choir and what kind of music--like Whoopi Goldberg/Sister Act style could get you into trouble! lol!

Mackie

Okay! I am TAH! Thanks for the tip

the songs that we sang our in the upper register.

tah 5/22 ..mackie had the same thing over the weekend then wednesday night again.my dr thinks its the healing process.when it strikes i really wonder though it makes one nervous to venture too far without secruity precautions in place.i know i have extra set of clothing in trunk just in case
dawn