Having some problems nine months later...

Sisters--
I haven't posted in a while, but am having some issues rlated to my hysterectomy that I need some advice about.

The first problem is that I was feeling really yucky--stomach pain, nausea, etc.,--and then started spotting, so I went to see my doctor. I have granulated tissue and an infection at the top of my vaginal wall (where my cervix was), and my surgery was over 9 months ago! Is this normal??? Should I worry about this?

Also, I still have a lot of "swelly belly" issues. I used to be really proud of my stomach; it was nice and flat, but now it seems that my body is just not cooperating with exercise or anything that I'm trying. Are there any tricks for shrinking a still-swollen belly?
Thank you for any advice!
Shannon

shannon2000,
i had my TAH on 5/25/07 (3+mos ago). I have been having the swelly belly, pains and spotting. I went to the doc and was found to have granulation tissue on the vaginal cuff. Doc scraped off the tissue and cauterized. Despite this treatment, i still had the same symptoms. Finally the doc recommended that i have surgery to correct this. I had laser ablation of the vagina - which lasered off the granulation tissue. I just had this done this past tues 8/28. I am still recovering from the anesthesia, but hoping that this is going to help me heal faster.

the doc said that i am a slow healer. this is very common and i've heard many women have this same issue. you are not alone. did you doc treat the vaginal cuff and infection?

as far as swelly belly, i'm not sure what the cure for that is. i am assuming that once it is healed internally, the swelly belly should subside. I believe the swelly belly is part of the healing process. It probably swells because we've been doing too much or there is alot of pressure around the area.

anyways, just wanted to let you know that the granulation tissue on the vaginal cuff is common. my doc now says it could take 6 mos to a year to become fully healed. i know you are frustrated, as i have been. i just want to get back to my norm. just be patient and listen to your body. I have learned that now that i have had a 2nd surgery. What we went through was a huge procedure and it sometimes takes other's to heal longer than others.

take care! wishing you the best!

We have a couple articles which you might find helpful!
Vaginal Cuff Granulation
Swelly Belly Help

Both granulation and swelly belly can last for many months. Continue to take care of yourself, exercise, drink plenty of water, and stay in touch with your doctor as needed!

Best wishes to you! s

Thanks, ladies!
I think I am just getting impatient and think that I should be "normal" by now. I am on my second round of antibiotics for the granulated tissue, and am hoping to avoid the cauterization--that does NOT sound fun! I appreciate the help and reassurance. After two major surgeries, I'm more of a worry wart than I used to be.
Shannon

Is this a common thing to happen? I had my hysterectomy on 4/23/2007. So I'm a little over 4 months post op. I had everything out except my cervix. It was glued in there due to the endometriosis. I'm not on any form on HRT. I never ever realized it would take so long for my body to heal from this surgery. I knew it was major surgery, but I figured I'd be doing all the stuff I did before in about a month's time after the surgery. Now I'm 4 months out and still don't have all my strength back, though I'm not nearly as anemic as I was before. I tried to do things too fast, but my body told me otherwise. My scar healed well. It goes from one side of me to the other, across my stomach. Had my gallbladder out after the surgeons were done doing the hysterectomy. So I had 2 surgeries in one day and I hope I don't have any future problems. I do have to urinate all the time. I live in the bathroom, and I can't hold it like I could. I'm 45 and wonder if it's always going to be like this? Hot flashes started getting really bad about 7 weeks post op. I can't tell if I still have swelly belly or not because I'm not really thin. I've tried everything to lose weight and nothing works.