I thought I'd missed the "swelly belly"

Hi,

I am 3 weeks post op today (LAVH). My stomach has been very flat, and I have lost weight since my surgery (at least one positive side effect !) All of the sudden, I've got this big swollen belly. I look 4 months pregnant, and everything is tight at the waist. I am NOT doing too much...laying around, being bored...all the same activities I've done since day 1. Why is this happening now? Pease, someone promise me it'll go away!!!


Karey

Karey - Lots of things lead to swelly belly...sitting for prolonged periods of time, walking more, bending etc. Continue to REST - feet up as much as you can.

Ibuprofen is also good for inflammation. I had swelly belly off and on for several months but it eventually went away.

Dot is right...spending more time resting OFF your feet will help swelly-belly, as the swelling is a sign of healing as well as a reaction to activity.

Actually, at about 3 weeks post-op, you may be entering the most "fragile" period of early recovery, according to a gyn. That's because most of your countless internal stitches are now beginning to dissolve, leaving weakened tissues to take over. You may swell more and have more "pulling, tugging" sensations.

This will go away eventually, but how quickly depends partly of the rest you get at this critical stage. It's happening now because this is another, more delicate phase of your recovery as internal stitches dissolve.

Hang in there, and keep those feet UP when you can!

My very best to you...

Linda

I am 10 weeks post op and still have swelly belly I t is driving me crazy I cant wear any of my pants and have been wearing overalls since the operation I had a TAH/Bso Im not trying to depress you but I have learned to just live with it untill I can exercise and get rid of it. I think it is the muscles that have been cut plus thae fact it they have moved everything around in there. Im only 32 so trust me I am not happy with this outcome either. Keep your chin up hopefully it will go down I am giving it 6 months before I freak out. Cabingirl

I want to know what "swelly belly" is. Is it water? Gas? Extra blood for healing? I don't have an incision, so I know it's nothing to do with my muscles, and if it's not fat I can't exercise it off. I've been craving (and eating) alot of salt lately....does anyone know if that can do it?

Karey

Hi, it's my turn to lend some support to the "swelly belly" situation. I had a TAH on 4/19 with no complications. I was Ms. Fit with rockhard abs until the surgery. All of a sudden I had the Swell Bell.

I have kicked and screamed for two months about it. All the hostesses here were right about rest, relaxation and slow motion. I didn't listen thinking I was going to be the exception.

Well, I am healing. My physiatrist (doc of movemnt/physical therapy) told me that I cannot will my swell bell away. It does take time.

P.S. Little by little, the swelling is going down. I am swimming gently, having messages and watching lifetime for women tv.

You are not the only one. Because I was CONVINCED I was.

Take Care.

MissMushyMushy

Thanks so much, Miss MM!

Swelly-belly is your body's reaction to the "injury" of your surgery. What does an injured ankle do when you walk on it? It swells. Same with your tummy. Your body retains fluid in the area to cushion and protect itself from the inflammation of the healing tissues. Swelly-belly is your body's reminder to you that there is still healing going on in there. That's why it can last for months, slowly tapering off. I had it for many months.

You may notice that the swelling gets worse with lots of sitting or an increase in activity. It's often more pronounced in the evening, at the end of a busy day. This is a normal part of recovery, but if you notice that the swelling increases, you should cut back on your activity and get more rest OFF your feet. This should help somewhat.

Of course, if you exercise your ab muscles too soon in an effort to get rid of it, it will most likely only make it worse. Try to be very aware of your body's reaction to your daily activities.

My very best to you...

Linda