Is it normal to have period-like cramps 3 weeks after a hysterectomy?

Hello Everyone!

I had a full abdominal hysterectomy with my ovaries left in on September 23, 2008. I know it is perfectly normal to have a little bit of pink spotting afterwards, which I did have. However, yesterday I had full on bleeding for about an hour and then it stopped. I was not doing anything except sitting readying a book so I wasn't over doing it. Today I have cramps just like I'm going to get my period. Is bleeding and cramps normal three weeks after a hysterectomy?

Hugs,

Mrs. RG

As for the bleeding, I would definitely call your doctor to see what they say. I just had lapro. Since it didn't last, it is probably ok, but always best to call the dr.

As for the cramping, I had terrible cramping pain, worse than I had before surgery, associateed with my bad constipation that I had for the 2 - 3 weeks post surgery. It took 3 weeks for my GI system to get back to normal.

best of luck.

Hi longhorn2008!

Yes, have appointment with my doctor this week and will tell her everything.

I can relate to the GI problem! Had horrible constipation too and finally this week (my 3rd week after hyst) I am starting to have "normal" bowel movements again. But the cramps I had last night weren't from constipation. These were just like PMS cramps which has me totally mystified. Anyway, when I got up this morning the cramps went away. Hmm...go figure. Just one more thing to add to my list to discuss with my doctor this week.

Anyway, I wish you a healthy and speedy recovery.

Hugs,

Mrs. RG

I just talked to my doctor about some pain that showed up at 6 weeks post-op for me. He mentioned that I might be ovulating (yes, I kept my ovaries). He said that sometimes things are still healing and settling in, and I might experience some discomfort and not to be worried. If the pain lasts more than 2 weeks, I'm supposed to give him a call back.

Thank you for the responses.

I had a false sense of security because I had my 1 month followup and my dr gave me okay to slowly increase my activity and talked about beign able to do simple exercise at 6 weeks. I encourage anyone else reading this to go the more conservative route that this site advocates. If my doctor had just said I still shouldn't bend down, then I wouldn't have done it. we are in that in between zone so very hard to know what is okay and what isn't. Some people increase there activity more quickly and are okay, but it is not worth the risk.

I am really stressing out and have learned my lesson (I hope not too late.) thanks. you gals are really great.

I feel your pain, literally. I am 36 and 5 weeks post op and as crazy as it seems, I am having cramps and no ovaries. What's this about?

My swelling has gone way down and ahem (I am regular) but yesterday afternoon at work although I having a desk job, I started to get bloated and cramping like I was going to start my period!

I am a little frustrated and am hoping that this is only temporary as I have suffered with endometriosis for years and after being a guinea pig with no success and no children this was the last option. (My husbands swimmers were tested and good swimmers)

Other than this crazy thing, I have been feeling the best that I have in years! I am not going to stress too much about it as I see the doctor on Thursday for my 6 week check-up but in the meantime if anyone who has had everything removed and have been experiencing cramping period like symptoms, advice would be appreciated!

Hi. I to had a total 1 year ago and i have been having the period like cramps, saw my doctor on monday and he blew it off as bladder problems. I know it is not my bladder. It feels like menstrual cramps. I also have experienced pains with bowel movements to the point i feel like i could pass out. I am now looking into a second opinion. I feel like i go through all of this and im still stuck with pain and lets not forget frequent urinating, insomnia, sweats and mood swings.

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Originally Posted by nosense504 Hi. I to had a total 1 year ago and i have been having the period like cramps, saw my doctor on monday and he blew it off as bladder problems. I know it is not my bladder. It feels like menstrual cramps. I also have experienced pains with bowel movements to the point i feel like i could pass out. I am now looking into a second opinion. I feel like i go through all of this and im still stuck with pain and lets not forget frequent urinating, insomnia, sweats and mood swings.

Just a thought, I would ask new doc. about possible adhesions.

I am only 13 days out from TVH/BSO, and I have also had cramps like I would with my cycle. I plan on asking my surgeon about it at my checck up on Wednesday. I saw my family doctor last Friday and when I mentioned it to her, (She also delivered my daughter & has assisted with my surgeon on several procedures) she said it could be a phantom pain. It is generally associated with people who have had amputations for whatever reason, but it is a real medical condition that can be treated as it affects the nerves in the area that is left. I suppose a hysterectomy could be like an internal amputation, so I guess it is a possibility. I will post after I see what my surgeon says. Good luck in your recoveries!!

I have them too, I am almost 4 weeks out from my TAH. Weird, isn't it, it feels JUST LIKE menstrual cramps.
I ran it by my dr, he said a lot of his patients have these crampy feelings, some for longer than others. He asked me if I thought it was low belly gas pains, I dunno, I suppose it could be?
I could swear it was my uterus cramping up.