Post-Op Concerns

Hi all... I had a LAVH on May 29. I have three questions...
1.) I am still cramping quite a bit where my uterus was and where the ovaries still are. Sometimes the pain is sharp and sometimes it is a constant pain. I thought that it was "gas" and non-bowel movement for 2 days pain. But once I finally had a BM, the pain was still there and I can't tell the difference in the before and after pains. How long does the pain normally last? Does a heating pad work (like it does for cramps)? Or is ice better?

2.) I do have my ovaries still. I was in peri-menopause before the surgery. It was showing through with night sweats and bad PMS. I am now experiencing major hot flashes (5 or 6 bouts a day). I am waking up with night sweats every few days. Has anyone had a problem like that and then the ovaries kick back in shortly after?

3.) This gets kinda personal? (like everything else right lol)... I am having leakage problems. I cannot determine if it is vaginal drainage or if I am leaking urine. I am having to wear a pad and changing it ever time I go to the potty. (Now this is kinda gross but) it come is waves. I can stand up or twist or something like that and I can feel it come out. It is not pink or red, does not have an odor. I am on antibiotics for a possible UTI. I have had several kidney/bladder problems. So, I guess my question is what drainage is "normal" after the surgery? I am worried that this is starting to be bladder problems.

Sorry about all of these questions but I am just wondering if other women are/have had these issues after their surgery.
I hope that everyone enjoys their weekend!
It will be kinda rough for me (pain and exhaustion wise). My DD graduated tonight and we are having a big party tomorrow for her. Hopefully I can sneak into the back and nap once and a while!

Thanks in advance for ya'lls help!

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Kurt'swife Hi all... I had a LAVH on May 29. I have three questions... 3.) This gets kinda personal? (like everything else right lol)... I am having leakage problems. I cannot determine if it is vaginal drainage or if I am leaking urine. I am having to wear a pad and changing it ever time I go to the potty. (Now this is kinda gross but) it come is waves. I can stand up or twist or something like that and I can feel it come out. It is not pink or red, does not have an odor. I am on antibiotics for a possible UTI. I have had several kidney/bladder problems. So, I guess my question is what drainage is "normal" after the surgery? I am worried that this is starting to be bladder problems.

Hi Kurt'swife--first, as any of the hostesses would advise, PLEASE call your doctor. Knowing you probably can' t get much info until Monday...I'll tell you my story.

At about day 5 post-op, I started having minor leakage problems. Not waves like yours, just gradual. Anyway, I can't tell if it's discharge/drainage or urine, either. I had my post-op this morning and asked the dr about it. He said it was totally normal and it would go away with time. That said, I haven't had a recent history of UTIs and he did NOT do a vaginal exam--he just examined my FIVE incisions and said they were healing well.

BTW, it was kind of funny, the pain I had when he pulled off my bandages was the worst post-op pain I've had.

So...hope your problem is like mine (just part of healing), good luck on getting the answers you need!

:smile2:

Thank you Marisela! I really appreciate your advice! I am planning on calling my doc on Monday. I was just there on Wednesday and I totally forgot to mention it to him. The leakage is getting more though and more noticeable.
I had an ablation in Feb 2009 and I would have to agree with you about taking the bandages off! It was painful to get the stitches out! The doc had to dig them out! OUCH
Thanks again!

Hi
It sounds like most of what you are experiencing can be within normal expectations. Try not to over do things.
The 'leakage' your experiencing may well be fluid from the pelvic cavity a combination of the saline wash as well as that produced by the body as part of the healing process.
The pain could be gas. They pump quite a bit into you during the surgery and some surgeons are more diligent than others trying to remove after surgery. Hot packs, walking/moving, lying on the left side all will help eventually. Many women try gas-x but make sure the ingredients do not interfere with any medicine you may be taking.
I kept my ovaries but felt kinda funky for a while. I wouldn't say I had hot flashes but I went through periods a feeling very warm then very cold. I also need deodorant all the time for a while. At 5 months I think it has settle itself but the weather around here is crazy and I do not know how to dress.
Feel good and happy healing

Thank you hope09! I am planning on calling the Doc on Monday just to check in. I am probably over-reacting but I don't want to have problems and make it worse by ignoring them.
Have a great weekend!

Good idea no good ever comes from ignoring a problem
feel good soon