Can't wear underwear or pants without pain . . .help!

Hi all,

I am 6 days post op (TLH and removal of ovaries). I have to go to work on Tuesday (at 12 days post OP) and I am already terrified about what to wear. I wanted to venture out for a one minute walk down the street today, but couldn't find anything suitable. Underwear is so painful--I either wear none or my hubby's boxers with the elastic waistband cut out. I can't wear even my over-sized pajama pants because the elastic kills my stomach. The thought of walking down the street in my nightgown with no panties just didn't do it for me. I keep reading about you all wearing Spanx and binders and the very thought of trying to get this sore belly into Spanx makes me want to cry with pain. How on earth do you squeeze into those without pain?

Is it normal to have this level of abdominal sensitivity? There's no way any type of underwear or even the comfiest yoga pants in the world would work for me. Someone please tell me that I will come a long way in the next week--when will this go away?

Are you sure you should go back to work on Tuesday?? I had a TLH and kept my ovaries a month before you on Feb. 18 and I am still home. My plan is to return to work on April 12.

I haven't had any trouble with my underwear, but have been wearing comfy yoga type pants. My stamina still isn't built up enough to be going to work. People heal differently, but during my third week I had a bit of a roadblock after feeling like I had turned a corner. I got REALLY tired again and feeling lots of tugs, aches, and pains. Part of that I think was only taking ibuprofen once a day.

I wear a binder and it actually helps me feel like my belly is secure and protected. I haven't attempted to squeeze into Spanx yet.

If you are having this much discomfort at home while resting, I think you should talk with your dr about postponing your return to work. Remember, we have lots of stitches internally that have to heal.

Good luck to you and keep us updated on how you are doing. Take care!

Wow Elissamr that is too quick to go back! Please check with your dr. I know that many people financially can not afford to be off, but if you can please rest your body. Did you come home with a binder? If not, then I can tell you that it has saved many a woman's life. It is not like pressure, but support to hold all that stuff together without the usual things being present in the abdomen. The "store" offers the binders and I cannot recommend it enough. Also, it takes the "pressure" points from the panties that you have and softens the line in the waist/hip area. Things will improve as the weeks progress, but it takes time. Hang in there...

WOW! You must be superwoman! I am 14 days post op and am still tired all the time. Not planning on returning to work for at least two more weeks. Do you have to go back so early? I am with you on the tummy situation. I can't wear undies and am only wearing sweats. I got out a pair of jeans today and tried them on....I have about 3 inches to go before I can close them. I swear it's like we've had babies or something. I wonder how long it will take for the swelling to be gone? Hang in there sister!

I got some panties so big I can pull them way up over the waist, and pants like that, too. It keeps the pressre off but none too attractive or morale building. Would that work?

I wore nighties for the first two weeks, I ended up buying a body shaper, not as tight as spanx and not as expensive, it worked as it went up to my armpits. lol.

I would talk to your doctor and see if you could be off work longer or do you have to go back early?

I hear you on the stomach hurting and having trouble finding things to wear. It does get easier and the pain continues to go down

Greyown ~ I did the same thing

I'm at the 3 week mark and still don't have the energy back and
still have some pain.

Let us know how you are doing. gentle hugs

	Quote:
Originally Posted by crazigerl I wore nighties for the first two weeks, I ended up buying a body shaper, not as tight as spanx and not as expensive, it worked as it went up to my armpits. lol.

Ouch Crazigerl! You made me laugh!!

Thanks for all the replies. I really wish I didn't have to go back to work--I'm surprised (and jealous!) at all the time off you guys are getting. My GYN told me 10 days was always more than plenty. I always had never even heard of a binder until coming here. I think I better invest.

I really do have to go back--I'm a college instructor and the new term starts next week, so it would be really horrible to have to bring in a substitute for the first week of a 12 week term (plus even with a doctor's order, my department chair wouldn't look so kindly on it and I'm hoping for tenure, etc.; academia is not a friendly place for women). Luckily I just teach Tuesdays and Thursdays and can rest in between.

My pain is all higher on the abdomen, along the line where the belly button and the two side incisions are. Stabbing pain on the sides that switches sides back and forth, even with the paid meds. I might send hubby out for some serious granny panties and see what he can come up with.

Sigh. Thanks again for the replies. At least I know I'm not the only one who has been through this.

Elissamr -

I would highly recommend a loose dress if possible and no undies. My lymph node dissection caused what appears to be some long term nerve damage that keeps me from wearing undies and dress pants except on very rare occasions.

I know do longer skirts, long skirted dresses and no undies.

for your return to work.

G.