Recovery Progress Reports for Hysterectomy dates Apr 02-Apr 08,2012

Hello ladies,

Day 15 of recovery for me been doing little things here and there trying not to do too much. I have noticed really light spotting these last two days im assuming its the healing. My question for you all is do you notice that if you have swelly belly starts to occur in the late afternoon. Mine usually starts around 3:00 and lasts all night and is back to normal in the morning. Is this from me overdoing this or is this the normal process of recovery

Wish you all good healing and hugs.

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Originally Posted by shar22869 Hello ladies, Day 15 of recovery for me been doing little things here and there trying not to do too much. I have noticed really light spotting these last two days im assuming its the healing. My question for you all is do you notice that if you have swelly belly starts to occur in the late afternoon. Mine usually starts around 3:00 and lasts all night and is back to normal in the morning. Is this from me overdoing this or is this the normal process of recovery Wish you all good healing and hugs.

Hi Shar22869,
The spotting is normal and should pass. With regards to swelly belly, it usually does come late in the day and I think it is down to tiredness. Obviously, you've had major surgery and as you progress during the day, the body gets tired. It can also swell if you overdo things.
I still hear from ladies from my recovery forum who suffer from swelly belly.

Hugs

Sue xx

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Originally Posted by MJB68 Hi Sisters; my name is Jo, I had my total hysterectomy on April 2nd, (LAVH), left the ovaries in. Wish I had found the site much sooner than I did. Things seemed pretty good around day 4, in fact I snuck some housework in when no one was looking (a big no-no), and I found it actually quite difficult to sit around. However, in the next week that followed, I noticed that what I assumed was irritation from the foley catheter at hospital, was turning into a complete inability to pass urine, major spasms in my urethra, and then came the back pain. I kept telling myself it's common, and to give it time, until I broke out in the worst fever of my life. Temp was 103.5. I really scared my kids with all the seizure like shivering and teeth chattering. My husband got home and brought me immediately back to the hospital, where I learned I had a bladder and kidney infection and it was quite severe. 72 hours after the antibiotics we're given time to work, my bladder felt terrific and the fevers stopped. Amazing how life can change when you can't pee! I was on top of the world, but definately taking it easy. My body felt like it had been through war at that point. But then 2 days later I spiked another fever - just like the 1st really bad one I had. I tell you I wanted to give up at that point and was praying for a coma! This went on for 24 hours, off and on, but this time when it hit me, my hands and feet would go numb, my body would ache and burn and for some odd reason, the soles of my feet were the color of red kook-aid! Come to find out my blood sugars were through the roof. I've only ever had occasional low sugars. So now I need to go in when I'm feeling a bit better (it finally let up 2 days ago), and figure put what's up with that?! My external incisions are fine. They get a little itchy, and I use vitamin E oil on them. Internally, I do feel little twinges of pain here and there when I am laying down, but nothing extraordinary and I am assuming it is just healing. Hormonally, I feel quite challenged. I have never "not" cared about things so much in my life and I do cry a lot when no one is around. I don't think my ovaries are awake and I am just praying that they don't stay in their slumber because I feel like I've had enough at this point. So main concerns at this point are nausiated, (have no urge to eat whatsoever), depression, (no hormones?) and fatigue (even though I am resting 90% of the time). And I am sorry to be so negative.

Hi Jo,
Welcome to the forum and sorry to hear you've had a rough time. Your concerns are natural at this stage and something we've all gone through. I didn't eat for 2 weeks after my op, I was told it could take up to 6 months for the ovaries / hormones to sort themselves out and you will be tired cos you've had major surgery.
I cried all the time and went through symptoms of pre-menstrual to menopausal to grief. I couldn't understand it and only realised it was normal from chatting to other ladies on the forum.
Everyone heals at different times and some don't have these symptoms but others. It's very early days for you and your body is recovering - just take every day as it comes, rest as much as you can, drink water and log on regularly for support.

Big hugs

Sue xx

Hi Ladies,
Hope you are all recovering well. Some of you may be thinking of returning to work which, if you can, I would suggest you take as long as possible recovering and staying at home. It may seem that you are able to do many things but you need to remember that you have had major surgery and your body needs time to heal - even desk jobs can be stressful and it can be painful sitting all day. I listen to my body as I certainly don't want to go through further surgery later on because I did too much in the early stages. After all, it takes up to a year for your body to heal internally. I knew when I had overdone it - I ended up back on the sofa or in bed.

I am 16 weeks post-op and still take it very easy with lifting, pushing and pulling. I ask for help and assess how heavy something is before I lift it.

Big hugs and happy healing

Sue xx

Keep the faith Murray and take time healing sister. You have been through hell and back so don't let your mind fool you into doing to much. Rest!

Shar. I too notice swelly belly as the afternoon rolls along... I put a heat pack (wet washrag zapped in microwave and wrapped in dish towel) on my lower back as I lounge and it makes me feel so much better and a fresh one as I go to bed helps me fall asleep easier.

Jo ~I dont think you are being negative at all, you are being real and honest....... Goodness what you went through with infection/fever..... I was 2 yr post menopausal before hyster. I did it without HTR.I did my research and requested the Vivelle Patch. I have had a few mild hot flashes but so far that is it, I mght need a higher dose, not sure yet. I was happy working it natural for 2 ys but didnt wnt to after hyster. So good luck with it naural but dont feel defeated if you decide HTR. I did find natural hard.......(((((((hugs)))))))

Hey guys!! I'm 15 days post LAVH with Anterior/posterior repair with suprapubic catheter placement. I finally removed the catheter yesterday. I pee like an old man with enlarged prostate. I Will be glad when that all goes back to normal.
I was having belly pain today so took a pain pill. I have felt groggy all day. Will be glad when I can function all day without the need of pain medicine. Not
having swelly belly thank goodness.
But I have been experiencing weird
vague pains in general location where
my ovaries used to be. Guess that
will pass as I heal. Anyway I'm grateful
for this website. Hang in there my fellow friends! Take care of yourselves!

Hi Ladies. I had my robotic surgery on April 5th, so exactly 2 weeks ago today. Apparently, because of C-section scar tissue, they had to make an extra incision. So, I have 6 instead of the normal, 5.

All in all I feel OK. Like some of the rest of you, just bored. My biggest issue is that I can't wear most normal pants/shorts. Because of the waist band and 3 incisions on my waistline, anything short of boxers or jammie pants are uncomfortable. I've managed to get out of the house a few times wearing maternity shorts or pants/shorts that I can zip but don't have to button. But, after just a couple of hours, it's uncomfortable. So, because of that, I feel completely confined at home. Which is probably a good thing because I'm that type that would be going because I "thought I felt better".

I still have awful gas. When it hits... yikes! I have to breathe through it like labor. But, it's only once or twice a day and once I get the BM out, I'm usually OK.

I am taking it easy the next couple of days, trying to work up to a concert I promised to take my 7 year old to this weekend. When I promised her, I honestly thought I would be in a better position to do so. It's still three days away, and as it turns out, it's supposed to rain and it's an outside concert. As much as I would love to go and take her, it might be best if the "rain" keeps us away.

Can't wait to read more about everyone's progress.

Pch-ga,
I hear you on the gas pain! My TLH was on 4/6 so I'm ok pain wise w 5 incisions but right before a BM I'm literally sidelined with gas pain. Once the gas strikes (usually in the am) I have to hunker down, breathe, let it pass and then head to the bathroom. Crazy. It's not my favorite alert that a BM is coming, lol. Hopefully this passes as a symptom soon!

I'm taking short walks around the block but only ventured in a car once so far, with my belly binder, yoga pants and a pillow. I survived but it's exhausting. Hope everyone is doing well.