Swelly belly at 7weeks op????

I am feeling SO good (actually since 5 weeks post op) BUT why did I get such a HUGH belly yesterday.

Ok I did go to a lunch with girlfriend and BBQ at the neighbours but I didn't over-exert myself. Surely it is not doing too much at this late stage???

I also started working part-time the past week 3 days a week(so no overexertion there either)

I am wondering;(a little embarressing but I have to ask)

Could it be thaleI am not "relieving" myself thoroughly?IAfter op I seem to be able to feel my bowel a lot more. When I mean feel I mean I seem to feel it move through my bowel and then I get a bit of pain sometimes when it is "moving"

I don't know how else to explain it..but I am thinking of taking and enema or something to realy "clean" my bowel out .

I have NOT had this problem since my early days of recovery. so has anyone else had this situation or can anyone help me?


By the way my bowels work very regulary(thank GOD) so it seems weird that it is the above scenario..but it is the only thing I can think of.

thanks girls cheers
Kate

Katie - I had swelly belly off and on for 5 months...especially if I was on my feet a lot...sat too long...or walked too much. When that happened I took an ibuprofen and layed down.

I had that same feeling with the bowel movement...figured I was just bruised up inside. It finally stopped after I healed.

My doctor told me that the swelling generally lasts one month for each decade of your life. So, at 37, I can expect to have swelling for three to four months. This wasn't exactly what I wanted to hear ! I'm 18 days post-op now, and haven't even tried to put on my jeans. Luckily, I had lost quite a bit of weight over the last year and a half, and still have some of my "fat" clothes. I figure I can wear some of those pants when I return to work if I need to. For now, I'm sticking to sweat pants and other loose, elastic waist, comfy pants.

Hi Faye we are the same age and I also lost a great deal of weight over the past 2 years. Unfortunately I got rid of all my fat clothes from 75lbs ago but I still have some of my "transitional" sized jeans that I can get on comfortably.
I agree that loose clothing is the best for comfort. At home I practically live in all my flannel tartan sleep pants.
My husband has been a soccer coach for a few years so Ive been wearing his windsuit pants alot when running to the store or something.
I went to see Lord of the Rings last night but now I have major swelly belly, but mostly on my left side. Since the surgery my left side is way puffier than the right. I had a subtotal hyst and he left the cervix and and both ovaries, however he removed from cysts from the left ovary, I wonder it that is why.

Katie,

Your insides went through ALOT. They need time to re-arrange and get back in to their proper place. Be patient.

As far as an enema, I'd first check with your Dr. especially IF there is alot of pain during/after a BM. Maybe you need a stool softener (?)

Take it easy.

Renee'

You are not alone. There is a great thread on here about the swelly belly. You can also do a search for more info.
KD

Kate,

I don't feel you should use an enema for swelly-belly unless you check with your Dr. first. If your digestive system is working OK, it could needlessly stress your system. Just guess, but I'll bet it wouldn't fix it permanently.

I had swelly-belly on and off for at least 8 months. Your healing process will go on for up to a year, and as long as you're still healing in there, you can still get swelly-belly. I don't think it's always a matter of "over-exertion" as much as the fact that your healing tissues will react to your activity. As time goes on, you may notice that swelly-belly pops up at the end of a busy day.

What happens when you walk on an injured ankle? It swells. The "injury" of your surgery is what your body is responding to, and it really can take months. Be patient...it DOES get better!

My very best to you...

Katie,
I am now 15 weeks post-op, and i still have a bit of a swelly belly. my regular jeans FINALLY fit, but they are none too baggy! :cry: I have accepted the fact it will still take time. Look how much time it has already taken for me to get back into regular clothes. It's all been worth it..

kate

I'm 7 weeks post today for LAVH. I get dreaded also...and will notice it especially after doing too much during the day. In the evenings of the days I work, I come home, have dinner and all intentions are good to do some exercise or things around the house, but...to no avail, I usually end up in bed by 7-8 pm tops! I'm tired and need

Thats the toughest thing I've encountered since my surgery. Knowing when to say when. But, I've learned (the hard way) that I need to listen to my body and not my brain regarding recovery and I always feel better when I do.

When I saw BBQ...immediately I looked to see where you are from and realizing you are enjoying a beautiful summer made me jealous! It's cold here in the Pacific Northwest!! Brrrrr!!

Lori

I'm seven weeks post-op today and finally bought larger pants for my return to work in two days. My belly is enormous and I dread the thought of it staying forever!