New to board - can anyone help?

My sister had a TAH (and both ovaries removed, sorry, can't remember the abbreviation) on 4/29 for ovarian cancer. I'm here helping her out and found your site. I thought I'd ask some of the questions she's been agonizing over:

She says it feels like her incision is ripping open, but it clearly is not, as far as we can see! Has anyone else experienced this?

She is concerned about discharge with odor.

She's got a killer headache; she compares it to a caffiene withdrawal headache.

Mostly, I guess we are both just concerned that she is still feeling so crummy after 3 weeks. She's been up walking around 4 times a day, at least, but that's still wiping her out. I've been here for almost 2 weeks, and I'd say she has felt no better in that time.

Her doctor says she's fine, healing well, she should be glad she only had stage one cancer and doesn't need chemo, she should give it 6 to 8 weeks. Does that mean you feel horrible for 6 to 8 weeks and then wake up feeling great, as opposed to a gradual improvement?

Sorry so long - thanks in advance for any insight.

Hi Gene's Sis and welcome to you and your sister!

I'll try and help with some of your questions.

1) I had a TAH BSO for cervical cancer. My incision was a horizontal bikini cut type. I can't say that it ever felt like it was ripping open, though it was uncomfortable. I had staples for the first week, followed by steri-strips for the next two. If this is a new sensation for her, it may be the nerve endings "waking up" and causing it to feel that way for her. If it is really painful and has been, then I think your sister needs to be persistent and speak with her Dr. as this type of pain should not be so intense.

2) A discharge is very common and often times the odor is associated with internal stitches dissolving. Again, she should ask her Dr. to be sure this is normal for her.

3) Hmmm...headache. I am prone to killer headaches when I take narcotic pain meds. For me, I've found that making sure I eat something, even if just a small snack, when I took them would help with avoiding the headaches. It could also be hormones. If she's taking HRT or not taking it, the headaches could be a result from that.

4) As far as how she's feeling in general...initial recovery for this surgery is 6-8 weeks, so she sounds normal in that respect. Her exercise should be limited to frequent, short s, her endurance will gradually improve as she heals.

I'd also like to suggest that she write a list of questions to ask her Dr. It's very easy to forget when and having a list is a great help, at least for me. seems to get us all!

Best wishes and s

Hope your sis is doing better, There will be pain but it will go away and yes it is gradual. She will start noticing it in small ways. Is she is really concerned she should call her MD. Best of luck

Hi there,
You didn't mention if your sis was still taking pain meds. Pain meds give me the same type of headache you are describing. Like caffeine withdrawal. Then, for me, it goes into a migraine. UGH! Also, hormones could be playing a role as well. When I am released from the hospital, I am only taking Motrin to control the pain and I am perfectly OK with that given my history with pain med allergies! I hope the headache goes away soon!

My sister had a doctor appointment at 10 days post-op, and her doctor said he will see her again in AUGUST, unless she has any problems! She isn't sure if these are the kinds of problems he meant. Looking at the board, it seems like everyone else is having 4-week and/or 6-week post-op appointments. How often are you all being seen?

As for the headaches: yes, she has an estrogen patch, and yes, she is still taking Darvacet, but only as needed (maybe once every three days or so, when she has a really bad day). Mostly just going without pain meds or taking Excedrin. I guess it could be one or the other.

If I were suffering from bad headaches, I would call the DR. August sounds like a very long time. No 6 week "all clear to resume normal activities"? Doesn't sound right! Is she cleared to take aspirin? Is that the active ingredient in Excedrin?
I hope she feels better soon!

All I can add is for your sis If the discharge is foul smelling it could indicate an infection.

It is* unusual* not to have a follow-up with the dr. at about 6 weeks. I think you need to persist with her dr. about these problems, if just for your/her peace of mind. If the surgeon will not see her, perhaps her GP will. If not, you have the option of urgent care or the ER open to you.

It does take time to feel better. More time than it seems like it should. But there can be infections and other complications, too. I would err on the side of caution, myself.