over did it - 7 weeks out swelly belly

I am 7 weeks - TAH. Doing wonderfully, no complaints but in the midst of recovery we bought a house.....these things happen when you are bored to tears and need an escape! Anyway this past week decided to help DH with the painting and scrubbing and numerous trips to the dumpster in the driveway to get our current house in shape for the market. I am now experiencing some burning and pain, and worse of all, the return of the swelly belly. I have lost weight since the surgery, down to my regular happy weight but you wouldn't know it looking at me! Help - have others over done it and experienced the same problem?? Thanks for listening!

Hi betsyg44

I had surgery about 2 weeks before you, and I still get swelly belly when I have done too much, and my belly also gets tender to the touch.

My DR said this can go on for 6 months or so following surgery.
It is our bodies way of telling us that although we have gone through the initial healing phase, there is still a lot of mending going on inside.

Just listen to your body, learn it's limitations, and do accordingly.
It will get better and better as time goes on.

Congrats on your new house....enjoy it!

Rosalie

Rosalie: thanks so much for the feedback - my doctor said pretty much the same thing but after seeing a reduction in the swelling I got pretty full of myself and thought that the worst was past. I guess he was right after all - he also said that some days I'll have lots of energy and then the next day feel like I hit a wall. That turned out to be true as well! Oh well, live and learn! Take care!

I listen to my body just fine -- the problem is the wrong parts are talking to me!!! I'm especially listening to that voice that tells me I need chocolate.......

Just kidding, ladies. That advice is absolutely dead-on. I don't think there's a post-op who hasn't overdone it at least once or twice.

You'll know right away if you've done too much. The key is to recognize it as soon as you can, get yourself some and watch for any signs that you should call the doctor. Trust me -- your doctor would rather get a call that isn't *necessary* than to have you ignore a problem that needs his/her attention!

Best wishes to all!