Could this be adhesion or hernia?

Hello. Im 10 months over my laproscopic surgery. I had womb, cervix, ovaries, and tubes all removed, and pathology showed cancer grade 1a stage 1. The thing is, the last 6 months or so im getting what i think are intestinal issues. Bowels alternate between constipation and diarrhea and im so very sore to the touch around two of my scars. If they brush up against the kitchen counter it can be really sore. I also feel a tightness inside, and tend to walk a bit stooped, to kinda protect my abdomen. Standing or walking for too long is really painful too. Ive been trying since last summer to get back to see my doctors, and finally got seen in october. He did an internal exam of the cuff, said all seemed fine and he didnt take too much notice of my complaints about the abdominal pain although he booked me for ct scans. Anyways, the appointment date for the scans has finally come around for next week. Obviously on the one hand i have a fear of a cancer recurrence, but if its not that, does it sound like i could have adhesions or hernia i wonder? Has anyone had anything similar? Thanks for reading.

CT should help diagnose a hernia, have you check with a GP for a referral to a GI doctor?
Given you’ve been having GI issues for a while, it’s something I would explore

It's hard to say, though I wouldn't think a hernia would cause the symptoms you're experiencing. What did your scans reveal?

The sensitivity / soreness when you brush up against a counter sounds like nerve pain, and it's something I had between two of my incisions. It was 10-1/2 months before it was completely gone. Have you had any improvement at all?

While standing and walking or doing more than our bodies are ready to handle can lead to pain (for me it was cramps and swelling), again this usually diminishes over time. That you're still walking stooped over to protect your abs is not typical at this point.

Adhesions don't always have symptoms, but when they do, it can range from annoying to painful. If organs are sticking together which shouldn't be stuck together, perhaps that would lead to a tight feeling - or pain if the organ's function is affected. I had an adhesion which caused a bowel obstruction. The adhesion itself I never noticed, but once I experience bowel blockage, I was absolutely miserable with both pain and throwing up until I had surgery. The irony with adhesion surgery (including diagnosis via laparotomy) is that surgery can cause adhesions. Often surgery is an option where leaving them as they are creates more issues, or in emergencies like mine.

Not sure if an adhesion would cause alternating constipation-diarrhea. I had that back in September-October, and was starting to get concerned until I realized that I'd been lacking fiber in my diet. Once I added that back in and made sure I was getting enough water, the bulk returned. I've also found that stress can lead to diarrhea as well.

I do think a referral to a GI doctor is a good idea, and if that comes up empty, you may wish to get a referral to a pain specialist. Please keep us updated here.

Abdominal pain, and alternating between constipation and diarrhea, are classic signs of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, which a GI doctor can diagnose. While you're seeking a diagnosis, I recommend the Low FODMAPs Diet, a plan that targets these symptoms by identifying and eliminating foods high in fermentable carbohydrates, which are among the biggest culprits; keeping a food/symptom diary can help you to identify additional possible culprits. Filling up on soluble fiber from bananas, blueberries, oatmeal, and psyllium or chia seeds can help to resolve both constipation and diarrhea; and sitting on the throne after every meal can help to encourage regularity by stimulating the gastro-colic reflex, in which the stomach tells the brain that it's full, then the brain tells the colon to empty its contents, to make room for the new stuff coming in. Best wishes for finding fast resolution to these issues, and for your continued health!

I had abdominal hysterectomy in May 2021. I'm having similar symptoms and mild digestive struggle. I'm so glad I found this thread. I did go to my favorite comprehensive urgent care for initial assessment, bloodwork and ultrasound to tell me which direction to go - Gastro or Gyno. Everything normal in bloodwork and a few liver cysts in ultrasound. I'm glad I didn't get scared by internet research that makes you think everything is cancer.