Bleeding- how much? how long? why?

So, after my TVH (that's code for vaginal, keeping the ovaries, right?) how long should I expect to bleed? For how long? I have not had a period in years, so I have nothing on hand to deal with this, I am going blind into WalMart to pick whatever you great ladies tell me to get, then to go get the granny panties too.

Also, what exactly causes this bleeding? Is it just abdominal bleeding working its way out after the trauma of what happens in surgery?

I had a TVH 6 weeks ago. After the packing was removed the morning after surgery I had some bleeding. For the ride home I use a regular pad, but for the days following I only needed a panty liner. My spotting (pinkish, brownish)asted about 10 days and progressively decreased every day. My doctor told me that it is normal to expect spotting for up to 6 weeks as every one is different it is hard to speculate how long each of us will have discharge. It comes from the vaginal cuff where you are stitched as it heals. Your body will tell you if you over do it, as the discharge may increase. Please note that if it turns bright red to contact your doctor immediately as this could indicate a problem. Best of luck to you.

Hi,

I had TVH, kept ovaries but they took my cervix. I bought 1 pack regular pads but only used 2-3 before using panty liners. The loss was minimal and as with penguinlady, the spotting gradually disappeared over the following couple of weeks and barely negligible spotting appeared again when the stitches came away. Hope this helps and good luck.

Thank you both!

I had a TVH about 8 weeks ago. After they took out the packing, I had no bleeding. No discharge, no spotting. I didn't need a pad or even a pantyliner, although I had some on hand just in case. I bought a tummy pillow but didnt really need it. I took my pain meds and drank lots of water. I was too out of it to read or anything like that. Just keep the remote handy. I didn't have any problems getting in and out of bed, although my DH helped me a little the first day cause he was worried...Quick fix meals would be a good idea cause you probably won't feel like cooking and my DH is not very adept in the kitchen. My recovery has been great. Little pain, and no complications. The only thing I couldn't have lived without was Sonic Ice. You know, the little pellet kind that Sonic drive thrus serve? Its great in ice water and to crunch on, and they sell it in 8 lbs bags for like $1. I hope everything goes smoothly and good luck!!!

I had LAVH and had slight bleeding/discharge for about 6-7 weeks. It was very slight I only needed a panty liner. I was so pleased when it finally stopped!!!