Why is my tummy looking like this.

Hiya Everyone,

My operation was on 25th August 2004, TAH kept ovaries, bikini line incision.So coming up nearly 3 weeks.

Just above my incision my tummy is raised and hard exactly the same length as the incision, it is like a little tyre, when i turn side ways in the mirror it looks as if i need a small tummy tuck which before the OP my tummy didn't look like this, i don't think this is swelly belly or is it, will it ever go down i know it is still early days and i am allowing for swelling but it is so hard that it is concerning me, i can't go passed the mirror with out having a look it is driving me crazy.

Is anyone elses tummy looking the same as mine? does anyone know what i am talking about? As anyone experienced the same raised and hard swelling as i am experiencing?And how long does it take to go or will it ever go?

Someone please help.I wish i could post a pic on here so you could have a look.

Hi Mandy5,

I had my TAH on 7/29 and I know EXACTLY what you speak of!!! Yes it is frustrating to look at it but it will go down with time. Mine has gone down significantly since my surgery. Every day it seems to be a little better, it's not 100% gone, but it's better. I'm not sure what causes it but it is hard as a rock and still very tender to the touch.

And I know what you mean though, I'm thin so it's very noticeable and sometimes I have to let my pants out because it presses up against this "bump" and it hurts. I actually lost 5 lbs from my surgery (I was originally 137 lbs) and even though my pants are bagging on me every place else, they are tight around this "tire" not tight like uncomfortable but "snug" around that area, so thank god for the Stretch/Cotton twill pants from Victoria Secrets (that's all I can say).

I'm going for my 2nd post-op this Wednesday so I'm going to ask my surgeon about it. Like you I'm curious to know how long this thing is going to be around...


-Sue

Hi Mandy!

I know what you're talking about - I have it, too. I don't think it's part of swelly belly b/c it always seemed to stay the same - JUST THERE! I'm not sure why we get it, but it will get better. Although I still have it at 5 1/2 mos. post-op, it's not as bad. Mine is not hard anymore and I sure hope eventually it will flatten out.

I was told I could put cold packs on my tummy - over my clothes- and that might help for a while, but I think it really just takes time.
I just started abd. exercises (not the usual ones, these help the pelvic floor, as well), and I was told that should help.

Try not to worry about how your tummy looks just now. You still have lots of healing to do. Rest, drink lots of water, eat good (don't forget the M&Ms) and walk a bit. You will be able to get that belly in shape soon enough.

Try not to look in the mirror (although I know I do). You may not like the way your belly looks now, but remember you're beautiful on the inside.

Best of luck to you.

Oh! It's almost time for Oprah! You know she has a big anouncement to make today. (I got hooked on Oprah while recuperating).

Again, best of luck w/your recovery.

Aint it the truth?!!! I am 4 wks post-op, with the same tire above my incision. I've always had a full figure, just soft is what I like to say! LOL. I'm trying not to be too concerned about Ivan which is forecast to hit my area in the next four days, if you can believe the weather channel.

I started walking 4 blocks this ipast week and its really tiring and hard. I don't think I'm ready to drive yet (I have a stick shift Beetle) and I really feel left out of the loop....I'm at home, but I can agree on the Oprah thing, I have never really been crazy about tv shows, but I really am liking hers. I feel like a real couch potato potato! Take care of yourself and I think things will go back to normal soon. Every one heals differently.

bad news, I'm 6weeks post op and the "tire" is still there Lets face it alot went on in there during surgery (brusing, swelling, gas) and the healing needs to continue. So bring on those yoga pants!!!!

I remember the first time I saw the "tire" it totally freaked me out, I couldn't for the life of me figure out what it was. It has gone almost completly away now..thank goodness. Speaking of Oprah, she just gave away 276 cars on her shows season premiere.
Wynne

It gets better! I've just passed the 6 week mark, and I appear to be losing "tire pressure" LOL. It's not hard anymore and is getting less noticable, and is welcome to go away completely any time now, please!