Help, what`s the pain infection? Hernia?

Hi, I am coming up to 7weeks since my TAH and BSO.

I was doing fine to begin and woundpain all but dissappeared. About 2 weeks post op I had an infection in the wound at the drain site which was treated with strong antibiotics, a week later I noticed a small lump under this area which was painful - I ignored it for another week or so putting it down to healing , but the pain got worse and the size of the lump increased. I went to see my local Dr and he put me on more antibiotics and said if it didn`t dissappear in a week I`d need to see my gyne Dr again ( forgot to mention I was also feeling flu like and am very,very tired). Well, anti biotics didn`t solve the problem lump is about the size of a small orange and is very painful, especially when standing.

Went back to see the gyne surgeon/Dr, she said it could be an infection or fluid filled cyst, or a hernia but would need a scan to show this, but there`s a waiting list for this, don`t know what to do I still feel bad but felt as though the gyne was dissmissing me. I really don`t think it`s a hernia because it seems to be to high up in my abdo, and it didn`t come on quickly.

I`ve also constantly got cystitis and passing urine has been so painful since the op, and the estrogen patches were reacting badly so have now started to use estrogel. I just feel utterly rubbish and tired, & forgetful, which doesn`t help as my kids need me and I can`t keep relying on my family for support as at nearly 7 weeks post op they all think I should be better and back to normal.

Sorry this is so long. I'm just wondering if any of you can help me or offer any advice, or have suffered the same.
Thanks
Haf

haf, how long do you have to wait for a scan?
When I had a very bad post op infection at the age of 15, I felt like you describe. No appetite, no energy, increasing pain, etc. I was like this for a month and a half or two. Finally, I was admitted for 2 weeks for iv antibiotic therapy. If you aren't feeling a little better each day, and you are following docs orders, something is wrong. Did the doc swab it for a culture or anything? Please keep us worried sisters up on your progress and get well soon!

Hi idahonurse,

Thanks for your reply and kind words.

I am still feeling no better. No swab was taken of the pus from the wound at the time of the first infection as I felt too ill to go to the doctors and I was prescribed the antibiotics after a telephone consultation (there`s no way our doctors do home visits unless you`re dying!). After the first lot of antibiotics the wound cleared up and started to heal (it has now closed up completely), the lump formed under this area. My gyne wants to wait for the scan (the waiting lists in UK for a scan can be several weeks but she said she`s trying to fast track mine, so I`ll phone again if I haven`t heard anything by the end of the week); and I have also had some blood work done (haven`t had results yet) and another urine test for the persistant UTI. .....just have to wait and see (& suffer till then!).

Hope your recovery is going well.
Haf