7 weeks post TAH and feels like I’m carrying a painful bowling ball around
Posted , 6 users are following.
Its 7 weeks tomorrow since i had my TAH. Everything removed including ovaries and cervix. I've tried to stay chirpy and get on with it but over the last few days ive had a hot prickly, snapping feeling and i feel like i'm carrying a heavy bowling ball around. I'm still swollen, not sleeping and generally getting frustrated.I thought i'd be feeling better by now. Is this normal???
0 likes, 4 replies
Redlandsneen michelle48889
Posted
Hi Michelle. Wow, you had your TAH exactly one week after I did. Tomorrow will be 8 weeks for me. My stomach was beginning to look and feel more normal recently UNTIL I became constipated after a cycle of chemo and then it felt like the heavy bowling ball you describe. I didn't believe it when others have said the swelling can last up to a year. I think they mean that intestinal issues can set off the swelling, not necessarily that you look or feel bloated every day but you might get that bloated feeling many months later. Hang in there and rest a lot. Even though I too am frustrated with the protuding belly, I think the trauma of what our bodies have been through will take a lot of time to heal. If I exercise, and my tummy gets sore, I give it a rest for a couple of days and take Nurofen with codeine for pain. I use a hot wheat bag too at night which feels nice. Take care.
michelle35539 michelle48889
Posted
Hi Michelle,
Its early in your recovery. Relax, and take it easy, give you mind, body, and soul time to heal. It takes time, your body just went through a lot. Take it easy.
welshgirl67 michelle48889
Posted
hi Michelle,
it's quite sad we dont get much after care with these ops but too be honest with you it can take up to 3 months to feel 50% normal and without too much pain.
yiu will feel swollen for up to 6 mths but worse by evening if yiur on feet. for at least 6 weeks you should be just resting and small walks each day.
one word of advice too.... take movicol each day and avoid straining at all costs as this can cause ripped tissues and prolapse. rest easy. x
lynda12423 michelle48889
Posted
Hi Michelle yes it is normal and the snappy pinging in your stomach could ve the stitches healing. I felt the same re bowling ball. Noone prepared me fir that very strange feeling but think its where stomach layers have been cut through. I'm 18 months post op still got swollen stomach and can feel scar tissue when I bend down. It takes a good year till you feel a bit better . I had the same op as you. You have to try to be patient as your body has been through a lot of trauma. Im not a very patient person was expecting my stomach to go back soon after but I still look pregnant now. Im learning to live with it. You have yo listen to your body and take everything very steady. Take care of your self and all the best with your recovery x