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abdomen pain 7 week post rectocele surgery

Posted , 3 users are following.

jo_jo_c
jo_jo_c

Hello lovely ladies. I'm back at work following surgery doing desk job on reduced hours. Been taking it easy with no problems BUT last few days I have been getting uncomfortable ache in lower abdomen and back on the painkillers again! Resting when home. Is this ache normal? Would love a long soak in the bath but when can I?

0 likes, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • Jan999
    Jan999 jo_jo_c

    Posted

    Hello jo jo I can't remember how many weeks post op you are but lower abdominal pain is usually caused by over stretching the pelvic floor muscles. Sitting for long periods is as much of a problem as standing too long. Are you getting the opportunity to walk around much? There's a misconception following this surgery is that going back to a desk job is ok but it's often not the case. Try and rest as much as possible a warm soak in the bath could help as well.
    • jo_jo_c
      jo_jo_c Jan999

      Posted

      Thanks Matron. I'm just at 7 weeks since surgery. Healing well as far as I can tell. I make sure I walk around the office every hour or so. Feels almost like period pain in front and trapped wind in back passage is only way to explain it. Am I ok to have bubble bath now then?
    • Jan999
      Jan999 jo_jo_c

      Posted

      Yes you'll be ok having a bubble bath. I know the type of pain you describe, it will obviously get better but take something for the pain when you need to preferably an anti inflammatory like ibuprofen.
    • jo_jo_c
      jo_jo_c Jan999

      Posted

      Hi Matron. Forgot to mention in this post that my abdomen is very swollen and gets worse during the day. I look 6 months pregnant! ! Is this normal ? Thinking of going back to gp but she wasn't much use last time; wanted to do an internal when only 4 weeks post surgery and seemed surprised at having external stitches from vaginally opening to rectum! ! Worried😢
    • Jan999
      Jan999 jo_jo_c

      Posted

      I don't know why you would have a swollen abdomen to be honest and it sounds too swollen to be wind. Do you have any pain or discomfort associated with the swelling?
    • jo_jo_c
      jo_jo_c Jan999

      Posted

      The wound itself is healing really well but have discomfort in lower pelvis/groin front and back as the day goes on and back on painkillers. Going to toilet regularly so not constipation.
    • Jan999
      Jan999 jo_jo_c

      Posted

      Are you going to have a post op check? I'm just thinking that seeing your consultant is better than your GP
    • jo_jo_c
      jo_jo_c Jan999

      Posted

      No I didn't get one. Would need to go back to gp again for a referral. Just thought it might be a common problem?
    • Jan999
      Jan999 jo_jo_c

      Posted

      I've known ladies get some abdominal swelling after gynae surgery so it does happen, but your swelling seems large. How long have you had it?
    • jo_jo_c
      jo_jo_c Jan999

      Posted

      Has got worse since I went back to work 3 week ago. Can fasten trousers in the morning and by the time I go home I need to undo. Will go back to see my gp
    • Jan999
      Jan999 jo_jo_c

      Posted

      I think you should jo jo. I'm sure it's nothing but it's difficult to know because I can't see you, if you know what I mean. Keep in touch 
  • bresychen
    bresychen jo_jo_c

    Posted

    Hi Jo jo, do you have a footrest at your desk? I moved jobs about 14 weeks post repair and suddenly started getting pain. I finally isolated it to not having a footrest. It just one of those sloping bobbly ones but it takes the pressure off the repair. It's also better when I'm wearing high heels for the same reason. It took me a good few weeks after going back to my desk job to feel completely ok, was just exhausting.
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