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Painkillers post abdominal hysterectomy?

Posted , 6 users are following.

Glennie68
Glennie68

I am now into my 3rd week post total abdominal hysterectomy with ovary removal. I stopped taking the really strong painkillers about a week ago - and thought I was done needing to take anything. Found now I am getting very uncomfortable at the end of the day - my scar gets very twingey, I get swelly belly and I just get a very 'heavy' feeling (not helped by the numbness around the scar)- so I have found a couple of paracetamols and 400g ibuprofen is seeming to help. Just seeing if anyone else has found this? How long does this go on? Any advice would be great!

0 likes, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • lynda20916
    lynda20916 Glennie68

    Posted

    Hi Glennie.  Did you have a lap procedure?  Three weeks is still very early days for you, so you might be doing too much during the day. If you had the lap procedure, the small external incisions take 4-6 weeks to heal.  Internally can take 2 months or longer.  If you're doing too much, you're not enabling the healing you need to have.  xx

    • Glennie68
      Glennie68 lynda20916

      Posted

      Hi Lynda,

      Not a lap - full abdominal - bikini cut like a caesarean operation. My fibroid was too big to have op done any other way. Doesn't seem to be much advice on what to expect a little further down the recovery road as far as pain management is concerned. I am being very careful - have already had a localised infection treated with antibiotics - if I still feel like this in a couple of days may bother my GP again.

    • dawn21947
      dawn21947 Glennie68

      Posted

      Hi glennie im a year post op nearly and all I can say is take your time.... dont spend too much time on your feet all in one go just potter around I had tah bso and still feel achy some days even now ... although I declined hrt at first ... ive given in as ive been feeling really bad good luck in your recovery just remember look after yourself x
    • Glennie68
      Glennie68 dawn21947

      Posted

      Thanks Dawn,

      I've gone back on HRT already - as I was on this pre-op - when it wore off -- sleep was impossible! Night sweats were so bad! I know what you mean about being on your feet - I find just can't walk very far, which is not like me! If I overdo it I just end up beyond tired and very grumpy. I won't feel bad about taking pain relief anymore!

  • trinjen
    trinjen Glennie68

    Posted

    Months, it takes months for the swelling and pain to go away. This is a pretty intense procedure with lots of healing time. I found that I had pain and swelling when I did too much during the day.
    • Glennie68
      Glennie68 trinjen

      Posted

      Thanks Trinjen.

      I'll make sure I keep a stock of paracetamols and ibuprofens in then. I tend to lie down if I get swelly belly - it always helps. Mornings are the best for getting a walk in and thats why I like to try and get a good nights sleep.

    • JVA1
      JVA1 Glennie68

      Posted

      Hi Glennie

      I'm now 10 weeks post abdominal op and finally feeling like myself again. It probably took me until week 8 to feel like I fully turned the corner so to speak!

      From memory I was taking paracetamol or ibrofen until week 6 but not all day. I found the same as you, I still had twinges late in the day especially if I'd walked more or did more daily tasks. My tummy would definitely swell more by the evening too.

      I've not really had swept belly for the last two weeks however yesterday I did but that was because I did 2 hours gardening the day before I think! I was digging and weeding but felt fine and did wonder if it might make my tummy ache the next day but it was ok...just my scar area was a little tender. Not painful though.

      I've been super careful during my recovery not to overdo things so as not to undo all the good work my surgeon did. When I saw her two weeks ago she said I could get back to the gym but take it easy. I've decided to leave it until I'm 12wks post op at least....no rush.

      It really did feel like a slow recovery despite me being super fit prior to the op and only 41yrs of age but I did really see a big difference in how I felt after 8wks.

      I'm so pleased I had it done as I'm now pain free and sleeping through the night without getting up for a wee 3/4 times a night! Knowing the fibroid is out is such a relief😉

      Good luck with your recovery and remember to take it easy!!!

      Jess x

    • Glennie68
      Glennie68 JVA1

      Posted

      Thanks Jess,

      You really have made me feel a whole lot better! I knew things would take time to heal - but I am not the most patient of people! Will just listen to my body and not worry if I need to take painkillers to be comfortable!

    • JVA1
      JVA1 Glennie68

      Posted

      Oh I'm the same and I'm so not used to resting or relaxing. I'm usually very busy with housework, work, gym classes 5 times a week, plus having a 6yr old boy who keeps me very busy!

      To be honest the 8wks flew by and at times I did really worry about whether I was going to ever feel like my old self again or whether my tummy would ever go down.... I just knew I had to be patient and let my body heal.

      This forum really helped me as there's some lovely ladies on here with great advice😉Can't beat first hand experience and although we are all different, it helps to hear everyone's recovery stories and tips.

      Make sure you rest up as you'll be back to normal life before you know it!!

  • Bellelouise
    Bellelouise Glennie68

    Posted

    Hi im 7 weeks tah with everything removed.

    I didnt need painkillers after 3rd day however

    Im now on tramadol and naproxen for my back. I do have arthritis in my spine so between that and the op last week i was in crippling pain and so tired for the first time sinve i came out of hospital i was having an afternoon nap.

    Stomach still swells from time to time. If you need tablets dont worry just take them. X

    • Glennie68
      Glennie68 Bellelouise

      Posted

      Hi Belleloiuse,

      You have my sympathy - back pain is terrible! Drains you. My fibroid sat on the nerves of my back - and post hysterectomy is now gone. I just have a sore scar - they did some stitches into the muscle - which makes it a bit uncomfortable when I lie down ss well as the heavy swelly feeling. However - taking the painkillers before bed has helped immensely - I am sleeping most nights right through and waking up feeling refreshed. Hope they can sort your back soon! X

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