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TAH 4wks post op

Posted , 7 users are following.

Lathomp34
Lathomp34

Hi, I am 4wks to date post op. It's reassuring to read some of these post. I have a hard swollen belly with stabbing pains around my incision, stabbing stinging pains in my vaginal area and because my bladder was injured during my surgery and had to wear a catheter for two weeks so I still I have pressure and pain when I pee. I am miserable and depressed. I have not gone back to work I am considering returning next week , but I just don't know if I'm even ready. I feel bloated, irritated, and nauseous all the time. I can't wear my clothes due to my hard swollen belly. I'm hoping it gets better as I'm regretting even having this surgery done. Good luck to all

1 like, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • Karmaway
    Karmaway Lathomp34

    Posted

    Hey there!! This is exactly what I was like! If you can manage it gently massage your incisions to get blood flow to them this is what I was advised and it helped with the pain. I felt all of these things and around 6 weeks things just got bettter and better! Hang on in there my lovely! Arnica is also a good remedy to take smile.
  • Guest
    Guest Lathomp34

    Posted

    Hi, sorry you're having a rough time.  I think you'll find if you allow yourself another couple of weeks you will feel likely feel much better.  I had a tough time in the first 3 weeks (swelling from chest to incision caused by bowel issues) and have found in the last couple (now at 5) I've made significant progress.  It seems to take a while for the bladder and bowel to get used to having been moved about, and boy my parts have complained, but I advise to try not too be hard on yourself, keep you doc informed and remember to take it slow and easy, we all heal differently.  I believe that if you're questioning being ready to return to work, you're not ready.  I agree reading through posts has been comforting. I never expected as many negatives in the healing process, and thought that I'd be one of the many that 'bounce back'.  Hey ho, I look forward to the day I can stand to wear a bra and non Bridget Jones knickers again, not to mention my regular clothes!   In the meanwhile I'm making the most of a couple of stretchy big waisted bottoms, vests and my latest achievement - being able to wear a crop top again!!

    Give yourself a break, I'm sure you'll turn the corner soon smile 

  • robyn94818
    robyn94818 Lathomp34

    Posted

    This is exactly why in my country you are not allowed to do ANYTHING for 6 full weeks - that means go to work or do anything other than very light household duties. Plenty of walking but slowly building up on that one, to a bit longer every couple days. This helps with getting swelling down and everything moving. Your not even sposed to drive car for 6 wks. 
    • Karmaway
      Karmaway robyn94818

      Posted

      It's the same in the UK and it's worth adhering to! 👌

    • robyn94818
      robyn94818 Karmaway

      Posted

      I thought as much. And it's no wonder girls aren't doing as well as expected when they are over-doing things and not resting between gentle walks. They just cause long term damage. 

  • lisa48917
    lisa48917 Lathomp34

    Posted

    Take 6 weeks off, not 4!   Don't go back to work unless you're at 100%.  If you're feeling miserable, it better to feel that way at home!  My boss is a jerk, and seemed resentful of me taking off in the first place.  I knew he was gonna stick it to me when I got back (with extra work, nitpicking, etc.), so I took 7 weeks off for good measure!  Focus on getting to 100%, forget about everything else, especially work! 

     

     Bloating and gas pains are normal.  Take some gas-x pills to help with that.   

    • robyn94818
      robyn94818 lisa48917

      Posted

      Wise words Lisa. You can't expect any dramatic recovery. It's long & slow & full of hurdles. It really is a year until you're going to feel yourself again. Hate to say.......

  • JoJo_Rees
    JoJo_Rees Lathomp34

    Posted

    Hi. I am 3 weeks post surgery and I too had to wear a cathater after TVH (incl tubes left ovaries), and anterior vaginal repair.  I understand what you are going through. I am still having swollen belly & pain and peeing is not yet a real normal stream. 

    I was told that all my tissues are really swollen after coming home from hospital and I do believe that is correct. Each day I noticed I started waking up to feeling my bowels, bladder, but it is a longer harder recovery.  

    Maybe your bladder wasn't as you say damaged so to speak as they do have to move it around in surgery, thus really swollen.  I took naproxen but then switched to high doses of ibuprophen. Trying to wean from that...but when I do ....pain returns.

    Try to be positive. I've had good days and then I try to do to much at home and more pain tells me to just stop. I have 6-8 weeks on health benefits; taking 6 for sure.

    Have you had your post op appointment with your gynegologist yet?

    The sharp pains I get but not all the time, and the nausea might be a concern.

    I had a retro pubic urethral sling  put in also as my prolapse was so severe.

    That is a bit scary, but it has better stats after 2011. 

    Hang in there. Talk to your doctor. Mine is on vacation. Sheesh.

    Jo Jo

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