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[Lizzyann57]

Hi I'm Liz had abdominal hysterectomy removing uterus cervix tubes and overies 6 weeks ago recovering well so far except for the swollen stomach which can be quite painful at times any advice to ease it would be welcomed thanks

[RachaelE]

Hi Lizzyann 57

The swelling could be due to the gas which they use during the to expand your abdomen. Peppermint tea can help or you can get peppermint capsules from the chemist which are a bit stronger. A gentle walk in the morning and raising your arms above your head can help too. Hope you continue to recover well and feel well soon x

[Lizzyann57 in reply to RachaelE]

Thank you Rachael I've been drinking peppermint tea and eating extra strong mints since my op find both very good. I notice swelling early evening after I've done walking .thanks for your reply x

[StIvesmaid]

Hi Liz. I had the same op 5 weeks ago and like you am suffering with the dreaded wind. I find that peppermint tea helps but also have to be very careful what I eat now. Before the op I could digest anything! Does certain food make you more uncomfortable? For me the worst thing is pastry, I forgot that on Monday and have had to take laxatives yesterday and today. Have you tried prunes? I make a compote with prunes and apricots, fresh lemon & orange juice and try to eat this every day with live yoghurt. I think this helps a bit. Have you had your check up with your surgeon? Will be worth discussing with them. Hope you feel better soon.

[Lizzyann57]

Hi stivesmaid thanks for reply it might sound daft but I looked up swelling after hysterectomy apparently your stomach swells to protect internal organs while healing! Not sure how truthful that is .I'm drinking peppermint tea and it helps and haven't had any bowel problems except for first few days and a took lactolose .I feel sometimes it's 1 step forward and 2 back take care x

[StIvesmaid]

Hi Liz. I know exactly what you mean about one step forward and two steps back! I went back to work last week ( I work part time) and I was really shocked at how tired I felt, I couldn’t do a full day. My stomach is tender around the scar, when I saw my consultant last week he told me that this was normal and that the body takes 3 months to recover from major surgery like we have both had. So I guess we need it be patient and kind to ourselves...and keep drinking peppermint tea! Hope things are improving with you.

[Lizzyann57 in reply to StIvesmaid]

Hi had the all clear from consultant last Thursday so back to normal !! Done the ironing Friday went out Saturday and little bit light gardening Sunday not overdoing it and resting regular ,paid the price last few days ,swollen stomach, numbness seems to have spread and very tender ,think I'm back to square one again .so plenty of rest I'm just over 8 weeks post op .

[StIvesmaid]

Hi Liz. You must be relieved to have had the all clear, I know I was! When I saw my consultant last week he told me that would take 3 months for my body to recover from the surgery. Definitely no Pilates for a while! It’s very easy to get carried away and try and do what you normally do but I find like you that I soon know when I have done too much. I went back to work last week but couldn’t make it through a whole day. Hoping tomorrow will be better. Small steps. I’d be a lot happier if my bowels were back to normal (still taking laxative most days and eating lots of prunes!) and I could pee without discomfort. This too will sort itself out in time or so I was assured. Fingers crossed.

[Lizzyann57]

Hi I'm lucky that I've had no bowel problems hopefully you will be back to normal soon 're bowel /bladder .it's a long haul this recovery business but worth it ! I'm resting more again now as I have a holiday booked for 11 th June so hoping my belly will be down a bit by then . I looked on hyster sisters website its called swelly belly and can last a long time (its supposed to indicate that you've over done things ) I'm not working at mo but do voluntary in a charity shop I'll go back in few weeks .Take care x

[StIvesmaid]

That's interesting about swelly belly, I get it a bit too. I find that standing for any length of time wears me out so be careful when you go back to your voluntary work. It'll be about 4 months from your op by June so hopefully you'll be on good form by then. Yesterday at work I managed 9-5 without feeling like I was going to faint so I think that's a sign of progress! Happy Easter x

[Lizzyann57 in reply to StIvesmaid]

Hi happy Easter glad you got through a day (normal!) Hard going the recovery .I'm resting more again so hoping this belly and tenderness calms down again ! Take care and keep in touch x

[Lizzyann57]

Hi happy Easter to you as well .glad you managed full day without problems . I'm going to take things easy for a bit and see if swelling and tenderness goes take care x

[HellyLlewelly]

Hi Lizzy

I'm in the same boat just a bit further on. I'm still on painkillers.

I'm taking peppermint tea it helps with wind and bloat.

Are you on HRT?

I'm under 40 so on a high level and I'm on combined to prevent against my Endometriosis returning (1st year only.)

My tummy swells more in the afternoon and evening and especially on a busier day.

I'm not outdoor ready yet the walking any big lengths would be too much for me.

I'm starting to read more that 10/12 weeks is when the Vaginal Cuff we had made closes and heals properly and all the ligaments and blood vessels in the got a right old going over during surgery. My bowel was worked on extensively too so I can't expect to be doing back flips yet lol.

Have you tried the heat patches from the pound style shops, 2 pack a £1?

Many women are using a belly support belt too. I might get one because I'm not feeling so secure yet. That heaviness wheb it hits is sore.

My back hurts too with it.

Good luck!

Helly.

[Lizzyann57 in reply to HellyLlewelly]

Hi I'm just over 10 weeks now ,still swollen and tender also considering a support belt .I've been out and about but I know when I've done too much . Sometimes swelling and pain lasts few days even after resting .can't win ! My back also hurts . Falling apart !! Take care x

[Lizzyann57 in reply to Lizzyann57]

I'm 60 and can't take hrt .

[StIvesmaid]

I’ll be at 10 weeks next Tuesday. I have “invested” in some control knickers from M &S as I find these give my tummy a bit of help. I think the ones I bought are medium control, cotton. No hrt for me either as well past menopause (62 this month, where did the time go?)

[Lizzyann57 in reply to StIvesmaid]

I've been wearing sloggis control knickers my consultant said i was post menopause the 1st 2 weeks after op I didn't have any sweats I was actually cold ! But now sweats are back with a vengeance

[StIvesmaid]

I am still feeling the cold a lot. I put that down to having lost all my (fibroid) insulation!