post-surgery pain

[ColinsGirl]

I had a full hysterectomy and debulking surgery last Thursday, so 5 days ago. I have a large incision from about 8 cm above my tummy button to my knicker line. I am experiencing a lot of pain around the incision which feels like burning - I wonder if it is perhaps nerve pain. I wondered if anyone had experienced anything similar and if anything had helped to ease the pain?

[Florrie2]

I had the same incision and it is painful but I don’t recall burning. I suggest asking your consultant or doctor

[ColinsGirl in reply to Florrie2]

Thanks Florrie; I’ll check in the morning.

[A1r1t]

Keep your eye on it, if it's starts weeping you probably have an infection. I would mention it to your oncologist nurse. They should be able to give you something for the pain as well. Good luck hope you heal fully soon xx. 😊

[ColinsGirl in reply to A1r1t]

Thank you for your reply. It does look like it’s healing okay - I’ve got a bit of a mum tum - and that bit of the incision is in a fold of skin - I’ll spare you a photograph! I wonder if the air doesn’t get to it as well. Anyway, thank you. I’ll keep an eye. X

[Nanaandpips]

hi, I had the same surgery and incision at the end of February this year. I couldn’t bear anything rubbing on the scar, so I cut deep Vs in the front of old baggy tracksuits/bottoms and covered with a long top. This really helped in the early days. Scar healed well but I still get sore around the belly button area if anything rubs there. I bought trouser extending elastic waist buttons (not sure of the actual name) but look on Amazon. When I I was ready to wear my usual bottoms etc these were very useful. I still use them. But if you’re worried it looks infected speak to your team. Wishing you all the very best for your recovery.

[ColinsGirl in reply to Nanaandpips]

Thank you so much, Nanaandpips. I guess it’s quite early days - I’ve still got my staples in. It’s the part of my tummy nearest my knicker line, especially when I’m walking any distance. I’ve got some old leggings so I’ll try snipping them and seeing if that helps. It doesn’t look infected, I don’t think - I’ll keep an eye on it. I have heard that massaging when it’s healed will help to desensitise it, so that’s something I might look into. It’s all quite a long journey, isn’t it - I’ll have two or three more chemo sessions after I’ve recovered, so I’m hoping I might be back to work (just) by Christmas. I hope you are feeling well - sending you my best wishes, CG. x

[SopSinger]

Very early days! By all means speak to your team, but they may just tell you to increase your pain relief medicine. Try to get mobile (gentle walking) but don't overdo it.