Hyesterical Pain After Hysterectomy!?!?

Updated on March 03, 2009
S.W. asks from Edmond, OK
18 answers

Okay, so I have been subscribed to this website for over a year and absolutely love it! I can't tell you the times I've given advice to others, or that I've read advice from other mom's posts and applied the advice or ideas from the other wonderful moms on this site!

Well, it looks like it's my turn now--four days ago, I had my uterus and 1/2 of one of my ovaries removed. My question is how long am I going to be in this awful pain?????? They had to do some "exploratory" stuff so I have an incision from belly button down to the pelvic bone. Since my surgeon needed to get in there and "look around" I wasn't afforded the wonderful new technology of laser/transvaginal removal of the uterus and ovary.

Also, my stomach is still sticking out like I am 9 months pregnant; how long does that last? I tried to go to church last night and only made it about 1/2 way through the service (just my luck, we had some guest pators and service was longer than usual) before I was trembling and crying in pain; I am taking my pain medication every three hours and the pain is bearable (barely) as long as I take it when I am supposed to. But--oh my--if I take it even 1 hour later than scheduled I can't even walk.

I ask all of these questions, because at the age of 37, this is my 6th surgery. I have suffered with back issues since I was 16 and have had several surgeries on my back. So, when my OB/GYN told me that I had a pelvic mass, my uterus was twice as big as it should be and he wanted to schedule the surgery ASAP, I thought this would be a cake walk! HA! As you can see, I was WRONG, WRONG, WRONG.. This is, by far, the most painful "post" surgery pain I have ever experienced.

And, I guess while I'm here, I should ask if any of you can kind of give me a "heads up" on how this surgery will cause any mental or physical changes, if any, since they were able to leave 1 1/2 ovaries and I will not have to take synthetic hormones.

Thanks in advance, any advice will be much appreciated!

S.

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So What Happened?

I cannot even begin to express my thanks to all of the wonderful women on this site and their wonderful advice! I think that every woman on the planet should be a member of this website! If you are connected with Mamasource, you are never alone! So, thank you, to all of the amazing women that responded to my request for advice. Not only did I learn that I was absolutely moving around too much too quickly after surgery, but I also received wonderful advice on what to expect long-term after a hysterectomy; both physically and emotionally. I will certainly be using this website more actively now with any questions or struggles I have in my personal life, as a woman. Only women truly understand women! :) And it's very nice to get advice from women who I do not necessarily have a personal relationship with. Although, many of the women that responded, I found myself wishing that I could get to know them better and make new friendships! Anyway, thank you, thank you, thank you! God Bless each and every one of you for the wonderful advice, sharing your own personal stories and letting me know that I wasn't alone! I'm still in the healing process, but I'm feeling much better! You ladies are awesome! :) S. Woodall

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J.M.

answers from Tulsa on

I had a hysterectomy back in Nov and found a great web group that may help you it's HYSTERSISTER.COM. They have all kinds of information and can answer any questions. Good luck

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P.S.

answers from Tulsa on

Okay,

This is a big surgery. You do not need to be trying to go anywhere right now. I had a partial hysterectomy 4 years ago (my uterus and a bladder tack up).

I remember lying in bed just tacking it easy for weeks. I mean up to 2-3 weeks.You're body is trying to adjust and this will take time. Allow you're family to baby you for a little while and do not try to push things. It will all come back to you eventually

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J.L.

answers from Tulsa on

About 9 years ago I had my uterus removed and one ovary repaired. Had 6cm. fibroid tumor in uterus and a cyst on ovary. Dr. did it thru my bikini cut insicision from a previous 2 times C-section. The 2 C-sections were very painful-but having a baby to distract your pain helped.The hysterectomy pain was very bad too-but what I remember is the only thing that worked for me was lay still as much as possible and sleep as much as you can. I hate meds so I only took advil when i got home. Rest is the very best way to heal. It takes a lot of time. Way different than your other surgeries. You had a lot done and a lot of tissue and muscle etc. cut. Nerves need to heal. Stay home. I remember being so careful not to lift for fear of my bladder dropping. I hope you get to feeling better. But you cant rush it. Glad you got to keep your ovary plus the half! Better to have our own hormones. I still dont take any (except usage of preogesterone cream) and I'm now 48. I was your age when I had my hysterectomy. Things have been great since! Enjoyed your testimony a lot! I have 2 college kids that live where you do. Would like to know what church you go to. Take care- J.

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M.G.

answers from Tulsa on

I had a hysterectomy in July. Mine was vaginal, and uncomplicated, but I hurt for weeks. I was positive that I shouldn't be in that much pain, but I sure was, and my doctor said it was normal. (Part of it was that I had been on pain meds for a few months before, and had built up a tolerance, so they didn't help as much.)

The pain was so unbearable, I remember just lying in my bed wanting to die, and making my hubby call my mom and have her drive the hour over to my house just to play with my hair and make me feel better. The good news -- at five weeks (for me, could be sooner or later for you), I just felt better all of a sudden. I had taken myself off the meds, realizing that they weren't really working, and I didn't want to be addicted, and that made it worse. But one day, I just felt like myself again. I remember that I still had a few aches and pains for the next couple of months, but nothing like what it was before.

Also, I have six kids, and was ok with not having more, but this surgery still affects me emotionally. I ran across an old box of tampons the other day and almost cried! But it's not that bad...it has a lot to do with feeling left out of the "girl circle". I realized (even before my surgery) that being left out was not a reality, it was just my own feeling. I gathered my sisters and girl friends and told them nearly everything I was going through, and they were a huge support.

I hope you feel better soon. Take it easy and don't try to do anything for a couple of weeks.

(((hugs)))

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J.M.

answers from Tulsa on

Can't help you with the pain other than LOTS of prayer. Ask everyone you know to please put you on their prayer lists. I'm sure others can help you there. I was excited to hear how your life has changed after your acceptance of Christ, however I think you meant your life has made a 180 degree turn around not a 360!!!! (a 360 you would be going in the same direction!!!!)

I hope you get some comfort real soon. You will be on my prayer list.

J.

Blessings

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M.L.

answers from Tulsa on

Well, I didn't even need to read your entire letter because you said 4 days ago you had this surgery. You shouldn't even be leaving the house. I've had three abdominal surgeries. The first was an emergency salpingoophorectomy (tube and ovary removed) and they kept me in the hospital a week. Then I was instructed not to drive for 6 weeks. After 2 weeks I did go to the mall and walk around for 30 minutes but I had to go right home and lay down. My other two were C sections- just as bad. Abdominal surgery is a major surgery. It hurts for at least a week, maybe two or three and you should not do anything for a couple of weeks. Stay at home.

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T.P.

answers from Tuscaloosa on

Healing takes 6-8 weeks! It's similar to a rough c-section. You really need to take it easy so you don't cause any complications. It does sound like you are in a lot of pain...my suggestion is to call your OB's nurse (easy to reach than the doctor) and ask if what you are feeling is normal at this point. It's possible that you need a stronger pain med. or can alter when you take it to better control your pain. However, if it is working well as long as you stick to the schedule, it's probably all right. The swelling WILL go down as you heal. However, you can also ask if there's anything you can do to help that in the meantime (like hot soaks, abdominal binders, or ice packs...but ask before trying anything).

K.C.

answers from Fayetteville on

Oh, S.! I've not had a hysterectomy but 2 c-sections (I'm 34). PLEASE be kind to yourself! You have to rest... The pain is going to be a lot worse when you are overdoing yourself, in my experience. 3-4 days post c-section they are just letting people go home from the hospital and definitely not out and about on the town - even for church services. People will have to understand, if they don't right now! I'm not saying you want to be immobile but wear comfy clothes (sweats/jammies, if possible) and find some good books. Do what you have to at home so you can move around but no cleaning the house - just little bits here and there! If you need groceries, send someone else... Please let us know how you are doing... Oh, on the clothes thing - I was so excited when I could fit into smaller things (after having had a baby) and then would be in quite a lot of pain even 2 months post surgery after 1/2 the day had gone by. My skirts with elastic were my best buddies when I went out and, like I said, jammies at home!

HUGS!! Let us know how you are doing please!

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D.C.

answers from Tulsa on

Oh, S.. I went through the same surgery, with the same cut. Trust me-you should not have been out and about so soon. HOWEVER, what my wonderful husband did for me, I will swear by until I die. He went out and rented some HILARIOUS movies for me. I laid on the couch hugging a pillow and laughed til I cried! The laughter was the BEST medicine ever! I suggest any of the Bill Cosby videos/dvds. I will tell you, I went to a church function a week after I was home, and, even though I was tired, I really enjoyed being around my church "family". I guess what I am trying to say is that it is up to you. If you think you will heal better laying around, do so. If you want to try the "laugh therapy", do so. You know your body better than anyone else. If something seems "not quite right", then by all means go in to the doctor or ER. As for me, the laugh therapy for a few days, and then walking really helped. I couldn't lay around for six weeks as I have children to care for. So I just got up and did what I could, knowing my limits, and my kids "helped out", too. Again, it's all in the Father's hands, and up to you how you will let Him guide you. I'll keep you in my prayers.
D.

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L.J.

answers from Birmingham on

Any type of abdominal surgery is terrible because you hardly can move without using these muscles/ligaments. I had surgery a little over a year ago in a section just above my stomach and I felt like I walked around like a little old woman for a month. I was really afraid that I wouldn't stand straight up again because the pain was so terrible. Surely enough, in just a few weeks I was fine and standing straight again but it did take 3-4 weeks. Definitely take your meds as prescribed and rest as much as possible. It's hard with a family but really does make a difference in bouncing back.

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J.C.

answers from Oklahoma City on

I just had a hysterectomy on Feb. 11. I was feeling great afterward, minus the normal pain from laproscopic surgery. I'd had three other laproscopics before though, so I don't know if that makes a difference.

Anyway, I have a 13 month old and good luck with not picking anything up, right, espeically after my hubby went back to work. I ended up in the ER on Feb. 21 because I was in a LOT of pain and bleeding. I didn't bleed at all after my surgery, maybe a spot here or there.

They did all of these tests, of course, kept me there most of the day. Ran an IV that kind of thing. They found a hematoma. HURTS BAD!!! When I went for follow up with the doctor, he said he didn't think I had a hernia or anything, the other doctor at the ER said he thought he felt a knot...anyway, my doctor suggested I wear a belt, you know like a weight lifters belt or back belt, or a tummy belt like a gertile. I am not wearing a gertile. For the first day I used my husband's weight lifting belt and I was amazed at the difference. My doctor also told me I can take baths now, so a hot bath helped. Heating pad too and a regimin of ibuprofren, if you can do that.

And, the most important thing, I know this is hard to do, rest when you feel like you need to. It takes quite a while to heal and I've had to learn the hard way 6 weeks or more to receover isn't just a fun option they give you...it's just the reality of it.

Good luck!

A.H.

answers from Tulsa on

You need to see your doctor ASAP! A few years ago, the hospital I worked out had a patient come in where she had a C-section and the doctor left an instrument inside of her. Our OB department had to go in and get it out, not to mention treat her for the infection she developed. Hopefully, that isn't what happened to you, but you need to have your doctor check to make sure. That kind of pain while taking pain medication means that something is wrong and you need to get it checked out as soon as possible.

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T.R.

answers from Hattiesburg on

I think you are trying to do too much too soon, hun. I had a hysterectomy 4 years ago (I had a bikini cut) and I wasn't moving from the couch much after 4 days, much less trying to go anywhere. I was in alot of pain. I think you should take it easy and try to rest and heal as much as possible. You will feel better before you are completely healed but try to remember just because you feel better, you shouldn't push it and try to do too much. My doctor advised me not to do things like sweeping and mopping my floors until about 4 weeks after surgery.
I second what someone else said about checking out www.hystersisters.com It's a wonderful message board with alot of helpful advice.
As for the swelling...that will take some time. Mine didn't go completely back down until about a month after my surgery.

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L.B.

answers from Fayetteville on

This doesn't sound right. See your doctor in the morning. Check your info sheets on this surgery and keep a close eye out for symptoms of complications.

After just 3 days post-surgery, you probably should not have been up and about like that. Trying to work your body harder than it can handle will not only prolong the uncomfortable aspects of healing, but could be very dangerous. Keep off your feet as much as possible. Skip the church services, don't carry anything heavy...and see that doctor ASAP. Unbearable pain in spite of heavy pain meds does not sound right.

Be willing to go to the ER if you're feeling that something's not right. It really doesn't sound right, to me, but I don't know the first thing about hysterectomy post-op.

L.

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C.S.

answers from Hattiesburg on

Angel hugs to Ms. S.:
So sorry about your problem. It seems to be that you need more research, like talk to Dr. Site I go to is "women to Women",which is 2 women doctors on line. I had an infection years ago which wiped out one ovary and a pc. of intestine about a foot long. My cut was same as yours. From belly to right above the bone. Pain left me after stay in hospital. Then there was a hernia at site. Maybe you should consider hernia as a complication. Anyway God Bless.

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S.W.

answers from Jackson on

Hey, I agree you are trying to do too much too soon. I have had two abdominal surgeries and it takes a few weeks to get back on your feet. I'm not sure if anyone has mentioned it, but a small pillow held against your abdomen helps a lot when you are getting up and down. Also if you laugh or cough, it helps to put pressure on your abdomen and helps with the pain.

Good luck and take it easy,
S.

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D.S.

answers from Oklahoma City on

Hi S. my name is D. im from a small town in oklahoma I'm 29 yrs. old and the mother of 2 boys ages 11 and 3, 3 yrs ago today (march 2nd) I had to have a complete hysterectomy (my youngest was almost 2 months old) at first my doctor told my husband and I that the surgery would take about an hour, they had it planned to do it laproscopicly well almost 5 hrs later my surgery was done and they had to cut me open doing the bikini cut, my female problems were WAY worse than the doctors expected i spent 3 days in the hospital and another 6 weeks in bed, it was the worst pain i had ever had, so I do know where you are coming from on the pain issue, and was stomach was so bloated and that is do to the gas they pump into your stomach durning the surgery and that in itsself was very painful I had to have my husband and mother help me to the restroom because I couldnt walk, my doctor told me that the more I walked the more pressure and gas I would release off of my stomach... EASY FOR HIM TO SAY LOL!! I know that every one is diffrent but with my surgery it was 6 weeks before i was able to do anything because of the pain. I hope this helps and I do wish you all the best and a speedy recovery.

D.

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B.W.

answers from Oklahoma City on

The recovery from this should be similar to your other abdominal surgeries, so get back in and be seen as quickly as possible. I will say that going to church 3 days after major surgery is really pushing it. Staying home for 10 days to 2 weeks would be a good idea. Your body has been through a trauma and you really need to take it easy. Use this as an "excuse" to let others do your YOU for a while!

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