A year after a hysterectomy and stomach still swollen

[atthewelles]

I had a total abdominal hysterectomy last February because of very large fibroids which were causing my stomach to distend. A year later, my stomach is still swollen out of proportion to my general size. I'm on HRT since after the op but was wondering if anyone would know of any other likely cause or if any of you have also experienced this? I was told by my consultant before the OP that my stomach would return to normal.
I'm starting to feel really upset and depressed about it. I still look about 5 months pregnant a lot of the time.

[cardamomginger]

Hi,
I haven't had a hysterectomy, but I have had 3 lots of gynae surgery since November 2011, including one lot of abdominal surgery, which was the one in November 2011. My abdomen is still swollen and at completely random times goes through periods of being more swollen and tender. I think surgeons completely underestimate how long swelling takes to fully come out and resolve.
I think it will go down, it just takes one hell of a long time. Have you seen a women's health physio who can advise you on deep abdominal exercises? These may help.

[EmmaDale]

I had the same op a month before you and would say that my stomach/abdominal area is now back to 'normal'.

I guess everyone's different and everyone heals differently however, in your position I would honestly go back to my GP and ask to be referred to the Consultant again.

I'm sorry you feel upset about it - I think I would be the same. At least if you see your Consultant he/she can advise/put your mind at rest. Can you make an appt to see your GP next week and at least get the ball rolling?

[atthewelles]

Thanks for the replies. I think I will try to get an appointment with my consultant just to check that there's nothing amiss. Hopefully there will be a simple explanation. I doubt it could be anything serious as she took absolutely everything out last year. I know all my organs would have been pushed around in the process and needed time to settle back down so maybe its something to do with that. (Or maybe its just weight from the HRT and I just need to change my diet).

Anyway thanks again.

[Conal]

Hello I've had a 12 cm cyst removed 12 months ago with my ovaries 8 months ago I've had a full hysterectomy in the process I've had a bowel rupture but in the meantime my belly is really swollen nearly a year on is this normal

[Tinkerbellx]

Sorry but this happened to my friend and I know it's really unusual but it turned out she was quite unwell and just kept thinking it was because of recent hysterectomy .
Do go to your GP and ask to be checked out .