My poor sore tummy warning (pic attached)

[MissyB1]

Had a hysterectomy earlier this week. So sore and the belly button wound is the worst. I can see behind the dressing it’s very bruised. My tummy is also swollen, it’s like a little barrel! I’m taking painkillers every 4 hours still. I’m so fed up now. No point to this post really I’m just moaning!

I will get the histology in a couple of weeks, it’s a potential cancer - 40% chance apparently. Will cross that bridge when I come to it.

Yeah and kids being off school means more getting off the sofa. I find i need a balance of walking about and sitting down. Too much of either and I know about it.

I am a total wus with pain. You must rest after stomach surgery. Let others wait on you if you can. Order in takeaways.

@Nat6999 Yes very likely.

I’m 12 days post op and have been out for a few small walks but feel like it’s really hard! Exhausting even. I get really tearful in the evening/at night too. Tiredness and/or boredom?

I hope you are all doing ok? Slowly and surely, we will get back to usual 🙌🏼

Well I wimped out of taking my dressings off in the shower this morning. The thing is I’m not sure what’s under there 🤔 I did ask the nurses on the ward about wound care but they were very vague. They said things like “well sometimes she (the surgeon) uses dissolvable stitches, sometimes she uses steristrips, not sure with you”
Eerrmmm... not helpful!

Ive put another bandage back on belly button. The stitches kept catching on my pjs and I was worries about unstitching myself.
My right cut seems to be seeping so keeping an eye on that.
I feel all bloated and out of sorts today.

@Justwingingit2005

Ive put another bandage back on belly button. The stitches kept catching on my pjs and I was worries about unstitching myself. My right cut seems to be seeping so keeping an eye on that. I feel all bloated and out of sorts today.

Yes belly button wound is a bad place for clothes as thats where waistbands tend to be. My shorts waistband is currently sitting right on my belly button. Thats partly why I didn't take the dressing off.

Do you have something for your boating? try and take it easier today, not easy in half term though.

I've got some buscopan.
My IBS has been playing up since my op too.
Will see how it goes as got a follow up appt with GP Friday.

I had mine just as covid hit so it was day surgery.
I'm sure my gyne said that to see what they are doing (maybe because I'm portly) she had blown air in so I think the bloating just takes time to deflate.

Not certain though, was on the good drugs, hopefully someone can correct it if it's rhubarb.

Regarding clothes, i bought some huge knickers online, and some ling flowy loose dresses. Much more comfortable. Keep on keeping on OP. 💐

@LoveFall

Regarding clothes, i bought some huge knickers online, and some ling flowy loose dresses. Much more comfortable. Keep on keeping on OP. 💐

Yes ordered big knickers yesterday, they are on their way

Definitely getting bored stiff now though. Feel like it’s the first lockdown again- except I could go out for a good walk then! Will have a mosey along the street in a bit.

Go easy on yourself. It has taken me a few months to recover to the point where I want to go on walks etc.

Oddly enough, I built up my stamina by baking and cooking, in short bursts (pacing). But I did have a bad infection. Hopefully you will recover quickly.

So tonight I had a peak under my belly button bandage as noticed a 'smell'.

Its red and looks wet and a bit smelly.

Should I re bandage it or leave it open? Not to keen on leaving it open as the stitches r long and I don't want to pull them. Will ring GP tomorrow.

No expert in medical matters, just experience. It would re-dress it at this point with a loose dry dressing to absorb any mucky stuff. Yes, GP in the morning and if not available urgent care. It was my surgeon who dealt with my issue.

@Justwingingit2005

So tonight I had a peak under my belly button bandage as noticed a 'smell'.

Its red and looks wet and a bit smelly.

Should I re bandage it or leave it open? Not to keen on leaving it open as the stitches r long and I don't want to pull them. Will ring GP tomorrow.

Cover it and get it seen tomorrow.

I’ve taken mine off and apart from being horribly bruised it looks dry and healing.

Hey how is everyone?
GP said to air my wounds and keep try and contact next week if still red and wet. Trouble isnrhe stitches are so long they keep catching on clothes.

Tried my jeans on last night and they still won't meet.....

I still feel really tired. I asked the GP about this and she said its normal after this sort of surgery.

Yeah I still get very tired after any activity. I walked around the supermarket this morning with dh, feel crap now. Unfortunately I can't sleep at night though!
I've changed the dressing on my belly button and I'm keeping it on because of the clothes issue.

We live near the coast so took kids for a walk as u had half term guilt. I'm now completely exhausted and stomach hurts. Think it was a mistake.

How is everyone?