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Post Hysterectomy Pain

I had a complete hysterectomy (ovaries and uterus) 3 days ago. I am in a lot of pain and need to know how long it will take the pain to start subsiding?
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Avatar universal
I am in my 6 day of  having  my hysterectomy done laparoscopic. I am having pain mostly in my left lower side. I have been up and moving around quite a lot. But thinking the pain is normal and expected in the time span, but I am worried I might have been to active. It is really hard for me to lay around. I am just taking ibprofren 400mg 2 x a day.
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Avatar universal
I am 10 days out and still having pains they are like rolling pain ( contractions) I don't have a fever but I had to use magnisium citrate. but, now my  bowels are clean I am still in pain... I dont know what I should do? pain level is 6 now but, not constantly Can't wait for this to get better!
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Avatar universal
COMMUNITY LEADER
Great advice as always Cherie. I wish I would have known about the ice pack but my Dr never said a word about it.
Yes, you are going to be in pain after only 3 days but it does get better. Your body needs time to heal and that's why they say to wait 6 weeks before lifting, taking stairs and having sex like Cherie said.
Feel better soon, take things easy and get plenty of rest. Remar
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599170 tn?1300973893
Hi it is different for evey woman..3 days post op most are still in serious pain...
it also makes a difference what method of surgery you had ie)  trans abdominal, or Robotic, or Lap...I was lucky had a laproscopy via DaVinci it was a easier recovery than most. but this is no doubt a very serious surgery as all above have stated 3 days is too soon to not be in pain...when my mother had her hysterectomy in the 70s she was in hospital atleast a week.

Now a days women get pushed out too soon. Yes its good to get up and walk. But I think one extra day would be good.  normal recover to feel somewhat decent is 6-7 days..full as in going back to work, sex ..both with drs, permission is usually 6 weeks.

If you are on narcotic pain meds, be aware that they usually cause constipation..which is the last thing you want post hyster..If Dr. did not prescribe or recomened a otc stool softner ask for one...do not get a laxative tooo harsh.

some things you can do to help pain is use an ice pack on 15 min off 15 min...no heat increases bleeding risk and will cause increased swelling.   ask your Dr first but if pain is bad sometimes you may alternate motrion with a narcotic such a Vicodin which is usually prescribed for this surgery.

Mostly at this stage rest. laying on left side or back is best..sleeping with a pillow on belly is comforting especially if you have small children or pets..that way not suprises.

If you develop fever 101 or more , pain is above a 8 with pain meds, call physician or head to er..best wishes.

Cherie
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547368 tn?1440541785
Hello Weens,

It is true that three days is not a lot of time to recover from a surgical procedure. I am sorry that you are in so much discomfort. You may want to contact your surgeon to determine if your level of pain is the normal for the procedure you under went. You may require a higher dose of pain medication.

Please know that you are always welcome here but you may find better responses and more information on a different forum. We are a chronic pain community and focus more on long term pain issues.  

I can search our forums for you if you haven't already posted elsewhere. Please let me know.

I wish you a speedy and uneventful recovery and hope that you will soon be feeling much better.

Take Care,
~Tuck
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Avatar universal
3 days really is not a long time for pain to subside. Give it time it will. I had a laporotomy (sp?), it is painful....but it will go away. I still do get the pains at times, but not that bad & its been over a year. Take it easy, do not try to over do it. It will heal, but will take time.

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Avatar universal
Give yourself time to heal - 3 days post op is really not a lot of time for recovering from major surgery such as a hysterectomy.

I had a complete hysterectomy in 1997.  I would say my post op pain started to subside about 5 days or so post op, but I definitely noticed a difference in pain level (to the better) after I had my staples removed (if I remember correctly, that was done about a week or week and a half after surgery).  I know that my pain kind of peaked at its worst on day 2-3 post op - I guess because by this time the anesthesia had completely left my body and also because by then, I was up and moving some (although very slowly and painfully at first).

Remember, they have cut through many muscles and other things to do the surgery (I'm presuming you had an open procedure?  Or laprascopically?)  Take things slowly at first - rest as much as possible - drink plenty of fluids (important so you don't get a urinary infection and will also help with the healing process).  I found for the first week or so at home, I was more comfortable sleeping propped up on the couch as opposed to in bed - you use a lot of abdominal muscles trying to lay down and get up out of bed.  Also be sure to dress in comfortable clothing - something that will not rub against your incision area - even if that means living in a nightgown for a few days!

Also, don't be afraid to take any prescribed pain medications - your body will heal faster and better if it's not basically fighting against the pain - so if you've been prescribed it and need it, take it.

You may find that you have twinges of pain for several months following the surgery - this is all part of the healing process and unless it's really severe, is accompanied by fever or other signs of infection - is normal.

I hope you feel better soon!  
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