Severe swelling after full hysterectomy for cancer

[RSDerinMN]

I am 57 years old and had a robotic radical hysterectomy a week ago yesterday. I've only had a few pieces of toast and some broth since then (besides water) because I've not been hungry. I dislike food anyway so this is normal. The last thing I need is the carbs, but that's a different forum.  My doctors say I cannot lose weight because my body is in starvation mode. Anyway, for the past few years I've been having a lot of bleeding. I was 15 years post menopause when it began. I started hemorrhaging a couple of months ago so went in to see my physician. She ordered an ultrasound, which showed the lining of my uterus was 24 mm thick instead of the normal 2-4 for women my age. She referred me to my gynecologist who scheduled an outpatient DNC with biopsies. He’s dones several biopsies before, but always in his office. Was thrilled to be sedated this time due to the DNC. He called 2 days later and said it was positive for cancer.
It's odd, but I was not afraid or upset. I am not depressed, I just remained calm the entire time. Anyway, he sent me to a gynecological oncologist for a hysterectomy. They removed my fallopian tubes, ovaries, cervix, uterus, and 2 lymph nodes. He also tested 62 lymph nodes (I think that was the correct number). Anyway, I was feeling great until 4 days past surgery. I am allergic to all adhesives and told the surgeon, but he used steri strips to close the incisions.
I am a very large woman anyway. These past several years I’ve gained over 100 lbs. after a pump implant to help with CRPS/RSD and needing to maintain a sedentary lifestyle. I walk every day and refuse to go into a chair. I’ve had RSD for just over 18 years now.
The incisions started to itch, then ooze and within a day or two from then they fell off. Too late. Each place there was tape has a horrible deep scab with oozing. I called my primary who ordered an ointment.
I started itching full body two days ago, my temp went up to 101.4 degrees, and I started to swell up. I have not stopped swelling. I have gained 17 lbs and have added 11 inches to my abdomen in 7 days. I have severe stretch marks that were never that bad during my pregnancies. I am concerned this is putting pressure on the incisions. My temp is back to normal (I rarely run a temp), but I continue to gain weight and my abdomen increases in size. I had to get new panties today 3 sizes larger and can only wear dresses because nothing fits.

I had to see a geneticist from Lynch Syndrome testing, but postponed it because of this. It’s not painful, just very firm and a lot of pressure on my pelvic floor and incisions.

I called the oncologists nurse on Friday afternoon and she said it was too late to get a call back from a nurse, but everyone swells after a hysterectomy. Unless my temp comes back…I shouldn’t be concerned. She wasn’t a nurse, but I figure she is in contact with many people. If something happened, I was to call my primary. I don’t want to bother her on a holiday weekend just because I am being paranoid. I am concerned I will explode (just kidding).

Is swelling this much normal? I had my first BM the day after surgery and have been regular since. No gas and normal urination.
Thank you.

[RSDerinMN]

Thank you. I will do that today. I hoped the swelling would go down on its own. It seems to somewhat in the mornings while increase as my activity level increases, but my abdomen is now at 54" this morning and is only down 2" from midnight. I am not a small woman, but post op with some swelling if was 38".A nurse suggested I measure when I got home just in case a reference point would be needed. I am glad I did. It is too painful to lay down so I've been in a chair all night staring at the wall in trying not to scratch. The oozing has stopped...thankfully, but now there is severe diarrhea. I went grocery shopping yesaterday and a woman asked if I was having twins. I am a grandmother of 7...lol. Heavens no! I smiled, not wanting to embarrass her, and told her I had a procedure done that caused swelling.
I really appreciate your advise and agree about bothering the surgeon. I am concerned, but not terrified anymore..thank you.

[ipurr2]

some swelling is normal after a hysterectomy but what concerns me is the oozing and the swelling...it makes me wonder if you don't have a raging infection going on...If it were me...I would bother my primary or go to urgent care or ER...it could just be way to many things...and not worth the risk to not bother your dr. the surgeon should be looking at you in my personal opinion...but the primary or urgent care dr. would be worth seeing if for no other reason then to ease your mind! Do let us know what you find out!