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Abdominal distention and vaginal discharge after radical hysterectomy

Hello everyone,

I had a radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer about a month ago, on the 05/26/05. My tummy, and middle in general, have become enormous ever since and I started getting yellowish coloured vaginal discharge, but have no fever or burning sensation down there. I used to be fit prior to surgery and exercised religiously, 3-4 times a week. I mainly did pilates which works the middle of the body especially, so the size of my tummy at the moment seems to me incomprehensible! My doctor wasnt particularly helpful on this, as she told me the swelling is "flab" that I must have gained because I stopped exercising! Could anyone explain if such symptoms are to be expected after hysterectomy?

Love and best of wishes to all.
Katerina73.
17 Responses
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Avatar universal
It's been nearly sixteen years since I had a complete hysterectomy with no discharge or issues. I was surprised today to see a substantial amount of yellowish discharge. No fever or itching. i have not had any yeast infections.I'm really wondering what is going on.
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Avatar universal
I know this is a old post but i was wondering if you ever found out what was going on with your symptoms. When i read this i could of wrote it about myself.
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Avatar universal
After a total hysterectomy, I had foot swelling, which seemed the worst part of the swelling.  No doubt there is abdominal swelling as well. I was diagnosed with lymphedema by an OT specializing in lymphedema therapy.  My Gyno-oncologist doesn't really beleive in lymphedema it seems, but his nurse practioner did, much to my relief.  I don't know what the discharge is that many are talking about, except there seems to be a high incidence of low grade chronic yeast infections in post hysterectomy women. Some things to think about, maybe look into.
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1195464 tn?1279314981
First off, your doctor sounds like a judgmental "w"itch -- you don't need to put up with that! Find a new doctor if you can. I had a radical hysterectomy 13 days ago and half of my belly is bloated -weird- just on the right side of my incision. I am seeing my doctor tomorrow. I sure hope he isn't such a jerk. Good luck to you.
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Avatar universal
I had a vaginal hystorectomy in 2002, with no afterward discharge.  I had my ovaries removed in Aug. 2008, with increased discharge.  I had the swelling and weight gain after my first surgery, but then found out my gallbladder was dead.  I had that surgery 2 years before my ovary removal, lost some of the weight.  Not until my ovaries were removed did I feel great and start losing weight.  I did have endometriosis which caused a lot of serious problems with adhering to other organs and such.  Not to alarm you, but what were the underlying causes of the surgeries?  Perhaps your diagnosis could give you some answers to your questions.
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Avatar universal
I had a hysterectomy 9 weeks ago and i was told by my neurologist that my "box" would smell better. Has anyone else experienced this?
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Avatar universal
I have had my vaginal total hysterectomy (ovaries still in tact) about 4 weeks ago.  I feel awesome.  BUT, I have gained almost 10 pounds which seems to have all settled into my waist.  I do not mean the preggers look but my love handles and a bit on my back.  It is like jelly.  I have been fit pretty much my whole life and this is unusual for me.

Anyone out there with the same problems?
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Avatar universal
Hi Everyone, I had a hysterectomy about 9 years ago and I still have a little bit of a vaginal discharge.  My doctor said that's normal once you've had a hysterectomy.  Has anyone every experienced this?
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Avatar universal
I also had a full hysterectomy exactly two years ago, after spending 16 years with the bad paps, and cone biopsies, and all the tests in between.  I had carcinoma in-situ, and was loaded with endometriosis.  All has been good for two years, but for the last month or so, after I urinate, wipe and then stand up, there seems to be some leakage (urine) like maybe a teaspoon.  Now, for the last three days, I have noticed blood in my underwear, and it is definately coming from my vagina, not my urethra.  I am very concerned, and of course it is after hours at my oncologist's office.
Anybody have any ideas what could be bleeding when they took everything out ????
Thanks
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Avatar universal
Hello!  I had a hysterectomy when I was 30 and I'm about to turn 38.  My problem is that when I went to the doctor he had said that my vagina is secreting.....I have tried wearing pads but when I start moving around my pants and undies get so wet that I have to keep on changing them every so often during the day and I want to know how or when this problem is going to stop.  it is so embarrassing.

Would like some answers if anyone ha sany for me.  

Thank you!
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Avatar universal
I am having the same issue.  My hysterectomy was in April of this year.  I am exhausted all the time and have a yellowish discharge.  I feel like I have a belly worse now than after my second child was born.  I have been treated with a cefazolin and Levaquin for the discharge; the doctors thinking it was strep; but nothing is working.  There is no odor with it but I never would have guessed I would need a pad everyday after my surgery.  I thought those days were gone!  Any suggestions?  

Would love some help!
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Avatar universal
In response to the symptoms of Ardene, I to have exactly the same symptoms however I have not had a hysterectomy. I have gained 28lbs in 8 months and although my Dr and a gynocologist think I am a secret binge eater I have hardly been eating and at most have 1000 calories a day. I exercise every other day, dont drink alcohol, dont eat bread or junk food and really cannot understand my symptoms. I to have a very bloated stomach which is worse after food and is is very hard especially below the breast bone. I have quite severe pains behind my naval and to my lower left side.My knees, ankles, hands and upper arms swell in the evening and I do produce alot thick off white discharge however it is not offensive and my blood/urine/thyroid and hormone level tests are all normal. I have been prescribed laxatives/IBS medication and water tablets all of which have been unsucessful. I am now at the stage where I have become paranoid and am only eating 1 meal a day. My Doctor has now referred me to a gastro consultant as she appears to be baffled by my symptoms. Its all very frustrating x obviously getting me down. I would welcome any feedback especially from those who have managed to find diagnosis and furthermore found treatmentthat works.
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Avatar universal
7/15/2005 My Mother, (68) had her complete hysterectomy done due to cancer in her uterus.  Everything went OK, till she went back home; her abdomial area and legs start swelling, her stomach got so big it looks like she was with a baby, the doctor sent her bak to the hospital 7/27/2005, yesterday they inseted a needle in her abdominal area and they pull 3 litters of a dark colored liquid, we still don't know what is it, ( results from lab will take 2 days); after a few hours the swelling of her legs also went down.  She doen't have pain, or fever.  Has anybody experienced this ???.
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Avatar universal
I'm glad I lucked up on this conversation.  My surgery was May 10 of this year.  At first I thought this unsightly pooch would go away as soon as the swelling and soreness did.  At least now I know that it's common.
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Avatar universal
Ladies - although I didn't really experience this post-surgery (1 year ago - uterus and both ovaries).  The gals on the hystersisters.com site refer to it as "Swelly Belly."  That said,  definitely follow up with your doc if it continues.  And check out the site - lots of women having the same issues.  Hope it goes away soon - isn't any fun, all these issues post-surgery.
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Avatar universal
Regarding the abdominal and stomach distention since radical hysterectomy, I too am having the same issues since my hysterectomy, however I had these symptoms prior to the hysterectomy and this is one of the reasons a hysterectomy was given an option for me. Doctors I have discussed this issue with also insinuate that the distention is due to over zealous calorie intake.  I have went from my normal size 10 to a 16 in less than a year, which even my Doctor of 15 years who has never seen me as having a weight problem doesn't attribute to a medical issue, although hasn't chosen to run any special lab tests or other. It appears to me that she is also frustrated and doesn't really know what to do.  I have a variety of symptoms that come with the distention which start with fatigue, constipation and puffiness throughout my extremities, legs, hands, arms, feet, fingers, ankles, face and above and under my eyes.  It is very frustrating to say the least and extremely uncomfortable.  The symptoms are not that of normal weight gain due to overeating, it's rather a bloat and underskin tissue swelling.  Dr.'s have given me a variety of medications, HRT, thyroid medication, water pills, anti-depressents to no avail.  I have re-evaluated my entire lifestyle to changing sleep patterns, nutrition, to attempting to minimizing my work schedule, non of which have helped!  I will continue to seek help with this as I have always taken responsibility for my health and know that someone out there has have an answer.  I would welcome any suggestions or help with this and will continue to post any information I learn as received.  Thanks and best wishes to all.
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Avatar universal
I think that having abdominal distention for one full month after surgery is falls a bit out of the range of normal.  And unless you have been eating non-stop since then, I doubt it could be blamed on flab.  Yes, you can be distended from gas and fluid retention, but it should be pretty much back to normal (or close) by now.

I'd go back to the doctor.  Are you having abdominal pain?  You say the distention is enormous--does it feel like fluid in there?  Very rarely, a ureter or the bladder can be damaged, and small amounts of urine can leak out into the belly after surgery.  Does the vag discharge smell at all like urine?  

...I'm not saying in any way that this is what is wrong, but if things are as you state, it is a possibility that deserves investigation.  Usually, though--you would be in fairly intense pain if this is happening.  

But go back if things aren't improving.  

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