Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Bloating -please help!

Hello! I had a laparotomy 4 weeks ago to remove 2  10 cm cysts from my ovaries. Didn't have much bloating the first few weeks, but didn't have much movement either. Last week I went back to work (teacher meetings) and have noticed some bloating now. It's strange cause it is above my incision and is almost like a little shelf!
Dr says this is normal.
Has anyone else experienced this?
Thanks for your help!
9 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
I had a LSH  10 days ago.   It sounds like you are doing good. Try to only talk to people that support you. You are right.  :)
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Oh, one other thing that is bothering me...some friends and family seem to think it is taking me too long to get well and cite other people they know that have gotten well faster. My fibroid was huge--about the size of a canteloupe--and attached by a "foot" that was about 6" in diameter. Most of the people that are making these comments are remembering having had C sections in their 20s and 30s. I think they are comparing apples and oranges and that age is a factor and that babies and tumors are not the same thing--one is meant to come out, the other was never meant to be in there in the first place!  I have been "spotting" since the second week after surgery, but nothing appears to be infected, smelly, or unhealthy, so I assume I am doing OK and aside from occasional discomfort and the swelly belly I'm tolerating the situation better than the people around me who seem to think that because I had the procedure laporscopically that I should be well instantly!  Who is right?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I am 54 and had a complete hysterectomy (lap) 7 weeks ago to remove a large fibroid and thwart a suspicious "precancerous" situation that was getting aggressive. I went back to work (somewhat against advice) 5 days afterward. I teach college and it was the beginning of term, so it was important to get things started, you know....  Anyway, I tried hard to follow all instructions about what not to do (lifting, exertion etc.) but I have been putting in full 8-9 hour days since a week after surgery.  I was allergic to my pain meds so have been on OTC Advil since I returned home. I do have significant "swelly belly"--usually worse later in the day. I usually wake with my tummy more or less normal size (I've lost a few pounds), but have been wearing loose fitting "sun dresses" and had to replace my undies. By the end of the day, though they are uncomfortable. I take a Vitamin, and stool softeners, but my impression is that the "swelly belly"  is some sort of edema, not intestinal, though it is more uncomfortable if I become constipated, so the stool softeners do help.  I have not been as physically active as usual, though, because I live alone, I pretty much have to find creative ways to manage some things. My job involves conducting an orchestra as well as lecturing, so there is SOME physical exertion with that, but I am hoping to start getting my stamina back and lose the swelly belly soon. I am thinking of acquiring a binder to try to get the belly under control. I'm dreading going on stage and sitting in an orchestra playing violin (another part of my job) for 2.5 hours and the hour drive each way since sitting can get uncomfortable when my belly is swelly. How typical is my experience? Will the binder help? Any other suggestions would be welcome. Thanks.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
i too had surgery not even 2 weeks ago, i had a ruptured cyst removed and am now experiencong alot of bloating! its very annoying and i cant fit into anything like i used to, and now its swim suit season, yay:( and i too have a hard like shelf around my incision..ill ask my doc on monday about it.
Helpful - 0
356929 tn?1246389756
Agree with all the above.. Keep us posted though,

Sandy
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks for sharing,ladies. It's nice to know I'm not alone. My doc says is should be closer to normal at 6 weeks, so 2 more to go. We'll see!
Helpful - 0
196469 tn?1365387975
It takes a long time for the bloating to go down.  I have had so many surgeries, that I think I have permanent bloating (haha)  I never had the bloating in the same place........it seemed to move around.  It is frustrating and takes what seems like forever to subside.

Heidi
Helpful - 0
329994 tn?1301663248
If you are concerned about the bloating, call your doctor that did the surgery to check on it. That is what they are there for! I had surgery 7 weeks ago and still have some bloating, but mine was intestinal surgery.  I have heard that it just takes time.  But I would check with your doctor to be sure. Good luck!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I had lap. surgery to remove stage 2 endo. just over one month ago.  I am having a lot of bloating and cannot fit into my pants.  My doc. says this is normal and it should take a few months to go down.  As for bloating above my incision, I'm not experiencing that, it's actually my whole stomach is extended.
Good luck and I hope you feel back to yourself soon :)
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Ovarian Cysts Community

Top Women's Health Answerers
363281 tn?1643235611
Nelson, New Zealand
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
Normal vaginal discharge varies in color, smell, texture and amount.
Bumps in the genital area might be STDs, but are usually not serious.
Chlamydia, an STI, often has no symptoms, but must be treated.
From skin changes to weight loss to unusual bleeding, here are 15 cancer warning signs that women tend to ignore.