I just had a radical hysterectomy 7 days ago. I was supposed to have a vaginal hysterectomy for suspected ovarian cancer but it turned out I had severe endometriosis which attached to all my reproductive organs and part of my colon so the TAH-BOS was necessary. Everything was removed. I had staples but oddly the doctor chose to remove them before I left the hospital after 2 days. I live more than an hour's drive away from the hospital so he didn't want me to have to make the drive back again so soon. They put surgi-strips over the incision. I am also highly sensitive to medications so the nausea I felt after the surgery was from the anesthesia. The pain was pretty intense the first few hours after I woke up and they gave me pain killers to relieve that. The real onset of gas build up was painful but with milanta tablets it seems to help pass the gas. I had a soft bowel movement the 2nd day. I was released from the hospital after the 2nd night stay. I was up and walking within 24 hours and it was slow at first. After a week I am fairly mobile but find I get a little more winded on a walk about a block. I live in the country and my mailbox is that far away to give you an idea. The gas is still there but not as bad and I am having some trouble figuring out what to eat to keep the constipation down. It hurts the tummy to laugh, sneeze or cough. Stretching my legs a little before I get out of bed in the morning helps but do it very very slowly. The only thing I really notice now is the incision area. The surgi-strips are drying out so it is itchy around that area. I get gas bubbles still and I can't do much more than light routine. No real lifting or driving for a while as where I live it is all bumpy roads. Take care of yourself and don't try to do more than you really can. I am a very active person and at 52 haven't slowed down that much. This surgery really has slowed me down and to get back to my full health I am taking one day at a time. Also, if your doctor prescribes any antibiotics be very mindful of side effects. I had one that made me get severe headaches and nausea that lasted half a day. God Bless you.
Hi honey! I just wanted to give you some advice for the gas! When they do a hysterectomy they pump gas into your abdominal cavity so the skin is lifted up from your organs! To me THAT was the worst part of the whole ordeal, and I already had a couple of laproscopies before then so I knew what to do! Get a warm heating pad - or a hot water bottle and place it over the area! BE CAREFUL near your stitches - as they will become irritated with the heat! Also put polysporin or vaseline on the wound - this helps with the healing and the ichiness! The heat helps the gas dissipate and you will notice a HUGE difference within a day! Also drink as much water as possible and try to walk as much as possible - without too much strain, so you the gas gets to move around and "OUT"! ;-) It sounds like you are well on the way to being healed and healthy! So I just wanted to add my 2 cents! Good luck and health!