Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[Katymac]

It's 20 weeks since I had my op and my tummy is still very sore, as is round my scar and where the drain was

The GP and the nurse have brushed it off several times before now saying it's normal and to be expected

What I don't know is how long other people have had pain for & what is normal after having your ovaries and tubes out? Plus a load of scar tissue and adhesions which I guess add to it

[CLKD]

Ring the Secretary of the Surgeon who did your operation and ask the question?  If you are worried your GP should refer you back. However, have you been advised to massage oils into the scars? 

[Katymac]

No & I'd be scared to as I have skin allergies to odd things

I think it's more inside but ringing the sec is prob a good idea, I might do that thanks

[CLKD]

We don't bite  .  The aftercare in the UK is disastrous. Years ago one was referred to the appropriate Consultant who would see the patient through until all problems were sorted, not refer them back to the 'care of the GP' who is a GP for a reason  .  You should have been advised on scar care prior to discharge  .  Are you allergic to butter?

[Katymac]

Well I'm dairy free, egg free, soya free in my diet

I also have intolerances to coconut and almond

I have drug allergies to trimethoprim and nitrofuratin

And contact allergies to metals, plastics, rubbers and adhesives

I react if I use toiletries, make up or perfumes and some cleaning stuff

I can use oli of play, aqueous cream and an aloe vera gel but only for a day then I'll react so it's easier not to

I was terrified at the patches but I haven't reacted much and when I woke up after surgery to find I'd been glued I was literally shocked! Blood pressure dropped, skin clayey but I didn't react to that either so maybe I am getting better

[Tc]

Katy. Did you have laparoscopic (keyhole) or open surgery? Where is your scar/scars?

I know we had the same op.

I still had pain at 20 weeks. It was internal. Not like period pain more like ovarian pain.
The doc had me scanned (trans V ultrasound) and they said all looked o.k.

I think it's a good idea of CLKD to phone the sec. Maybe you can have a scan. It might put your mind at rest. I know that feeling of "what's going on inside me?  Is everything healing o.k" I felt the same.

When did you last have the scars checked? Are they red? 

[Katymac]

They change between red and a dark purple

I had a big op/scar 6 inches (ish) plus 2 smaller ones (one for the drain and one in my belly button)

It hurts standing next to the kitchen worksurface as I sort of brush agaisnt it and it's better with tight clothes (thinking about buying spanx) plus anywhere on my belly hurts to press

I wonder if I'm anxious because my patch is running out   but it is very much "that feeling of "what's going on inside me?  Is everything healing o.k" "

I have acupuncture and she is concerned about the scar but also accepts I heal slowly, we know this from previous scars/sores - she was also cross/sad about the glueing after I said I was sensitive to glue!!

[Tc]

I had the tummy button. One about an inch to the side and the bikini one. My bikini one was quite large too about 6 inches. She did tell me it would be as my cyst was large.

I think if the scars aren't angry red and itchy or hot then it's probably not infection.

I am not a good healer either. My scars always stay red /dark purple for ages and with previous ops my stitches have never been ready to come out when they should do. They always send me away to come back in a week or so.

With this op  my dissolvable stitches didn't dissolve.properly She pulled them out with her fingers but I was so numb I didn't feel it.

I had realy bad bruising around the main scar for weeks after as well.

Bearing the slow healing in mind though  think of all the internal stitches and internal  healing that has to be done. My tummy is still swollen and numb to light touch but hurts when I lay on it or press.

So wrong about the glue 

I still cant wear anything too tight around my tummy. Anything that digs in. Its realy painful.

Guess we need to give ourselves more time.

Is your bikini scar bumpy? Mine is and it looks like railway tracks across it.

A few years ago I had to have a lump in the front of my neck removed by a maxi facial surgeon and the scar was amazing. It was the most fine delicate scar it was a work of art. It healed to a fine silver slither And I'm someone who still has an angry red   scar 2 years later from a bee sting. So he did a beautiful job.
I guess that's the difference between a craftsman and the hamfisted gynae who left me with a lumpy bumpy train track!!!

X

[Woodlands]

Hi there.
Try some largish pants to support your tummy....... I had x2 c sections in 11 months and the scars can be sore for a while....

[Smitten]

Hi I had an abdominal hysterectomy Oct 2017 due to huge fibroids I'm also a slow healer and I have to say it took months and months to not get the twangs of discomfort, even now the scar is still at times uncomfortable at times. But more internally if that makes sense. My tummy is also still swollen at times and a bit uncomfortable, it is getting better just VERY slowly. Give it time IME it takes so much longer than they say, I was told it depends on the internal work done and don't be surprised if it takes longer than a year to feel back to normal. Hang in there it is hard not to worry though x

[Tc]

Smitten. I think your right about the internal work.
Interestingly my mum told me the other day it took her a year to get over her hysterectomy too.

[Katymac]

OK that tells me to calm down and deal with it - sometimes that's all I need

[CLKD]

It is major surgery.   My appendix scar was sensitive for years ........ I was supposedly to have keyhole Surgery: think they used the key to Westminster Abbey 

When tired, it would be sore from inside - if that makes any sense 

I did wonder about rubbing a small amount of butter over the scar, very gently ........  aloe vera is used for people with allergies 

[Katymac]

I can use aloe once every 2 or 3 days

So I may try that

But knowing it's normal is fab tbh

[Tc]

Same here