Abdominal hysterectomy - how long before pain gone.?

Question

I had an abdominal hysterectomy 3 months ago and I still have a lot of discomfort in my abdomin and the large horizontal incision is still very sensitive and hurts if I push down on it. Does that seem to be the case with anyone who has had this surgery. My doctor says it is normal but several people told me they didn't have any pain by the time 3 months rolled around.

Answer 1

Even after the initial post-op pain has gone away it can take several more months to get rid of the post-op tenderness that has occurred inside the body because of the trauma done by having the surgery. It can take up to a year to fully recover as far as the energy levels. (learned this from my own experiences with surgery)

Also, the sensitivity is occurring because the nerves are trying to heal. This is pretty common after a surgery like a hysterectomy (learned this from friends who have had hysterectomies).

When it comes to recovery from surgery (this also includes laparoscopy which is minimally invasive-I've had 4 of them) everyone is different. Some are quicker to recover than others.

I would recommend getting back in touch with your doctor to let him/her know that you are really concerned about this because of what others have told you and need further clarification on the time that it takes to get over a hysterectomy as far as the post-op pain.

Answer 2

You had major surgery. i had the same thing. We have been "gutted". It was 6 months or longer before I felt back to normal. You will be healing for a long time. I had my ovaries, cervix, uterus removed for cancer. But, the healing from the operation itself takes months from this kind of thing. Sounds like you kept your ovaries, so at least you are not going through surgical menopause. That is total hell. Going #2 is straining your muscles. I had to use laxatives for a while, and a LOT of fiber, so I could go without "dying" of pain. Good luck, and feel better. x