[devries992002]

I had a radical hysterectomy approximately 10 weeks ago. At my 6 weeks post-op checkup I complained of swelling in the pubic area and a light discharge. The Gyn./Onc said that I had some granulation tissue and cauterized the area.. I seemed to be fine, but within the last week the symptoms have returned and the swollen area is quite big. Any thought?

[Karen S]

i am 45 and had one 17 years ago,i really think it may have started innocently enough, but you have a infection from the operation .go back to the Dr if you tell him you think you have a infection, hes going to think your looking for a law suite, just suggest that maybe antibiotics might help.dont put him or her on alarm because if its your infection or thier butt. its going to be you.

[aky m]

Several hysterectomy support sites have lists of what to expect after hysterectomy but they may represent a mixture of hysterectomy effects as well as symptoms from having the ovaries removed. The biggest complaint most women have is fatigue. This persists for 2 or 3 months post op. It seems to last longer when the return to activity is slower. In other words it pays to become more active sooner after surgery.Other immediate (within two weeks) post op symptoms may include:urinary tract frequency and urgencyrequires being checked for possible urinary tract infection although there may just be bladder spasms due to catheter irritation or small pelvic collections of blood near the bladder.incisional problemsdischarge or weeping of the incision in the first week or twoitching or burning of the incision at 3-6 weekspain that is localized to one side of the incision or anotherswelling underneath or to the side of the incision but different than the rest of the incisionabdominal wall laxness, pot belly, bloated appearancegastrointestinal problemsincreased"gassiness"immediately after surgery (treatable with simethicone tablets or liquid)constipation treatable with stool softeners, flax seedloose stools (especially if antibiotics were given)vaginal problemsbloody or odorous discharge for 1st 1-4 weeksodor without much discharge (may require topical vaginal antibiotic cream if persists beyond a week)vulvar burning or itching (usually just due to dryness and not a yeast infection)mood changesreversion to moods previously ignored due to hecticness of every day lifefatiguedecreased libidoincreased feelings of stress and anxietyincreased depressive symptoms(Note - any 6 week period of significantly altered daily activity like postoperative recovery can lead to a change in mood for better or worse. It is not very predictable.)painpain and swelling or redness at the site of the intravenous needlespelvic cramps and catches somewhat sporadic in occurrence or related to increased physical activitygeneral problemsgeneralized allergic rash or itching to medications such as antibiotics or pain medicinesRemember that most women will say it takes up to 6 months after surgery before they do not think on a daily basis about having had surgery.