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What Causes Abdominal Cramps After Hysterectomy?
Question: I had a total hysterectomy (tubes, ovaries, cervix) in February. I also have IBS. It just seems that since my surgery I am more prone to abdominal/intestinal cramping than I was before and the cramps seem more severe. Is this normal after a hysterectomy? I have davinci surgery with removal through my vagina...thank you..I also seem to be gaining weight though I don't think I am eating any differently. I feel like certain foods bother me but have not had intestinal cramping like this in years.
Brief Answer:
AS BELOW
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for writing to us with your health concern.
Some amount of bowel handling is common during a hysterectomy.
That might have caused a flare up of the IBS due to mucosal handling of the bowel surfaces.
That should be fine within a few weeks, if it was the antecedent surgery that was causing the symptoms to flare up.
Since it has already been 3 months since the index surgery, I do not think the increased cramps are due to the hysterectomy.
It would just be an exacerbation of the IBS, which is often precipitated by stress, anxiety, sleeping problems etc.
Have you weighed yourself, or is it just a feeling of bloating, that is common with IBS ?
It is best to avoid trigger / troublesome foods, and stick to bland homemade food, including a lot of soups / broths in summer.
Avoid meat and protein for a while as it maybe difficult to digest.
Have more of liquids and small, frequent meals throughout the day instead of 2 or 3 major ones.
Indulge in an active exercise regimen, and am sure the weight would not be a problem for a motivated soul.
All the best
Please feel free to discuss further.
AS BELOW
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for writing to us with your health concern.
Some amount of bowel handling is common during a hysterectomy.
That might have caused a flare up of the IBS due to mucosal handling of the bowel surfaces.
That should be fine within a few weeks, if it was the antecedent surgery that was causing the symptoms to flare up.
Since it has already been 3 months since the index surgery, I do not think the increased cramps are due to the hysterectomy.
It would just be an exacerbation of the IBS, which is often precipitated by stress, anxiety, sleeping problems etc.
Have you weighed yourself, or is it just a feeling of bloating, that is common with IBS ?
It is best to avoid trigger / troublesome foods, and stick to bland homemade food, including a lot of soups / broths in summer.
Avoid meat and protein for a while as it maybe difficult to digest.
Have more of liquids and small, frequent meals throughout the day instead of 2 or 3 major ones.
Indulge in an active exercise regimen, and am sure the weight would not be a problem for a motivated soul.
All the best
Please feel free to discuss further.
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
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