post hysterectomy vaginal swelling (2025)

08-04-2001, 06:59 PM

Its been a week yesterday since my hysterectomy. They took out my ovaries and uterus. Although my doctor says its normal, I am very concerned with swelling. My legs, back and worst of all is my vaginal lips. One is so hard it hurts to touch. They have swollen so much I am getting crotch rash from rubbing. After searching internet and this site for similar post op problems, I haven't seen any. Please advise.

08-04-2001, 07:06 PM

First did the dr put you on hrt??? this could cause swelling due to hormones. Also your body is in turmoil over what is missing it is confused. I would use some viamin E on the labia to ease that pain and reduse friction. Please let us know about the hrt. Marci

08-04-2001, 07:07 PM

I am sorry to hear you are having such difficulty. Did you have the LAVH? I had a TAH/BSO and have never had those type problems. It may be specific to the type of surgery you had. As far as back aches and leg aches, during surgery they are doing so much to us that it may be the position we are placed in after being anesthetized. Did the doctor give you any reason for these aches and the swelling. I hope some of the other sisters can help. In the meantime, I will keep you and the other sisters in my prayers for a speedy recovery and less pain each day.

08-04-2001, 08:11 PM

I had a TVH with Rectocele repair. The rectocele repair involved stitching up the perineum area. I also felt very swollen, to the point that I feared that the rectocele was still there: felt a lot like the bulge I felt when I first discovered the prolapse.

I you had a vaginal hyst or any repair done, chances are that the swelling is from the trauma the vagina sufferred during the surgery.

If it doesn't swell down or if it gets worst, don't hesitate to call your doctor again, just to be on the safe side. You can also use an anti-inflamatory, such as ibuprofen, to help reduce the swelling.

Wishing you the best of luck. Please keep us posted on your progress.

08-06-2001, 10:32 AM

I want to thank everyone, this is a great site. My swelling comes and goes. I find that each time I get up and stay up too long my ankles, legs and vaginal lips swell up. I have learned. I also have found that they shaved me before surgery and that seems to be the major rash problem down there :<. Thanks again

08-06-2001, 12:26 PM

Bettyboop,
I would call your doctor about the leg and ankle swelling. This sounds like something that you need to have checked out by a doctor. I had a vaginal hyst and experienced a lot of discomfort and bruising in the vaginal area, but I think since you are also talking about legs and ankles that you should give the doctor a call.
Best wishes

Becky in OHIO

08-06-2001, 04:20 PM

Bettyboop,

I just wanted to encourage to you keep getting lots of rest...OFF your feet! I'll bet it will help the swelling a lot. Of course, always call your Dr. if you're concerned.

My very best to you...

Linda

08-06-2001, 06:39 PM

Dear bettyboop,

With your legs and ankles swelling it sounds like you may be retaining fluids for some reason. As far as the vaginal swelling and irritation, I can sure relate to that. I had a TVH with cystocele and rectocele repair on July 20th. I could not believe how sore I was down there the days following the surgery. I referred to it in one of my earlier posts. I remember telling my husband that I didn't know what all they did down there but I was sure it involved an electric sander. I was so tender that having to wear panty liners for a while until my spotting after surgery stopped really irritated it.

I do think, however, if your problems don't improve you should call your doctor again. When I went in for my 2 week check up I was starting to develop a yeast infection from being on antibiotics and that was increasing the irritation and soreness.

I hope things start improving for you soon. Keep us posted.