Distention and Swelling

[AJM]

Hello Everyone - After 8 weeks of crazy hospital admissions, tests, and massive doses of IV antibiotics, I had a Hartmann's Procedure with Colostomy just under 4 weeks ago - with a reversal scheduled at 12-16 weeks. There were some complications during the surgery, they found a softball sized mass of inflammation/infection that had attached itself to my bladder, uterus and ovary. Great surgeon, he got everything and there was no damage.

My concern right now is the distention and bloating - while things have definitely settled down quite a bit since the surgery, my stomach/abdomen are still really huge and swollen.

I am assuming (hoping) this is not going to be a permanent state, and wondering if you all might share your experience in terms of how long this might take to resolve?

Thank you - very glad to have found this site/group!
Andrea

[To Dream a Dream]

Welcome to our board, Andrea. We are glad you found us. Although my own surgeries were performed a long time ago, I have experienced distension from blockages & know how discouraging & uncomfortable it can be. It does take time to resolve. In the meanwhile, please keep in touch with your health care professionals (surgical, GI, WOCN, etc.) for follow-up care. This is important to both inform them of what you are experiencing & for you to learn what to expect. If symptoms become more intense (pain, vomiting, nausea etc.) please go to an emergency department immediately.

Hopefully, you are on the road to recovery & will let us know your progress.