Is it normally to be in this much pain 6 weeks post op?

[lifetime76]

I had a LAVH 6 weeks ago. At 2 weeks post op, I went back to work but I work in an office so my doctor thought this would be okay and I felt pretty good. However, I started having pain on my right side. I chalked it off to sitting in my chair for 8 hours a day the first week, but by the end of the 2nd week, I was in so much pain, I called my doctor. He said the pain I was describing did not sound related to my surgery. Right side, under my rib cage, radiates to my back, sometimes centered at my waist, sometimes under my right breast. Sharp pain, always sharp when I move. When I sit, I feel like I have baby feet in my ribs. My hysterectomy only removed my uterus and my left ovary. I kept the right one. So I would be inclined to agree somewhat that what I am experiencing has nothing to do with the surgery except I was fine prior to having it. So I went to my local hospital's convenient care clinic, described how I was feeling. I was not running a fever, or anything but I was sent for a CT scan and a cbc. The cbc was normal, no infection and the CT scan only showed a small spot on my lung and a small spot on my liver. They say this is not causing my pain but didn't offer any suggestions as to what could be causing it. I don't know what to do. The pain is not going away, or getting any better. I feel like I have a brick lodged in the middle of right side and I cannot get comfortable. Has anyone experienced a similar experience?

[old_before_my_time]

I'm surprised your doctor released you to go back to work after just 2 weeks. Hysterectomy is major surgery with recovery typically 6-8 weeks but definitely AT LEAST 4 weeks. But I've seen it before - women told they can return to desk jobs 1 or 2 weeks after surgery which should NOT be happening. There is so much cutting done internally so it's not about the size and number of incisions (e.g., "minimally invasive" versus "traditional" laparotomy

That being said, other women have had pain similar to yours after hysterectomy. Although you cannot prove that it's from the surgery, it more than likely is. But your surgeon is not likely to admit that especially if he/she did not warn you of that possibility beforehand (informed consent). It's not unusual for other organs to be affected by hysterectomy because the uterus is a place holder / anchor for the bladder and bowel. They are displaced once it's removed and other organs connect to the bladder and bowel so those may also shift. Scar tissue / adhesions can also cause problems.

Based on your description, it sounds like it could be gallbladder related. Hormones, as well as the anatomical changes, can affect the gallbladder and since one of your ovaries was removed, your hormones could be "going crazy" although it seems you'd notice that. I've had bowel problems ever since my hysterectomy 12 years ago and still don't know what my surgeon did to cause it because it's more severe than the typical complaints. :( Have you discussed this with your primary care doctor yet?

[lifetime76]

I don't have one, but I made an appointment for a new doctor that I see next week so we will see.  I have noticed hormone issues. My breasts stay sore, and I have had three migraines since the surgery. I am a chronic migraine sufferer, but I take daily medication to prevent this, so having three in a month was crazy.  Thank you for the feedback.