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How long do your intestines stay swollen post surgery?

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Posted 9/21/2011 10:10 PM (GMT 0)
Does anyone remember how long there bowels were swollen for post colectomy? I had laprascopic surgery so no big scars across my stomach, but i do have a bloated stomach - I'm guessing it's normal, but i just wondered how long it will stay for.

It's a bit uncomfortable sometimes and can make my bag unstick a little as it goes over the ridge of where the bloating stops. I only just avoided a leak at work the other day smilewinkgrin

(I'm only 4 weeks post op)

Richard

Post Edited (richochet96) : 9/21/2011 4:55:06 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/22/2011 2:46 AM (GMT 0)
i dont really think there should be a ridge where it's bloating, maybe i don't understand what you are saying.
i think it's normal to stay somewhat swollen for 6 to 8 weeks. it was about 6 weeks before i could fit into my regular clothes correctly, even though i had lost lots of weight.
Posted 9/22/2011 3:27 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Richard,
It was about 8 weeks before I noticed any difference in the swelling I also had my ileostomy done lapro. Not sure either what you mean by having a ridge? Is it a scar from previous surgery perhaps? I have a ridge where I had a right hemicolectomy done a few years back so in the beginning I had some issues getting the right appliance to suit, we went from a convex wafer to a flat now that things have settled and can barely see the scar where I had the previous surgery done now. Hope you have a speedy recovery. Keep us updated on how your going
Take Care
Doreen
Posted 9/22/2011 9:20 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Summerstorm/Doreen. Sorry, probably wasn't very clear with the 'ridge'. My stomach was flat pre op. Now my stomach sticks out - kind of looks like I'm pushing my stomach out when I'm just stood normally.

I'm probably being a bit impatient - hopefully like you said it should stop swelling by 8 weeks.
Posted 9/22/2011 10:08 AM (GMT 0)
it could be that the swelling hasn't gone down yet. does the area where the bulge is hurt? if it doesn't go down in the next few weeks, go to the dr just to make sure it's not a hernia. let us know.
Posted 9/22/2011 11:06 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks 2bColonFree - It doesn't hurt, but it's a little bit tender. Hopefully it's not a hernia, I'll give it a couple of weeks and see how it goes.
Posted 9/22/2011 11:52 AM (GMT 0)
yeah, i think couple weeks tops, then go see the dr. don't wait too long with this. let us know pls.
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