Problems After Hysterectomy: Abdominal Pain & Cramps

I'm having non stop cramping 3 weeks out from a hysterectomy. My surgeon thinks it could be a cyst and wants to do a CT Scan. Any advice?

Hi @amyoonlee Welcome to Mayo Connect.

Some pain and cramping isn’t unusual after a hysterectomy and can last for a couple weeks, But it shouldn’t be not-stop. That has to be really miserable. Why does our plumbing have to be so complicated!?!

There are some potential complications after removing the uterus such minor prolapse of the vagina or bladder. That can cause cramping. Scar tissue from the surgery (adhesions) could cause cramping. A cyst… Any of these would warrant a trip to see your doctor.

If I were you, I’d take my surgeon’s advice and go in for a CT scan. Don’t suffer any longer than you need to. Is there a reason you’re dragging your heels in having this checked out?

I am confused. CTs are generally used for hard tissue issues - like bones. I am surprised that your surgeon is not asking for a MRI. I would do the CT as he may have reasons a non medical person (like me) is not aware of, but make sure you get a copy of the report and a copy of the CD from medical records after the fact. You may need to get a second opinion and the CT should not need to be repeated. Please post on how things work out!
BTW I had complications with my hysterectomy and bi-lateral oophorectomy. Turns out I had a hematoma (ie large blood mass) the size of a grapefruit. There was a leak from one of the arteries cut to remove the uterus. (I had endometriosis - so everything was stuck together - not as it should be. The surgeon was working with a total mess...)
There was an scan taken (CT or MRI, I do not recall). Having that documentation would have been very helpful as I ended up in the ER with a fever within a couple of days of discharge...

@tahbsoweight- A computerized tomography (CT) scan is a diagnostic imaging technique used to produce detailed pictures of the bones, organs, and other tissues. It can be performed on any part of the body and does not cause pain or discomfort. Computerized tomography scans provide more detailed pictures of the structures inside a patient's body than a standard x-ray.

I have had lung cancer for a very long time and not many of my lesions are solid.

CT scans also diagnose appendicitis for example. Better not wait too long to have the CT done.

After having a total abdominal hysterectomy (2009) as a treatment to relieve pain from what was diagnosed as adenomyosis & endometriosis - I still deal with chronic pain. It isn't as bad as it was presurgery - but, it does impact daily life and I deal with it 24/7. Scar from hysterecomy is almost looks like I had a c-section (but never have). Pain is always localized on the left side and often radiates around to the hip/pelvic area and often to the lower back/pelvic. After primary physician said likely scar tissue/adhesions - they didn't give much help to try to resolve pain. Last year went to another ObGyn for second opinion. Have been working with a physical therapist w/ minor results (pain persists). Went off HRT (which I had been on since hysterectomy) & was placed on Orilissa (trial to see if I might have leftover endo). Appointment coming up Thursday, Orilissa doesn't seem to be making any difference. Unfortunately, can't take OTC anti-inflamatories due to weak stomach.

Any thoughts or suggestions on avenues to explore? Really ready to get rid of the pain!

Thank you!

@robinw All surgery causes scar tissue. You may be interested in this discussion about Myofascial Release which is a specialized form of physical therapy created by John Barnes. It can treat and loosen surgical scar tissue. Unfortunately, not all doctors are familiar with it, and often they don't thinks about the properties of living fascia and adhesions in it because in med school they study cadavers instead of living tissue.

> Groups > Neuropathy > Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) for treating compression and pain
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/

There is a provider search at http://mfrtherapists.com/

Have you heard about this type of therapy before? Would you consider trying it?

Thank you for sharing the information! I have not heard of it. I did some research..but, I'm having a hard time determining if Myofascial Release Therapy is the same as manual therapy. What is the difference (if you happen to know)?

@robinw Myofascial release is a type of manual therapy, but it is a very specific method that will only be understood by therapists who have done specific training with the John Barnes methods. Think of it like kneading bread dough. You sink in with your hands and push, except you hold it pushing against the tension of the barrier. When you hold that, the fascia can reorganize itself. It is kind of like a Chinese finger game where your finger is trapped if you pull too hard, but a gentle slow effort will let your finger escape the tube that holds it. Fascia converts to a liquid like web and can uncoil itself and reset in a new configuration. You will learn how to do home fascial stretching using balls or straps. You need to have a shearing force between 2 points and I can feel it when the fascia starts to slide as there is a tingling sensation. I have done MFR work for several years.

Hi. I have been having what seems to be a monthly menstrual cycle as I am cramping and spotting at the same time every month. I had a partial hysterectomy 10 years ago and my uterus and cervix were both removed. My OB/GYN did an ultrasound and didn’t find anything. She wants me to use estrogen inserts in case I might have a small tear that could be causing the spotting..... this makes no sense to me. If that were the cause, I should be spotting all the time, not on a monthly basis. I don’t know what to do.