Understanding Post-Hysterectomy Bleeding: What to Expect
A 22-year-old woman shares her experience following a surgical procedure. She has a medical history that includes Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), a hypertonic pelvic floor, migraines, Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Currently, she is on a medication regimen that consists of 100 mg of Zoloft, 5 mg of Ivabradine twice daily, Nurtec every other day, and Sumatriptan as needed. Additionally, after her hysterectomy, she was prescribed medications including oxycodone, Miralax, Colace, and Mylicon. Having undergone the procedure about 36 hours ago, she describes her overall condition as relatively stable, though she is experiencing an adverse reaction to the surgical dressings. Her primary concern arises from having passed a clot approximately the size of a ping pong ball about an hour earlier. In contrast, she notes that her bleeding is minimal, amounting to light spotting manageable with a pantyliner. She seeks clarification on whether that particular clot is a cause for concern and wants to understand the threshold between what constitutes normal and abnormal bleeding after such a surgery. The type of hysterectomy she underwent was a supracervical hysterectomy combined with a bilateral salpingectomy, without the removal of the ovaries. The surgical findings indicated that all structures were normal, except that her uterus was noted to be small and positioned forward. She appreciates any insights or advice regarding her situation!
Answers (1)
6/18/2025, 9:51:00 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to have concerns after undergoing a hysterectomy, especially regarding bleeding and clots. Here's a breakdown of what to expect post-surgery and what actions you should consider.
Key Points About Post-Hysterectomy Bleeding:
- Passing a clot, such as the size of a ping pong ball, can happen after surgery and is not uncommon.
- Light spotting is typically normal in the immediate post-operative period.
- It's essential to differentiate between normal post-surgical bleeding and signs of potential complications.
Explanation:
After a hysterectomy, the body goes through a healing process which often includes some bleeding. While passing small clots can be normal, larger clots, especially if accompanied by heavy bleeding (soaking through pads or requires frequent changing), pain, or significant changes in your condition, could indicate a complication such as bleeding from the surgical site. Given your medical history, particularly with POTS and any associated concerns, it's wise to stay vigilant.
Actions to Take:
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a close eye on your bleeding. If it remains light and manageable and you aren’t feeling faint, this is generally a good sign. A diary of your symptoms could be helpful.
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Report Significant Changes: If you pass any more large clots, experience heavy bleeding (soaking a pad within an hour), feel faint, or have worsening pain, these are times you need to seek further medical attention promptly.
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Care for Surgical Site: Since you mentioned irritation from the dressings, ensure that your surgical area is clean and dry. If the irritation increases or if you notice signs of infection (redness, swelling, or discharge), it’s important to notify your care team.
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Stay Hydrated and Rest: Your body is recovering, so ensure you are drinking plenty of fluids and resting as needed to support healing.
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Manage Pain Effectively: If you experience pain, use the medications prescribed (e.g., oxycodone) as directed, and consider discussing any concerns about pain management with your healthcare team if needed.
Your concerns are valid, especially considering your health history, and taking these steps will help you monitor your recovery effectively. If uncertainties or symptoms arise, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional assistance.
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