Sore Stomach After a Hysterectomy & Exercise

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure during which a woman’s uterus is removed. This is a large surgical procedure, conducted by a gynecological surgeon. This procedure is used as a treatment of condition such as uterine bleeding and tumors of the uterus. Following a hysterectomy, a variety of factors can cause abdominal pain after exercise 2.

Healing

Incomplete healing of the surgical wounds is one possible cause of abdominal pain after a hysterectomy 2. During a hysterectomy, many layers of your body tissues are severed to enable the removal of the uterus 2. The skin, which is the top-most layer, may heal more quickly than the layers of other tissues that it covers. Exercising before complete healing of the surgical wounds can result in abdominal pain after exercise.

Infection

Infection of the surgical wounds is not a common occurrence following a hysterectomy, but it is possible 2. This would cause a slowing of the healing process, fever, pain near the surgical wound and perhaps, pain when the infected area is moved. This is another possible cause of abdominal pain following a hysterectomy 2. If left untreated, an infection of a surgical wound can lead to fatal complications.

Damage

Structural damage of the nerves and muscles of your lower abdomen may also be a result of surgery that causes abdominal pain during exercise. Compressed nerves or torn muscles may cause pain in your lower abdomen and surrounding areas following exercise. This pain may be present independent of exercise and it may increase during physical activity.

Precautions

Following a hysterectomy, you should follow up with your physician periodically. These followups are designed to diagnose and prevent any post-surgery complications. This can prevent them from becoming more severe and causing irreversible damage. Consult with your physician before starting any exercise program following a hysterectomy.