I have a question about post-operative swelling. Hear me out if you can! I'd love your input as it's stressful.
It's been four weeks since my reversal. I had a laparoscopic procedure with an additional bikini line incision (three to four inches). I had my ileorectal anastomosis fashioned during the time of this procedure, but already had a colectomy. This is not a j-pouch, but there aren't many resources out there and it is somewhat similar I think.
I find that throughout the day, I become more and more swollen in the belly. It becomes painful to touch and my shorts get very snug. When I wake up in the morning, it (most of the time) feels better. I don't do much in the day -- working from home (sitting), taking a nap, going for two walks (really low-key), and that's it. My bowels are still all over the place so obviously that disrupts it.
I do not regret reversal (yet, at least), but this is so uncomfortable and painful. I live in chronic abdominal pain as it is, but this on top of it really sucks! And I could never wear proper clothes by the end of the day (thinking about the future when I can't wear loungewear all day).
My surgeon says it is still early, but I never experienced this after my three other abdo surgeries. Can anyone relate at all? I'm mostly looking for stories that had a similar procedure (or at least similar symptoms), not just a through-the-stoma-hole-takedown and are feeling great after a couple weeks because that will make me feel very frustrated (no offence, please, as I am definitely happy for you!)