Question:
14 days post-op please help
I am 14 days post-op and I am having severe vaginal bleeding. I know it's normal to start your period after RNY but I am bleeding like I did after I gave birth.Any advice would be great. — bzagacki (posted on February 24, 2009)
February 24, 2009
Most docs give heperin (sp?) at the time of surgery. That may be why you
are bleeding? I'm assuming your doctor also did a pregnancy test, so a
miscarraige is probably out of the question. How long have you been
bleeding like this? Do you have a fever? Does your insurance have an
"ask a nurse line" you could call? If you're seriously gushing
blood I would go to the ER. However, if you've no fever, and are otherwise
feeling good, I'd wait for morning and call your gynecologist first thing.
— [Deactivated Member]
February 24, 2009
I did start my period the day after my RNY (1/13/09), and it was pretty
light, and then I've had it again once since then. That really has nothing
to do with your situation, just wanted to let you know where I'm coming
from and that I have NOT had your symptoms or heavy bleeding.
I feel like starting your period might be heavier than normal...mine was
lighter than normal, but it stands to reason to me that because of hormones
or whatever it could go either way...but it doesn't sound right for it to
be THAT heavy.
I don't think you should panic. I'd call a doctor as soon as you're able.
If that's in the morning, fine, but call straight away once they're open.
The hospital where I had my surgery gave me a number for the GI Resident on
call, and I've called a couple of times for things after hours that made me
freak out. I don't know if you have something like that, or if you can just
call the hospital and explain you don't know if it is a medical emergency
but that you'd like to talk to someone who does bariatric surgery to ask
about it.
You didn't say how long this has been going on, or if you're having any
cramping or anything like that too. I still wouldn't know any better what
was going on with you, but it would help you to figure that out - if it has
been going on for a while, check it out on the calendar before you call -
to get the best possible answer from your doctor. That may be stating the
obvious, but I've gotten nervous about a medical thing, called, and then
when they ask "Any other symptoms?" or "When did this
start?" I have to start counting back days or pull out a calendar, and
I feel stupid.
I also would suggest you get a calendar or notebook or similar and make
notes each day of your symptoms. I have a three-prong folder I bought and I
keep inside a sheet for each day where I track protein and fluid intake,
how I'm tolerating different foods, exercise, and ANY out of the ordinary
symptoms or anything like that.
Not brilliant advice, but it's what is coming to me at 1 am. :) I will
be thinking about you and hope you can get an answer asap and that it is
something that is either fine and to be expected, or something easily
treatable. Good luck!!!
— rachieo
February 24, 2009
I didn't think about it until I read Wendy's answer, but I second her
advice to go to the ER if you're gushing blood. That is NOT ok. It may turn
out to be ok, but not worth the risk! Also good advice about the fever...my
best friend is a nurse and she gave me a thermometer when she picked me up
from the hospital so that I could take my temperature regularly. If nothing
else it helped relieve my anxiety about terrible infection/etc to see that
my temp was just fine. Whenever I've called to ask questions, my nurse
practitioner always asks most of the same basic questions, one of which is
"Are you running a fever?"
— rachieo
February 24, 2009
I know this won't probably make you feel any better but it you find it
comforting that you are not alone. I will be 6 weeks out tomorrow & I
have had vaginal bleeding for probably 5 out of the 6 weeks. I have talked
to my doctor and my OBGYN and they both said that its not uncommon.
Hormones are stored in fat cells and your body is shedding fat cells,
therefore causing the bleeding. I started bleeding the day after my
surgery when I was still in the hospital, so trust me I understand your
frustration. Mine did eventually let up and now I just have light
bleeding. Like my OB told me, look at it this way, as long as you're
bleeding you know you are losing fat cells which means you're losing
weight! Good luck! 6 weeks out and down 35 lbs
— iowamom
February 25, 2009
Hello-I started my cycle the day I got home form the hospital. I FLOODED
for 8 days. I did call my doctor out of panic and they said it was normal.
I had no other symptoms and eventually I got back to normal if there is
such a thing. BUT this is your body, if you are scared do not hesitate in
calling your doctor to ask questions!
Good Luck.........and congratulations on your surgery!
— Fircrkr64
February 25, 2009
Please call your gynecologist. Better safe than sorry.
— cvalent1
February 25, 2009
Thank you everyone for your responses. I feel so wonderful having a
lifeline through this process!!! I did speak to my surgeon he said that
this is normal for some woman and give it at least another week as long as
I don't have a fever. I apreciate all of your advice Thanks a million!!!!
— bzagacki
February 25, 2009
Brooke - I'm REALLY glad to hear that this bleeding situation is okay. It's
interesting to read that other people have the same issue. I was concerned
that I *wasn't* bleeding like normal, but since mine is just far lighter
than it used to be, I certainly won't complain. It's crazy, all of the
weird and unexpected symptoms we get - I thought the surgeon's team
prepared me extremely well, and still I have a lot of questions.
— rachieo
Click Here to Return