Thyroid weight issue and c-section scar

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-11-2004
Thyroid weight issue and c-section scar
6
Mon, 10-11-2004 - 10:54pm
I had ovarian surgery in 1977 and a c-section in 1980 - both using the same bikini incision. I have never had a problem with the incision until about a week ago. I have a thyroid problem due to a pituitary adenoma and have that "thyroid stomach" hanging down (I used to be a size 2 - went up to 16 until meds were stablized - now an 8) - it seems to be pulling on the incision scar, and I have had some bleeding - seems to have opened the wound - I really don't know what to do about this - called my doctor today - but no response. Has anyone else had this problem?? If so, what did you do about it??
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-19-2004
Tue, 10-12-2004 - 9:03am
Never had that problem. I would keep calling your docs. See what they say...if you haven't already talked to them. In which case what advice did they give?

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-09-2001
Tue, 10-12-2004 - 10:02pm
Hi and welcome - I'm not sure I understand what you're saying so I just want to clarify. Is your incision from 1980 opening now? I can't imagine that that can happen but I've never had either type of surgery. How could your doctor have no response?

And what is thyroid stomach? Do you just mean that you've gained some weight because of your thyroid condition? Or is it something else that I've never heard of? Sorry to be a little dense .... I just want to make sure of what you're saying! Cathy :)

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-11-2004
Wed, 10-13-2004 - 1:07am
The "thyroid stomach" is the weight that occurs most often in people with hypothyroidism - that hanging down flab that is not from lack of exercise or improper diet - my doctor even told me that sit-ups, etc. will do nothing to get rid of this - I also have adrenal problems and diabetes insipidus - had a pituitary adenoma removed in 1977 (6 weeks after the ovarian surgery I previously mentioned) and have another one now - that will just stay where it is - I just keep adding meds as things stop functioning. Anyway, once the thyroid medication got somewhat stabilized (we've been working on this for about 7 years) - my weight began to go back to a somewhat normal range - the stomach, as I said, remains the same. Now that I am returning closer to my normal weight, the saggy stomach seems to be pulling on the scar from 1977 (ovarian surgery) and 1980 (c-section). It has started to bleed - not on a regular basis - and this just started a few days ago - I don't know if it is splitting open or what - I know this sounds very strange, but I've tried to explain it as best I can. I know that many of us have had to convince doctors that we knew something wasn't right when most of us found ourselves with the onset of thyroid problems....it seems that women are dismissed easily - "female problems" "you're depressed" - etc. I have been told numerous times "I've never seen this before." - I'm used to having to explain myself! :) Anyway, I heard from my doctor today and will be seeing her in two weeks - my next appt was originally in 6 weeks. So, I'll see what happens then, I guess. She did say if it got worse to go to the ER - well, DUH! :)
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-19-2004
Wed, 10-13-2004 - 8:23am
I have a saggy stomach, but I have had 3 kids. I dont think it will go away either b/c it was just stretched out. Granted it's not hanging way over my pants or anything, but it's there.


iVillage Member
Registered: 10-11-2004
Wed, 10-13-2004 - 12:51pm
This has nothing to do with having kids - my stomach was completely flat (after pregnancies) until my thyroid problem started. If you research symptoms for various thyroid conditions/disease or ask your doctor, I believe you will find this extra fat in the abdomen area to be mentioned as a common one, but thanks for your help.
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-11-2004
Thu, 03-17-2005 - 12:49pm
Just so you don't think I'm completely nuts - and I have certainly thought so myself! - In Mary Shomon's book, THE THYROID DIET - there is a chapter on weight gain, the thyroid, metabolism, etc. She talks there about the fat cells in the stomach being extra sensitive because of being so close to the digestive organs and the extensive networks of blood vessels circulating in that area - this is, perhaps, enhanced with a c-section. As many people with thyroid disease/problems know, weight gain (fat cells, metabolism) is a huge issue. Anyway, if folks have not read/looked at/heard of this book, I highly recommend it - I am finding it to be a valuable investment!