Pain

[cparks]

Hi all~
I am post VSG 5 days. I had my surgery done Thursday morning. I have been reading all these posts and some I can empathize with and others make me worried I am not feeling well enough fast enough. I Got out the hospital Sunday. I had a SUPER hard time getting anything down but this had gotten an little better. I have had to stay on my lortab every four hours like clockwork or I pay for it. My right side under the largest incision where they removed the stomach and where I think is the remaining portion of my stomach really hurts. The nutrisitonist from the clinic gave me a special pillow like they give you after a C-section or heart attack to use when standing, sitting or walking. I HAVE to use this. It burns where I suspect it is still healing..... I expected to have pains at the site but once hearing how well everyone else is doing I am begininng to wonder if there is something wrong in there. Did you have pain walking or gettin up or down in a chair? Standing to long, like taking a shower almost creates a pulling pain in there? Sound familiar or should I be worried?

[WandaLeaner]

Everyone has their own experience. I have a friend who was done that could not do without her pain meds for the first week. Also depends on your starting weight, your health prior to surgery and if you have a lower tolerance. I would suggest going to see your primary care doctor and get them to look you over. It's a good opportunity to rule out stuff, even if it is just to say it's normal. Get lots of rest, Im a victim after a couple hours, and make sure you get your water in. im not getting enough yet and I can tell big time. You'll be good in a few days, but the first few are the hardest. lots of slow sips, the cold water helps with the swelling in my case and be patient, you did just have major surgery.

[Carlayavonne]

I agree w/ Wanda. The first 3 or 4 days were pure hell for me. Wondered why I did this. I had my surgery the day before you... And for the most part, I'm feeling soooo much better. But everyone is different...try to drink your water, rest, if that's what your body needs, walk when you can. Now if you still feel this bad through the weekend... Make an appt with your doc to get everything checked out!

[Bq791]

I think the breathing exercises really helped me out do them everyone who is preop. I've had an abdominal surgery and I was in pain but this time not so much it was gone after day 2.

[karena]

I have that same pain in the same spot. It has been over 2 weeks since my surgery and it is just now starting to get better. A little less every day. Hang in there!

[Enfury8me]

Carrie, I to had the same pain. From what I hear it is where they cut a muscle. It is normal. I did not have nausea from the surgery or after. Just the pain and the burning that you are describing. Good luck to you girl!

[Cindola]

Carrie, I didn't have real pain but I was uncomfortable when I tried to get out of bed or sit up -- once I was up I was fine, it was the getting up. The second night I'd wake up nauseous and had to get up and walk -- it was so uncomfortable, but I had so many pain meds in my IV that I just pushed through it. Give yourself al little time. Remember to walk, walk, walk -- it does help; then sip, sip, sip.

[cparks]

Thanks for all the encouraging words everyone!!! It has been getting a bit better each day, Im just scared I will be in pain with walking at the 2 week mark I was hoping to go back to work. i am a registered respiratory therapist and that is a FULL 12 hr shift full of walking.... i can only do what my body says i can tho i can be doing more walking than i am now, need to kick it up a knotch.

[ElleMarie]

You need to be walking every day a few times a day. Set a goal for how far you will walk and do it OUTSIDE in the sun, enjoying our wonderful weather. The more you walk the quicker you will get better. Getting up and down is a tough one even with the little incisions, if the pillow helps use it. Each day gets better and you will notice a huge difference in the next few days. Some people have a hard time with not getting in enough calories to push themselves through a long day like that. You might need a few more days, depending on your fluid and calorie intake.