3 weeks out and severe pain in large incision...Help!
Hey everyone. I'm a little over 3 weeks out and still have a lot of pain around my large incision. Pulling, discomfort,stabbing feeling...when I try to pick things up, sleep, drive, roll over. It's also tender around the area. It's starting to mess with my brain and well being. I never know when the extreme pain will come because it happens with various things. Is it just the healing process? Is there anything I can do to speed it up, or give comfort? My surgeon lives almost three hours away, so I want to make sure it's a normal after surgery pain before I take the trip. Any advice would be helpful.
Re: 3 weeks out and severe pain in large incision...Help!
I would go see him. It may be infected inside. I didn't have any trouble with mine but I don't remember too many people saying anything like that unless it had some problem. it may not be much but there is no need to suffer. Let us know what they say.
Re: 3 weeks out and severe pain in large incision...Help!
Hi there, I think it is normal. My pain went completely away exactly one month after surgery. To be honest I thought that this surgery was not going to be much different than the gallbladder one which I had removed 5 yrs ago but to my surprise the sleeve surgery did hurt. Don't lift things up, that does hurt your belly. Also drink your protein shakes remember protein speeds up recovery. I couldn't sleep flat on my back I slept in a sofa recliner for almost 3 weeks after surgery and sleeping on my sides was totally out of the question. Right now I am back in my bed and i sleep on my back or on my right side.When I try to sleep on my left side it feels a little weird like on my rib cage not painful but weird. We all are different, we heal differently and also it depends a lot on what kind of activities you are doing. Rest your body of course walk moderately but don't be lifting and if driving hurts don't do it for awhile. Hope this helps and I hope you recover soon it does get better just hang in there!!!! =)
Re: 3 weeks out and severe pain in large incision...Help!
That kind of pain isn't normal...call your surgeon!
Re: 3 weeks out and severe pain in large incision...Help!
I hurt like that for about a month. not constantly but toward the end of the month usually when i bent a certain way. Then one day it was just gone. I would definately call your doc and at least say something about it. That is what your doctor is there for and what we pay them for. Even after hours!
Re: 3 weeks out and severe pain in large incision...Help!
Yea...it does not sound normal at all. I am 5 days out and have had zero pain at any of my incisions, and that is with my largest one opening up just a bit, stil no pain from it at all. I am already sleeping on my tummy again and I had 3 surgeries. I would definitely call/see the surgeon.
Re: 3 weeks out and severe pain in large incision...Help!
Hi there. I did have pain in one of my incision areas. It was also my largest incision as well. When I questioned the Doctor he told me that it was ok. That is where he had stitched into the muscle with stitches. So it would hurt really bad at times but then go away. I can say that it has stopped hurting now and I am fine. Unless it is red, swollen or warm to the touch call the Doctor to question him. Other wise just wait till next appointment with him. Or call just to feel better that it is ok. Good luck
Re: 3 weeks out and severe pain in large incision...Help!
If we can confuse you any further let us know! ;)
Re: 3 weeks out and severe pain in large incision...Help!
Hahahaha...that's what I'm thinking. The incision healed well, although is slightly indented. It isn't red or swollen, and depending on the position I feel no pain at all. But, movement is intense depending on how I'm moving. I have three children and my youngest, age 2, has Autism, so I cannot stay in bed and rest. I drove before I should, picked up my son, etc. I feel like I messed up my recovery, but was in a hard situation because my husband is military and couldn't take any leave from work. I'm a very independent person and mother who hates asking for help or admitting weakness. But, now I'm losing it. I've been waking up around 3:00 in the morning and going downstairs to cry because of the pain and discomfort. I'm busy from 6:30 am until 5:00pm with my kids....maybe I'm just a big baby...
Re: 3 weeks out and severe pain in large incision...Help!
It never hurts to call. They may be able to put your mind at ease and suggest help. I've the same one incision that pulls and tugs. I wear spandex underwear 24/7, it keeps my lower belly from pulling on my upper belly, and a sleep bra because the girls irritate the area. I also slept up at an angle in bed on my back for 19 nights and still part of the night now. Have you a belly binder? It's really helping me not pull at it when I am moving normally. Also, warm drinks seem to soothe the area, though my niece had similar surgery and an ice pack helps her, so whatever works for you. Does plain old tylenol help? Feel better!
Re: 3 weeks out and severe pain in large incision...Help!
I think it should be a rule... If it hurts only when moving then its a muscle issue. Hope you feel well soon.
Re: 3 weeks out and severe pain in large incision...Help!
Hey there, I hate to sound negative but i would investigate more with even your local GP just in cast you have an
infection? I the exact feeling after i had a ceasarean section and i put it down to "healing" but it ended up
being an infection..Your local gp could give you some antibiotics to get it sorted....Hope you get better soon:)
Re: 3 weeks out and severe pain in large incision...Help!
Don't let anybody tell you "thats not normal!"
I was in agony for the better part of 3 weeks post op. By agony I mean it felt like I was disembowled every time I stood and tried to walk, cough, etc. It wasn't a gradual healing, it went from terrible to bearable in the space of a few days. I couldn't even sit down on a recliner without my wife standing on my feet and leaning back to counter balance me.
If you have an infection you will have a fever so check your temperature. Anything less than 100 and you're fine.
However you don't need to live in pain even if there is nothing wrong call your doctor and DEMAND painkillers. Don't accept any other answer than "here is a prescription for lortab where shall I call it in?" or "I'm going to refer you to a pain specialist".
Re: 3 weeks out and severe pain in large incision...Help!
i had the same thing Doc said that is where he had to pull the part of the stomach out. It did hurt for a good 6 to 8 weeks on me too. So best of luck with your new little tummy.
Re: 3 weeks out and severe pain in large incision...Help!
It may be "normal", I apparently have not had a "normal" recovery, but if it concerns you, it certainly warrants a phone call to your surgeon's or your pcp's office. Good luck and I hope you feel better very soon!