I was banded on February 3rd so I am on day 4 on the clear liquids diet. ( I am in Canada and we have different meal plans). My port is killing me. Whenever I stand up or change posistions. It could be because I am moving too much. I have to go to class because its the last 2 weeks. Does anyone have any suggestions? It is a 8 out of 10 for pain even while I am taking full doses of perscribed Demerol.

Any tips?

when will it stop?

Thanks

Dear Bandedgal,

I totally remember that pain. The port incision usually is the most uncomfortable. I used cold packs for 15 to 20 minutes (Cold rice packs, not ice) You can make a rice bag pretty easily. Clean sock or cloth bag with uncooked rice, Fill about halfway. Put it in the freezer for an hour or so until good and cold, then place around the painful area. This will be chilly, but not uncomfortably cold. The cold pack will help reduce inflamation, which will help the pain. Good luck. Hope this helps hang in there.

My port pain was horrible.....

In addition to the ice....ask you surgeon if you can use a heating pad. Mine recommended the heating pad and it helped tremendously. It does get better....

Jackie

Beside the pain in my left shoulder from gas, the port pain was the worst! I too found it very helpful to alternate heat and ice to the port area... ice to reduce swelling and heat to reduce pain. Also, whenever I changed positions I found it helpful to apply pressure to the port area for security. It has become a habit and I find myself still holding my stomach when I go from a sitting to standing position. It is also helpful to hold the area when you cough or sneeze. I couldn't lay on my side for several weeks after surgery but eventually could if I put a pillow under the port area for support. Now... months later it is no problem! Hang in there... healing takes a while.