is gas pain really this bad???

[melidawn 15]

I am 6 days post op and the incisions have never once bothered me but the gas is a whole different story. It comes and it goes. Typically when I wake up I feel really good. As the day goes on it's like the gas builds up and causes more and more discomfort. I am sticking to the liquid diet and gas x. In the evening the gas gets so bad it's almost unbearable. It feels like someone is auction my chest while another someone is pushing up on my rib cage with all their might. I use a heating pad. I have had a bm. What am I doing wrong? This is really bad this evening and I have walked more today then any. I walked about a mile. Any suggestions, words of wisdom, or anything would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you

[lassie 247]

I am not a doctor, we all tolerate pain at a different level so not sure how bad it is. I also had bad gas pains for about two weeks drove me crazy. That said you need to call your doctor and talk to him/her or the nurse and run it by them. Hugs to you I will say a wee pray for you tonight.

[Cindy2013 99]

I agree that you should call your doctor and run it past them. Here's the reason why. but as you read the story, don't panic, because I'm certainly not saying this is what is going on.

I had a gallbladder surgery years ago and I was told to expect gas pains in my shoulder. This is typically because they have to pump your abdomen full of gas when they are operating on you. So at first I dismissed my shoulder "gas" pains. The 2nd day I woke up and felt an immediate wave of pain through my abdomen, and then intense shoulder pain when I would move. I shivered and teeth chattered during the process. Feeling that something wasn't right, I went to my local ER. they proceeded to do an x-ray and then sent me home stating that it was just gas pains and that I needed to ambulate more. I was so embarrassed. The pain continued and got increasingly worse, but I was determined not to go back to just be told that I had gas.

48 hours later I found myself back in surgery to repair a bile leak that happened during the first surgery. I had several liters of bile sloshing around in my abdomen by this time, and ended up getting peritonitis (infection) on top of it all.

Severe shoulder pain should not be brushed aside as gas pains. We all handle pain differently, and most likely what you are feeling is gas. it is a very real pain that I have felt with other abdominal surgeries. It hurts bad, no doubt about it. But if you are in EXTREME pain and having any sweating or shivering going on, call the doctor just to make sure all is well. I could have saved myself 10 days in the hospital if I had gone back "again" before it became an emergent situation.

Are you expelling any gas? Do you get relief from that? Are you walking frequently, or just one long walk.

[samik 1]

I had my band 5 years ago and I still get very bad pains when I drink certain things.It sounds silly but I have to stand up and wiggle from side to side oh it's so painful

[ms.sharon31 1]

Yes gas is that bad! Mine has made so much noise that everyone in the house knows I am not playing or exaggerating about the discomfort. I am day 6 post and feeling better but it is still very much there. When I had my twins csectionI had gas pains so bad it dropped me to my knees & I could barely breathe. Again yes gas is horrific

[melidawn 15]

Thanks everyone. I spoke with the doctor and apparently this is normal gas pain. Today is better so far but it always seems it's worst at night before bed. I guess I just wasn't expecting it to be that bad since the incisions and all feel just fine. I really appreciate everyone's input.

I love this forum!

[CHEZNOEL 4,061]

Yep... I am afraid it is that bad, but good that checked with the doctor!

[Daisy1244 36]

I had terrible gas pain. When I

I went to the doctor for my follow up I asked him why they didn't warn us about the pain. He said some people experience it and some don't. I had terrible actually excruciating left shoulder pain. The good thing is that everyday it got better, thank goodness. I kept remembering this too shall pass!!!!! A heating pad made it more manageable. Good luck. It's all worth it in the end