Strange Pain? Doubt it is anything but...

DownInSocal · October 12, 2009

I am 52 days out right now. No real complaints but........

I have a strange pain kinda at my incision site. I only have one incision. For an idea of where my one is see this pic:

http://www.ucsfhealth.org/adult/images/bariatric_surgery_images/lap_incision_call.jpg

It is the middle left incision (patients left so the ride side of your screen) that is marked "10 to 12 mm" in middle of the three. Mine does not tilt down like that though. I guess if you do it only through one incision it does not tilt.

Anyway, after I eat I get kind of a stabbing pain there sometimes, but not every time. I have a dull ache there about 80% of the time now. It kind of came on gradually about 2 weeks ago. The pain wanders around sometimes too, I can't say it is always at the incision site but when it does hurt, it hurts to push on the incision, regardless of where the pain feels like it is at the time.

I have no shoulder pain, no fever. Nothing to suggest a leak. My incision is now closed but you can tell still healing on the inside, kind of a purple color. I have never recovered from having my abs cut so I am thinking maybe this is the pain, just healing. Anyone else have this or had your abs cut before your WLS and get pains?

Yes I will email my team but I see them on Thursday for a follow up so I am not in a big hurry.

:confused:

OrchidFan · October 12, 2009

I am 52 days out right now. No real complaints but........
I have a strange pain kinda at my incision site. I only have one incision. For an idea of where my one is see this pic:

:confused:

Could it be a hernia? Just guessing. I hope your team can fix it right up for you.

Ivy

DownInSocal · October 12, 2009

Yikes. I had not thought of a hernia. I wonder if it can develop after surgery.

Ok, I just read about hernias. I don't think it is one. I don't feel anything under the sutures like something is protruding there.

Edit again. You have given me something to think about. I am going to start a log of when and how it hurts for my appt on Thursday. Thanks!

Edited October 12, 2009 by DownInSocal

DownInSocal · October 15, 2009

My follow up is tomorrow. I am going to talk about this. I can't even sit up without it hurting. This can't be right. I am seeing on other boards people are doing ab workouts at 4 weeks? And I think those people had the several incision operation. I only have one incision! wtf? Will update tomorrow.

DownInSocal · October 15, 2009

I have a scar forming under my incision. I think this means I am developing an adhesion. I am going to begin massaging the area after some gentle heat and see how that works. I guess this is common after abdominal surgery. There is as lump under there though. I am going to watch it for Orchid's wonderful mention of a hernia. Thanks so much!!

OrchidFan · October 16, 2009

I have a scar forming under my incision. I think this means I am developing an adhesion. I am going to begin massaging the area after some gentle heat and see how that works. I guess this is common after abdominal surgery. There is as lump under there though. I am going to watch it for Orchid's wonderful mention of a hernia. Thanks so much!!

Heh I don't think I've ever been thanked for giving someone something to worry about before.. Did you hear back from your team?

Ivy

Tiffykins · October 16, 2009

I have a scar forming under my incision. I think this means I am developing an adhesion. I am going to begin massaging the area after some gentle heat and see how that works. I guess this is common after abdominal surgery. There is as lump under there though. I am going to watch it for Orchid's wonderful mention of a hernia. Thanks so much!!

You probably already know this, but I asked my dermatologist about all of my scars. I have 11 on my abdomen from both surgeries, and all the drains I had to have placed. Anyways, she told me to make sure to massage in the direction of the scar. Meaning if it's a vertical scar, massage up and down, and horizontal scars massage side to side. She also mentioned not to massage any harder than you would rub a ripe Tomato (as in to not cause any bruising of the fruit). This will help break up the collagen build up, and keep the adhesions/scar tissue to a minimum.

DownInSocal · October 16, 2009

Thanks Tiffy! They did tell me to apply heat and massage but not as detailed as that. Now I know.

Yep Orchid. It is a scar that may turn into an adhesion later. That is why when I use my abs it feels like slight tearing and hurts. You can feel like little pebbles under the scar. This was the clue to them it was a heavy scar forming. My single site operation increased the tissue trauma in that area.

Meh. I can deal with it. I was just worried because it should have been getting better. Now that I know it is not some huge problem I am not worried. It is all good.