Day four...pain meds question.....

twobluecats · December 17, 2009

Hey guys. I'm 72 hours out from surgery and still having quite a bit of discomfort on the left side nearest the larger incision. No redness, no fever, just feels uncomfortable when I stand and walk. It really feels strange when my husband "strips" the drain tube. I feel the suction in my body....weird! I have to keep the drain until next Wednesday...just standard procedure for Dr. Nicholson.

I have liquid hydrocodone, and I've taken it about three times a day. I guess I have had the impression that so many folks do amazing well within a day or two, so I'm stressing about my pain level. It's not so much pain as it is discomfort. And they did some extra stitching around that big incision, which left my belly looking weird. They said that is to avoid a hernia near the incision.

Any firsthand info on your experience the first few days out?

Tiffykins · December 17, 2009

That incision is what caused most of my discomfort as well. I slept in my recliner for a month because getting up and down off the couch or out of the bed was not possible. I had a lot of scar tissue/adhesions around the port incision (which is the one they used again as the largest incision. I had extra sutures, and requested that the surgeon remove all of the scar tissue because it was so bumpy and gross. I still 6 months out have a bit of discomfort in that general area if I push on it, or bump into something.

Take it super easy, they stitched up layers and layers of skin and muscle.

I also took children's advil with my surgeon's permission to help with swelling.

I hope you feel better soon.

twobluecats · December 17, 2009

Thanks, Tiff! It's so weird the way you can feel your stomach move around when you ingest something. I'm gonna stick to the pain meds to avoid heightened or compounded pain or discomfort when I try to walk and/or drain the drain tube.

I think I've put too much into the few posts I've read where folks are walking two miles or bouncing all over the place on day two, and I worry too much about my own progress. Overall, I believe I'm doing okay, and it can only get better from here!

Boredoncemore · December 17, 2009

The most pain for me was at the large incision spot--my band was non adjustable and had been removed for 2 years, so no pain from that, plus I did not have the drain--so I am sure your recover will take a little longer! If I laid down I had to use a pillow for support, to much fat pulling on the incisions---HURT.

This morning I crawled across the bed and gave my hubby a kiss before jumping back up and going to work--he was shocked said " I guess your feeling better" lol...Hang in there, it will get better!

barbannn · December 17, 2009

Theresa,

Thanks for sharing. I think you are right to take it at your pace. I had laproscopic shoulder surgery a few years ago - and tended to not think of it as "real" surgery. Learned and know this is REAL SURGERY. For 6 months after my shoulder surgery, I thought I had messed up, because my shoulder hurt MORE than before the surgery, but NOW....

Wow, wish I had had both of them done (though I don't know how I would have wiped my hiney). I know you are going to get stronger and feel better each and every day. Hang in there! Thinking of you.....

barbannn · December 17, 2009

Theresa,

YOU NOW HAVE LESS THAN 100 pounds to reaching your goal!:tongue_smilie:

Oregon Rose · December 17, 2009

Hi Twobluecats:

Everyone is different. The lowest incision bothered me for about 2 months. I didn't want any elastic around that area so I wore nightgowns and dresses.

While I did do the recommended walking the first week, the rest of the time I just wanted to sleep. I didn't have bounds of energy. In fact, it took me about a month before my energy returned.

I didn't have a drain. I would imagine having a drain would make the lowest incision even more sensitive.

My advise: take your pain meds, keep moving (so you don't get a blood clot) and have some faith that this is going to be wonderful once you get past the first month or two. If you even suspect something is off, call your surgeon to check.

I think on this web site you hear how easy it was or you hear the horror stories. People who have average experiences probably don't feel they have much to post.

Best wishes,

carolyn24seven · December 17, 2009

I had discomfort around the largest incision site. And a lot of people were up and going shopping on the third day~~~not me! By the fourth day I was feeling like I was ready to travel. I slept for most of the first 3 days. I have napped every day until just recently. I have really gotten a bunch of energy! (2 month post op) We are all different. It will take as much time as it takes for you. Do not worry. You have the rest of your life to get this done! Kool huh?

rcarter76 · December 18, 2009

Do not stress about your pain level. I was on the liquid pain delite for almost a week since my insides and incisions were sore. Everyone is different, use what the doc gave you and feel better soon!

Take it easy and remember to walk and sip!

R