2 weeks, what's normal?

[DallMike 0]

Ok, I hurt. Not as bad as the first couple of days, but significant. Recliner is ok, sitting is ok if I walk every 20 minutes, but anything else hurts on about an 8+/10. Bending or twisting is a 12/10! I'm worried something is wrong, but maybe I just have no pain tolerance. I'm still on full liquids, and getting 50-60g Protein daily and lots of Water. Stomach feels better when drinking. I have to take liquid tylenol or children's motrin every 4-6 hrs to function. Dr's advice was to go to ER for a ct scan, but it probably is not necessary. Phone diagnosis is even worse that internet diagnosis.:sad0:

Any ideas or suggestions? Anyone else go thru this at two weeks and when did you get back to normal? I went to work for 1/2 day yesterday. Today I could barely take a shower so staying home.:thumbup:

[Donna4545 13]

Go for the CT scan. What you are describing is not normal.

[nikki6055 3]

omg im sorry!

[Tiffykins 672]

I'm sorry you are hurting so badly.

I'm not trying to get too personally, but do you carry a lot your weight in your abdomen? The reason I ask is because I had a lot of abdominal discomfort, and slept in my recliner for a good 2-3 weeks. The gravity weight on the internal incisions, and lap sites caused a lot of pain, and kind of a pulling sensation if I bent over, or tried to sleep on my side. I have a high pain tolerance, but this pain was a nagging, draining pain that didn't let up for the first month. Try supporting your stomach with a pillow when you get up from a sitting position. They do make belly bands that you can google and see if you can find one that would help you during this healing period.

Also, I coughed a lot post-op because of my anesthesia complications, and being on a ventilator for several days. That caused a lot of pain that is similar to pulled muscle pain.

Don't hesitate to go to the ER. The last thing you need is to develop a fever with the pain, and then one of your incisions (internal incisions and staple line) get infected.

Take care of yourself, and don't stay miserable. Pain like this is not the "norm".

[DallMike 0]

Dr. office is forwarding my message. Of course everyone is in surgery all day. The did re-fill the liquid lortab, bottle #4! Tired of the pain and walking on eggshells hoping I don't move wrong. I'll post any updates.

[DallMike 0]

Tiffykins, you must be psychic! Yep, I have a big ol' beer gut minus the beer. The sagging pain is an accurate description. I wear a binder most of the time and have even stuffed rolled up socks on top of the incisions. Other times I am pushing my fist into my stomach. None exertion or movement and I am mostly fine. No fever, nausea, vomiting...just pain. I thought all of us had the same belly, that's why we had VSG? I don't think I've done anything to hurt myself, but I don't know.

[Tiffykins 672]

Ha ha ha, I had a hell of a belly for a girl, and try to be sensitive about it... I would venture to guess that you're having that lovely gravity pain, plus the bloating, gas makes it 10 times worse.

I moved extremely gingerly the first few weeks, but it still felt like someone was ripping my abdominal wall from the inside when I went to stand or lie down.

[DallMike 0]

That is an accurate description of the pain. But, hey, I thought we were all pears. You mean I was fatter than I knew? :001_smile:

[DallMike 0]

At the hospital for CT with contrast. Celebrex being filled at pharmacy. Hope I'm just a wimp and all is well! Thanks all.

[Papillon 7]

Better to be safe!! Hope everything comes back in the clear for you.

[Lisalu 89]

Please quit calling yourself a wimp. Goodness knows why some things hurt us more than others. I can get a root canal with adequate lidocaine and feel no pain. My sister is in horrible pain no matter what they do. I'm not tougher than my sisiter, just luckier I guess. I did well after surgery but yelped out loud when they tried to put the IV in. I don't know if I had an unskilled nurse or it just hit a nerve. Hurt like h#ll.

I doubt you're a wimp, but you are in pain. I'm glad you are getting it checked out.

[Tiffykins 672]

Glad all is well, and believe me you aren't a wimp. If I could have had a lortab drip at home, I would have been pushing that little button frequently ha ha ha.

[DallMike 0]

Well, I had the CT. No one has called with results so maybe that is good. Starting my 4th bottle of liquid lortab so feel much better now. I'm jealous of you guys. Well, tomorrow is another day.

[jennylou3 0]

please keep us posted....pray you have a restful night!

[DallMike 0]

Alrighty then...the CT came back good. No leaks, drips, or errors! Bad news is this just happens to some people at two weeks out. One day it will just be gone. No, we don't know how long it will last. Damn bell curve!:thumbdown: My belly button feels like an apple being cored. At least I've got two more prescriptions for liquid lortab and celebrex for good measure. I called into work and told them to forget it for the rest of the week. Thank God I have sick leave. Thank you all and hope all the newbies land on the good end of the bell curve.