I think I came home a day too soon. I've been trying to get up and walk, but sometimes the pain is too bad. I was wondering if I can use a heating pad on my tummy? Any other suggestions to help relieve pain? It gets so bad when I'm due for a dose of pain meds.

PS I'm two days post-op

Hi Sara. Thats my daughters name, so i am compelled to reply. I am 18 days post op. Where are you sitting? Sleeping? When i came home i was staying in a recliner that you have to use your legs to close and didnt realize how much i was using my stomach muscles which aggravated my muscle stitches. I had my brother move a different chair into the living room for me which had a lever for the footrest which helped. I dont really know if you can use a heating pad or not. You may need to call your doctor to ask. I wish i had more information but i can only tell you the pain is nearly gone for me now. Just an occasional twinge. Best of luck!

I used a heating pad for the first week. It was a life saver. Really helped me. Also, I used a small travel pillow across my tummy when changing positions or getting up. Hope you feel better soon!

Right now, I'm in my bed with the support pillow (I've always called it a "husband") and three pillows propping me up, and another two under my knees. I didn't want to have to keep climbing stairs to use the bathroom, so I thought this would be better. I called my doc and he has me taking half doses of Vicodin every two hours instead of full doses every four. It's probably mental, but that seems to be helping some. I'm going to go walk the hallway again a few times and see if I can get some of this gas moving. I don't know why, but I never suspected I'd be in so much pain afterward. I was doing pretty good until they removed the drain yesterday. Now the pain near that incision is dreadful!

I keep telling myself I'll feel better tomorrow. How long before you all started feeling a bit better?

For pain, I was prescribed Percocette (also had hernia repaired same time-ouch!) but it did nothing but make me hyper. Tried extra strength Tylenol rapid release caplets-took 3 - no more pain! Check with dr. re: heating pad. I was using one (per this chat room's advice -not my Dr's) and he told me to stop. It feels good but it could cause problems re: healing and infection-had no idea. Good luck!

I have a bad reaction to percocet so the doc gave me demerol which i took every 4 hours as needed. The pain got better for me after two weeks. Meanwhile just guard yor stomach muscles.

Day 2 was definitely the worst for me. Day three was better and by day 4 I felt almost back to normal (pain wise). Was just really weak after that for about a week. Walking really does help. Also my try some gas x strips.

Do you have pain when you are lying in bed or is it mainly when you are moving?

Mostly when I move. I think I'm starting to figure out what the different pains are and that makes it easier for me to withstand, weird as that may sound.

I'm glad to hear I may be feeling better by tomorrow. Day 2 definitely stunk.

Day 2 is the worst. Tomorrow should be better. The hearing pad should help a lot.