It's funny how those of us who deal with depression and codependency behaviors tend to want to help everyone else but generally don't consider ourselves too much. But, somehow we have to break that cycle and validate ourselves or ask for help.

Anyway, I thought I'd actually post something that I've been dealing with now for the last week or more.

I had surgery on July 16th to reposition/repair what the doctors said was a slipped band. When they took care of that, they also found a hiatal hernia which really should have been taken care of during my first surgery as I've known it was there since my first pregnancy in 1981. I was surprised my first surgeon didn't do anything with it and I feel that I might have avoided this second surgery if he had. apparently, there is a correlation with hiatal hernias and ill-positioned or slipped bands.

My surgery went okay, although I was much more sore than the first time around, but I've been dealing with some pain this past few weeks that I felt would eventually go away. I chalked it up to my insides being tender from surgery. Problem is, this pain is on my RIGHT lower quadrant, about 5-6 inches to the RIGHT of my belly button. Some days it doesn't hurt until later in the evening if I've been standing alot or walking. Sometimes I think it may hurt worse after I've eaten. I can't really pinpoint anything in particular about it except that as the day goes on it gets worse.

I drove about 3 hrs away yesterday to take my mom to dinner, then I drove back. Before I left her house I was having sharp pains upon movement and by the time I was nearly back home I was considering stopping at the ER to at least do some xrays or ultrasound.

Since it has followed my surgery, I want to think it might be related, but I don't think they did a darn thing on my RIGHT side??? Other than that you have your appendix, which I still have or the other possibility is maybe a hernia?

In the past, I'm almost sure that I've pulled a hernia on that side while doing certain exercises or have a really bad bout with coughing or sneezing too hard. There was never anything diagnosed, so it could be possible that it was just a pulled muscle during those times, I just felt like I could feel something sort of 'popping' out. It's hard to explain.

So now, I really don't know what to do. I've called my surgeon's office and they said come in tomorrow, my co-workers say I need to go to the ER and have the doc just call over any tests he would ask me to do tomorrow.

Anyway, I'm just so hoping this isn't something that will require anymore surgery/hospitalization.

Leatha, how are you feeling today? How long will you be off from work? Hope each day just gets better and better!!!

Morning Marie,

I'm feeling sort of like someone took some really sharp pokers and poked them in my belly - several times. lol.

Right now, my belly button HURTS!!I slept with ice on it last night and it helped, so I'm using it again tonight. Seems when you're up and moving it wants to swell, so lying down with an ice pack helps the swelling some. It's just very bruised and tender.

My whole tummy has had a work-over this past few weeks. I sure hope I realize some benefits from it. lol.

I'm able to get up and down better than with the band surgery, because my incisions are in different places, so all in all, I'm getting around better. I can wear underclothes, but nothing too tight, so that helps.

He gave me a fill, but I'm not really noticing any sure sign of restriction, although I haven't had much of an appetite.

I've taken the week off, but I am hoping for the next day or so to bring some marked improvment. We'll see!

Thank you for asking.

Leatha

I was wondering if he used the same incisions or not. But you just said different ones. Do you think him repairing the umblical hernia is causing your belly button pain? Wow, girl, you have been through the wringer! I'm glad it's all behind you now. Please be good to yourself this week that you're off. Anyone still staying w/you? Sending hugs and prayers your way for some positive healing.

Originally posted by New Hope

Do you think him repairing the umblical hernia is causing your belly button pain? Anyone still staying w/you?

Yes. I'm sure it's the umbilical hernia site that is so painful. It's very bruised all around it too. (My poor, violated belly button.) :think lol

No one staying. I'm all alone. My mom was here til yesterday morning. My daughter stayed all day Friday. I am supposed to get out today to have my coumadin checked. I'm hoping that will go okay.

Luckily, no issues with nausea or vomiting. I'm really a much tougher person than I give myself credit for sometimes.

I'm ready to be over all this so I can get on my bicycle like you.

Leatha - I am glad to hear you are doing good, and sorry you are in so much discomfort. You certainly have been through a lot, so you must be a tough cookie. Please take it easy and keep us posted to your progress.

Betty

Hi Leatha,

Wow, I am sorry that I missed this post and that you have been having such a hard time. I am happy to hear that you are feeling better and I hope you bounce back quickly.

Take Care and I am glad to hear you are now doing well.