Two week post op. Lower back pain and incision area burning

[auntjanny 289]

The past three days have been slightly miserable but very uncomfortable due to some lower right side back pain. My "plumbing" is working but #2 functions may be becoming sluggish. I walked a mile and a half yesterday and was good with that, but sitting in a camp chair for daughter's soccer game pushed me into a pain level that I am thinking needs attention. I have over lifted...it is mindless.. I just pick up stuff and then remember weight restriction... But, can someone weigh in ( haha weigh in- bariatric joke) on feeling crummy two weeks post... Is there something back there right side lower back, that is a red flag? Thanks

[Miss Mac 6,262]

Don't mean to alarm you, but you asked for opinions from folks who are not bariatric physicians, but who otherwise know some stuff about some other stuff, so here is where my experience comes in.

If the pain feels like some one stabbed you with a Samurai sword under your right shoulder blade and is twisting that blade deeper and deeper until you want to scream bloody murder it may be your gallbladder.

Gallbladders are unfriendly when they are irritated and ignored. You do not want an angry gallbladder to burst....oh no no no. Or it could be gas.

I said all of that to say this. If it doesn't resolve soon - call you doctor. If it gets worse, don't wait for the doctor - go to the E R.

[Miss Mac 6,262]

Forgot to mention about the incicions burning. For me, it was just part of the healing process, and mine were itchy for quite a while. However, if an incision looks hot and infected, it's worth calling the doc.

[auntjanny 289]

Thanks Miss Mac, as this is the kind of information I am looking for...personal experience type input. Fortunately, the pain is not stabbing, it is lower, and more crampy. I was not sure what gall bladder pain might be like and that concern is/was on my radar.

A great/awful thing about this site is the great variation in our experiences. I sometimes feel like I am being overly protective, or quite lazy when I compare myself to others, but, know that is silly. Have a wonderful Tuesday and I will watch for signs of GB issues... Thanks for the reply!

[JCP 619]

I had a bad pain for two weeks, then it started to subside. Extreme pain at the main site that extended through to my lower back. In my case, it felt like something was being tugged or pulled. My surgeon said it was internal stitches in the abdominal wall at the main incision. Mine are not dissolvable so it took some time to scar over (and for swelling to go down). I have seen the same post on here several times. Ask your surgeon or his nurse for certain but I suspect you have the same situation. I took a lot of pain meds but then it went away almost overnight!

Edited October 7, 2014 by JCP

[auntjanny 289]

Thanks JCP, and say hello to your awesome cat!!