Can someone give me tips on how to alleviate the pain? Its on my left side - and there are times when I can't get up out of the bed without assistance from my children.

I sent one to the store for a heating pad. Hoping it helps.

When did you have your surgery? The pain sounds like the gas they infuse into you during the surgery. The best way to get it moving out of you is to walk. For brief amounts of time to start, then gradually build up the length of the walk. Not to exert yourself, just to get things moving. And remember, gentle heat, on the lowest setting, for your heating pad, and not for long periods of time. If you are concerned, call your surgical team, they should be able to help with this. Most likely you will just have to wait it out. It WILL pass, as everything does, but it can seem like forever. Do something (read, crafts.....) to get your mind off of it. All the best to you......

Oh! For the hernia, take small sips of warm water, so it's not such a "slap in the face"! Especially when you wake up. The tummy is contacted from having nothing in it, so wake it up gently. Try water enhancer drops in your water to help you get more in....works for me, now I'm forever in love with them!!!

Thank you! The heating pad seems to help.