20 days post-op, lots of pain

Hi everyone,

I'm 20 days post-op (RNY on 7/25) and I am still in a considerable amount of pain. The pain is mainly near the largest incision site (upper right quadrant), but goes straight through to my spine, as if someone i*****hing me in the back. It took me almost two weeks to realize that dairy had become a source of incredible pain, so I cut it out and felt good for a couple days. Today, the pain is back. I saw my surgeon last Friday and was told that the pain is normal. Crying at my desk doesn't seem normal. Is it possible I'm doing this to myself? Could it be that I'm swallowing too much or drinking too much, too quickly? I feel like I am, so that's possible, but would that cause this much pain? Thanks for your insight.

This is not normal! I didn't have any pain after surgery, at best a bit of discomfort for a day or two. If it's that debilitating, and your surgeon won't see you, you may need to go to an Urgent Care/ER.

Swallowing too much too fast can cause pain and discomfort, but not like this. I would seek doctor care!

Some things to consider: 1) take your temperature frequently to see if you are maybe brewing an infection 2) request another leak test for peace of mind, if anything 3) walk frequently in case you are building up gas while stationary 4) record everything from food, BM's, exercise, meds, sleep etc. to see if there is a pattern to your pain 4) schedule or move any follow-up medical appointment to immediate 5) if everything checks out okay, consider wearing a velcro-close abdominal binder to help your middle section feel more comfortable; the doctor should be able to write a prescription or else self-pay for one at a medical supply business.

Selhard, gave great advice. If you pay attention to what is happening you can give the Doc more info. But if it persists, don't take no for an answer. Also make sure you aren't overdoing it- lifting and things. You are only 3 weeks out, and you had major surgery.

You can order an abdominal binder cheaply and easily on Amazon. Not after this surgery but have after others.

Thanks everyone. I've been having regular BMs and no fever. I am going to see tonight if just sipping a little bit at a time doesn't help. If it doesn't, I'll call my surgeon's office. If I get nowhere with him, I'll head to the ER. I have been using a binder and I'm just so frustrated. I'm tired of being in pain. I truly appreciate all the feedback.

So I've been wearing the binder the doc gave me before surgery. I didn't realize how much of a difference it would make, but damn, it's almost like night and day in regard to the pain from yesterday (sore but totally tolerable). I'm also concentrating on a) not drinking too fast. b) not allowing any air to sneak into my pie-hole while I drink. and c) not stressing over the pain. I dug through my cabinets and found an old Tupperware cup with a lid on it that seems to be helping, too. Not sure if it's the lid design or what, but it's helping. I've come to the conclusion that I'm not going to get a lot of follow-up support from my surgeon (it took the nut almost a week to get back to me when I inquired about the dairy issues, only to be told to see my pre-op binder for ideas). I'm supposed to move to puree foods tomorrow. Not sure I will pu**** Maybe this weekend ...

I had awful muscle pain under my large incision, which sometimes radiated to my back. It continued into week 4 post-op and I thought I was going to have to live that way forever. Because of the site of the pain, my surgeon was able to tell it was muscular... he sympathized but assured be it would go away. Low and behold I woke up one day last week to no pain. Keep your surgeon in the loop but also have faith... If the pain is muscular it WILL go away. Some bodies react more "violently" than others, unfortunately!

Today has been so much better since I've been wearing the binder all day. That is what's making me think it's muscular. I'm keeping tabs on all my body functions, as suggested above, just in case it's something more sinister. But This is good to know, LindyLin.