Question:
Severe Muscle/Rib Pain - 1 Month Post-Op

I have been having really bad pain (although soreness not sharp pain), worst on the right side since Saturday morning. First I no longer have a gallbladder and don't think I grew a 2nd one. I am fairly sure it is from going back on my BiPAP machine Friday night and the pressures being too high that it is forcing me to take too deep of breaths all night long, but I can't be 100% sure. I didn't use it last night and I'm maybe 1% better, but then again the area is very very sore, so it will probably take a while. <p>The only other thing that seems to factor in is that the pain seems to radiate from the top hole in my incision. It is small in diameter now, was about 1/2-5/8 long originlly, but we just found out last Friday that it is quite deep (3-4") if you angle the q-tip rather than go straight down. Could it be from packing that deep hole and constantly pushing on the fascia that everything has gotten sore, including all the muscles in my midrif area? The hole and immediate surrounding area was sore after I was at the doctor on Friday but nothing like it has been since Saturday morning. I swear it is almost as sore as it was a few days after surgery after they had split me wide open. <p>Has anyone else experienced this sort of pain? Chris    — zoedogcbr (posted on March 4, 2003)

March 4, 2003
Chris, I had an open RNY on 12/11/02, I didnt think I would walk again. It felt as though a mack truck ran over my chest. I was told because they have to lift your ribs and move everything around it was normal to experience that soreness. It took a few week to go away and even then some days were worse than others. I suggest the next time you see your Doctor let him know or even call him, but it will get better with time.
   — donna C.