Question:
Severe Pain on Left Side

Hi all...I know the reason "why" all the pain on the left side, but i'm looking for any tips or advice on best things to do to ease this pain, especially when getting up from a laying or seated position...this IS the worst!!!! I am 4 days post op and had lap. gastric bypass. Thank you!!    — nsdominick (posted on July 3, 2008)


July 3, 2008
Hi there, I am very sorry that you are still having that amount of pain. Few questions though. Are you using your pain meds? Are you getting up every hour to release all the gas that is trapped in your system? These are very important. I had this too, but I found the more that I walked the more the pain eased off. Maybe contact your Doc. Good luck....Jennifer
   — jennifer1976

July 3, 2008
You have air in your system. Walk and walk . It will pass.
   — stanwalker

July 4, 2008
If your pain is not gas related as the above mentioned, then pain meds, even Tylenol will help. When lying down, before getting up, move toward the middle of the bed so you can roll onto your favored side. (for me that's my left side) Roll onto your side draping your lower leg and then your upper leg over the edge of the bed. Put the elbow of your favored side into the bed along with the hand of your raised shoulder side pushing up into a sitting position on the side of the bed. From the sitting position anywhere (bed included) scoot forward to the edge of the seat so that your bottom is on the seat but most of your thigh is not. Bring you feet back under your thighs, lean only slightly forward and lift with you legs keeping your back more or less straight. Good luck. Hope thins helps. Laura
   — waterlover

July 4, 2008
The pain will pass, but you got to wall of the air in your system to feel better. Also when you go to bed take the pain meds they gave you for home, as that will aid in a good night sleep as well. Best of success to you!
   — William (Bill) wmil

July 4, 2008
I am 10 days post op and the pain is just about gone. I still take my pain meds at night, makes it easier to get up in the morning. I am able to lay on my left side as well as on my stonach. lisa
   — Lisa B.

July 4, 2008
I had this pain too and I went to the E.R. to figure out what it was but no one could tell me anything, same with my surgeon. He only told me that if I was still in pain in a week to come back in. I finally bought some women's ex-lax tabs and took one a day for 3 days and man did they help!!! I hope this helps you! Mandy
   — Shy777

July 7, 2008
Ihad severe left side pan also. Surgery date 1/29/08. called my surgeon. she said most of the trauma to the intestines is on the left side and that is the side that they use the largest tool. Is that where your largest scar is? I also could feel a knot to the left of my belly button that concerned me. Again the trauma to the intestines. She said give it a few days more and it left. No more pain and no more knot.
   — abar0190

July 7, 2008
I didn't experience this type of pain, but, if it is gas related, Gas-X or Maalox multi symptom can help. Walking and stretching will help to move it through as well. Dawn Vickers, RN, BLC, CLC
   — DawnVic

July 14, 2008
Walk and Walk and Walk. Every once and a while stand in place and lift your legs like a solider marching. You need to move that gas out. You can also use Gas-X this will help as well. Lisa
   — ldillabough

July 14, 2008
When they do sugery they pump air in your stomach to allow them to see and move around. Unfortunately it can be painful while the air is trying to get out of your system. This is the second abdominal surgery I had that this was done the first time I thought I was having a heart attack because my left shoulder area hurt horribly. This time I was up even at the hospital every hour and a half and I would walk laps in the halls and didn't have as much pain. And yes get some of the gas X strips they do help a lot!
   — Melanie C.




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