Question:
I have a pain/cramp under my left ribcage?

I noticed it for the first time yesterday afternoon after sleeping on my loveseat....Its not severe, not dull, but constant. Its on my leftside by my ribcage...any ideas?    — heathercross (posted on August 30, 2002)

August 30, 2002
Oh, forgot to mention, I am 2 weeks, 1 day post op
   — heathercross

August 30, 2002
hi there! I too had pain there. i think thats in the general area of the new pouch. the pain went away with time. if it persists too long and has you concerned id discuss it with your surgeon just to be on the safe side.
   — carrie M.

August 30, 2002
You didnt say whether you had open or lap surgery. I had a similar pain after my open RNY.. and the surgeon told me it was due to internal brusing from the rib spreaders that they have to use performing an open surgery..it will get better with time. Hugs,
   — Gina Landers

August 30, 2002
Please discuss this with your surgeon ASAP. -Kim
   — KimBo36

August 30, 2002
I have this same pain as well. It is not constant however. I am a software engineer, so I do spend long stretches at the computer sometimes. I notice that I seem to get this after a long session at the computer. I brought it up with my surgeon at my last visit, and she told me it was 1 of 2 things. 1) The do alot of work on that side of your body with an open RNY. She told me that the surgeon will basically apply most of their body weight to the retractor on that side in order to get it as open as possible. As a result, your ribs can get fairly bruised. 2) Sometime people get small adhesions from the Roux limb that comes off the pouch on that side. This is really no big deal, and is a natural occurence. In fact, most people end up with -some- kind of adhesions as a result of abdombinal surgery. Some even work loose over time. Mine seems to be clearing up bit by bit as time goes on. I am about 8 weeks post op now. I would still bring this up with your surgeon, as it is better to be safe than sorry, but thought you might like to know what my surgeon told me in my case.
   — Greg P.

August 30, 2002
Hi! I've had the same pain--it's like an achey/burny type pain under my left rib cage since 6 weeks postop when it first appeared and I am now 12 weeks RNY by lap. My surgeon said it is where the most trauma is done with instruments and cameras, as its under the largest port, and that it is internal healing. He also said that during the lap procedure, they cut through the abdominal muscle and this was the only area that they have to suture it back up inside, the other port sites are small and close easy without sutures. He thinks maybe its the sutures not dissolved yet and pulling, he said stretching exercises and to massage it frequently--it does seem to help as when I am standing or laying down, it doesn't hurt...its mostly when I'm sitting or crunched over. Heat didn't seem to make a difference, nor did taking tylenol or liquid advil caps--just didn't relieve it. But it is tolerable, its just always there as a little reminder, no matter how good I feel. It has really been feeling better these past few weeks, however, I have a bad cold and from sneezing and coughing, its hurting again a few times a day. He promised me, it will go away but may take some time. Hope this helps. denise
   — Denise D.

August 31, 2002
Thanks you for all the responses, Kimberly of course is scaring me with the "call your dtr"....I did have it Open on 8/15 and I thought maybe it had to do with all the leaking I have from my incision?
   — heathercross

August 31, 2002
very interesting. I am 6mo out and still have a great deal of pain on my left side. When I sit or lie down it is worse or, when I take deep breaths. Have gotten the same answers from my Doc he ordered a CAT scan for next week to be on safe side.. Any info will help
   — BOTZ

September 1, 2002
Following this surgery, Actually ANY abdominal surgery, you can get a mild pancreatitis. As long as it is mild, it will probably clear it's self up. IT can get worse requiring medical intervention. Make sure you discuss this with your doc, I am sure he/ she will keep this in mind and make sure that you get hte treatment you need.
   — Vicki L.

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