Question:
Tummy pain 4 days after surgery..when will it go away so I can move normal???
I had the LAP procedure on Friday afternoon. I am feeling better each and every day. But, when will my insides feel better? I slouch over cuz it hurts to strain the area. When I lift my breast up, it feels so much better. I can't twist and turn comfortable. I know it takes time to heal, but how long till I can do normal things, like bend over, sleep on my side and belly!!!, twist around. Im all STIFF from my breast down to my pubic area....and suggestions??? Ive been reading this board for 2 years now, you guys know everything...I know someone will be able to help me...:) HUGS!!! Kathie — Sothrnbel3 (posted on August 19, 2003)
August 19, 2003
Hi Kathie, congratulations to making it to the losing side! Everyone's
recovery is different--I thought for sure since I'm young, pain-tolerant,
and had worked out for a long time before surgery that my recovery would be
a breeze. HA! I was more than sore, I also couldn't twist, bend, or sleep
on my side as you describe. I found that walking every day helped reduce
stiffness. As far as sleeping, I could only sleep on my back, until DH got
me a body pillow, and that enabled me to roll a little so it kinda felt
like I was sleeping on my side. I think it took 2 weeks before I could
fully roll onto my sides, and about one more week after that before I could
sleep on my stomach. But that's just me. Try to look at the soreness
you've got as your body's way of reminding you to move slowly and carefully
so that you heal well. You'll be back to full functioning (and more!) soon
enough, so take your pain meds and take it easy. Best wishes!
— Judy M.
August 19, 2003
I had surgery 2 years ago, my BMI was 62 I weighed 343 and am 5'1". I
was in some severe pain and soreness for weeks. Bending down, sleep on a
bed and moving from side to side was very difficult for me. I slept in my
recliner for 2 weeks. I was always walking and moving, but I was very
uncomfortable for quite a while. I had a hard time standing up straight.
I actually felt I got hit by a mack truck. Because I was so large my
incision was huge...now that I'm the incridible shrinking woman my incision
is smaller than my palm and I had an open RNY. Everyone is different and
our insides go through a lot with major serious surgery of this type. I
think being uncomfortable at this point is very, very normal. I know what
you mean about lifting your breast up...it used to make me feel better too.
You take care and continued prayers coming your way for your speedy
recovery.
— Karen Renee
August 19, 2003
The stiffness is normal. Can't tell you when you'll be able to sleep on
your stomach because I'm not a stomach sleeper - kind of hard with a cpap
machine! But by the end of my first week, the stiffness was mostly gone
and bearable, as I recall. It will get a little better every day and I bet
you're back to normal within two weeks.
— sandsonik
August 20, 2003
Kathi: First of all - you need to be MOVING as much as you can - I mean
walk walk walk walk - it's amazing how much that helps. I'm 2 weeks
post-op today and I'm up to doing 2 miles on the treadmill - started out
with 15 min. a day - then gradually moved up to what I do now - and that's
45 min. Your pain is normal, believe me. I thought I was never going to
feel "normal" again, but alas - it passed, but it was well over a
week - more like 2 weeks - before I really began to be able to "bend
over." I still can't sleep on my stomach - some say it'll take weeks
for that - it just depends on the person. This too shall pass !!! :)
Stay positive and move, move, move.
— Carolyn H.
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