Can we talk about pain/discomfort?

Hi all, I had my surgery on 1/24. All went well and there were no complications other than temporary hypertension. (My BP once soared to 182/100 -youch) Anyhoo, I am still on the lortab liquid -- the taste is okay once you take it a few times -- but I have the strangest discomfort. I had Laproscopic surgery, so they had to pump gas in my belly, and they said I would feel it moving around and that it would be a strange feeling, but it almost feels painful when I stand or walk too much or for too long (it sometimes has the same feeling when I sit, too, but not as often). Let me describe the feeling: it is like what I think it may feel like when a woman is pregnant and the baby is constantly kicking and pushing in one spot (the spot I feel it in is to the left (my left) of my navel). For any men reading this, imagine an alien trying to pu****'s way out of your belly. Again, it isn't really pain, but it is severe discomfort and when I am standing it makes me need to bend over to "relieve" the feeling. The size of the area is about fist size and not in the same location as any of my incisions. I have pressed firmly in that area as well and don't seem to feel any sudden pain or anything. Am I worrying for nothing? This pain started to appear on Wed. evening, about 24 hrs after surgery. Please advise b/c I don't want to call my Dr. over the weekend for nothing. Thanks so much, and also thanks for all the emails of support I have recently received. Much appreciated. Emily S.

Hi Kelly, You have to go with your instincts about calling your surgeon but here's the general guidelines to help you think thru your action: There are 'complications' if you cannot keep down liquids, have not had BM for a long time, there's blood in any way, diarreah. Review any checklists they gave you. What you describe sounds like gas, especially since you're just post op. Doctors dont mind being called over the wkd, they've been paid a TON of money to be there for you and that's what their job is about; you have the right to assistance if you need it. They may suggest a gas pill to help relieve the pressure. A 5 minute call may eliminate hours of mental and physical discomfort and help you get the rest you need. Keep us up to date..... ~Tiffany

I agree with the previous post. Call your surgeon if you're concerned. That is what they're there for. Better to call than to sit around and worry. That what they're there for. Kim

Emily, I had the same exact knot, in fact I just got it again this morning. This time it's not gas it's fecal matter that is moving way to slow. My doc prescribed Simethicone to help with the gas. The more you walk and if you are able to lay on your left side the better. Also try rubbing your tummy like you would a child. Start at the top of the abdomen and move to your left as you go down, across the lower belly and up to the right as you come back to your orginal spot. Do it with a light firmness. It helps move your digestive track. Good Luck ::hugs:: Cyndi