HELP! 4 weeks out and in extreme pain...

thanks ldscott - i'm starting to think that might be the issue.  i didn't think i was moving too fast or doing too much - but my mom just told me, if you're only in pain when you're moving around maybe you're moving around too much. 

did your pain go away when you slowed down?

Yes it was a nightmare and it was extreme and if i coughed sneezed, stretched or tried to get out of bed alone i cried.  I had a cat scan because i was sure it was a huge problem and it showed nothing.   Then i noticed a golf ball sized lump above my pelvis to the left of my belly button.  I kept in touch with my Dr about this and it gradually went away but it was the bane of my existence and the only problem with my recovery.  Turns out it's not that uncommon but my Dr had not had a patient with it.

 thanks edelu - how did you hanle it? pain meds?

I didn't do pain meds because i hated how they made me feel, so i just blustered through.  I won't lie it was horrible and i couldn't see the end in sight.  When it started to ease up i was so happy.  It took me by surprise and it took about 6 weeks to resolve itself.  For the first 2 weeks i thought it was the drain but when that came out i was still miserable.  Good luck, most of the people who've had it had resolution quicker.

 Hey, did you go to the doc? I have been thinking of you! Let me know what's going on!!! 

 hey sweetie - sorry i forgot to post an update. meds have me a little out there. he called me back and ran through a series of questions like am i having any difficulty eating, drinking, with bowel movements, fever, swelling, etc. the answer to all was no. he said he still considers it normal to have pain with this incision but he's scheduled a follow-up conference call for friday (he's in ny and i'm in georgia). if it's still causing pain or if it's increased he'll decide if furher action is needed. as for yhe pain - the hydrcodone has completely taken the edge off.  

 Glad the meds. are working!! I still take them every night because by the end of the day, I am still so sore. Hope it gets to feeling better! 

 i think it will - but in the mean time i've cut back on my activity - i may have done too much too soon.  i'm not on bed rest, but i'm resting more in between activities and really relying on my husband and the kids for a few more weeks.  i'm also going to keep taking the meds at bedtime - i think i can handle discomfort and even pain better when i'm rested. i hope you feel better soon hun - sending prayers, hugs and kisses your way!

I am so glad you posted this because I was about to post the same thing. I had my surgery on March 21st. My stomach was removed towards my right side, not above the belly Button like most. And, like you I have had an indention there since surgery and OMG it is quite painful to bend, reach, and move in certain ways. My doctor told me it was because they sewed the muscles really tight there and it would take some time for it to stop hurting.

Just yesterday I coughed and OMG I thought I tore the stitches.

There was a sharp pain followed by a quick stinging sensation then followed by a warm feeling. Today my side is kinda sore and I'm being really careful about the way I move. I can't wait for this to heal. All my other incisions are well on the way to being completely healed and are causing me no pain what so ever.

 the hydrocodone is the only thing that takes the edge off - i'm going to keep taking it at night so i can get a good nites rest. if you have something for pain i strongly suggest you take them to get a break from the pain. good luck to you - hope you feel better soon.