omg pain

Hi everyone, I've been reading the blogs hoping to find help. I am one week and 2 days post op. I have had bad pain in my left side, I think I screwed something up when I came home from the hospital I slept in my bed but was having a heck of a time getting out of it in the morning. I've been sleeping in the chair ever since. I did call the Dr. she told me it was part of the healing process but I am not sure with all that. The pain I am having is a burning feeling. Is this normal I do have a visit with her on Thursday hope I can make it that long, I am not a person to sit around but with this pain I can't do anything!!!

The left side incisions are usually the most painful - it's where most doctors put the drains, and many use the larger tools through the left incision, so that area gets a lot of wear and tear. My left side ached for quite a while post surgery.

If your pain medicine isn't touching it, I would certainly let your surgeon know! However, some reasonable pain is normal - your body is healing and has been pretty traumatized!

Walking, although it seems silly, does help move things around and helped me with my pain. I would take naps in my chair occasionally, but I slept on my back or curled up on my right side in my bed. Heating pads helped me - you may try that too.

Good luck - I hope you feel better!

I had 2 c-sections and I know the burning your talking about. I was told it was your insides healing. I remember that feeling all too well. But dont quote me on my answer, you should ask your doc if your worried about it

 The first poster is correct.  Your left incision is where all the instruments went plus they also ad to cut pretty deep through muscle.  I'm five weeks out and it still hurts me.  I promise it does get better though. 

I had that too. Sure hurts at the time but I actually had forgotten about it. It will pass in the meantime it is a reminder to not overdo it.

Thank You for the replies!! I just needed to know if it was normal, I have to hold that incision when I do something. It just seems like it was good for 2 days now I am back to square one.

 I don't know what kind of pain medication you were given in the hospital, but I usually receive dilaudid.  That stuff rocks.  You don't know how much it rocks until you go home on your vicodin (or whatever they give you).    It's usually good for about two days.  

Keep a pillow next to you.  You might need a different painkiller if the pain doesn't subside in a day or two.   Also, you don't mention where you pain is on a 0-10 scale, but after my non-WLS surgeries, I was usually at a 3-4 on painkillers, with a rare spike up to 7 or 8.   

Hi Jennifer, I have been on vicodine since I had my surgery, the pain level is 3-4 while I am doing nothing but once i get up it's all over like a 9-10. Like I said I have to hold the left side incision with my hand or forget it. I do have a pillow next to me and in back of me I have been sleeping in the chair for the past 3 nights. I all so have been doing ice and heat, I do have my appointment on Thursday hope I can make it that long!! The vicodine is only lasting like 3 hours and I feel as though I am ready again so maybe I will bring that up at the appointment.

I'm so sorry you're experiencing that!  OUCH!  I was told that it's pretty hard to screw up your incision with normal movement (within your restrictions).  I assume your doctor asked about the level of pain and asked a few questions to rule out infection.   3-4 hours is all vicodin is really good for with me.   Just keep in touch with your doctor.   Don't feel like you have to wait until Thursday if things get worse.

 I only remember really bad pain when I moved, or a twinge now and then.  Defintely not all the time.  If you have a fever or anything is warm to the touch I would go to urgent care to be safe.  Good luck.. hope you feel better!