post op - sitting or lying down

I'm 2 days since surgery and now in quite a bit of pain in the belly.  I'ts ok to walk or sit but if I lay down, it hurts like hell to get up. I feel like I'm striing the staple line and the inscisions in my belly.  Any suggestions for getting out of bed?   I was really scary this morming so now I'm sitting in a chair, which is not that comfortable.

Thanks

In bed, roll gently to your side and push up with arms and hands slowly til you are sitting on side of bed. Sit there for a minute or two before getting up. And take your pain medicine. Don't be a hero.

Also, don't know if this is an option, but I spent the first couple nights in reclining chair. It doesn't sound like I had the kind of pain you are experiencing. I am sorry. The pain will decrease each day. Take the pain medication given to you, at the very least take it at bedtime.

Right now I regret getting rid of my reclining chair.  I loved it.  I know the roll over trick, the problem is that any bending of the torso causes pain and tightness. I'm afraid I'm going to break a stitch.

Did you get an abdominal binder?  If not press a pillow up against your abdomen when you get up.  Those muscles are still sore and angry and need some help/support.

 

Hey sleeve sister!  I'm two days out too.  I have the same problem.  Press a pill on your stomach when you go to stand up from sitting.  When you are lying to a standing position turn on your side than put you legs on the floor first.  Use your dresser or night stand to push you self up while the pillow in the other hand to press against you stomach.  It still hurts like crazy but helps some. 

BTW, Did you figure out how to take the Prilosec for gerd.  It says do not crush the pill.    I asked the pharmasist and they said to mix in applesauce but I'm not allowed to have applesauce at this stage yet.  Only liquids. 

Hello Sleevesistah,

I haven't needed any prilosec.  I think you can take it with a little water.  I was prescribed a lot of meds, most of them in tablet and capsule form to be taken immediately at home.  THe only liquid received was the hydrocodone.  Gee I miss those good hospital drugs.

Do you have pain in the chest area, especially when breathing?  I feel like I can't get a full breath because of it.  I think it's from the hiadle hernia repair.  Did you have one of those, too?

Did you get heparin shots in the belly during your stay?  I did and I think they hurt more than the incision pain.  Where they gave the shots are all bruised and one the bled continuously.

Yes the hepain shots are quite painful.  I did have those.

I had a little trouble in the chest area like you said.  Trouble, coughing, laughing or clearing my throat.

I was just telling my mom I missed the hospital pain meds too.  Great minds think a like.

The pharmacist suggested to open pepcid capsule in drinkable yogurt. I use about a medicine capful. Don't chew, just swallow.

I also slept in a recliner for almost a week.  Or I would sleep on the couch, using the armrest as a prop.

When I did try to sleep in bed, I had to make sure I put my feet on the floor first and then push myself up.

It'll be better before you know it.