Question:
I am 19 days post op and have just experienced the worst day of my recovery.. I

awakened to the most unusual pain in my right side.. I dont have a gallbladder.. this pain is slightly to the right of my incision.. mid abdomen.. and seems to be related to a retention suture that hasnt been removed yet..When I move, it seems to feel like a tearing or burning sensation.. I had been able to go all day only taking pain meds at night.. now am needing pain med every 6-8 hours.. Anyone have any idea if this is scar tissue forming, adhesions, pulled or bruised muscles.. I am also still battling a subcutaneous wound infection just a bit below this pain.. have an open incision that will be healing from the inside out.. just a small portion of incision.. less than 2 inches.. I am an open distal RNY.. Thanks for all your help.. Hugs, Gina Landers open Distal RNY    — Gina Landers (posted on December 31, 2000)

December 31, 2000
I also am a open RNY distal... because of the ongoing infection i would go see my Doctor if i was you.. I had pulled a muscle right below my left breast thought it was a hernia around the 3rd week out be very careful where infection is concerned Kathy
   — Kathleen M.

December 31, 2000
Hi sweetie, we have a lot in common. I am 5 wks post op open rny and I am having continuous draining from my incision in about 4 inches of it. It is not an infection though. I don't know if yours is or not. I had a suture that "worked it's way out" on it's own. I babied it for about 2 wks and did not let it get down in the incision (actually held it to the side with a tiny bandaid). Finally, it just lay on top of my skin one day. I have pains that I am beginning to recognize now. I felt like I had two steel rods in my upper ribs for a few days---ever tightening. After having a bowel movement they went away. I think it was related. Are you having regular BM's? If not, drink 4 oz of prune juice every other day. It works as does milk of magnesia. As far as the pain you are experiencing like a "tearing, burning" , please tell your doctor as soon as possible. I have felt the burning and finally recognized it as hunger! This is all so new. I feel like a babe learning to eat all over again. I am doing ok -32 lbs since 11/27. Good luck to you and Happy New Year!
   — Marilyn C.

May 22, 2001
Gina, Boy do you sound like a carbon copy of me. I am also 19 days out with an open RNY on the 2nd of May and today has been about the worst. I had my staples removed 9 days out and that evening I had about a 1 1/2inch area of my incision line open up and lots of fluid gushed out. Ever since it has been draining. It is not infectious but very annoying. I am finding that I am pushing myself too fast to eat things I want to eat and I am causing myself pain. I am having more pain now too along the incision area and to the left side of the incision. I too am having to take more pain meds. The doctor seems to think it is normal because I am getting more active. Maybe that is what is going on with you too. I don't know. I hope this helps to know you are not alone.
   — Edie S.