Surgery 2 days ago- now what ? - Digestive Disorders Message Board

countrygal59 · 07-04-2003, 06:07 PM

Can anyone tell me how does one figure out what are normal pains after surgery ? I read bruising and mild swelling of the incision & mild stomach pains- but it also said to watch out for swelling of the abdomen or increased abdomial pain- how do I figure out what one I have ? I tolerate pain pretty well I think- but what I feel is awful scale 1-10 pains about a 8 and I am taking pain pills every 3 hrs- I feel like someone has punched my insides out- and my stomach looks huge- any advise ?? thank you

Harry · 07-04-2003, 10:50 PM

You didn't say but you probably had Laproscopic gallbladder surgery.
If you did then what the procedure is to inflate you with a gas like carbon dioxide and when they finish the surgeon lets it all out. Sometimes they don't get it all out and it turns to an acid (carbolic) in your abdomen after you go home and it's very irritating to your sensitive insides.

My son had this problem and he was in alot of pain after his surgery. So, I made sure my surgeon that had done 700 gallbladder removals(he said) knew about my concern. I told him of my son's problem and the surgeon said he would make sure that I would not have that problem.

My son said it took 4 or 5 days for his system to absorb the acid and the pain go away. My son was very angry and ready to fight with the surgeon.

After that, his was a normal recovery.
I only took Tylenol for pain twice daily that really was not that bad.

If you have any problems that you think is not right---please CAll your Doctor!!!

God Bless---Harry

PS Sorry you're in so much pain NOW.

[This message has been edited by Harry (edited 07-05-2003).]

countrygal59 · 07-05-2003, 03:40 AM

Thanks Harry for your reply, any information does help - I did have the scope surgery, just wondering what to think of the top incision, it's red and puffy, doesn't look like the other 3, they all look good. I found that gas pain- some nasty stuff- will be glad when I'm back to "normal" again
thanks again & I hope your doing well too !

Katie G · 07-07-2003, 08:10 AM

Hi there. Red/puffy incision sites can be pretty common after surgery. If the site is oozing pus or blood or the redness spreads beyond the site, or if you're running a fever, then you need to see your doctor. If you have any questions/concerns about your surgical sites call your doctor for advice.

Good luck,
Katie G

The abdominal pains should also be pretty much gone within a week. Just don't push yourself too fast or do too much - your body has been through a lot. Use this time to have someone else do the cooking, laundry, and housework, and you just worry about taking care of you.

countrygal59 · 07-10-2003, 08:14 PM

Thanks again for any replies, I don't know what to think now.. the other nite I was in so much pain, the next day I saw the surgeon I wasn't suppose to see him until next week- but the pain was unbearable ! said some medical term I don't remember what, (said that was one of the complications that can occur during surgery ) he suggested I have a shot- I had that done I think it was haparin ?? I'm not sure though - he just said it would numb the area and last for 12 hrs. I'm not even sure what he did as I didn't want to watch what he was doing-but the nurse asked him if he wanted/needed a larger sryinge-and I know he had at least 4 differant ones he used... he said there would be a couple jagged edges and a few pokes- he told me if the pain was bad to come back and have that done again- it wasn't but a few hrs and I had a fever of 101' -- I can feel the top area that was cut there is a lump- feels hard- VERY PAINFUL !! then the one below that is a smaller lump and also painful- he told me to rest and apply heat.. I thought everyday I should be getting better and I'm not- everything I had read said don't stay in bed, I'm totally confused- I just know when I lay down to rest/sleep it's so painful!!!! I don't get much than a couple hrs sleep all nite, the pain is too much.. I don't feel much pain when I am sitting- when I'm walking if feels like it's being pulled - I am taking pain pills, but times they don't seem to work much either.. what's going on inside ? when will this all go away ? I wanted to go back to work soon, but the way I'm feeling now-- I can't... any advise pleaseeeeeee
thank you !!!
I had the cholecystectomy laparoscopic surgery done on July 2nd

[This message has been edited by countrygal59 (edited 07-10-2003).]

[This message has been edited by countrygal59 (edited 07-10-2003).]