Pain in my left side still & Depression

Hey everyone, I have a couple of concerns. 1. I am still having alot of muscle, or what I think is muscle pain in my left side. Kinda like a charlie horse or that pain we get when we ran alot. It was so bad the other day that I could not even stand up straight. I called the dr. and he did not seem to think it was anything too serious, like infection or leakage or anything. Just wondering if anyone else was having these same kind of pains 3 weeks out? 2. Depression. I have had a couple of days in the last 3 weeks where I wake up and just cry. I am still having to remind myself sort of what I have just been through, plus I have the added stress of a sick mother in the hospital and a few other personal things that has just loaded my plate down, making my recovery somewhat difficult. I feel sad. This is not everyday, just every now and then. I did have some minor depression before the surgery, been taking Effexor XR for it for almost 2 years. This feels different though. Anyone else who has had the same or simular feeling, let me know, I would appreciate all the avice and encouragement out there. Thanks

Hi Kristal, I have heard that quite a few people have that "stitch" in their side. I guess if the doctor isn't too worried, I wouldn't be either. If it gets worse, by all means call him again. As for the depression, it is quite common after this surgery. I know how you feel about the added stress though as my mother had a stroke on Tuesday and is in the hospital also. It is hard, I know. Keep taking your Effexor. If you are still having problems, maybe call your doctor to see what else they can do for the short term. Take good care of yourself. You are still recovering from major surgery and need some TLC too. Best wishes to you and you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Hi Kristal, I too, am still having quite a bit of pain although mine seems closer to my incision (I had a open RNY on 1/15/04). My surgeon gave me a new script for Darvocet although the pain is still there. I am assuming it will get better soon but if not, will call the dr. Also, I have had some similar depression. I noticed yesterday that I was almost in tears for no particular reason and felt pretty bad all day. I too have been on Effexor XR for awhile and was wanting to go off of them. So much for that idea. I think it's normal to have some depression after surgery, we've been through alot. But just think, in a few months, things will be looking great!! Take care. tyler

during my 3rd week I had a pain then was along my left side, it made it hard for me to even get in and out of bed, when I would go walking, I'd hold my side. The nurse said I had pulled my muscles and inquired if I had been lifting things and that I should be careful about that after surgery. I finally figured out what I think caused it. I sleep on my side and during the night I'd flip over and one of those times I turned wrong or to far and hurt my side. I was just really careful with it for a week and it went away. I've had depression too, then about 3 days before my 1 month anniversary it mellowed. I was on anti-anxiety meds before the surgery and still take them. One day I heard some dance music on the radio and turned it up really loud and for some reason just felt wonderful. Now every day I make it a point to listen to a few really good dancing songs.

Hi Kristal, I'm only 1 week post op but I'm having that exact same pain in my left side and I was wandering if it was normal or not. Sometimes I describe it as a knife in my ribs-- it's so bad. I was going to call the Dr. tomorrow but now I guess I'll just ride it out. The depression is intense at times isn't it? I too have been taking Effexor XR since the birth of my son 15 mo. ago. I was going to go off them but found I was pregnant again. I have a 2 1/2 mo. old as well and then scheduled this surgery so my Dr. told me to keep taking them for another 6 months. Thank God I did because I'm having a terrible time dealing with the stress of this surgery along with not being able to care for my babies. I cry at least once a day whether I need to or not! Anyway--I asked the Dr. to raise my dosage from 75mg to 150mg and he did so you might try that if you haven't already. Hang in there sweety--everyone says it will all be worth it in the end.

I am also 3 weeks out and have the exact same pain in my side. Some days it is tolerable and some days I just want to go to bed. If I get the least bit tired or push myself too far, the pain flares up terrible. Like reminding me I just had surgury and I should slow down. I went to my Dr. on tuesday and he said everything looks normal and it should go away soon. Let me tell you...not soon enough. good luck! Missy 294/270/150 -24lbs

Hi Kristal, I had a pain in my left side and it was most noticible when I breathed in deeply, as it would take my breath away. I went to the Emergency Room on Saturday night (the only place you can go on a weekend) as I was concerned it was a blood clot (I have a history of them) and they did the chest xray and lung scan. Fortunately all were normal. But, they also did a urine analysis to check my bladder and kidney and yes, I had a bladder infection. I've been on antibiotics since and what a difference. I no longer have the pain in my side. You might check that out. Good Luck! Cindy

Hey Kristal! I am 8 days out and I had that exact same pain. I went to the surgeons office yesterday and he explained that is was incisional pain. The nurse had also told me that on the phone but I didn't believe her because the incision is on the other side. Well, now that I went to the doctor and he explained it, it makes perfect sense. He said that all of the work done on my stomach is on the left side. So, they go in at an angle is what I perceived. I did think I was going to die because the pain was so severe. Now that he has explained it, I guess I don't notice the pain as bad. As far as the depression, when you feel bad your mind starts wondering to those dark and lurky places. Mine did that as well, but now that I know I am going to live, I feel so much better. Hold your head up high and take it as it comes. It is ok to feel bad, as long as you can pick yourself up. Take care. Leanne

Re: your depression. First of all, it is normal to feel down after surgery considering the effects of the anesthetic, and the loss of our favorite friend. Life changes are difficult, and it sounds as if you have more than your fair share of changes going on right now. However, as a word of advice you may want to talk to the doctor or psychiatrist about the type of Effexor you are taking. I am a Mental Health Practitioner (Bachelor level) and work with individuals that have mental illness and are on many types of medications. I myself also take Zoloft for depression. Effexor XR is an extended release capsule that may not be appropriate for you anymore depending on how much of your intestinal track was bypassed. XR is absorbed into the intestines, therefore you may wish to switch to the regular Effexor tablets to help increase the absorption which could in turn help you feel better.

I have that same pain, in the side a little to the back. I am two and half weeks past surgery and I noticed that it is when I need to have a BM. Problem is, sometimes it takes awhile to be able to go, so it is painful waiting. Pat