Was this anyone else's first surgical/hospital experience?

I was in last Tuesday and got home Thursday. I still feel awful, but from what I'm hearing, the pain I'm experiencing is normal post-surgical pain. I have some nausea too that I trust will pass with time, but the pain in my midsection has been something. I actually wanted to stay another day in the hospital, but doctor said that I needed to stop being a wuss and get home. My dad, whose been through many medical procedures (incl. Lap RNY last year), said essentially the same thing. But for someone like me, who has never experienced anything like this before, this has been far worse than my expectations. Yet, I also realize that I'm still having it relatively easy compared to some.

Hi Tom The was not my first surgical experience....I had my gall bladder removed a couple of years ago via lap. My RNY was open on May 2nd and I was very sore the first week. I guess the key word here is sore - not in constant pain. Take your pain meds as long as you need them and get some walking in....it really does help. In a few more days you will realize how much better you are feeling - REALLY! Hang in there. Caren

Hi Tim This was my first surgery and my first hospital experience as an inpatient. I have to say everything went great! The hospital and staff were wonderful! I, too, feel more of a soreness -- general, dull pain in my abdomen, and it was a little worse when I moved, but never that bad. I'm sorry to hear that you are in pain. I'm sure your doc wanted to get you out of the hospital so that you could start dealing with all of this on your own. (And of course, your insurance company wants to reduce costs, especially if you don't need any additional special treatment). Your dad... well, all our lives dads try and get us to act "like men." The fact is, your being in the hospital probaby wouldn't help your pain. You need rest and you will probably be more comfortable at home in your own environment. I'm sure you were give pain meds, use them as needed. You'll pull through fine, honest! Best of luck and welcome to the losing side! Joe

Oops - sorry Tom - not Tim...

Hi, Tom - I've had 2 C-sections, lap gall bladder, and this one (two other minor cyst removals on my wrists, but nothing like the others). I'd say that in order of rank - my first C-section was the worst (I just sat on my couch - didn't walk, move, etc.), then this, 2nd C-section, then gall bladder. My pain was a bit worse than I expected, too. Actually, like someone else said, more sore than actual pain. I didn't take any pain meds after the 2nd day post-op but just like moving in a certain way would hurt or trying to roll over while sleeping, etc. I had a bit of discomfort up until about a week ago, I guess. And up until probably yesterday, tying my shoes was still a bit difficult (I felt like my rib cage was going to pop out). The most important thing is TAKE THE PAIN MEDS IF YOU NEED THEM and MOVE!!! Walk as much and long as you can tolerate. Then after a few days, go a bit further. Even if you add one minute/day, that's awesome. Take care and e-mail me if you need to!! Michelle

Other than a couple ER visits for sprained ankles, the last time I was admitted to a hospital was while in the womb. The last time I had any anesthesia was a local administered when I needed stitches in my hand (age 8). This whole surgery thing was a new and scary experience! The pain in your midsection is, unfortunately, perfectly normal. I didn't experience a huge amount, but was definitely sore and had problems getting comfortable for sleeping. Within a week, though, the soreness was mild on the few occasions that I felt it. You should feel better soon! Did your surgeon prescribe a painkiller? Mine offered percoset if I wanted it, but I opted for the milder Tylenol 3 and quickly decided to stick with regular old Tylenol plus a heating pad on the abdomen (those Thermacare stick-on ones are very convenient!). Are you able to move around okay? I found that the more I walked, the stronger I felt.

Hi Tom, I had surgery on 5/18/05. It was my first also. I've been experiencing weird stabbing-like pains around the incision. My friend who is an RN says that it is normal......it's the nerves and such firing and healing. I've been real nervous about it also......