A couple of warnings for you who are about to start the next phase. :type:

I had my surgery on the 1st. It went great but I had two post-op issues that surprised me and I wanted to warn you who are about to have surgery. The first was the EXTREME soreness of my thighs and upper back. My legs were so sore that I had to lift them with my hands to get them moving. I was actually using pain meds for that, not my stoma*****isions. The pain lasted about 4-5 days, easing off slowly after day 3. I have two theories as to why. One, you are using every muscle you can when you shift in bed or get in/out for your walks except your stomach muscles. The other is that it's a side effect of the anethesia. The second I guessed may be a problem, but not to the extreme I had it. Gas.... They blew up my stomach and intestine with CO2 so of course it has to make it out of your system somehow. Unfortunately I have IBS so that may have made it worse, but I often felt like I had a bowling ball size of gas in my gut instead of intestines. That managed to level off to normal levels late Friday (4 days post-op). Good luck to all you who are about to have surgery and maybe if you're warned the symptoms (if you get them) won't be as stressful. Dawn

I am a couple months away from having my surgery. I am thankful for any and all info I can get. Good luck with your recovery. Lisa

Thanks!

They kind of explained that in pre op last week: The co2 has to have somewhere to go and it will settle in the muscles, especially the shoulders. They said to expect the shoulder pain. They didn't mention the legs though. I am glad your doing better!! Marilyn

Hi Marilyn, Though I had a great pre-op training (1" binder and everything) they didn't mention that. I think I'll suggest they add it to their binder. Dawn

THANKS FOR THE HEADS UP GIRL!!! SEE YA ON THE SKINNYSIDE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SUSAN

The doctor doesn't order any gas relief? At least with my c-section the doctor gave me a huge, chalky white pill that helped pass the gas. I wonder why they don't give post-ops anything? I think I'll ask tomorrow at my last visit with the surgeon before my surgery. Jackie B. Lap-RNY 8/22/05