Started RNY lap converted to open - does the pain ever get better?

I just had the surgery a week ago. They started my RNY surgery plus gall bladder removal lap and converted to open. I feel like in some ways that I have double the pain. First there is the pain from the lap surgery due to the gas they pumped into my abdomen. Then there is the pain from the huge foot long incision that runs belly button to breastbone. All that on top of the pain from the internal rearranging of my organs. I've been forcing myself to burp as much as possible trying to lose the bloat. The massive cuts and one big cut on my abdomen make walking, sitting, standing or pretty much any movement at all painful. My back hurts when I try to stand or walk because my stomach muscles can't do their work anymore and my back muscles are trying to take over with little success. I don't try to do more than I have to. I've been a big baby about the pain and meds so far. I don't like the dopey feeling from the narcotics my dr prescribed. I need to stay alert to make decisions right now -- my little dog is in the hospital and the decision to keep him alive or put him down is coming soon. The liquid tylenol and motrin the dr recommended to replace the narcotics gave me the diarreah I think. So I've been try to make it thru without any pain meds. I don't sleep much because I hate sleeping on my back and that is the only position possible at this time. I feel pretty much like a beached whale on my recliner only getting up every once in a while to eat, drink, bath, pee or find my way to bed at night. I'm feeling so overwhelmed! Does anyone out there with the same surgery have any suggestions on how to get rid of the pain without narcotics? Any ideas on when I'm going to be able to walk without crouching over like a grandma? When will I be able to sleep on my side again?

Sorry I have no helps but HUGS!

At least take your pain meds at night so you can sleep.. I am not a nurse but I work in the medical field and one thing I know they tell you is you can't get well when your in pain.. I hope you feel better soon. it will get easier... I am only 13 days out and I fell like a different person. Keep the faith! -Tammy

I had the same thing happen when I had my surgery on 9/8. The good news is yes it does get better. I am only 3-1/2 weeks post-op and only have a couple of aches near my incision occasionally. I used the abdominal binder 24 hours a day for the first week or so (even when I slept) and still use it when not at home. I also forced myself to take a walk several times a day. They were short walks but they did help. Just getting up and moving around the house helped as well. If you have a recliner try sleeping in it. It helped me sleep more comfortably the first week and a half or so. Just do what you can and be patient. You will be surprised at how quickly you will feel much better. Good luck.

Thank you Steve. I think I hit a low point when I wrote my original message. I was exhausted from lack of sleep, worried sick and crying constantly about my dog, dehydrated from 36 hours of diarreah and starving hungry because everything I took in went right back out. So much has changed since then. My diarrea is now under control. I've managed to take in pureed soup for two meals and I'm drinking a lot of water. I slept on the recliner last night for the first time since I got home. I actually got in a full 8 hours. A little broken but real sleep. The pain is slowly receding little by little. I will try to walk more starting today. Its good to know I only have another week or two until the pain gets to be tweaks rather than constant. This forum has been a Godsend because of people like you who have gone down this path and you are willing to help with your advise and support. BTW. My little dog is going to recover too. He's a little bitty thing -- four pounds soaking wet -- the vet only gave him a one in a hundred chance of recovering from "grand mal" seizures but he pulled thru. Yay for the little guy! Thanks again and God Bless you in your recovery.

Hi Judy, I think I understand what you are talking about. I started out as lap but ended up being open. The pain is the worst I have ever had, and I have had three previous surgeries. I know about trying to walk, and your back hurting, and everything you have talked about. My surgery was 9/21/06. I spent 4 days in ICU. I am better now, and the only thing I know to tell you is that you need to try to walk. It does help with the pain and soreness. I still hurt. I quit taking the pain medications because I didn't like the way it made me feel. Overwhelmed!!! Absolutely!! I have questioned myself over and over about why I did this to myself. I was able to lay on my side 2 days ago. I sleep on my side, but haven't been able to. 2 days ago I could stand up straighter, yesterday, I couldn't. Today is better. It will get better, but it is a slow process. I have spent so much time in my recliner, I could scream. I think my back hurts from that too. I keep telling myself this will end, and then it will be good. Just hang in there a little longer, and I hope it gets better every day for you. I think it will. Becky Bush Kentucky

Becky, You hit it right on the head. That first week was ba-a-a-d. The worst pain I have ever felt. And I've delivered four children and had a hysterectomy. I am still glad I did the surgery but I pray that I never have to go thru that kind of pain ever again. Please God, kill me quick with a heart attack when its my time to go! Things are getting a little better every day now. Yes there are times I push too hard and pay for it the next day. Still the worst is behind me. Now we can both look forward to all the benefits of weight loss. Judy