I have a question for anyone post op??

Hi all, I am so glad to be on the other side. I made it!! Thanks to all that gave me support. I had the surgery Monday here in Pensacola and I did so well that my doctor let me go home Tuesday. No nausea or vomiting. I am up moving some and my spirits are high. I am doing great but I am just having trouble with the soreness of my abdomen and getting out of bed from laying down is really bad. I am taking meds but i still hurt and I want to get out walking but my pain level is hindering me. I am wearing a binder which gives me some support. I was just wondering when it might let up? I am doing great eating wise and all just want to be able to move around more. Thanks to all, Robin D.

Hi Robin, so glad you are doing so well. First, as to getting up, I was told to turn on my side and use my hands to push my body up. Less pull on tummy. Also using lots of pillows and almost sit up to sleep is a great help. If you have a recliner, that would also help in sleeping and getting up. I was in hospital 7 days, so by the time I cam home, I only used the pain meds couple days, but while in hospital, I would hit the pump before attempting to get up. As for the soreness, I am 16 days post op and my tummy does not bother me. If I remember correctly, about the 11 day it was much better. Only pain was near the lap holes. You may start having back pain, lower or shoulder. This is from gas pumped in to tummy. Oh that is for lap not open, so don't know which you are. Attempt to walk as much as you can, as this helps all parts of body. Good luck to you. Marla

Hi Robin, That was the worst for me also. Getting up from a laying down position. The first couple of nights home, I slept in a recliner chair. Then when I was in bed I would scootch to the side of the bed and roll off onto my feet. It hurts for a while and it varies by person. But I can tell you this, I don't remember when it went away but it has been gone for a while. I guess it was about 6 weeks. As for the walking, I just walked the inside of my house. I would get up alot because that helps decrease the pain. I hope this helps. Christine 307/255/140

I know you probably hate the binder, I certainly did. But I made myself wear it and it helped. Then when I requested the itemized bill from the hospital to see what the insurance co. paid I had to laugh because the hospital charged $550 for that silly piece of elastic. I could have gone to Nordstroms and bought an "Designer" binder for that price!!! Anyways, sounds like you are doing great. Move around as much as you can to help recover faster.

Hey Robin! My first week out was pretty rough with the tummy pain. It seemed like if I sat too long or laid down too long, it would get really sore, crampy, and tight. And I know you would think this would be the last thing that would help, but walking, even for 5 minutes in circles in the house (yes I did this and I'm sure the neighbors are still wondering about me) made all the difference. I found it eased the pressure and the tightness plus it will help prevent blood clots. I walked more often than my doctor required me to and it was because of the pain. I've had a complication-free healing and feel like my old self and I'm a month out, so there might be something to it! Good luck!