Anyone else experience pain in the lower left abdomen area?

I am 4 weeks post-op and experiencing pretty intense pain about 6-8 inches to the left of my navel and down an inch or two. I do also have pain from where the stitches are but this is below the internal stitches by 3-4 inches. I talked to the surgeon and he told me only to worry if I get a fever. He may order a cat scan if it doesn't go away. I was just wondering if any of my Florida buddies have experienced this also. Thanks a million for your time. Karl

Hi KD, Sorry you are in pain ((HUG)) Hope the wife is pampering you lots! I had some severe pain 3-4 weeks post op in my chest area (to the right). But, night after night in ER's, EKG's, and CT's, found nothing wrong with me. I think your pain could be anything from air bubbles to just internal "bruising"... They went inside you and did a pretty good job at moving things around and rerouting the pipes you know!? Sometimes air just gets trapped in there and you don't feel it for a while and then 'BOOM', the pain is just there. If that's the case, your body will absorb it soon. When did it start? If you are going potty ok, I'd not worry about a bowel obstruction. I'd opt for the CT anyway, just in case. You never know... CT's aren't as scary as I thought they would be. Keep us posted and good luck. We'll be thinking about you. -Flavia

Thanks Flavia... I had pretty severe gas pains that actually moved to my shoulders a couple weeks ago. It was so painful. This pain started a few days ago. It comes and goes but it is pretty intense. Potty is fine. Th CT is gonna cost me $1400. I am trying to see if my insurance will cover it. Thanks for your support. Karl.

Well, if the pain started only 2 days ago, watch the potty for a few more days, if you stop all of a sudden, GET IT CHECKED!!! I was self pay as u were... I went to the ER on a Sun night and let them come up with the idea of CT themselves (or so they thought ...) That's how I got the insurance to cover... Good luck!!!!! -Flávia

Hey KD- At your stage of healing, it is very common to experience nerve healing in the exact area you are describing. I have heard of lots of post-ops that went through this. Try and give it a few more days....take some tylenol and see if it gets better. Just my 2 or 3 cents. Lori 222/149/1?? laprny 1-6-04

Hey Lorie.. I am going to take your advice. I am having the wife pick up some more Tylenol and I am going to ride it out. Thanks for your advice. I am still looking for a theme. Karl

hope you feel better soon...yeha i agree if it dont feel better soon get it checked

Thanks Lexa... How is my neighbor doing?

I agree with Flavia...and as an ex-er nurse any person who comes in with abdominal pain of any sort usually gets a CT. Your insurance should cover it as a part of the ER visit...

KD, I had the exact same pains. I know everyone is different. But my surgeon told me it was healing pains. And that they could be expected to come and go for the first six months of healing. Especially since they are basically rearranging your insides, cutting muscles and nerves. Karee