I"M HURTING

and don't know what to do.  I am 3 weeks out today from  Lap RNY surgery.  I have pain on my left side.  So bad, that I cannot bend over, get up or down from a sitting position, can't drive, can't rinse a plate out, etc.  I don't mean a twinge, but a pain so bad sometimes that I litterly have to put my hand over my mouth to keep from yelling.  It's been like this since my 2 week check up.  The PA told me she didn't know what was causing this because it's not where most postop pt.s have their pain.  This is just one small spot under the skin, not under an incision that feels like it's raw and burning.  Above that on top of the skin is numb to the touch.  Now, I know some of you are going to tell me to call my surgeon.  I HAVE.  They keep telling me it's normal and take Tylenol.  OK.  Well,  Tylenol "ain't" doing anything.  Plus, I have liver problems and I'm not suppose to take Tylenol.  They know this.  I've  called to be worked in, since there is one available surgeon, but I was told that he was to busy and only emergencies could be worked in.??????  With my pain how do they know this is not an emergency.  I was told to go to the ER.  

I am a LPN and understand that people are drug seekers.  I was told the pain would last 4 - 6 weeks.  Well, if that's the case why can't they give me something other than Tylenol.  I also know about NSAIDS.  Not to take them. 

Some of you have told me that you all experienced the same pain.  But was it this bad.  I am self-employed now and I'm thankful, because I cannot go to work or be there for long. 

Thank you for listening. 

I'm upset, and do not want to discourage anyone from the surgery.  Just be sure who does your surgery and how good the follow up is and support.
I just need to vent. 

Deborah - do you think it could be nerve pain?  when you said it was burning and the area near is numb - makes me think it is nerve related.

I am wondering if Ultram would be a good short term pain reliever for you.  I am pretty sure it does not have nsaids or tylenol.  I am a nurse also, and it is given in the ER for pain and seems to work well.  And it is not a narcotic.

I would be p-oed if my surgeon's office said that they couldn't see me.  It probably is not an emergency - but it is painful to you and that makes it an emergency to you.  Get the next available appointment.

Shelia

Thanks Shelia,

I said the same thing last week about nerve pain.  I just don't think that other people are hurting like this and going back to work. 

I don't like narcotics, but when I'm hurting and for so long just give me something.  Thanks for the Ultram suggestion.  I will ask.

Deborah

Oh Deborah, I'm so sorry to hear you're hurting.  And they're not making it better by not seeing you.  I still have liquid Lortab from my surgery.  Did you have anything like that?  I feel for you since I knew I might have that same thing, but I've been lucky - I haven't (and we were the same day).

Good luck in getting some relief.  Don't give up till someone hears you!

Hi Deborah,

I'm so sorry to hear that you are still stuggling and that your Dr's office is not being supportive or available. I hope that you will take Sheila and Angela's suggestions to heart re: types of meds. I would ask for the next available appointment and to have the call in a Rx for a medication that might be more able to manage your pain. It doesn't matter if others do or don't experience it, it  matters that you are hurting and need relief.

First of all I know nothing about anything, I have no medical experience what so ever. 

But when I read this I thought Shingles. I've heard other people complain of them and it sounded a lot like this. Maybe something to ask the doc about. I've also heard that everybody gets them once in their life.

Good luck!! I hope you get some answers soon.

About a week afer I had my RNY I had something similar but it was across the bottom of my terribly bruised belly.  No one could really dx it but many thought it might be some sort of nerve pain too.  It burned, hurt when I moved and itched.  I used liquid benidryl which seemed to help with the itching.  It lasted about 5-6 days and went away.  Not sure if it's the same thing you are experiencing but sure sounds similar....

Deborah,

I had the same exact pain and was told continually that it would be something I would have to deal with.  For me it was almost 8 weeks until it went away and amazingly enough I worked about a week with the pain.  It was terrible.  I have not had the pain since then. 

Hang on!!!  It will get better!

Deb,
I am so sorry you are in soo much pain.
You may have to stand your ground here and walk into your doctors office a demand to be seen.
Phone calls arent getting your message across.
I hope there is someone that can take you to the doctor or ER.
It is sad that we have to be ugly to be heard as far as medical help.
It is like I tell my mom you have to say what you want these days.
                                            Annie

Thank you guys for being so supportive.  I went to my PCP and I suggested to him what Shelia mentioned about the Ultram.  He gave me some.  It has taken most of the pain away, I just still have to be careful.  What a relief!!!!  I"m glad I got to vent to you guys.  I felt as though I had know where else to turn, and I did not want to go to the emergency room.  I'm afraid that MD's whether in the ER or Office still do not understand our surgeries. 

Again, thanks for your responses and for listening.

Keep in touch.

Deborah

PS  Been at a stall now for almost 2 weeks.