Post Op Recovery - help!

Hello all- I was wondering if anyone who had the lap RNY could remember how long they were on pain meds? I am 11 days post op and am very tired of the pain and the meds. The pain has gotten better, but I still get this sharp muscle burning feeling in the center of my abdomen when I try to sleep on my side or sit in a normal chair for very long. I have been sleeping in a recliner as well. It is just too painful to lie down. I have been able to walk just fine and do about 60 minutes a day. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks- Karen

I can't remember exactly how long I was on my pain meds but I tell you if you are still in pain then you still need your pain meds--some people think they shouldn't take so much or as often as the dr. say so they won't get hooked on them but I say if you have never had a drug addiction than you are safe to keep taking them as long as your dr. says. I remember how hard it was to get comfortable in the beginning but each day gets better and better--just take walks and drink lots and you will heal!! Congratulations on your life changing surgery!!

Congradulations !!!! Your post caught my attention... I would deffinately call your Dr. with your concern... and stay on your pain meds... I was on them for about 2 weeks but ended up with an infection on one of my wounds... so keep a close eye out for redness... or swelling... take care and good luck.. Karen

Karen - Unfortunately I wouldn't be able to be of any help as I didn't take anything after released from the hospital. We all have different surgeries, anatomy and pain tolerances, so I don't know what to tell you. All I can say is that I hope it subsides soon for you!!! Dina

I didn't take any pain meds once I left the hospital (4th day post-op). But, I wasn't able to sleep on anything but my back with extra pillows for the first month. If I tried any other position it felt like my guts were going to fall out, and it was painful...so I gave that up for awhile. Best of luck! Michele

Hi Karen. I had an open RNY, so my recovery was not fast at all. I didn't think I would ever get to sleep in my own bed. The recliner was my best friend! Do take your pain meds. My doctor told me that you heal a lot faster when your body doesn't have to fight the pain too. Be sure to take as directed and not try to "tough it out." If you can take them on a regular basis, the pain won't get as severe and you may end up not having to take the pain meds as often. Something to think about. Do you happen to have one of those blow-up aero beds? We have a queen-size one and we put it on the spare bed. My husband blew it up so that it was still somewhat soft. I then got into it, and it kind of wrapped around me like a cocoon. I could sleep comfortably on my back without feeling like my stitches were pulling. When I finally was able to sleep in a regular bed, the mattress felt too hard, so we got one of those temperpedic covers for it that mushes to your body shape. We got it at Costco for under $120. It made things much more comfortable for me, but it was still quite a while before I could sleep on my side. I felt like my "guts" were shifting and it was very painful. You will get to feeling better each day. I wish you great success with your recuperation. Do keep in touch with your doctor, and do let us know here how you are doing. God bless. Peg

OMG! You finally have a picture up! Great to finally SEE you! Michele

I know! I'm so excited! Now I'm truly one of you! Nice seeing you too. Peg