Day 4 post op:

I was in a lot of pain as well, and I scheduled the pain meds so they were alternating: Tylenol every 6 hours; and then in the middle of that (as needed) the oxy.

Getting up and down was super hard for me too there for a bit, as well as trying to shift around in bed. Does it hurt on one side or the other? For me it was the right side specifically.

Hang in there! (and as others recommended, you may want to call your surgeon's office to ensure that you are not having a complication.)

My left side is what is hurting me the most. I have come to the conclusion that it is because of where the drain was?! I have like shooting pains every time I try to shift or move. I'm nervous about it.

Take a deep breath. Take the pain meds they gave you it's ok to take the meds and keep you self comfortable. I only slept on my back because laying on my side caused gravity to pull on my incisions. I had open surgery and had drain tubes. I found this to be more comfortable. Every day will get a little bit easier, you got this. Huggs

Congratulations! The worst is over. Keep an eye on the incisions, get in your walks and don't over do it. The pain that you're describing sounds just like what I went through. I panicked a lot and called my doctors office and a 24 hour nurse's hotline just to make sure I was okay. The key is to stay ahead of the pain. Take your pain meds at the proscribed intervals. I took mine regularly for about a week and a half and it really really helped.

Also at around 4 - 5 days after surgery, I developed deep bruising around the incisions on my left side. (I had laparoscopic) These bruises are apparently normal and show up a little later because they formed deep down and are coming to the surface. (Thats my layman's understanding) My nurse told me that as long as they aren't growing in size and aren't hard (firm), or hot to the touch. It should be fine.

If you have ANY uncertainty or if your pain is worsening, call the surgeon's office. If closed for the weekend, try a nurse's hotline in your area or the ER if you think you need to go down.

I remember how scared I was at the 4 day mark, so I totally get where you're coming from. I consulted my discharge papers constantly.

Take care of your self and have fun watching the scale go down.

I had surgery the day before you and honestly, I've been surprised that I haven't had as much pain as I anticipated. I was in the hospital for 2 nights and then the next two nights I took my meds to be able to sleep. I wasn't in alot of pain but I planned to keep ahead of it. Since then I haven't taken anything because I haven't really felt bad. That said, it does hurt to sit up, stand up, cough, sneeze and move in other ways that pull on the incision. That isn't constant, though, for me so I've been able to manage it.

As others have said, if you are having pain, take your meds and don't wait until they wear off to take another dose. It should ease off as the days pass.

Take care!

Hope you are feeling better today with the drainage tube pain!