one month out and still a lot of pain:(

Had my ds on 12/18.  Open, removed gallbladder and appendix too.   I was starting to feel a little better until one week ago and then the pain increased 10x around my incision.  I went to the hospital where they did my surgery on Monday (stayed over night) just got released today.  They did a stomach ct and found nothing.  They sent me home with bactrim rx.

I still have some draining and a one inch opening next to my belly button. It really hurts bad around my belly button and about five inches around it.  It is a  burning aching stabbing pain.  I still feel the pain when I take the loratab elixir.  The pain is almost unbearable to me.  It makes me cry when I am due for another dose of pain killer.  The Dr.  (Dr. Hares-vetted ds surgeon)  just keeps telling me that I had major surgery etc.. etc..

Is this normal?  Did anyone else have such bad pain one month out?  I felt better at 2 weeks out then I do now!

I am starting to get down and regretting the surgery...   Please tell me it will get better and the pain is normal.  I keep thinking something else must be going wrong. 

Things sucked for me at 1 month.  Most people report STARTING to feel better at about 6 weeks.  I felt much better at about 3 months.  Hang in there.  You have a bunch of healing to do.

Thank you for telling me it sucked at one month!  I was starting to feel like something was not right.  Glad to know I am not the only one.

I am just so surprised at the level of pain I have still!  Cannot wait for the six week mark... I am ready for some relief.

Yes....... quite a few people come across this problem. A friend of mine used a binder which helps greatly. But this way of getting over pain is different for different patients. Gradually it subsides though. You just need to hold on till then.

Thanks

I am in so much pain right now!  I can barely stand it.  My inision opened up today in a new spot and fluid come out!   I am waiting for the dr to call back:(

I also gained 6 pounds!

It sounds like you have either a wound infection, or more fluid that needs to drain, or both. Get the wound looked at TODAY. If it needs to be opened more to drain better, get it done. You will feel better.

Larra

Thanks Larra.

I am having a communication issue with my surgeon Dr Hares.  He is so hard to talk to.  He sent me the Er and I ended staying over night but he never came to see me!  He said that he was in communication with the hospital and the CT scan showed some fluid but that everything was normal.  When I called to tell him of the new opening that occurred this morning he made me feel like I was bothering him.

I am literally in so much pain.  Some times I shake or cry.  If my stomach even lightly pressed against a counter it feels like a dagger through my body.  I have to take the loratab every 4 hours or I am in trouble.  I am still in great pain with the loratab.

Today the Dr. told me it was my choice to have surgery to open up the wound or just let it heal.  He would not tell me what he recommends and I feel like I cannot make that decision.  I think I picked the wrong surgeon.  I felt like he was yelling at me on the phone.  He actually told me I was lucky this is the only complication I have. (indicating a leak etc.)  He made me feel like I am a wimp or something. 

I cannot stop crying today. 

edited to add:

I also told him about the 6 pound weight gain and he told me that is an issue for my family Dr. (because I have a history of retaining fluid) and not his issue to treat or discuss.  That I need to call my family Dr. and get on a water pill.  Is that odd to anyone?  I feel like he just wants to wash his hands of me:(
 

I will be 1 month out tomorrow, and I still feel like crap.  My surgery was lap, and I don't have much pain.  But I really feel like someone just drained the life out of me.

With that said, what you are describing with your incisions is NOT normal.  Your incisions should not be opening and draining.  If your surgeon will not take this seriously, then I highly suggest seeing a different doctor.

I am considering consulting another surgeon.  Should I look for another bariatric or just a general surgeon.  I dont even know where to start.  I know one day I will feel good again but right now I regret this ds surgery and the surgeon I picked! 

My surgery date was 12/18 and I went in at 306...was down to 294 and now I am 301.   I am following the instructions faithfully.  64 ounces water, protein drinks at least 60 grams or more a day.  Small low sugar food etc.... I dont get it. 

I know I must be retaining water but for petes sake......

The wound needs to be seen by a surgeon, period. Since I don't know your surgeon, I can't say if he's the best person to help you or not, but again, it sounds like a wound infection and that the wound needs to be more opened to allow for full drainage. It also sounds like Dr. Hares is willing to do this, even though he's giving you a hard time about it.

     I understand how difficult it is to make good decisions when you are in pain and feeling awful, but hope you will get either Dr. Hares or another surgeon to get the wound opened up. Having an open wound is no fun, but it should relieve most of the pain you are experiencing.

    I'm not so concerned about the weight gain. I think you are retaining fluid because you are ill, and that once you are no longer ill that fluid will come right off. It's not fat, it's just fluid. Stay focused on the important problem, which is the wound.

Larra