pain after panniculectomy surgery

I had a panniculectomy almost 3 weeks ago. and the pain can sometimes get very intense!  Has anyone else had this done?  Does anyone know of someone who had this done?  Are there any support groups for surgery recovery like this?

Please...........I feel so alone in this and I often get scared, especially when the pain gets really bad. How long is the typical recovery time? When will the pain start to get better?  Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Has the pain changed since surgery?
Is it different than at first?
Are you keeping current with your pain meds?
Maybe you need to contact the doctor if the pain is different, or hasn't decreased.  I have had many surgeries and by three weeks the level of pain you describe is unusual.  Are their any signs of infection?  Sorry, I can't be more specific, other than, maybe it is time to talk with the surgeon, or the nurse.  Good luck. 

Thanks for your reply.

I emailed my surgeon and she said my pain was normal.  I read on the internet that panni's  can take 4-6 weeks to heal.  I also had a hernia repair and my surgeon said that I can feel pain from hernia surgery for up to 6 months, but the pains should decrease and become less frequent.

As far as pain meds go, I am allergic to allot of them.  I am allergic to Tylenol, so I can't take Percosett, Viccodin, or anything with Tylenol in it.  I am on blood thinners so I can't take anything with Asprin or Motrin or Advil, etc.  I have Dilaudid for pain, (a narcotic)  but it sometimes makes me feel nauseous and vomit.  So, as you can see, I am at a loss as far as pain meds go. I do allot of praying.  Jesus healed in the Bible.  Maybe he will heal me too.

Thanks for checking with your surgeon.  I hope that the doctor's wisdom helps to encourage you.  YOU are right....there are many stories of how Jesus brought healing.  YES...it may not be instantly, but day by day, step by step....you are already on the road to recovery.  May you find a sign of improvement each day.  Blessings on your healing and restoration to complete health. 

I saw this AFTER I posted my initial reply.  You did not mention the hernia repair in your initial post... a SIGNIFICANT omission!  :)

My hernia repair was extremely painful, and, consistent with what your surgeon said, I had a certain level of pain along one side where the mesh was attached for a number of months... to the point where I wondered if it was ALWAYS going to hurt.  It does, however, get better.

Hang in there.

Lora

I had my panniculectomy on 2/25 and the only real pain I've had since coming home are the drain sites. Sorry, I guess I'm no help.

If you have any concerns, you should be able to call your doctor's office. After all, this is why they get paid the big bucks.

I checked out your profile. You say your story isn't a "normal" one.   Girl, It is hard for me to type right now because I am trying to pick my jaw up off of the floor! You sound EXACTLY like me!!!   I have been heavy since childhood, however, I packed on the pounds also due to tons of medications!  I put on tons of weight being on Zyprexa, and then more weight came on when I was put on Respidol. I stopped those meds about 9 years ago, but am still left with the unfortunate weight gain side effect.  If a person is overweight to begin with, why put them on a med with a side effect of "weight gain"?    I am jealous of you though as far as you liking your doctor.  I haven't been feeling well for years. I have actually lost 130lbs  because I could barely eat anything without stomach pains, nausea or vomiting. I have seen many doctors and some of them even congradulated me on my weight loss and told me to keep it up!  Uh.........I am not CHOOSING to be sick as a diet!  I am still overweight, but not as heavy as I was 3 years ago. I can eat more things now, but my diet is still very restrictive due to that illness.  Every doctor I see say they can't help me............lose weight and I will feel better.........or throw more and more pills at me.  So, it's good you have a doc you like. Me? I am still looking.

I also could never eat a big burger large fries and shake and stuff.  I am always happy with a simple kids meal. (although I do order the shake)

Well, long lost sister..........thank you for responding to me.  I am 3 weeks now post op and am very, VERY sore.  I hope you feel better soon. Take care and God bless.

My heart goes out to you. I will keep you in my prayers. God bless you.

Sandi

Thanks Sandi for your prayers and support.

Congratdulations on your weightloss success!  How long did it take you to do it?  I lost 130lbs in just over a year, but unfortunately, it was due to being sick.  What kind of surgery are you going to have on the 30th?   My prayers will be with you too. We children of God must look out for one another and the best way we can do that is through prayer! 

Take care and God bless.