Day 4 post op:

And still in A LOT of pain. It hurts to move, cough, sneeze.... basically anything that requires me to move my abdaman in anyway.

Yes, I know I had a major surgery.

Yes, I know I shouldn't compare myself to other people.

But dang.. this pain is literally unbearable. I only spent one night in the hospital (a little over 24 hours-- doctors orders) but man. The pain didn't hit until I got home. I've been laying on my left side with a heating pad for the last 3 days because that's what was recommended for me to do. I get up and walk, A LOT... and try to for every hour that I am awake but the getting up part is tear worthy.

Idk what to do. This is ridiculous.

Sorry for whining.

If you don't feel like things are improving, or the pain is getting worse, you should contact your clinic for advice. I know it varies from person to person, but I had no where near the pain you are describing.

Hope you find some relief soon.

I had open RNY in 2001 and the pain was crazy. You have a right to complain and whine, but it will get better I promise! Everyone heals differently, but you should see marked improvement day to day. You will continue to be tired (this happens with any surgery), so just give yourself time.

Also, a word of advice, stay on top of your meds, so that you rest comfortably and such. I had a pharmacy snafu that left me without medication and I was in a lot of pain that took awhile to get under control. Just don't depend on those meds beyond the time that you need them.

Continue to walk as much as you feel up to doing, it does help with recovery.

Good luck!

Nik

Are you taking pain meds? I distinctly remember hurting the first 4 days non stop. I used the pain meds so it was bearable. There's no nobility in 'taking' pain sans meds. Yes it hurt to move, sneeze, cough etc- but it gets better. Walking is the best thing you can do, other then hydrating yourself.

It will get better.

I have been taking the pain meds as needed, but maybe I should start taking them at specific times to stay on top of them?

Yes, I would take them every 3 to 3.5 hrs apart. Get a new one into your system before it wears off. I would also try to gradually wean yourself off as quickly as you can tolerate it. Pain meds scare me because of the addictive nature of them. But you have just had major surgery, take them as needed ,that's why they give them to you. The hard part is over ,every day will get a little more easier for you You will be so happy you did this for yourself.

Yes, ask the doctor how often you should be taking them to keep the pain away. I can't say this enough, You cannot heal if you're in pain. I've had several major surgeries and can tell you from experience. I hate pain meds and would skip them and get yelled at by my doctor for doing so. I learned the hard way

I ha open heart surgery a few years ago and the nurses would get on to me for not taking my pain meds often enough. they would say take the before you start hurting.

I ha open heart surgery a few years ago and the nurses would get on to me for not taking my pain meds often enough. they would say take the before you start hurting.

I had back surgery in the summer last year. For pain meds, I found it's better to be in front of the pain, not chase it with meds. Don't wait for it to hurt to take the next pill. I think I took it based on the next time I was allowed to take it. It helped a ton.