Question:
Pain lower left after lap surgery

I am 3 1/2 weeks post op and have this almost unbearable sharp shooting, on fire burning pain in my lower left side. It's around my belly button but to the left. It goes away when I lay down and is much worse when I go to sit or streach or move. I didn't have it for the first 10 day's then it started all of the sudden. All I want to do is lay in bed and not move. One other thing I am very nausous I some times can't eat anything all day. Then I get hungery after not eating for 2 days. I know this is bad, but the thought of food makes me sick. Any suggestions?    — [Anonymous] (posted on September 24, 2001)

September 24, 2001
You need to go to the doctor. This could be a lot of different things from an infection to a staple disruption to a leak. Don't play around - any of these could be very serious if left untreated. If it turns out to be nothing serious, at least you will have peace of mind!
   — Julie S.

September 24, 2001
I have to agree 100% with Julie. Don't play around with your life better safe than sorry. Plus if your doctor is anything like mine he wants you to call no question is too small and no problem is either. Take care and God bless.
   — BayLee

September 24, 2001
OMG.....I had that same pain at exactly the same time. Ended up in the ER it was SOOOOOOOOOO bad. After having a leak test to r/o leaks...my doctor ruled it off to gas and the bowel waking up from surgery after laying dormant for so long. I know this does not make you feel any better. It is really really bad...for me it was worse than the surgery itself. Also, have had a BM if not it could be caused from that. Trying taking some Milk of Magnesia (of course ask your doc. first) That seemed to help. All I can say is it will go away...I promise. Just rest and listen to what your body needs. Feel better.
   — Melissa S.

September 24, 2001
I also had the same pain at around the same time. After going through CAT scans and all kinds of tests mine turned out to be trapped air, gas, etc. But I agree with the other posters, call your doctor. You can NEVER be too safe when it comes to your health! =)
   — Jen S.

September 24, 2001
I am 5 weeks post-op (Lap) and I have had the same pain for the last two weeks. I finally called the doctor and he also told me to take the Milk of Magnesia but twice a day. I know my body pretty well and I think its because I don't have a bowel movement every day and you should. The last few days its almost like an attack from noon to 2:00. Wherever I am, I rush home and lay down on a heating pad for about an hour and then it disappears for the rest of the day. Yesterday I started taking two advils as soon as it started and I hardly felt it at all. I will continue this until it is completely gone (soon, I hope)!
   — Kathy S.