Question:
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO ABOUT CHRONIC INCISIONAL PAIN?!

I am recuperating from yet another complication with my rny dated 2005 Sept. This time it was ventral hernia repair secondary to bowel obstruction. That was two months ago. I dont understand why I feel a constant hot burning pain to my incisional line on a daily basis. My surgeon has cut me off my narcotics. ES Tylenol works for about two hours only if I take 1500-2000mg at one time. Ibuprofen-type meds make me nauseated. I have tried heating pads and hot tub soaks which makes the area feel tingly and sensitive to the heat. Anyone been in this predicament? I am so tired of suffering daily!!!    — NEETAJEAN (posted on February 28, 2007)

February 28, 2007
First sorry your having a rough time Whats the surgeon say about your pain? Have you asked for a referral to a pain clinic?
   — bob-haller

February 28, 2007
Hi Benita, Patricia P here. I am so sorry for your pain. When yo usay burning, it sounds to me like that might be an "nerve" issue. If the incision is healing right that it might be a nerve that is nicked or inflamed. If your surgeon is not giving you an answer or a solution that works, you need to re-address the issue and if they won't help you that be proactive Benita and find a 2nd opinion. Don't live in daily pain or discomfort and not find help. You may need a pain clinic, but I think that there needs to be more investigation before you go that route. I would want to know what is wrong, not to just fix it. I find that surgeons are great as long as things go well. If they made a "mistake", even though things happen during surgery and we agree to that, they don't fess up when it happens, you have to push for the truth. I know they are afraid of lawsuits, and it sounds like the surgery you needed was very important, but you need to resolve this pain. The Tylenol that you are taking can really damage your liver. Please call them today and call around and look for a 2nd opinion. Also call your insurance company and ask for their help. You have to be proactive in your own care, but there are others who will help if you will find them. I am sorry Benita for your pain, and I know it sounds trite to some, but I don't mean it in a trite way, but a sincere way. I will pray for you today. Take care, Patricia P
   — Patricia P

March 1, 2007
First off, you *really* need to cut down or stop taking the Tylenol because you are risking serious damage to your liver. The pain you are having is most likely from nerves that were disturbed/damaged during the surgery or healing. Narcotics are not usually helpful for this type of pain (nerve pain/neuropathy). Tricyclic antidepressants and anticonvulsants are used to treat this type of pain. Tricyclic antidepressants, like Elavil, may work best for the continuous burning type pain you described. Anticonvulsants, like Lyrica or Nuerontin, may work best for shock-like, sharp, stabbing pain. Since your pain is localized to the incisions, you might benefit from Lidoderm, a medicated patch containing lidocaine. Unfortunately, all of the above require a prescription. There are several brands of capsacin cream that is sold over the counter. Feel free to email if you have questions or want to vent... mrsidknee(at)gmail.com [replace (AT) with @] Best wishes!
   — mrsidknee