Question:
Has anyone experienced shoulder pain after a lap RNY?

I had my lap RNY on 4/29/02. On 5/2/02 the surgeons were concerned that my blood counts were low, had a transfusion, then they insisted that I had too much blood drainage and went back to surgery to locate the "bleeder", there was not anything specifically bleeding but they cleaned everything out and finally sent me home 5 days later with a JP drain. I have the most terrible shoulder pain and the dr. said that when the pump up the abdomen with air, sometimes this can lodge in the shoulder>? I also have a sharp pain in my left side that I actually have to hold before taking a deep breath, coughing, sneezing etc. Has anyone else experienced these issues? When did yours subside? Lisa    — [Deactivated Member] (posted on May 4, 2002)

May 4, 2002
Lisa, I had the exact same pain. My shoulder hurt more than my incisions. My best friend is an ICU nurse and she explained it the same way. That is was an air pocket and had to work itself out. The nurses also told me that because of how they have you sprawled out on the operating table it can contribute. When I was in the hosptial I had a pillow under my butt, one under my head and 2 under my shoulder. If i didnt have those shoulder pillows it hurt so bad.
   — Diane Rhoads

May 4, 2002
Hi Lisa, I'm pre-op,(may23rd) but I did have a Lap./vaginal assist Hysterectomy last Sept. and I had the same shoulder pain that your talking about. My Dr. told me the same thing about air settling in your shoulders! I must sympathize with you for your pain, my shoulders hurt at that point more than the surgery itself, and there was no getting comfortable. Rest assure that it does get better each day, and although I was told that it wouldn't last more than a few days it seems a week/week and a half past before it was totally gone. I used a heating pad, I don't know if it really helped or not but the warmth felt good! Good luck Lisa, remember that everyday it will get a little better!
   — Tambi B.

May 4, 2002
Ihad the same pain with 3 surgery's, Lap RNY, Lap Hysterectomey and Lap cholesystectomy. There are two things that will help. First, walk, walk, walk. The more you move the faster the gas will leave. Second, time. Good luck, in a day or two you will feel normal.
   — Lynn R.

May 4, 2002
Did I have shoulder pain postop lap? You betcha I did. Apparently, they position you in such a way during surgery that it apparently aggravated old calcification in my rotator cuff which I never knew I had. Initially I thought it was those gas pains that they tell you about but my pain persisted and got worse. The pain was worse than the incisional pain. I think my postop course would have been much better had I not had the shoulder pain. Almost six months out and it is soooo much better. It still gets achey but much better. Hang in there. Take care and God bless.
   — Karen L.

May 4, 2002
YES YES, LORDY YES I had shoulder pain after my LAP RNY!! I also had it after a breast lift, and even after some eye surgery I had. I have finally come to the conclusion, along w/ one of my Drs. that it is GAS, pure and simple. It actually hurt worse than any of the surgery, but , no pun intended, it will pass/ Thank GOD!
   — peppermintp

May 4, 2002
Do you have a fever? If a fever is added, go to the doc ASAP. Otherwise, yes, gas can lodge against the diaghram and convince you that you're having a heart attack! They told me to take Tums (this was ages ago when a normie) and worse, it worked! However, since you are still a fresh postie, don't assume it's "just gas" but keep a very close eye on it, OK?
   — vitalady

May 4, 2002
Hi Lisa, even if you do not have a fever call your surgeon ASAP. I had the same exact sensation and no fever. It turned out to be a small leak into my diaphragm area. I don't tell you this to scare the bejesus out of you. However, when I came on here searching for answers I was soothed into thinking it was gas or retractor pain and I waited a few more days than I should have. I'm A-OK now and very pleased with the surgery. It could very well be gas or retractor pain, but let your surgeon make that call. God bless. -Kim open RNY 7/17 -105
   — KimBo36

May 5, 2002
Yes! Yes! Yes! The pain I had in my shoulder hurt worse than any of my incisions did! Reclining and laying down seemed to make it hurt worse. I found that sitting up and walking helped to ease the pain. Also a heating pad on my shoulder and upper back helped tremendously. Good Luck and remember it does get better! God Bless.
   — Leah H.