Question:
I had surgery lap rny on 04 01 02 and I am still in lots of pain. When should it stop

I cannot sleep on either of my sides and where the large incsion was made left of my belly button it is rock hard and read and painful. I have been putting ice on it for temporary relieve but when I take it off it burns. My pain meds are almost gone. Is this nornal or should I call my surgeon?    — pam R. (posted on April 8, 2002)

April 8, 2002
I had LAP RNY on 3-5-02 and it was a good 10-14 days before I could sleep on either side. In fact I still have some difficulty and usually put a pillow between my legs and under my stomach when on my side. If your incision is red and swollen I would consult your surgeon. You might have an infection. The reason your incision is burning is because of the ice. Don't use ice. You are freezing it and then when it starts to thaw it burns. Try using a warm, not hot, compress. Very soon you will notice all the weight falling off and the your pain will subside. It does get better!
   — Lynn R.

April 8, 2002
I had pain from my incisions for about 3 weeks. I slept upright during that time. After 3 weeks I was fine and didn't have anymore pains.
   — Patty H.

April 8, 2002
Hey, it will get better, the first week after surgery is the worst, I had LAP<RNY, in Oct. and after the first week and having the JP drain removed I felt like a new woman, but until then I thought I had made a mistake having the surgery, because the pain was bad. That was in Oct. 01, and I can truly tell you it was worth the pain and discomfort, but please by all means if you continue to hurt call your physican, and take your pain medication like you should, right now getting well is your first priority. Hugs Pat
   — patricia P.

April 8, 2002
I HAD SURGERY ON 02/18/02 AND STILL HAVE PAIN ON THE INSIDE IT SEEMS TO BE WORST AT NIGHT FOR SOME REASON BUT IT IS GETTING BETTER EACH DAY. HANG IN THERE AND TAKE YOUR PAIN MEDCINE. GOOD LUCK.
   — KIM B.

April 8, 2002
I experienced the same thing. My surgery was March 25th and I was still having lots of pain the following week..difficulty standing up due to pain in my stomach, sleeping in a chair etc. then one day the area that my jp drain was burst and drained and from that day on I was able to sleep in the bed and my pain was almost completly gone. I had an abcess that just needed to drain. Dr's office told me if it was infected I would run a fever...Wrong! You should have it checked out if its swelled and red, it is probably infected.
   — Sandi B.

April 8, 2002
I had severe pain for 1 week after my lap. I couldn't sleep laying down for almost 1 week. After that it slowly got better. I wore an abdominal binder 1 month.
   — mfrchico