Question:
Having sharp pains- normal or possibly serious?

I am 15 days post-op now, but starting around the third day, I have been having these pains. Initially they were like spasms or cramps right around my pouch area (not painful, just uncomfortable). Within a couple of days they turned into what I describe as contractions. They would roll from my side around to my pouch area. The cramping would last about 15 seconds each time and would happen about 7 times every minute. They would then just go away for 5 or 6 hours. I saw my surgeon just over a week after surgery and he seems to think it is normal- it's my body healing. Today these pains have become horrific. There is no more "rolling". They are SHARP pains- either at my pouch or about 4 inches to the left. These pains seem to be coming on more frequently tonight. I am taking Percocet for pain, but have only relaly started needing it the last few days. Those who have experienced this, what was it? Should I contact my surgeron and ask for testing or is it normal? It's kind of scaring me now....Thanks for your help!    — karmiausnic (posted on October 5, 2002)

October 6, 2002
Does the pain seem to have any pattern to it? Does it get worse after eating? after drinking? sitting a certain way? increased activity? I've been suffering with chronic pain since my RNY six months ago and I've done a lot of research and haven't really heard of anything like this before. Sorry. Perhaps keeping a pain journal and rating your pain on 1-10 scale will help you find a pattern so that you can help your surgeon find a solution to this pain. Good luck and God bless!
   — Christine L.

October 6, 2002
Hon listen up. This is just my opinion. Im not a Dr. nor have I yet had the op. but I will be going down the same path soon. And believe me IF I HAD A PAIN WHICH I BECOME CONCERNED ABOUT IT. I WILL WASTE NOOOOOOOOOO TIME TO CALL MY DR. This operation is to dangerious to take anything lightly. Please call them. Get well soon and speedy recovery.
   — Naes Wls J.

October 6, 2002
hi there. i noticed pain in the left area right where alot of the pouch work was done . i came here and read that pain there is pretty normal but if you are concerned do not hesitate to call the doctor, better to be safe and remember there is no question or concern that is stupid. call doc hon and hope the pain goes away soon.
   — carrie M.

October 6, 2002
Original Poster Here- I already went to the doctor a week early about this pain and was told that it was normal....Yesterday I had 12 in a row! I am staying hopped up on Percocet which bothers me, but I cannot deal with the pain. It is causing me to be extremely sore hours later (like when you get a leg cramp and it hurts later..). There is no rhythm to it. Doesn't matter if I sit, stand, lay down and it seems to have nothing to do with my eating or drinking. All I know is it hurts like hell....I just emailed my surgeon's nurse about calling me in more pain meds. I really hate taking them...
   — karmiausnic

October 6, 2002
Insist that your surgeon take this very seriousely and find out what the problem is. Don't take no for an answer, plus "it is normal" is not good enough.
   — faybay