Question:
I'm having shoulder pain when I lean forward, cough,sneeze or burp any suggestions?

I noticed the pain after getting home today from the hospital. I've put some icy hot on it - which didn't seem to help, but plain ol' ice seems to be working a little better. Any suggestions? or reasons why this sudden pain?    — Robin J. (posted on July 7, 2003)

July 6, 2003
If you had a laparoscopic procedure, the pain in your shoulder most likely is from the CO2 gas that the surgeon uses to inflate your belly when he operated. The gas gets under the muscles and causes the discomfort/pain. My wife (who had a lap RNY) had the same thing - I (who had an open RNY) did not. She told me the best thing for her was walking and also a heating pad...JR
   — John Rushton

July 7, 2003
Robin, John is right. I also had LAP RNY and expereinced the discomfort you are feelong now. Walking is the best way for it to go away quicker. I think the walking helps with the body's circulation and helps get rid of this extra CO2 in the system. It should pass in a week or so. Good luck. Jan
   — Jan S.

July 7, 2003
I don't see where you've mentioned you had lap. I was open and had the same pain...ended up being a leak. I'd call the surgeon ASAP either way...don't try to self diagnosed...I waited over a week and ended up pretty sick. God bless. -Kim open RNY 7/17/01 -145ish
   — KimBo36

July 7, 2003
First, I would call the doc incase they want to check for a leak. When I was in the hospital right after my lap RNY the doc explained that shoulder pain is usually from the gas they "inflate" you with. Eventhough they have techniques to uninflate you some can still be caught under the diaphragm. He explained that the nerve that says the diaphragm is a bit distressed goes to the same area of the brain as the nerve that says your shoulder hurts and often the brain mixes the signals. I found that interesting. I'm not really telling you anything different, just a bit more of why the shoulder hurts. Walking would help!
   — Sharon B.

July 7, 2003
The trapped gas can happen during any surgical procedure (lap or otherwise). Some people are fortunate not to have it, some aren't. It happens to patients of all doctors (not ALL patients). IF it is gas, walking is the best medicine and chamomile(sp) tea. I wouldn't guess this is what it is though since it could be other things. It's better to be safe and call the doctor. Good luck!
   — Diane S.