Question:
What's the deal with pain?

I just had my surgery on 4/13, an open RNY. Yes, I did expect pain, I've had 4 other major surgeries in the past including the removal of my gall bladder. I have to say that this has been the most painful thing I have ever been through and it's still on going. Maybe I'm hype-sensitive to pain because I'm a cronic pain suffer as is and I take quite a bit of strong narcotics. I woke up in the recovery room screaming in pain and though they tried, they were only slighty effective in reducing it. Some Yo-Yo doctor decided to release me less than 40 hours after my surgery, they just pulled Moriphine pump out an sent me home crying in pain. Now it is a little over a week later and yes I'm feeling better (and 23 pounds lighter), but I'm still in a lot of pain. I have almost no meds for pain and I'm just so damn tired of feeling so bad. How much longer is this going to go on? How long were some of you on pain meds for? What were you taking and how much. Though the weight management end of my program seem fine, the medical end didn't seem to give two hoots how much I sufferd. I haven't said much, but you'd figure my moans and screems would have been a clue. At this point I regret ever even thinking of doing this, but maybe in a few years I'll forget all about this. It's kind of cutting off your big toe with a rusty blade just so you can fit into a smaller shoe. Sorry for ranting like this, but I hate what I've put myself through. Brett Stone    — Brett S. (posted on April 22, 2000)

April 22, 2000
Brett: I know what you mean!!! Some people (most, in fact) seemed to breeze through this surgery. But, I had such bad pain that I would NEVER do this again (and thank God, I won't have to, I'm sure!). But, I am glad that I had it done and am on the losing side! However, my pain was not controlled well in the hospital. The first two days were heavenly and then the bottom seemed to drop out. One time it got so far out of control that I started sobbing and that caused body-wracking pain in and of itself! The good news was that when I got home, I quickly weaned myself to over-the-counter meds and was off all pain meds within ten days. I have fibromyalgia and believe that that may have been part of the problem. I, too, have had many surgeries and this was far and away the worst that I can recall. I hope, Brett, that you will soon be off the pain meds and can put this behind you. I truly believe that will be the case. One of the nurses told me something which I found alarming. She said that my surgeon doesn't regulate his WLS patients' pain as well as he does his other patients (he's also a general surgeon) because, in her opinion, he wants us to remember and realize what an awful surgery this is and take recovery very seriously. Wow! If that is true, I've lost some respect for my surgeon. But, onward and upward. Sometimes I run across another member who suffered greatly from pain. We are not alone. I'll pray that God will quickly relieve your pain, Brett. Best wishes!
   — Cindy H.

April 22, 2000
Brett: I'm sorry that you're having such a tough time. Your web site mentions in your pre-op statements that you were on narcotics(?) prior to your surgery. What was the reason? Did you and your doctor discuss pain management prior to surgery? What was his plan for your pain post-op? Have you spoken with him on the phone about your problems? What pain medicine did he send you home on, how much, and how often. If you were on narcotics chronically prior to your surgery, you will need more for your post-op pain. I advise you have a face-to-face with your surgeon about this, and as soon as possible. You shouldn't have to hurt. (For your information, a rectal exam is a routine and necessary part of a complete physical exam.)
   — Heddy-Dale M.

April 22, 2000
Brett: That is an outrageous story. You should complain LOUDLY to your surgeon, and if you can't get your surgeon, go to your PCP. My doc sent me home with Tylenol 3; however, he told me if that didn't work to call and I could have Percoset or Roxicet. I have a friend who had the surgery and when Percoset didn't work he gave her Demoral. You should keep bitching until the pain is under control! Good luck, Brett. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
   — Margaret M.

April 22, 2000
Hi Brett, I'm so sorry to hear that you are having such a bad time of it. I was waiting to see how your wls went because untill last year I lived in Goodyear too so it was nice to see someone from my own area that has already gone thru the surgery. I hope you find relief soon, my prayers are with you!!
   — Kelly B.

April 23, 2000
I must say thank you all for your support. It has been said before, but I'll say it again; every surgery is different and each person responds differently, even to the same surgery done over. The day before the surgery I sat down with my surgeon and talked in detail about how he was going to manage my pain. He did try many different things and did the best I feel could have been done at the time. The real mistake was being released by an other doctor covering for him and by me allowing him to., but I tend to be stoic even when I shouldn't be. The pain has been lessening and has been under control by use of my own meds that I have on hand and my surgeon replaces. NO, I don't regret having the surgery. The pain of this surgery is nothing compared to the phycological pain I've endured by being fat either by my hands or through the viciousness of others. I am concerned though because I never feel full, just bloated. I'll drink until it hurts, but not full so I tend not to drink and I force myself too. What is nice is the 23 pounds that I've lost in 9 days so far. I could have and have done this in the past on my own, but what makes this nice is I know that it won't just sneak back on me. Tomorrow morning I'll be seeing my surgeon again and we'll be having a very long talk as to how to deal with patients in severe pain and length of hospital stay. I must say that this is still a new business and he is very open to suggestion. Would I do this again? Yes.... so far, but I would do things a bit different. Thank you all and be well.
   — Brett S.

April 24, 2000
brett, I had my surgery on 4-12-2000 and let me tel you ,i was in so much pain i too was regretting having surgery , I have had 4 prior surgery's too but this hurt bad I have losst 15.5lbs in 7 days and with every day feel better but top of stomacch still hurts baad , like I did 500 situps good luck , michelle
   — michelle P.