Question:
What is this abdominal pain?

I woke up with abdominal pain this morning and it has not gone away yet. It's almost 2pm. Can someone please tell me what the physical symptoms of a busted staple line or busted pouch are? I called my surgeons office and just keep getting the voice mail, as always. What I feel is almost like a pulled muscle, but not quite. I cannot stand straight up comfortably either and have to walk kinda slow. Can anyone offer any advice?    — Melissa C. (posted on May 23, 2002)

May 23, 2002
I am taking a guess i don't know how far out of surgery are but could be just a muscle readjusting itself or possible hernia. I would consult the doctor if you can get ahold of them. Good Luck
   — Tammy N.

May 23, 2002
I had this same problem 3 weeks post-op. I found out that I had stretched a suture (at the incision site) internally. According to my doctor, it is quite common with over-exersion or by turning your body in a odd position. For me, it happened after I stood up one day. The pain started right away and lasted 2 weeks. I was told to rest as much as possible and not to do anything strenuous while it healed itself. It hurt a lot, but within 2 weeks it was healed and I was back to normal. I can't say this is what is going on with you, but it's something to consider. Check with your doctor. Good luck to you!
   — Mary W.

May 23, 2002
Some Abdominal pain is normal after surgery for several months. Its your bodys way of adjusting to the major changes that has been done. I had the same problem and then the nurse explained to me what is going on. Your body and insides is like going through trauma and this is its way of adjusting but check with your doctor to be sure.
   — Barbara A.

August 29, 2002
I AM NOT SURE HOW FAR YOU ARE OUT OF SURGERY BUT MY FIRST 3 WEEKS WERE BAD I COULD NOT MOVE I COULD NOT DO STEPS I WAS PRETTY BAD OFF I AM 55 SO I AM SURE IT DEPENDS ON YOUR AGE,BUT IF YOUR SURGERY WAS NOT TO FAR AWAY MAYBE THATS IT AND I HAVE HEAR SOME REALLY GO A LONG TIME WITH PAIN SO I HOPE YOURS GOES AWAY SOON IF NOT CALL THE DOC GOOD LUCK ROSEMARY
   — ROSEMARY A.

July 8, 2004
It is hard to say without knowing more- but it could be the infamous gallstones. The only way to be sure is to march your butt into your surgeons office- screw the voice mail system! Sit and make them fit you in! Or better yet- go visit the ER. Hope you feel better soon!
   — Stacy Forristal

March 24, 2005
melissa, i just will put it bluntly....have you had a bowel movement lately. if not take some stool softeners or you can ask your doc for a prescription one, it's a drink that will clean you totally out. i had to drink it once and it was gross to drink, but, it worked. good luck, heidi
   — heidi C.