Question:
How does post open RNY pain compare to that of a complete hysterectomy?

I've had both a hysterectomy and a partial nephrectomy(kidney removal). Both involving abdominal surgery. Has anyone been able to compare the pain factor as related to open RNY? I rate the hysterectomy on a scale of 1-10 a 7, and the kidney surgery a 6. Not bad really. Let em know . thanks    — Elizabeth P. (posted on January 19, 2002)

January 19, 2002
I'd rate the hysterectomy a 7 and the Open RNY a 8.5. But then everyone is different. (I had some complications from the hysterectomy too).
   — [Anonymous]

January 19, 2002
I had 3 c-sections, and a complete hysterecomy, and I thought I knew what I was in for with an open rny, I too feel it I had a higher pain scale than the previous surgeries, only because the pain was higher in the abdomin, and I had a harder time breathing after, but this only lasted 2 or 3 days, by then it was about the same recovery as the other surgeries(or by the time I went home), taking about 4 to 6 weeks until my energy level returned. Knowing this I still would do it again, (I didn't feel this way at first) but 1 year later and 100# gone forever.
   — acluff

January 19, 2002
I rate my complete hyster at an 8 and my open RNY at a 10. I think this is because I was 50 pounds heavier at my RNY and because the RNY was higher up in the abdomen (sp) and because I couldn't eat after the surgery to make myself feel better! No chocolate to make me better - boo hoo! Seriously, although the RNY hurt more for me, I have no regrets.
   — [Anonymous]

January 19, 2002
I would rate my hysterectomy a 5 and Lap RNY pain a 10+, but the RNY pain was greatly reduced the minute I told the nurses I neeeded pain meds in the recovery room. From then on I was okay. I was not prepared for how bad my rib cage and upper abdomen area would hurt. I thought I had a high tolerance for pain. But don't worry the pain meds took care of it right away, and I was able give the pain meds up with in 12 hours of my surgery. Was also up walking around within 12 hours. It was a very short lived pain.
   — blank first name B.

January 20, 2002
Guess I am the odd ball on this one. My hysterectomy would have to be rated a 10+++ and the open RNY was only about a 4 or 5 at the worst time. That was the first couple hours after surgery. I have had LOTS of surgeries and nothing has ever come close to the hysterectomy. I just had a panniculectomy in November and I wouldn't even rate that as pain, more like discomfort.
   — livnliter