4 Days Post Op, Stomach Muscles And Incisions Feel Tight

[horsegirl315 114]

Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this...my stomach muscles, particularly around my incisions, and mostly on my left side, feel sooooooo tight. It's not painful to stand up straight and stretch them a bit, but I'm afraid of damaging something. But I'm also afraid of healing too tight...can that even happen? My back is starting to hurt because I have been using it and protecting my stomach muscles. Any advice is appreciated!

[elcee 3,341]

Perfectly normal to feel like this after surgery. You should stand up straight as soon as you can, the longer you stay stooped the harder it will be to straighten up. Try holding a cushion against your incisions for support whilst you straighten yourself up.

It is the same as having a Caesar or hysterectomy, they encourage you to get out of bed and walk straight ASAP.

[horsegirl315 114]

Thanks, I will try the pillow trick!

[ready for my journey to be 14]

pillow and ice-packs have been my life savers !!! i only have liquid band-aid no sutures or staples......

[horsegirl315 114]

I have steristrips, almost look like tape. I gave in and took some liquid loratab, despite the bad taste it really works sooooooo well.

[Cyndie B 17]

I am 2 days post op and I am using a pillow too...it really helps.

[Caribear 184]

The tightness is common after any abdominal laparoscopic surgery, I think. I had it after I had my gallbladder removed. I quit taking my prescription pain meds after just a few days and was trying to get along with just tylenol, but ended up in urgent care because I thought the tightness was a sign of something wrong. The doctor told me that it happens because all of those abdominal structures have been "traumatized" by the surgery, but they don't have the right nerves to send a pain signal, so they just create this feeling of tightness. She scolded me and told me to take my prescription pain meds because that's what they're there for. I think the exact phrase she used was "don't try to be a hero" lol!

Anyway, I hope you are feeling better very soon, and congratulations on your new beginning!

[lesley angela hawkins 0]

I had mine done on the same day and it feels like I am being scratched all the time, even just sitting watching tv