banded yest.. terrible chest discomfort

[aug13hereIcome 9]

Hello, really need advice.. Or at least some reassurance. I have significant more pain on my left side of my abdomen than right.. Also I think that is my port side judging by the largest incision. However I have a,lot of discomfort in my chest. Idk if its 'stuck' persay bc I feel iy after sipping. But ive had a hard time sleeping all night and getting comfortable. Also apparently had a hernia and that was repaired. Did anyone experience this... Any advice? Please help. So miserable

[sp70 193]

There is a lot of swelling right now from surgery and then there will be discomfort from the gas pains as well. Keep taking your pain meds, some people have tried heating pads to help with the gas pains which I had in my left shoulder, I preferred an ice pack on my port area, which was very tender for a couple of weeks. I could almost feel the band in my chest area especially when I took a deep breath and he said it is only about 5 cm from my diaphragm and with the swelling it's no wonder. If you are having difficulty getting fluids in or if you need more reassurance please call your doctors office, that is what they are there for, use them! Good luck and feel better soon!

[NurseDawnRN 4]

Sounds like gas pains. Make sure you are walking, it is the number one way to get rid of the gas. You will fart & start feeling better. I had the hernia repair, it was terrible trying to swallow, felt like Water just "sat" there. Once the swelling went down I was able to drink more. I took meds around the clock for the first 24 hours after that just as needed & walked more felt better. Good luck!

[aug13hereIcome 9]

Thanks all, called the surgeon, spoke with the pa.she confirmed that everything seemed to be within the normal range of healing. I guess i was just concerned. But both your advice were helpful, ive.been taking the pain meds (although i haven't even been taking the full dose and not even two days later, im more than half way done, afraid i won't have enough meds when i need it still. Did either of you or anyone else call their doc for a refill of pain meds? I don't want him to think I'm just med seeking, just really don't want to unnecessarily be in pain

[sp70 193]

I did just fine with Tylenol after the 3rd to 4th day. Just keep in mind that the narcotic pain meds will slow your gut down. Make sure you are up and walking to help pass the gas, pain meds don't do anything for the gas pain. Glad you called your doc!

[Cocoabean 430]

My surgeon put a refill on the liquid lortab prior to surgery, and I am a wimp and used it ALL. If you are still in pain, ask. Worst they can do is say no. Hernia repair adds to the pain of recuperation. I am glad you called in to speak wit them about what you are experiencing.

Immeidately after surgery you have the pain from the trauma, plus the pain of getting rid of the gas they pump into your abdomen to puff you up so they can see. That takes a while to disperse, and can cause pain in the left shoulder. Walking is one of the best ways to move it out. I was on the heating pad love brigade for the shoulder pain...it was my best friend.

Feel better soon!