What can be done pre op to ease the gas pains after surgery?

[TQtime 0]

I read and hear some people and they say the gas after surgery wasnt that bad. Then there are others who's gas was so bad and they are stil having pains. I've noticed that every doctor has a few slight diferances in thier pre op diets. I wonder if there is anything someone could do (pre-op) to help ease the pain of gas after surgery.

Surgery Date April 14th

Mexico Dr. Mario Almanza

[Foxbins 625]

I don't know about other folks, but when I wrote about gas pains post-op, it was the carbon dioxide gas the surgeon put in my abdomen to expand my belly so that the laparoscopic instruments could go in and he could get a clear view. Some of the gas is expelled when the instruments are withdrawn, through the incision sites, but some sticks around and irritates some of the nerves under the diaphragm. The diaphragm pain is generally "referred" to the shoulder area, which is where I felt most of my gas pain. I don't know if there is anything I could have done pre-op to prevent the pain.

[samantha209 19]

my mother has always sworn by peppermint tea and I will be trying that at least

[kelli 3]

I asked my nurse practitioner if I could take gas ex while in the hospital, she told me if the gas pain is that bad to let her know and she will give me Simithacone, I explained to her that I had my Gallbladder taken out years ago and the pain was so bad when I got home so I took a gas ex and witin minuts it was gone! She also gave me the ok to take gas ex when I got home if it was bad. But she explained that walking is very important part of getting rid of gas and preventing blood clots more importantly. So check with your Doc..see what they say

[kalfin13 4]

I've read several people on here talk about the Gas-x strips but when I asked if I was allowed to take them the nurse said that they wouldn't do any good. Since the gas is from when they "inflate" your stomach she said the only thing that would help is just walking as much as possible.

[Rootman 1,101]

What many presume is "gas pain" is not really gas at all, it IS however caused by the gas that is used to pump up your abdomen in order to get working room to do the surgery. Most all the gas was sucked back out and what little is lurking around inside is defused back into the blood and gone very quickly, within hours. What DOES happens is that the gas has irritated nerve segments that run through the abdomen, Quite often is is the nerve that runs up to the left shoulder or neck but may be nerves sympathetic to areas around the belly organs or chest.

It's weird but a common side effect. I guess it didn't happen very often when they used to use oxygen as the inflation gas, but then a few patients caught on fire when electro cauteries were used in the oxy rich atmospheres, so they switched to CO2, the same stuff you breath out with every breath.

So take it if you want but Gas-X and the like usually don't help much at all. Any true belly pain you feel is typically the swelling of the traumatized stomach.

Getting up and walking around brings relief just because of the distraction and the exercise stretching out the muscles and the nerve groups that are carried within.

[kelli 3]

I've read several people on here talk about the Gas-x strips but when I asked if I was allowed to take them the nurse said that they wouldn't do any good. Since the gas is from when they "inflate" your stomach she said the only thing that would help is just walking as much as possible.

It cant hurt !!

[TQtime 0]

You guys are great.. I cant say thank you enough for informing me and helping me figure this stuff out. I'm so excited!

[Oregondaisy 2,021]

Putting a heating pad on your shoulder or wherever you're feeling it is very soothing.Walking as everyone else said is the only thing that will really help you pass it .

[smokey45 1]

This is Smokey 45 and I was hearing the same thing about the gas situation. I'm loving this forum because its easing a lot of worries and rumors I've had so far. I can't wait. Thanks everyone.

[SandSandles 4]

When I had my tubes tied.. many years ago... they used gas and did it laposcoprically. It settled in my shoulder and was very uncomfortable for one evening. I walked and took tylenol. It did not last long. Just keep telling yourself that it is only temporary.