Pictures and question

[Gayle 9]

So I am putting up a picture of my incisions, I am one week out from my surgery and I thought some people who are going into surgery might like to see what the incisions look like

And a question. I am still in a lot of pain in just one spot on my abdomen near my largest incision. It hurts most when i got from standing to sitting or vice versa or when standing and walking. It is keeping me from walking much, and even today I could only shower for about five minutes before I had to get out and sit down because it hurt so much. I had to stop taking my pain meds because they just made me so sick. I have been using tylenol and a heating pad. And I wanted to know if anybody else had these problems and how long did it last? Is it anything I should be concerned about? Any advice would be very appreciated!

[KabinKitty 11]

I had 7 incisions all together. I stopped pain meds on my 3rd day post op in the hospital. I didn't fill my prescription for Lortab and never needed anything else. I did have a little discomfort if I stood too long, so I just didn't stand very long.

If you think the pain is too severe maybe you should call your doctor.

Hope you feel better soon!!

[kids05 4]

The pain at the largest incision, near you belly button? I know thats the one that hurts me the most, but I was an OR nurse. Its the site where they use a subcutaneous vicryl (dissolving stitch) to bring together the fascia. I have found if you walk push in on it. It should help...its the pressure and sweeling of your belly pushing on the site probably. I have 7 incisions and the drain hole KILLED till the drain was out, but I think that was the stitch pulling. I cringed when I saw staples. I think staples in incisions are lazy and mean! Its quick to close but everyone in that OR knows it hurts more. Sorry you have them. I asked my doc before surgery to stitch and he said he always does...whew!

Your belly does look great though, mine is all lumpy and bumpy and swollen! Feel better soon!

[Griselda 7]

Thanks for posting these!! It does really help a pre-op like me get an idea of what to expect.

[samantha209 19]

The pain at the largest incision, near you belly button? I know thats the one that hurts me the most, but I was an OR nurse. Its the site where they use a subcutaneous vicryl (dissolving stitch) to bring together the fascia. I have found if you walk push in on it. It should help...its the pressure and sweeling of your belly pushing on the site probably. I have 7 incisions and the drain hole KILLED till the drain was out, but I think that was the stitch pulling. I cringed when I saw staples. I think staples in incisions are lazy and mean! Its quick to close but everyone in that OR knows it hurts more. Sorry you have them. I asked my doc before surgery to stitch and he said he always does...whew!

Your belly does look great though, mine is all lumpy and bumpy and swollen! Feel better soon!

thats what I do and it helps a LOT

[bugirl928 1]

I had terrible pain where you are having it throughout the second week. My doc said it was normal, and that I just over did it. I was ordered to keep with the pain meds, heating pad, and laying flat for awhile. I did this for a few days and was feeling almost no pain about a 3-4 days later. Now it's just more discomfort not really pain. Hang in there!

[GA Girl Best in the World 4]

thanks for the pics !!! keep us posted on your pain !!! hope you feel better soon ...

[wishes 125]

Aw, hope you heal up soon. Wishing you a quick recovery!

[sasicas 194]

Out of all 5 incisions, only 1 has caused me problems, mine is to the left of my belly button. The stupid area still hurts and I am nearly 9 weeks post-op. The surgeons said it very common for that one area to cause pain. It was bad enough, we went as far as to have an ultrasound done just to verify there was no hernia or anything else going on.

[mandems mom 3]

I only have 4 incisions, no staples (they used dissolving sutures) and I don't have an incision by the breastbone area that a lot of people seem to have. I also have the worst pain by the largest incision...from what I understand, that's the one that the stomach comes out through. I'm almost 2 weeks out and the pain gets better everyday. I haven't taken any pain meds since day 5. Good luck!

[Dixies Mom 0]

I'm post-op day 5 and doing well! Out looking for a new car today. Just took Tylenol for pain this am. Ate some awesome broth from Soup at Sweet Tomatoes for lunch. I was actually hungry for something other than flavored water. I tried a Protein Shake last nite and it didn't agree with my tummy. Looking forward to continuing to heal and see the rewards of this life-changing surgery!

[Dixies Mom 0]

I'm post-op day 5 and doing well! Out looking for a new car today. Just took Tylenol for pain this am. Ate some awesome broth from Soup at Sweet Tomatoes for lunch. I was actually hungry for something other than flavored water. I tried a Protein Shake last nite and it didn't agree with my tummy. Looking forward to continuing to heal and see the rewards of this life-changing surgery!