Shoulder Pain While Sleeping - HELP :)

Peacock's Point · June 25, 2011

I had surgery on Monday (6/20/11) and I've been working through my issues At night I can't seem to get comfortable. When I lay flat and not at an incline I seem to get left shoulder pain. I don't think it's gas, but maybe radiating pain from where the stomach was removed or my hiatal hernia was repaired. It's just not making for a very good night sleep and still uncomfortable in the mornings. I read about supporting the abdomen with a pillow. Does anyone have any other suggestions?

Tiffykins · June 25, 2011

I had a gas bubble trapped for a couple of weeks, but it kind of sounds like what you are experiencing is "referred shoulder pain". The diaphragm doesn't feel pain so when there is swelling in the abdominal area, or major bloating from gas, that pain radiates up into the shoulders or into the back. A lot of band patients experience, I had it with my gallbladder episodes, and some find relief by applying low heat from a heating pad across their abdomen. Propping should help too to alleviate the gravity weight from your belly.

I hope it passes soon ! ! ! That pain was the most uncomfortable, gnawing pain I've ever experienced.

SuperMom · June 25, 2011

I had gas pain bad in upper back near shoulders. Jacuzzi tub helped ALOT. Also sounds weird but hubby gently beating on my back with his fists seemed to help alot( kind of like burping a baby? hahaha). I kept taking GasX chewables ( not sure if it really helps once it is in the tissues) Moving around more also helps gas to "dissapate". Sorry, sorry! It is very uncomfortable but it does go away! I remember mine went away around day 10 because my first doctors visit was day 7 and it was pretty bad.