Post-Op Pain Question

jgandg · September 24, 2006

I was banded on the 21st and I'm still having pretty awful pain around my port and entire left abdomen. Vicodin helps, and I have enough left to get me through the next few days at least, I just didn't expect to still have pain a few days out. Is this normal? Also, I'm still kind of swollen but not gassy. No shoulder pain.

Thanks in advance!

mariecarmen · September 24, 2006

Jgandg,

I'd call your doctor with this question. I had the procedure on the 20th and have only taken one dose of the liquid Lortab to sleep. That's not to say because I don't have pain, you shouldn't. Just be safe and give him/her a call to ease your mind. That's what you'll hear on your post-op visit, If you were concerned, why didn't you call me?

Have you tried a heating pad to the area? Mine's been a life-saver with the gas. Or chewable Tylenol tabs? It may help you, too.

If it makes you feel better, I'm still very swollen. Especially right below my breasts.

MC

jgandg · September 24, 2006

Thank you so much MarieCarmen. I am going to call my doctor in the morning.

babyjessica · September 24, 2006

Yes this is normal. Continue to take your pain medication. Put a ice pack on the port site. Also if you are trying to sleep on your side and it hurts then don't and sleep up right. My port site was really sore and I am still trying to sleep on my sides (left or right).

I have found that this surgery affects everyone different. As long as your inicisions don't look infected (hot to touch, swelling with drainage) they are doing okay.

swanny · September 24, 2006

I was banded on the 15th and my port site is still very tender.

Don't worry, your body is just trying to adjust to the shock it received. If you start getting itchy then you know you are healing.

sweet31eve · September 25, 2006

I had surgery on the 19th of this month and still am tender at my port site. I am still quite swollen there as well. But my pain reaches all away around my back on the left side. Feels mostly like muscle pain. It seems to bother me more when I am sitting. I often find myself having to reposition to get rid of the "catch" I feel. I also still can't bend over to pick something up without having quite a bit of pain. And if I am standing or walking for a period of time I find that i have to splint my stomach at the port site. I agree, the ice bag helps with the swelling.