Post op 3rd day and excruciating pain when swallow even water

[Mytwinklestar 10]

I expected some discomfort but not the fierce jabs, like I am being stabbed repeatedly every time I sip anything. My procedure was on Monday. I had two hernias when they went in. The doctor fixed both hernias, one at my belly button. The other puncture wounds don't hurt at all. They just itch. I feel like I was sawed in half and put back together. Sometimes I cannot raise myself out of the bed because as I attempt to use those muscles, it feels as if I am going to bust wide open. Sorry to be so graphic but that is the most appropriate description I can use. Anyone else have this issue? My husband had his procedure exactly two months ago. He had no hernias and this was his first abdominal surgery. I have had four previous abdominal surgeries prior to my sleeve. I just knew I was going to breeze through this because of all of my "experience". But... then there were TWO hernias. Sometimes I feel like he expects too much from me in the healing department because he was up and driving two days post op. I am slowly creeping from one room to another. I am not a wimp either. This is PAINFUL. The other hernia was the hiatal. Is that what is causing me to have such trouble swallowing even Water? My husband was drinking a bottle of water in five minutes and I am still trying to finish one 20 oz bottle of water since yesterday. I am using ice chips, as well but I cannot drink much at all. It is just too painful. My discharge nurse yesterday was not the warm and fuzzy type. She had her own procedure 3 years ago. So I ask her about the sharp pains and she smirks, tilts her head and says, "Get used to it. You wanted this, you got it." Nice, huh? Bitter much? Thanks in advance for any encouragement/experience/compassion you might be able to offer.

[ShelPrice 70]

When getting out of bed, roll over on your side and swing your legs off the bed. Then use your arms to push yourself up off the bed rather than your abdomen. It will take a few weeks to completely go away, but it will. As far as liquids hurting, I found hot (warm) herbal tea went down easier. My favorite is Honey Lemon Ginger (caffeine free). Hang in there.

Shel in Kansas - Sleeved 5/21/13

[AmyInOrlando 348]

I'm sure your pain is due to previous scar tissue and possible adhesions. Your husband hasn't been through what you've been through and needs to be more supportive. Call your Doc and see what recommendations he might have. I'm a Nurse, and I know some Nurse's can be really insensitive. Pain is very subjective. You've got a significant history with abdominal surgeries. It doesn't make it easier, as you are finding now. Be gentle with yourself, don't judge yourself by your husband's healing process. Trust me.... he probably could never go through what you're going through now. (That's why men don't have babies.... LOL)

[Cajunlady12 49]

As a nurse myself, I can tell you there are some nurses who can be less than sympathetic with their patients. However, if they were in your shoes they would want all the sympathy they can get. The best way to get of bed is to roll onto your side and then use your arms to get up like was previously suggested. I have not had my surgery yet, but did have gallbladder surgery laproscopically and was just sore, but not everyone is alike. We all feel pain differently. Hang in there. As far as the pain when you drink, I would call your Dr and see what he says. Hope you feel better soon.

[Karnie 66]

I agree with Shelprice. I had horrible pain after my surgery (Surgery date June 27th) and I was given the same advice and it helped. The only other thing I would suggest is to hold a pillow on your stomach whenever you sit up or move around. I can tell you that it does get better. Do you have good meds? I was given Rixocet - which is like a liquid form of Vicidin. Worked very well but I had to use it sparingly because there were no refills. :-( Sorry that your hubby is not more supportive. No one can know your pain but you!! When I was going through I received a lot of support from the kind people on this forum. I wish you well. Hang in there. It will be worth it once the weight starts to drop. Just keep repeating..."This too shall pass!" Take care!

[babygirl 723 20]

Im going through the same pain and it is the hernia repair I bet.

[gmanbat 5,889]

Post op I wouldn't even look at a 20 oz bottle of Water. I could not get it down in 4 days. A pill cup full looked like Lake Superior to me. Consult your doc but to me this is not out of the ordinary.

And about that crack from AmyinOrlando about why men don't have babies. I am GmanbatInZephyrhills and I agree with you. We had only one kid, and not because it was too hard for her.

[MemphisChik 27]

Ok, when I read what the nurse told you, only one word came to mind. It starts with a capitol B!! lol

I'm so sorry you're having such a bad experience. In your position, I'd call the doc and run your issues past him, just to be on the safe side. Truly hope you do feel better soon!

[KimMarh 99]

Just take a deep breath and remember tomorrow will be easier than today!!!

[HatheryOnHerWay 603]

My pain wasn't extreme like yours, but I did projectile vomit every time I tried to drink something. This too shall pass

[ChristineR 128]

That's how I felt after my csections. I didn't have a hard time after WLS surgery but if it's similar in any way with the getting up/down and the pain (feeling like you are sawed in half) I completely sympathize for you because it's an awful, awful feeling. I hope it passes quickly for you. Do you have some pain meds you can take?

The swelling will go down over the next couple of weeks and your swallowing will get better. Hang in there!

[guinea pig 3]

I could not have described the way I am feeling any better! Although I did not require hernia repair, I have all the stabbing pains that u describe. I have massive waves of nausea that cause me to dry heave. Given up on hydrocodone elixer and moved to tylenol tabs. Doc calling in a strong anacid. Also had surgery on 7/8. Still comforting myself that at least I am not hungry and I will get better. I am also a RN with a much better attitude than the one u had. Mention her on the survey that u fill out for the hospital. Hopefully accountability will help her work on her attitude!!!

[glostaff 40]

I had the sleeve surgery with no hernias, no problems. But I too had problems swallowing. I told my nurse, that I could feel the sip of Water going all the way down and when it hit my stomach, it felt like a bomb going off! She told me to drink warm drinks until it felt better. I don't really like warm drinks, so I went with sugar free popsicles. They did not bother me. So that is where most of my Fluid came from for the first week or so. I still have a little trouble swallowing, but I guess I am getting used to it, because it just seems normal now. Good luck to you!

[Novagramma 5]

Do you have a drain? The drain caused all my pain and cramping, I couldn't walk breathe or sleep.< /p>

[rhonda2006 64]

I had my surgery Monday. I've been in excruciating pain. No hernia repair hAve a drain tube. I've had alot of surgeries but this is liks no other. The pain is unbearable. I probably haven't drank 1/2 cup at all. Doctor said at first your stomach will have spasms. Causing pain but it will get better, I'm still waiting for better to get here.