Pain in first 7 days post op - better or worse?

[BJay 14]

Hi, I am day 5 post sleeve gastrectomy and am just wondering how people managed as far as pain is concerned? Did your pain get better or worse? I vomited and vomited and vomited (and vomited some more!) for two days post surgery. Finally I was able to go home on Wednesday afternoon but I have found it increasingly difficult to sleep. I sleep on my back and right side but unfortunately I can only manage 2 hours (despite taking endone and paracetamol) in one hit and then I wake up with a feeling like someone is giving my stomach a Chinese burn, it is pretty uncomfortable to say the least. I can drink fluids ok with a few 'bubble' type pains and I make sure I don't go to sleep until at least 30 minutes after drinking. I'm just wondering if other people have had the same experience? The pain gets worse if I try to sleep for too long (longer than 2 hours). The pain is under the left to the side of the sternum. I can cough fine and have no temperatures. It takes me about 1 - 2 hours to comfortably get down a 'meal' (if you can call the full Fluid diet a meal!). Any response would be greatly appreciated.

[1Day1Life4Now 882]

BJay, it does get better but it's a slow gradual progression. I hope you have gotten over the nausea because that's not good for your sleeve or for you hydration issues. Could some of that pain you are feeling be gas pains? The only way to get rid of that is to walk walk walk and it will move on out and give you some relief. Don't let ourself get dehydrated and if you think you might be, go to the ER for an IV. That will make a big difference. You also need your sleep so maybe if you could prop yourself up with some pillows you could relax and get some sleep. Take it day by day... it will get better.

[BJay 14]

Thanks for your response. I'm not sure if these are gas pains - I don't get any shoulder tip pain as some people describe. I have read on so many people's blogs that each day gets better but I feel like my best day was Wednesday afternoon (when the vomiting stopped) and night and then from there on, it's just been downhill. Did you get pains like your stomach was being twisted? I can't see the light at the end of the tunnel

[1Day1Life4Now 882]

Bjay, please call your doctor and tell him/her that you are having twisting pains in your stomach. If you can't reach your doctor, go to the emergency room. That kind of pain is not normal. Check back in with us and let us know how you are doing. :-(

[vdennis92 2]

I had similar problems with no pain medication at all since coming home from the hospital. I would say, and I know this sounds crazy but, try to go to sleep without the medicine. It could be what is irritating your stomach. also try walking for about 30 minutes no steep hills though. gas and indigestion cause stomach and chest pains, walking could help relieve this. when all else fails talk to your doctor.