LOTS of post-op pain

[KansasSapien 0]

This is day 5 of this surgery extravaganza (and it's my birthday = lame). I'm sure I'll eventually be happy about it, but the pain was and is super crappy.

The first 2 days were overwhelming. My brain was incapable of dealing with any details. My mom needed help googling where the CVS is located and I just couldn't. The act of leaning over and typing was too much to handle. And the pain was deep and intense. I know why Frankenstein's monster was such a jerk. Surgery just doesn't bring out your friendly side.

The last 3 days have been improved, especially in my brain. Now I can feel mostly normal as long as I'm on a couple pills and in the correct position, sitting up in bed. Not my favorite sleeping position and it's often stiff, but I'm just grateful that there is a position. Moving is still a horrible idea. Leaning over is impossible. Waking up without meds in my system is just a rude way to great the day.

No one seems to complain about this much pain. Am I out of the ordinary? I wasn't able to drink the liquid pain meds without vomiting, so maybe it's the crushed pills that are inadequate.

[FitnFabfor2014 358]

Nope! You are right! I was popping pain meds the first two weeks like candy. After I had my drain out I was all good. I don't know if it was a combination of the two or what, but it was not a walk in the park. I was out of work for 6 weeks, and thank goodness I had the time to recover!! Please don't feel like you are alone. I was not one of those who recovered and was back to work in 3-4 days . Everyone is different, but you will hopefully start feeling better after your first two weeks.

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

Pain thresh holds vary. I had no pain at all. Just a little soreness. I would recommend walking as much as you can. It help push the gas out which is often the source of much of the pain.

[joatsaint 2,814]

I was hurting like Hell for the 1st 7 or 8 days. But I think my pain was a combination of getting the hiccups (that stretched my staple line) and the 2 hour car ride home.

The liquid pain meds made me gag so much I just stopped taking them. I didn't do much of anything other than try to find a comfortable position to relax during that time.

But on day 9, I crossed some kind of turning point. The pain receded to a minimum and I was able to get out and drive. I went back to work feeling okay on day 11. No pain meds needed. I kept wearing the elastic belly support for the rest of the month, just to be safe.

Here's to a new life. Keep moving forward, one step at a time. Make the right decisions, lean on the right people. Live for the right goal. I believe in you. Your time is now!

[Folly 308]

Most people report little pain and quick recovery. Mine diminished gradually over 2 - 3 weeks. We each heal differently. Please let your Dr know you're hurting.

Peace

[Elizabeth21 176]

@@KansasSapien, the pills should be just as effective as the liquid. If you are having uncomfortable pain despite the meds, call your doctor. You may be experiencing a complication. I ended up with a lacerated spleen and knowing what was wrong enabled me to avoid doing things that would make it worse. Also got different pain meds to help. Good luck.

Edited February 1, 2015 by Elizabeth21