Terrible pain incision site

[Livelles 3]

Hello guys,

It's my 20th day post gastric sleeve and I am still struggling with the incision pain, especially around my biggest incision.

It's been difficult for me ever since the surgery with little to no improvement, but this week I came back to work (sedentary office job) and it's getting absolutely ridiculous. I can't bend over, I can't sleep on either of my sides, getting dressed in the morning takes three times longer than it should. If I move just right, the pain gets so big it makes me want to scream. I had a GP appointment a few days ago and she said everything looks to be in order. Didn't diagnose any incisional hernias or other stuff.

My appointment with my operating team is scheduled for 19th of May and there is nothing I can do to schedule it sooner.

I guess what frustrates me the most is of course the pain, as well as no visible improvement in the last week or two. Did anyone of you struggle with incision/scar tissue pain for such a long time? Do you have any tips on how to manage the pain/burning/tugging sensation? I appreciate any help/assistance!

Edited April 26, 2023 by Livelles

[summerseeker 2,322]

I don't know why your team will not see you now, mine would have. Try A and E. You should not be in pain now when you are this far out from surgery. I know we all have different pain thresholds but still ! You need some more pain killers and maybe a CAT scan or x-ray, just to make sure everything is ok for your peace of mind. I hope it gets fixed soon

[Fred in Pa 236]

Yeah, 20 days out in that much pain doesn’t sound right. I’m surprised your GP said everything looked good and didn’t address the pain issue. Maybe you should ask your GP to contact your team on your behalf, Dr to Dr? Or call your team and insist there is an issue and demand to be seen.

[Livelles 3]

Thank you guys, I will try to go to the ER tomorrow in my local hospital. However I had my surgery about 4 hours away by car, that's why meeting directly with the operating team is a bit difficult. I will update you with what they tell me.

Regarding my GP, she mentioned that the pain is probably connected to the scar tissue forming and blamed it on my internal sutures. She recommended booking an appointment with a physiotherapist and prescribed some ointments meant to soften the scar tissue. They don't do anything though.

[Janice Flores 1]

Hello guys,
It's my 20th day post gastric sleeve and I am still struggling with the incision pain, especially around my biggest incision.
It's been difficult for me ever since the surgery with little to no improvement, but this week I came back to work (sedentary office job) and it's getting absolutely ridiculous. I can't bend over, I can't sleep on either of my sides, getting dressed in the morning takes three times longer than it should. If I move just right, the pain gets so big it makes me want to scream. [emoji20] I had a GP appointment a few days ago and she said everything looks to be in order. Didn't diagnose any incisional hernias or other stuff.
My appointment with my operating team is scheduled for 19th of May and there is nothing I can do to schedule it sooner.
I guess what frustrates me the most is of course the pain, as well as no visible improvement in the last week or two. Did anyone of you struggle with incision/scar tissue pain for such a long time? Do you have any tips on how to manage the pain/burning/tugging sensation? I appreciate any help/assistance!

Please go to the er. I had a great recovery. No gas pain or pain at all. But on day 15 I had horrible pain on my right side. I felt a constant pull and burning inside. Worst pain ever. I ripped an internal stitch and was on bed rest for 2 weeks. Please just make sure you are ok. Feel better.

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[Arabesque 7,535]

I agree with the other. This much pain this far out is not usual. Ring your surgical team & see if you can get an earlier appointment or go to your nearest medical centre. In the meantime may be try a binder to support your tummy.

[sherrie918 3]

My problem is not along the incision spots it's about 2 inches lower and it's a spreading burning pain. I'm only 3 days post-op though.

[summerseeker 2,322]

2 hours ago, sherrie918 said:

My problem is not along the incision spots it's about 2 inches lower and it's a spreading burning pain. I'm only 3 days post-op though.

Hang in there Sherrie. It should get better soon. When you stand, hug a cushion. Take your pain killers. Rest and nap as much as possible

Some people wear a binder

[Livelles 3]

Hello guys,

I decided to go the ER in a hospital that also does bariatric surgeries. They tested my blood and I had an ultrasound of the stomach area. They said there are no signs of any leakage or inflammation, and that I must have ruptured one of my internal sutures, which may have injured my muscle. They prescribed me some painkillers, gave me a week of sick leave (my boss will be delighted lol) and told me to take it very easy with a lot of bed rest.

All in all, nothing serious! Thank you for your support guys.

@Janice looks like the same thing happened to you! How long did it take for you to be back on your feet?

[qtdoll 536]

Wow glad it's nothing too serious thatd you'd need even more surgery for! Hopefully the painkillers give you some relief & the pain goes away on its own