Cramp in my side

[kpierre 0]

8 days post op and I get a cramp in my side sometimes when I walk. Could it be from the port? It feels like when you run and you catch a cramp in your side.

Does anyone else get this? Thanks!

[hou77tb 0]

it could be gas from the surgery still. i had major issues with pain on my left side, especially in the shoulder, up to 1 1/2 to 2 weeks after surgery because of the gas. if it persists on a regualr basis contact you dr.

[heyjudy 0]

I had the same thing, asked my Dr if it could be appendix but he said probably not, I am 2 months post op and still get it occassionally

[Eris 0]

I have the cramp too. My doctor told me its because the port is sewn into muscle and can be painful when the muscle stretches and relaxes. The more you move, the better it gets. I only get it once in a while now, its been 2 months since my surgery.

- Eris

[lanejane 0]

I just had lots of pain with that port incision on my right side. but nearly 2 weeks out, I think it's healed nicely and unless I try something again like taking up rollerblading it won't hurt...Sudden movements also really aggravated it.

[Carrie_C 9]

I have the same pain. The nurse told me it could be from the position you are in when they do surgery. (It is kind of an embarrassing position).

[Blund 0]

Good Lord! What position is THAT???!!

I'm a month post-op and get these pains. When I was a kid and actually DID run, we called them "a stitch in your side". I posted a simular question a few days ago, and many people have these pains. I get them on either side, but not at the same time. I think it has to do with the muscles and/or nerves and the stitches from surgery.

[Carrie_C 9]

Since you asked, I will tell you, but you may be sorry you asked!! LOL

The nurse said that your legs are up in the air and your feet are in stirrups. The doctor stands between your legs to do the surgery. The table has you in a position like you are doing crunches. So you are cruched up with your feet in stirrups! So that is why there may be pain in your side because all your weight is pushed down to your abdomen from your stomach and your legs. This is how my surgeon does it anyway, others may be different.

[mstrina27 0]

I have the cramp too. My doctor told me its because the port is sewn into muscle and can be painful when the muscle stretches and relaxes. The more you move, the better it gets. I only get it once in a while now, its been 2 months since my surgery.

- Eris

Mine feels the same way.. like i have been laughfing too long... and i have caught a cramp.. but i figure that it will get better over time....

[fluffycat 1]

I am 10 days post op and that pain can be excrutiating. Its not all the time but always the same left side and can go up into the neck. Like if you breathe too deep it hurts. Is that gas?

[crazycatlady 0]

Yes it is gas! I don't know why everyone else is saying it's something else. It is trapped gas & needs to be worked out somehow like by a massage to break it up. I had it after a c-section that lasted 4 mos until I went to a chiropractor who worked it out. I then passed gas for about 3 days & it was all gone!

[Blund 0]

Carrie C. I'm glad I was sound asleep!!! And I DONT plan to ask my surgeon about it! lol

[Hastings 3]

If you do some research on the net and read about a "stitch" in the side, it is almost always the right side.

I had this pain for a while, but on the left side. The instructions for an actual "stitch" :

"Now researchers believe that the side stitch is caused by stretching the ligaments that extend from the diaphragm to the internal organs, particularly the liver. The jarring motion of running while breathing in and out stretches these ligaments. Runners tend to exhale every two or four steps. Most people exhale as the left foot hits the ground, but some people exhale when the right foot hits the ground. It is the later group who seem more prone to get side stitches."

"Exhaling when the right foot hits the ground causes greater forces on the liver (which is on the right side just below the rib cage). So just as the liver is dropping down the diaphragm raises for the exhalation. It is believed this repeated stretching leads to spasms in the diaphragm."

It was recommended on a runner's site to cup your hand under the area that is having the stitch and gently lift it. This has worked wonders for me when I get that same pain on my left side. I'm not a doc, but for me it's not gas and it's not from laying a certain way in surgery. I believe it is as explained above because the "cure" did the trick.

[Blund 0]

Hastings, very interesting. Its amazing what's on the web! I'm 6 weeks out now, and was having the "stitch" quite a bit (alternating sides), but haven't had it in a few days now.

[Carrie_C 9]

Blund, I don't blaim you, I wouldn't ask either!!