Pain on left side

[Long2BFree 12]

I'm 5 days post op and started having a pain on my left side 3 days ago. I think I pulled something when I tried getting out of bed the other morning. It now hurts when I walk or laugh but not when I sit or lay down. I find that I have to hold my stomach against me tightly to help with the pain when walking. Has anyone else had this pain? How long before it goes away?

[kizzie 1]

Hey there

Sorry you are having pain. It sounds like your anesthesia wore off after the two days and what you are feeling now is your port pain. It can be mighty uncomfortable. If you are at all unsure you should contact your doctor or nurse for peace of mind.

The cushion holding does help during the day when getting up from a chair, sneezing/coughing and at night when you lie on your other side.. it is good to put a cushion in your back to stop you rolling back too quickly and hurting yourself.

take care and it will get better..

[Long2BFree 12]

The pain is down lower left side of on my stomach and I was thinking that it's more where the band might be but I'm not sure where that is. The doctor put my port about 3" above my belly button. Would I feel the port on the lower left side?

I'm not too concerned yet to call the doc but am wondering if anyone else has had this pain?

[mrsgriffin2u 1]

Oh boy! I definitely know what you're referring to and I have had it since my surgery on 7/2. My surgeon has said it is completely normal b/c that's where they went in the "deepest" during surgery. Some people are bothered by it and some aren't. Unfortunately, it seems like we're in that group. It can be very painful, but wearing a girdle or compression garment helps. Mine definitely has gotten better, but I've been told I can feel it for months. Mine has kind of traveled to under my left breast/ribcage. It's a burning/pulling sensation. IB Profen/Motrin helps a lot with the pain, so I highly recommend that. Hope this helps! :seeya:

[Long2BFree 12]

Oh boy! I definitely know what you're referring to and I have had it since my surgery on 7/2. My surgeon has said it is completely normal b/c that's where they went in the "deepest" during surgery. Some people are bothered by it and some aren't. Unfortunately, it seems like we're in that group. It can be very painful, but wearing a girdle or compression garment helps. Mine definitely has gotten better, but I've been told I can feel it for months. Mine has kind of traveled to under my left breast/ribcage. It's a burning/pulling sensation. IB Profen/Motrin helps a lot with the pain, so I highly recommend that. Hope this helps! :seeya:

Ah, someone who knows what I'm talking about. I've never wore a girdle but it looks like I'll be getting one if I still have the pain this weekend. I sure hope it doesn't last for months.

Aren't IB Profens/Motrin considered NSAIDS? If so, I've been told not to take those but only Tylenol.

[mrsgriffin2u 1]

Ah, someone who knows what I'm talking about. I've never wore a girdle but it looks like I'll be getting one if I still have the pain this weekend. I sure hope it doesn't last for months.

Aren't IB Profens/Motrin considered NSAIDS? If so, I've been told not to take those but only Tylenol.

I'm not quite sure, but my surgeon specifically told me to take them (preferrably in liquid form). I'd call and atleast ask. I highly recommend Spanx. They sell them at Lane Bryant (highly recommended by Oprah) and they're comfortable. Just make sure, whatever you get, that it comes up under your breasts. That way it's not putting pressure from the waistband right on your incisions. That may cause even more pain. :seeya:

[ellisoncj 0]

Hi, I am 8 days post-op and still experiencing that same kind of ribcage, under-the-left-breast pain you describe. When does it get better??? I am suppoed to go back to work Monday but I am nowhere near the activity level I need to be. Also, I have this RED RASH that has spread out from the upper left incision. It is bumpy and very itchy. Any ideas? I really need a mentor/buddy since I was banded in Mexico and don't have much support here in SC. Thanks for any encouragement! Christine

[mrsgriffin2u 1]

Well, I have to say that I was trimming my yard with a light weedeater (less than 7 lbs) and now my rib cage hurts even worse. I didn't even get 5 minutes in. I definitely have to call the surgeon tomorrow because I'm worried. To me, I shouldn't be hurting. I can't even think about exercising because of the pain.

I also stopped losing weight. I lost 10 lbs in the first week and have stopped all together. UGH!