Laughing too hard- hurt port?

[dawnp 0]

I am only 5 days out of surgery and yesturday I laughed so hard (belly laughing) and I was in terrible pain after that. Today my port site hurts and is a bit swollen. Could I have the port?

and is it noraml to have pain and be a bit swollen there?

[RestlessMonkey 7]

It's normal for the port site to hurt the most/take the longest to heal; partly because your muscle is ticked off. The port is generally clamped (realize band) or sewn (lap band) into your abdominal wall and that takes a while to heal.

Probably your laughing (which is GOOD for you!) just agitated it! Just take some tylenol. If it hurts worse or lingers, you can call your doc to be sure.

[slpcat 0]

Yeah, what restless monkey said

and . . . you may want to try this lil trick (I learned it with 2 previous surgeries) when you are about to cough/sneeze/laugh, press firmly wth the palm of your hand against your port area (not too hard but with some pressure). Not a nurse or a doctor so I'm not sure why it works but it worked after my c-section, myomectomy, and lapband:thumbup:

[RestlessMonkey 7]

Counter pressure (like using a pillow to brace your torso) is often recommended post abdominal surgery, c-sections, etc because it helps brace the sutures and stabilize the area! So yes, that's a great idea, slpcat!

[slpcat 0]

Counter pressure (like using a pillow to brace your torso) is often recommended post abdominal surgery, c-sections, etc because it helps brace the sutures and stabilize the area! So yes, that's a great idea, slpcat!

Thanks for the "medical explanation" that makes a whole lot of sense!

[vdem8 0]

ROFFL! I soooooooooo had that experience..it was to the point that I was CRYING from the pain but something struck me as funny and couldn't quit laughing...the more I laughed the more pain I was in and couldn't stop...viscious cycle...I'm glad there is no more pain and laughing is back to being tear-less

I know this really didn't answer your inquiry...just had to share

[Natman 0]

I had a similar experience the day after my surgery. My wife drove over a speed bump a little too vigorously and I was in agony for a couple of hours with extreme nausea. I called the doctor and he gave me a similar explanation (sewn in - Lapband) so all was good after a few paracetemol and a good lie down!