Lots of pain :(

[Lily]

I've heard from many that recovery is a breeze. Maybe I am different because the pain I am feeling tonight is severe. I have gas pains, heart burn, pain getting up, sitting down, walking, anything. I am a mess tonight. I only wish that I am being overdramatic.

Today I've only had 2 SF jello cups and half a popsicle. I've been sipping water like I should and taking the meds I need. I don't have a multivitimin though. I just feel like such a mess.

I keep praying for the pain to go away. It's so hard to deal with right now. I had friends over to keep me company and any little movement I made left me completely winded. It takes me a good 5 minutes to get up from sitting and it took me an hour to get out of bed yesterday. I don't know what to do with myself. Any advice would really really help!!

-Lily

[JDru]

Hi Lily. I'm sorry to hear you aren't feeling well tonight. I had a lot of pain too...the first 3 days were the worst for me. I didn't realize how much you use your stomach muscles to do anything! Each day got a little better and after about 5 days I was getting by on liqud tylenol.

Some people use a heating pad for pain, but it didn't help me much. Sleeping was probably the hardest thing for me...I was SO uncomfortable. I found that hugging a pillow next to my tummy while I was lying on my side was the most comfortable position for me. Keep sipping your water too!

I hope some of this helps...you will feel better soon! :)

[kebsa]

Don't be scared to use the pain meds they gave you too ( if they did not gve you any- give them a call) the pain will settle- the first 2 or 3 days are the worse. Your tactic of having friends to help distract you is a great one, get out any good movies you have at home- anything that will help keep your mind away from how rotten you feel. Distraction will help but you sound like you need pain meds too

[PhotoNut]

Aww jeeze hun. :(

I'm so sorry to hear that you're hurting so much. I wish I could do something to make it better. All I can say is get plenty of rest, dont worry about food just yet but do keep sipping that water, get up and walk around when you can and believe that each day will get better and better.

Do you have help at home now? Is your mom there with you?

I'm thinking of you!

[Kathy]

Lily, are you taking any pills? Are you crushing them? I hope you have liquid pain meds, get some if you can. Heating pad is good, sleeping in a recliner is good. Deep breathing is good. Very small sips is good. Shuffling around the house as much as possible is good.

Forget the multi- for now, just concern yourself with staying hydrated. You may also need an acid reducer, crushed, like Prilosec or something. Or just chew Tums. Swallow a small bit at a time.

acid reducer, water, any liquids, egg drop soup, aloe vera juice, broth, liquid jello, warm stuff, small sips, walking, heating pad, recliner, pain meds. Do ONLY that type of thing for 3 days.

Please keep us posted. :hug:

[Lily]

Thanks for the advice so far. My Dad is helping me, but no one is helping me up and down. I am actually refusing them because I am kinda embarrassed. I have vidodan but it makes me sleep so I try to take it once a day.

I sleep in a recliner, but it hurts my back so much I wake up a lot. I hold a pillow to my belly when I walk. I don't have any liquid meds, all of them are pills but I am doing ok with it. I also have pepsid that I am taking. I don't think that I am doing anything wrong, I just am worried that something inside went wrong.

I don't own a heating pad, but I am sending my mom or dad out to get me some multivitimin chewables so maybe they will pick me up a heating pad too.

Thanks again for the advice. I just pray that tomorrow will be a better day.

-Lily

[kebsa]

Don't be embarressed ( easier said than done though) youhave had major surgery, take all the help you can while you need it- you may return the favor some day. Don't be scared to take the pain meds for the first few days either- well controlled pain actually increases your healng ability. What you are describing is a common experence for this surgery. some people have very little pain, others have a lot - IF you are really worried that something may have gone wrong, at least ring you Doctor, you can describe what you are feeling and he( or she) can then either reassure you or tell you what you need to do.
As the others have said, concentrate on fluids at this stage, you will not get into probs with vitamins over a few days- thats a long term deal

[Tricia K.]

Take those pain meds, even if they make you sleep! Sleeping is better than being in pain, right!

And, allow those people around you to help in your time of need. You'd do the same for them, wouldn't you?

I'm glad you're sending someone out for a heating pad. They can be a lifesaver!

I hope you feel better very soon, Lily. :hug:

[Lily]

I will try not to be embarrassed anymore. Tricia - I love your mini picture, it's so funny.

Thank so much for your concern. I took some pain meds and the pain is subsiding a bit. I will def call my doc tomorrow because the pain I experienced tonight was insane.

Thanks again for your concern and advice.
-Lily

[Goannabanda]

Hi Lil, nice to meet you. :hug: I am sorry that you're suffering. I found the recovery rough too - the first 5 days were the worst.

Keep doing all the things you are doing to help feel better - pain meds, rest, accept help if you have it available.

For sleeping, try making a "ramp" or nest of pillows or cushions up against the heaboard of your bed, and sleep semi-reclined. I found that it was much warmer and more comfy than a recliner.

DRINK - sip as often as you can, but avoid ice / icy cold drinks (they will make you feel worse as they dehydrate / nauseate the newly banded tum). Keeping your fluids up will help you to feel imeasurably better. It helps ease some of the swelling, and will help to ease your nausea.

When you can, move around, take a short walk with a friend. Having people around you for distraction is a great strategy.

In a few days you will be feeling heaps better - and once you are fully healed and start having your band adjusted all of this will be no more than a memory. Keep looking forward to the prize you have of your new healthy life. All the best!

[stac1982]

Oh Lily, I have no advice because I have not been there yet. But I will keep you in my prayers! I hope today brings you less pain.

[catkreeger]

Hi Lily,
I can understand what you are going through ,because I was banded March 7th and this is my 5th day with the band.It has gotten easier.And as everyone says sip and walk.I still have the gas pain and find liquid tylenol adult blast to work better than pain meds,I don't sleep as much.
I pray you feel better real soon.

[Alicia521]

Lily, I am sorry you are having so much pain. I actually did too but also had my gallbladder removed at the same time. I kept pain meds in my system those first few days and slept as much as I needed to. Everyone is different and don't feel bad if you aren't up to your normal self yet!

[Lily]

I finally was able to sleep on my side while clutching a pillow to my wide. My left side hurts so much more then everywhere else. I imagine my port is somewhere around there.

I don't have liquid tylanol... maybe i should look into that.

Stac: Thanks for keeping me in your prayers.
Anna: It's so nice to meet you. Thanks for the great advice.

Everyone else, you guys are great. Thanks so much for the advice and sympathy. I will take all of your advice and hope for the best. Thanks thanks thanks!

[Kim G]

Glad to see you got some sleep. Those first few days are the worest....take those meds. That is what they are for. That gas pain will for sure play havic w/ your body for sure. Hang in there and come to us at anytime!!!! We have all been through it or going through it.

[gandman]

hey lil i had the same pain i had to go to the doc to get an ijection of pain med some have a lot of pain some dont i am one of them the pain med will help everyday it will get better hope u feel better.

[Goannabanda]

How are you feeling today Lil? Sounds like you are getting better if you slept on your side. I couldn't do that for at least 2 weeks.

[NotSoFunny]

Lil, sleep is vitally important. Take the meds and sleep sleep sleep. It is when your body takes its time to heal. Your port side is going to hurt the most. in most cases the port is stitched to your muscles. So it will be very tender. Liquid tylenol helps for many people. Don't just look into it, take it.

It does get better, but if you are really concerned you need to go and speak to your doctor. Moderate pain is normal, severe pain is not. Just listen to your body, and keep in touch with your doc.

Take care sweetie!!!