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Step 1
Take the pain medication. This isn't the time for "being a man" or "toughing it out." Your doctor prescribed them for a reason.
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Step 2
Have someone on hand to help you at all times. Whether it be a spouse, family member or friend, you need someone to assist you with everything from sitting up in bed to sitting down on the toilet as your abdominal muscles will be very sore. From a laying position, have them place one arm behind your back to lift you into a seated position while you hold onto their other hand or arm. From a seated position, have the person stand in front of you, place both your hands on his shoulder and slowly use your leg muscles to stand.
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Step 3
Eat low-fat and fat-free foods only. Until you know how your digestive system will handle heavier foods, stick to mild, bland and light foods.
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Step 4
Eat small amounts of food several times a day. Keeping nourished will help stave off nausea sometimes associated with pain medication. Eat small portions to avoid feeling full, which will place pressure on your internal organs and cause pain.
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Step 5
Drink hot liquids if you feel any chest and/or shoulder pain in the hours and days following surgery. This pain is caused by the air that was puffed into your belly during surgery in order to create more space for the surgeon to work. It is not cause for alarm.
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Step 6
Take short walks. Walk around the inside of your house at first and then work up to outdoor walking. This promotes healthy blood circulation, which in turn promotes healing.
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Step 7
Follow up with your doctor. He will want to see you one week after surgery and again approximately 5 weeks later.
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Step 8
Follow your doctor's orders regarding bathing. Your stitches need time to heal and washing them too soon can damage them.
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Step 9
Take anti-diarrheal medication if you are having trouble digesting after the first month. This can last for weeks, months or years, although some people never have any digestive issues. Be sure to tell your doctor in your follow-up visits.
Comments
sugarstyx said
on 5/18/2009 I'm 20 years old and I just had mines removed about 5 days ago, I could tell my doctor did a great job. I was in OR for about less than an hour and woke up like I was just taking a nap. I felt groggy at first due to the anesthesia, but after less than an hour, I was ready to leave. One of the nurses were asking me to rank my pain and It wasn't pain as much as it was discomfort --which by the way I ranked as 2; I could very much tolerate it.When I got home, I still felt worn out by the anesthesia and probably because I didn't get enough sleep -I figured, since its my first surgery, that when I get to the hospital I won't be afraid, just really sleepy, lol. Anyway, things I had such discomfort with was the gas in my stomach, and my back pain probably because of the way I was reclined. It was very hard for me to fall asleep because I'd get heavy chest and back discomfort however I posit...
sakew4 said
on 1/4/2009 I had my gallbladder out almost a week ago. Although I felt great when I first got home, that night after the anesthesia wore off not so much. I had to sleep in a recliner because it was unbearable, even with help to lay down in bed. I was unable to catch my breath. The pain meds make me vommit even when taken with food. I stopped taking them all together two days ago, but now I am experiencing a cramping feeling where my GB once was. I'm not too sure what to make of it, but time will tell I suppose.
bwalton said
on 12/3/2008 I just had min done 12/03/2008 bot even 24 hours since then. I am unable to lay down or even sit down with any kind of recleine to it. If i do my should and where my incesions are at start having spasm with accute sharp pain. I already had a back injury so this is making my back injury wores due only thing i can do is walk around or stand to have the pain be bearable. I am taking my medication they sent me home with how it is said to be taken amd it is not working. They had sent me home with morphine pills. I have been up for almost 24 dues to not able to sleep since can not lay down or even lean in a chair. I am also having issue with using the bathroom I am not able to pee if sitting straght up i have to lean forward in order to pee. Is really now I called the surgical clinic answering service and they put a surgeon on call on the phone and he said was normal. But seemed more didnt wan
lebyvr said
on 4/29/2008 I had my GB surgery today morning and now it's 830 PM.
1-The pain is more like " discomfort " espacially around the belly button
2- In the recovery room, after the woke me up: First I couldnt believe that they are done :) , I can say but the pain was in my bum "a feeling of pressure and a horrible urge for a bowl movement.
3- asked the nurse for pain killer and she did it right away and the pain was gone slowlyin like 1/2 an hour period.
4- I felt dizzy and nausic for a while and I rested 5 hours in the surgical admission area.
5- they asked me to try to pee and they assisted me walking and then sent me home.
6- I am now home , I feel ok just uncomfortable but the pain is not that bad /I am having differnt kind of juices-water- and jello( Vanille) yummy.
7- tomorrow will try to add fat free yogurt and see how it goes .
thanks for the information it;s great
I forgot to say I am
LaineyM said
on 9/23/2007 Wow! I just had GB surgery (open) last Monday. I am home now and having daily bouts of terrible right shoulder and lower back pain. This lasts about 15 minutes and the shoulder ache can go on for hours. I am taking Percocet but it does not eliminate my pain. How long will this last? I am so tired! When the pains come I also get clammy and sweaty. Everything else has gone fine. Incision is nice and clean and I hardly feel pain in that area. Is there anything I can take to prevent or minimize the shoulder and lower back pains? Please help!