Tough recovery post LAP surgery :-(

[ocstacy]

Wanted to reach out. My mom isn't doing well with recovery at home . Today I almost took her in to the E.R as she said her pain was a level 9 and
She has little energy and no appetite She was doing better at the hospital with pain control than at home because the nurses were on top of it. At home, I can't be with her 24/7 so she opts out for the meds at times then your pain escalates. Today, she became a little dehydrated so I gave her Gatorade and that seem to help a little. I called the Dr. "on call" and he suggested if she keeps feeling worst, take her in. I ended up watching her over night very carefully and she was fine.

My mom wanted me to reach out to you and ask some question:

1.) How long did it take for you to recover from LAP surgery
2.) what really helped with your post pain besides drugs
3.) She keeps complaining how big her abdomen is . Maybe possible hernia? Just thought I'd ask some questions as I'm concerned. I know that it takes a long time to recover from surgery and don't expect her to bounce back right away. I guess I am just worried. Any advice would be AWESOME!

Exhausted caregiver,

Stacy

[KimT]

I was 31 at the time of my first resection and my recovery was awful. In my experience as patient and a nurse, it is better to take the pain medicine around the clock for the first week or so after surgery. When pain gets to a 9, it can be difficult to get it under control. But take some colace with the pain meds as they are constipating. Try some gas tablets. She might have a lot of air in her guts and that is painful. Have her up and about walking as much as possible to help pass the gas. I would take her in if she starts vomiting, or is unable to pass gas or have a bowel movement. But try the pain meds as directed around the clock and see if that helps. Also she can take over the counter ibuprofen with the narcotic pain medicine.

I hope she is feeling better soon.

[Tdubz]

I had a lot of pain after my surgery as well. I had thought it was gas pain and it was so bad I could hardly move, but I noticed if I stretched out it would feel a bit better. Turns out it was my abdominal muscles cramping up really bad. The surgeon gave me Valium to relax my muscles and the pain was gone.

[Lee]

. . . Also she can take over the counter ibuprofen with the narcotic pain medicine.

I hope she is feeling better soon.

I agree with the ibuprofen (or Motrin). I worked it out with my surgeon prior to my surgery I would take a higher dose of Motrin than normal (and no presc pain meds) when I was discharged from the hospital. For me this is the wonder drug. Get the swelling down, for me that reduces the pain. For your mom, regular dose with pain meds.

Yes walking is very important. Yes it hurts especially in the beginning, but it really does help with the healing process. I suspect too she probably still has gas in her, thus walking is even more important. Make sure she understand how important walking is right now. Butt also make sure she has pains medicine in her system prior to walking. Plan the walking around her pain medicine schedule.

Make sure she does NOT get dehydrated, that will put her back in the hospital with other issues going on.

Is she on a special diet? I would highly recommend a "low fiber diet" for the next several weeks. Also Ensure on a daily bases until she gets over this pain hump.

Hope she is doing better soon.

Lee

P.S. Edit to add this. Maybe the BRAT diet might help "Bananas, Rice, Apple, Toast".