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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Post-op soreness
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
Post-op soreness
by smiles57, Mar 27, 2006 12:00AM
I had my gallbladder removed laparscopically on 2/27. I had horrible post-op pain, which the doctors and nurses suspected was a gas bubble. I screamed things I never thought I'd scream before. I screamed in recovery, in the hallway and in my room. Fortunately, they gave me enough pain meds to allow me to rest enough so I could be discharged that day. I honestly thought they were going to keep me overnight, but they didn't. For the first 2 days, the Vicoden only took the edge off. After that, I started to progress nicely. My first follow-up appointment went well...my surgeon was pleased with the progress. I didn't have anything I thought was unusal for the time. I'm following a low-fat diet for the most part...thankfully only small bouts of diarrhea compared to previously and my low-grade fever has appeared to subside (but I haven't really checked that much either).
However, I keep reading where people are up and about and at the gym a week or two after the surgery. I took a week off of work, then an additional day and a half. I work from home, so I was able to rest when needed (and work from my recliner).
Here it is exactly one month later. My upper right abdominal area has been sore for the past two days in a row. I've had periodic times of soreness there before then. And last night, my shoulder decided to forbid me from taking my shirt off (acute pain that radiated from the scapula to the top of the shoulder). I went to my chiropractor today to see if he could provide some relief...after the hydrobed, adjustment, stretching and ultrasound therapy, I'm just about as sore. I've had right shoulder pain different from the above for over 2 years which I've been to PT and chiropractor for which they called an overuse injury. But actually, my chiropractor and I figured my gallbladder issues may have initially contributed to my pain.
The past two days may have been due to picking up my 3 year old nephew, but I suspect something more. If I look down at my upper ab area, the surgical area on the right is a little larger than the left and feels a little harder. Besides, I still think that area shouldn't be sore a month after surgery. I wanted to be back to the gym 2 weeks ago!
Just a little more info: my surgeon said I had several gallstones, some cholesterol deposits, inflammation and scarring of the gallbladder. The opening out of the gallbladder was narrow. I do have a little fat accumulation on my liver (I am overweight). He examined the biliary ducts, duodenum, pancreas and stomach and everything he could see at the time looked fine.
I have another follow-up appointment scheduled in 2 weeks, but I'm wondering if I should get back there sooner.
Thanks in advance for your help!
However, I keep reading where people are up and about and at the gym a week or two after the surgery. I took a week off of work, then an additional day and a half. I work from home, so I was able to rest when needed (and work from my recliner).
Here it is exactly one month later. My upper right abdominal area has been sore for the past two days in a row. I've had periodic times of soreness there before then. And last night, my shoulder decided to forbid me from taking my shirt off (acute pain that radiated from the scapula to the top of the shoulder). I went to my chiropractor today to see if he could provide some relief...after the hydrobed, adjustment, stretching and ultrasound therapy, I'm just about as sore. I've had right shoulder pain different from the above for over 2 years which I've been to PT and chiropractor for which they called an overuse injury. But actually, my chiropractor and I figured my gallbladder issues may have initially contributed to my pain.
The past two days may have been due to picking up my 3 year old nephew, but I suspect something more. If I look down at my upper ab area, the surgical area on the right is a little larger than the left and feels a little harder. Besides, I still think that area shouldn't be sore a month after surgery. I wanted to be back to the gym 2 weeks ago!
Just a little more info: my surgeon said I had several gallstones, some cholesterol deposits, inflammation and scarring of the gallbladder. The opening out of the gallbladder was narrow. I do have a little fat accumulation on my liver (I am overweight). He examined the biliary ducts, duodenum, pancreas and stomach and everything he could see at the time looked fine.
I have another follow-up appointment scheduled in 2 weeks, but I'm wondering if I should get back there sooner.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Mar 28, 2006 12:00AM
, Mar 28, 2006 12:00AM
A discussion with your surgeon to ensure the symptoms aren't related to the surgery is always warranted.
Other possibilities can be stones in biliary duct after surgery. An MRCP can be considered to image this possibility.
Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction can present with gallbladder-type pain. Sometimes this can be more prevalent after surgery. An ERCP with Sphincter of Oddi manometry can be considered to evaluate this.
Thes options can be discussed with your personal physician, or in conjunction with a GI physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_b
Other possibilities can be stones in biliary duct after surgery. An MRCP can be considered to image this possibility.
Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction can present with gallbladder-type pain. Sometimes this can be more prevalent after surgery. An ERCP with Sphincter of Oddi manometry can be considered to evaluate this.
Thes options can be discussed with your personal physician, or in conjunction with a GI physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_b
I did call my surgeon's office this morning, and we determined my soreness was most likely due to overstraining myself while picking up my nephew this weekend. I was told I could experience soreness for up to 6 weeks after the surgery because of the blunt instruments used for the procedure. They will evaluate me fully at my follow-up, but if my pain gets worse, they'll fit me in and explore other reasons.