pain 3 days post op

Question
I realize that I am only 3 days post op, but is it normal to still have excruciating pain in my left shoulder - especially when I take deep breaths or when I swallow my liquids.
When I swallow I get a sharp heartburn pain that lasts awhile.  Every swallow hurts so I have no idea if I feel full or not - I just hurt.  I walked the mall yesterday and plan on doing so again today.  I try to move right after a swallow, but nothing seems to help - which makes it a challenge to get in my fluids when every swallow hurts.  
I am peeing regularly, but have not had a bm - am passing some gas but not a lot.  Temperature is up about 1 to 1 1/2 degree, but nothing significant.  

Is all this normal?  How can I even pay attention to if I feel full when every bite hurts?

Thanks for your response,
Jeannineagkr

Answer
Hi Jeannine:

Yes, the pain in the shoulder from the gas can last up to a week.  Some people find that a heating pad helps (or you can put some uncooked rice in a pillow case or sock, tie it, and then microwave for 2 minutes.)  Others find Gas-x srips help as well.  Walking, too, can help. But usually, it's just a time thing.  

The swallowing hurting can be from a few things.  One could be the NG tube that was used during your surgery.  It can irritate your throat...and thus make things a little uncomfortable.  Another thing could just be the "trauma" of having bariatric surgery... or early symptoms of Gastric Reflux.  Depending on the type of surgery you had, a lot of surgeons will prescribe a proton-pump inhibitor such as Nexium for the first few months after surgery.  This can really help.  If your surgeon did not, you might want to give his/her office a call on Monday and see if one can be called in for you.  (Be sure to check the drug's website for any coupons before you get the Rx filled.)  

One other issue could be that you're trying to drink too much at a time.  While some bariatric patients can drink almost normally following surgery, most need to take tiny, tiny sips.  That's why your dietitian probably advised you to keep a water bottle or protein shake with you and sip, sip, sip all the time.  Dehydration is one of the most common side-effects early on... so please try to get your water in.  If your urine becomes dark and cloudy, it means you are getting dehydrated.  If you can't up your fluids, then you may have to go to the ER for an IV for fluids.  

Even with everything I said, remember to trust yourself and your instincts.  I'm assuming you have a post-op appointment coming up next week--but if before then, things still seem not quite right to you... or you just have a "feeling" that things aren't right... call your surgeon (or his/her Physician Assistant).  Perhaps they can fit you in earlier, or at least reassure you over the phone.

Congrats on your surgery and try not to worry.  You're going to do great!  Everything you've described is completely normal. :)

Karla

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