Post surgery pain

[Ben1505]

Hi, had a hernia repaired, open surgery, 36 hours ago. There’s still a lot of pain and swelling, when does this subside?

[Agora1]

Hi Ben1505, give it some time. Follow post operative instructions which should include

how often to change dressing. Usually the hospital will send you home with sterile pkgs

of gauge pads, tape and if any medication should be use. If there is an unusual amount

of bleeding or you have questions in regards to the pain and swelling....Always do a

follow up call with your doctor. Wishing you a good recovery. xx

[Ben1505 in reply to Agora1]

Thanks for your reply. The hospital didn’t give me any instructions, they were just keen to get me out of the ward

[Agora1 in reply to Ben1505]

That's very unusual. In that case, I would call your doctor to find out what you

are suppose to do to keep wound clean and sterile. This in itself will help with

the healing. My best to you xx

[CDPO16]

Hi, 36 hours is very early in post op terms. Any surgery is in effect a trauma to the body. The pain will gradually ease over 7 - 14 days, take simple painkillers such as paracetamol. The swelling is common post op and is partly fluid left from the op which will gradually be absorbed and partly your body sending more blood supply to the area to aid healing.

[Ben1505 in reply to CDPO16]

Thanks, I’m petrified about getting sepsis and am worried that the wound won’t heal properly

[CDPO16 in reply to Ben1505]

There should be no reason for either of those things but perhaps you could get your GP to check the wound to reassure you. Try to stop worrying (easier said than done, I know) and give your body chance to heal.

[Ben1505 in reply to CDPO16]

Thanks for your advice. I guess I’m stuck in a bit of a rut. I have chest pains that I can’t explain and now I’ve got this pain in my abdomen that is healing, I just don’t know what to do as I have become in pain all of the time which isn’t healthy. Part of me wants to end it all but another part of me wants to keep on fighting.

[CDPO16 in reply to Ben1505]

Anxiety can be a cause of chest pain - I know from personal experience. Once I realised that and started to ignore it, the pain went away.

Focus on the part of you that wants to carry on and try practicing relaxation of body and mind. Takes time too but well worth the effort.

[Cat33]

Hello Ben

My husband had a hernia op last year He was in pain and swollen just like you after 36hours but he healed quickly It's still very early days

Just take it one day at a time you will soon be feeling better

Take lots of care and rest

All the very best

[Dolphin14]

Make sure you are up walking around etc. don't be laying in bed.

You need to pay attention that you are going to the bathroom appropriately. Between the surgery and the pain med you may have a problem with bowel movement.