Which day post-op was your worst, as far as pain?

Barbie892 16 Mar 2011

For me it was Day 3 & 4. The haze of anesthesia was gone and I was trying to keep on top of taking my pain meds. By Day 5, I had turned the first of many corners on the road to recovery.

Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 18 Mar 2011

Days 3, 4 and 5 were the worst for me. The pain was pretty intense and the tightness and swelling started to kick in more. Also my lower back was a mess.

Djc 11 Apr 2011

Hi kimmers,
I am also eperiencing extreme back pain and stiffness - now am starting day 3 post op (not incl day of op). My sutures and otherthings really dont feel so painful, just my back. I try to change positions, get up to walk to toilet, etc. Will only the meds help? How long will it last? I want to switch to just otc meds soon since my sutures really dont hurt, but cuz of my back i took valium and oxicode still. Any advice appreciated! MY kids come home in 3 days and i pray to be somewhat normal, altho i have help i dont want them to see me in pain.
thanks in advance for any thoughts!
djc

Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 12 Apr 2011

Djc it takes time and I know how painful and frustrating this is.

Keep taking the pain meds because that will only help. Don't cut yourself off so quickly. I know that you want to get off of these but taking them as needed for the first couple of weeks will not hurt you. Pain relief is a must right now.

Heat or ice whichever feels better. I switched it up between the two for the first two weeks. I would say my back was the worst part. Also light massage on the lower back helps. Light to medium pressure in a circular motion.

Unfortunately you can't rush this part of the healing process but between weeks 2-3 you will notice a big difference.

The fact that you are up moving around and changing positions is a good thing. You need to move a little bit or the stiffness will really set in.

Hang in there:=)

Djc 13 Apr 2011

Thanks so much kimmers for your response, I so appreciate it. Definitely wont try to be a hero, taking it easy and preparing to see my little angels in 2 days. Miss them so much! Thanks again.

Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 14 Apr 2011

I know it is so hard being away from your babies. Tomorrow is the day :)

Columbus2941 19 Mar 2011

Thanks ladies...I.knew how I am feeling right now was not going to last and get worse before it gets better. Just need to be prepared!

Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 19 Mar 2011

Hang tough...it gets better each day :)

Susanne3692 21 Mar 2011

Day 1 and 2 was the worst for me. after that It was easier and easier... by the time week one was done I was taking Ibuprofen only.....

MN_Sunshine 29 Mar 2011

I would agree that days 3 and 4 were the worst. I actually remember laying there wishing for the day to go by because I KNEW the next day would be better. All went up hill on day 5:) I actually went off my pain pills on that day and just had over the counter pain meds.

ricanmami 30 Mar 2011

Mine was my 3rd day out my first post op appt. The walk down to my car took like 20 mins (normally a 2 min walk) and was so painful I was almost in tears! I felt like I was going to fall down I was in so much pain.

3boys 1princess 2 Apr 2011

Mine was day 5. I had a tickle in my throat and kept wanting to cough. Actually coughed 3 or 4 times and thought I died. The swelling was waaaay worse that day too. Did a lot of ice packs thru the day. I was also depressed all day long. Maybe because of the cough and pain, but I was regretting the surgery last night BIG TIME!! I am much better today. Good luck to you!

Columbus2941 2 Apr 2011

My worst day was day 3, and only when I actually got up from the recliner. Other than that I really had no pain. Luckily, I have never coughed or sneezed the entire time, and I'm 16 days post op!

Aurora7203 2 Apr 2011

day 1 & 2 but more so from the nausea. the pain isn't that bad in my opinion

TAG4688 2 Apr 2011

Day two but only b/c I took meds on empty stomach. More nauseated than anything. As long as I stayed on top of my pain meds, the pain has been very minimal.

Djc 10 Apr 2011

Had full tt friday and it is sunday. not nearly as bad as i thought in erms of pain. hardest is walking bent and having the drains, back is aching. trying to be patient and realistic! Happy so far with my choice.

Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 10 Apr 2011

You definitely need to have patience. All the pain will let up a bit more each day and soon you will feel like a new woman. Please do not push anything. You need to allow your body to heal properly so go slow. The first six weeks post op are the most critical.

Please consider setting up your profile so that we can all follow your progress. It is so much fun to do together:)

Trabuco Canyon 11 Apr 2011

I would agree that day 2, 3 and 4 were the worst. i am on day 6 today and able to care for myself without help for the first time. i am hoping to make it upstairs today, but haven't tried yet. good luck to all!

Madison5269 (RealFriend) 17 Apr 2011

I have felt fine for the first week & then at 8 days post op the tightness in my chest is really bothering me. I actually feel worse in that aspect than I did in the beginning. I just hate the feeling of not being able to take a deep breath, it drives me crazy!! So I wouldn't call it pain, but more discomfort.

Otherwise, I feel good, have energy, seem to be healing well, etc., so that is my biggest complaint.

trishvan99 22 Apr 2011

Hardest for me was day 5- bowel movement........

spunkygirl 17 May 2011

Days 5 for me. I literally coughed all day long. Nothing helped. It felt as if my stomach was going to explode. I was feeling dirty from not being able to shower. I was tired of my damn recliner-just wanted to get comfortable somewhere else. My back was on fire. On Day 3 my PS had suggested that I try to switch to Tylenol so on the morning of day 5(before I knew what kind of day it would be) I decided to go with no presription pain meds...BAD decision!! My husband came home, asked me how I was and I ended up sobbing for over an hour. Horrible. Thankfully I turned around quickly...loving my decision to have a tt.