Post Laparoscopic surgery for gallbladder and umbilical hernia

Posted by libertyusa @libertyusa, Jul 18, 2019

Just had surgery 3 weeks ago. I am a healthy 70-year old female. I have felt fine throughout; however I have this tiny pain every day, but not all day. What I am imagining is that a staple inside the area is pricking the area. This is only a thought and I cannot quite describe it. When I press around the belly button it does not feel worse, but there is some hardness to the tissue. Could this be stitches healing? It is only in one spot. I called the nurse and she was quite dismissive saying: "you cannot call about every little thing; you are still healing; you should not play golf and a racquet sport (but the surgeon said I could - I have not played these sports yet but I do work out in the gym); I told her the surgeon said I had a little redness irritation around the navel but she said he did not put it in his notes !!" - Well, he is the one who brought it to my attention !? The concern is that this little "pin prick" feeling does not get better - it stays the same. The surgery report says I have Tycron stitches. I guess I should demand to see the surgeon or go for a second opinion or get an X-ray? (I have asked questions throughout, as that is my M.O.).

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Profile picture for rozy288 @rozy288

You are so nice …. And every prayer 🙏 is so appreciated. How are you feeling?
I was up in such pain at 2:00 am for 35 min .. took Motrin !! Heart calmed down when I went to bed but is acting up all morning here . Still lots of pain in mouth .
I can’t believe I went but I need relief . I’m not there yet .
God bless you ♥️
I don’t even know your name .
I’m Rosemary xo

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I’m hanging in there Rozy, but just barely. The anxiety and depression are worse than everything else. Sure wish that would go away.
When the heart is acting funny it gets really scary, really quickly. Keep mind of it and don’t hesitate to go to ER if you need to.
I sent you a reply to the first private message introducing myself. Did you not get it? I’m Sue.
You said you sent me a second private message but I didn’t get it.
I hope tonight is better. Sleep is so important for healing. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

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Profile picture for baguette @baguette

I was on omeprazole for four years because of GERD and weaned off after receiving a chronic kidney disease and severe osteoporosis diagnosis, which I believe came from using the PPI. The CKD turned out to be "merely" an acute kidney injury since the kidney values went from stage 3 CKD to just barely into the reference range after stopping the drug. The OP was a misdiagnosis. But I am glad to be off the drug because it did damage my microbiome and it took a year for everything to start settling down. For me, doing the low acid, whole food diet works; it takes a while for healing, and it's a lot of work, but I like my kidneys to function well so I do it. I still get reflux if I go off the diet, but it's nothing like it was. I still get chest pains, which I guess is from the hernia, when I sit a certain way, or do abdominal exercise unless my stomach is empty, or play pickleball too soon after eating a meal. Again, the number of incidences is not as high as it was. I use Gaviscon Advance alginate if I think I need it before exercising or going to bed, it creates a plug at the top of the stomach to keep the acid in. If you haven't already, you may want to google Dr. Aviv and Dr. Kaufman to get free info on diet and lifestyle choices that can help people with reflux. For instance, I sleep sitting up in bed (other people just elevate their head). Because of my age I am taking a mobility class, which is like ongoing physical therapy. It teaches participants how to use their body properly. Bending properly at the knees is one of those exercises. Good luck reprogramming your brain! I too would reflux if I bent over (as well as possibly get chest pain). You can do it!

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I just saw your comment about sleeping upright here. I’m suffering from acid reflux, my symptoms are I have burning in my throat and down to my stomach upon waking, as soon as I get up it goes away. I also have bronchiectasis, with no obvious symptoms. I was told to sleep on a wedge however lately I have found sleeping upright is better….
Did you discover this on your own or were you advised to sleep that way? Has it caused any back issues?

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Profile picture for sylvermoon8 @sylvermoon8

I just saw your comment about sleeping upright here. I’m suffering from acid reflux, my symptoms are I have burning in my throat and down to my stomach upon waking, as soon as I get up it goes away. I also have bronchiectasis, with no obvious symptoms. I was told to sleep on a wedge however lately I have found sleeping upright is better….
Did you discover this on your own or were you advised to sleep that way? Has it caused any back issues?

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No doctor advised me to sleep upright. I tried it, as have others, and it worked for me. Some people sleep in recliners. It hasn't hurt my back. I also have tried the low-acid whole food diet, and that worked for me. I went off it because I have a weakness for foods not on the approved list, but if you haven't tried the diet as outlined by either Dr. Aviv or Koufman, you may want to do that too. Good luck!

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Profile picture for sylvermoon8 @sylvermoon8

I just saw your comment about sleeping upright here. I’m suffering from acid reflux, my symptoms are I have burning in my throat and down to my stomach upon waking, as soon as I get up it goes away. I also have bronchiectasis, with no obvious symptoms. I was told to sleep on a wedge however lately I have found sleeping upright is better….
Did you discover this on your own or were you advised to sleep that way? Has it caused any back issues?

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I also sleep almost completely upright because of stomach issues. I have a bunch of pillows behind me and then I have a blanket wadded up so I can put it under my neck and my head (I put a pillowcase over it so it's not so hot in the summer). I have back problems, but so far this hasn't made them worse. There's no way on earth I could lie down any flatter than what I do right now. I'm probably almost at a 90° angle! Good luck!

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Profile picture for blessedwildapplegirl @blessedwildapplegirl

I also sleep almost completely upright because of stomach issues. I have a bunch of pillows behind me and then I have a blanket wadded up so I can put it under my neck and my head (I put a pillowcase over it so it's not so hot in the summer). I have back problems, but so far this hasn't made them worse. There's no way on earth I could lie down any flatter than what I do right now. I'm probably almost at a 90° angle! Good luck!

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I’m still trying to figure out the pillows. I had been told by my pulmonary doctors to sleep on a wedge pillow because of lung issues. But I always slide down during the night. And I do better with reflux being upright like I am when I fall asleep on the sofa. I need to work it out! Thanks!!

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