Abdomen still sore 4 weeks after cholecystectomy

Posted by waschultz @waschultz, Nov 30, 2018

It's been 4 weeks today since my cholecystectomy. I'm a 52yo male and I had a laparoscopic procedure. I am experiencing some light but sharp pains in and around the 4 incisions. The pain is intermittent and sometimes not there at all. If I am sitting I feel nothing but when I walk around I may experience some odd pain and sensations. It can be a little tender to the touch like a bruise but everything looks great. My surgeon was very pleased with procedure, no complications. My 2 week post-op appointment also went well and my doctor is pleased with the outcome and my healing. I fell better than ever, for the most part, and I can eat just about anything I want without any problems. Internally, deep inside, I can't feel a thing and I suspect it's just fine. The problem is that one month later, the muscles in my abdomen are still a bit sore healing and have a little way to go. Is that usual? It almost feels worse this week than last week? What the heck? I want to go back to the gym and exercise but I don't want to make it worse. Anyone else in a similar situation?

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@tdalton61

I had bowel resection 3 weeks ago. I am still sore. Inside and out. Worse than slow healing is constipation. Nothing seems to work. I had an open procedure and 3 incision to heal. I guess we just have to find patience

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Try drinking warm fluids throughout the day and include prunes into your daily diet for the constipation. Both help to combat constipation.

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@tdalton61

I am experiencing same. I have 3 incisions. They all hurt. It makes me wonder if something inside isn’t healing well

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@tdalton61, how are you feeling? Are things getting better slowly with each day?

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Today I am 7 weeks post op. I went back to work after 4 weeks. The doctor said no restrictions after I told him I was a mail carrier and I was hesitant about lifting and such. He told me I should've gone back to work after a week, because he had nurse who went to work after a week and did full lifts and construction workers who went to work after a week as well. He felt I took three weeks off and that was long e ought and sent me on my way. I told him I was still sore in my abdomen and such, he didn't care. My boss brought me back at the four week mark and told me to just be careful. So I've been working the past three weeks, no restrictions and I have to say I'm hurting. It feels like I've been doing too many crunches. Some days I'm ok but yesterday and today, I hurt!!!! Any advice guys???

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@heatherbell123

I am also four weeks post gall bladder removal. Pain right around my ribcage is quite brutal. Especially around my back. I still feel unwell and fatigued. Also pain in abdomen on and off and up in the night two or three times needing to pee. I think it’s a case of different people - different rates of recovery and pain.
This is major surgery so be kind to yourself. Rest and gentle exercise 😊

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7 weeks today, under my ribcage and belly button area are hurting me. I didn't even know my gallbladder was an issue. I thought it was my hiatal hernia. I just want the pain to go away. Migraines seem easier to deal with than this....

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@heatherbell123

I am also four weeks post gall bladder removal. Pain right around my ribcage is quite brutal. Especially around my back. I still feel unwell and fatigued. Also pain in abdomen on and off and up in the night two or three times needing to pee. I think it’s a case of different people - different rates of recovery and pain.
This is major surgery so be kind to yourself. Rest and gentle exercise 😊

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Hi
Can I ask if you are feeling better now. I am 3 weeks post gall bladder surgery and I have the same aching feeling in my ribs that you had. Would be good to think this isn’t a permanent pain as I’m very uncomfortable.
Thanks

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@hoylandk

Hi
Can I ask if you are feeling better now. I am 3 weeks post gall bladder surgery and I have the same aching feeling in my ribs that you had. Would be good to think this isn’t a permanent pain as I’m very uncomfortable.
Thanks

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@hoylandk and @heatherbell123 - I am four weeks post gallbladder surgery, and wondering if the rib pain you were experiencing has left? I have pain in the front of my right rib and it wraps around to the back. Hoping to hear your experience and if it subsided for you, and if so, how long did it take?

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I'm just about 4 and a half weeks post gallbladder removal surgery and even though the 2 week follow-up went great and everything has been healing nicely, a few days ago I started having pain on my right side, some abdominal pain...I compare it to having an intense workout and doing too many crunches. I've been getting chills and that 'I have a fever feeling ' yet no fever. But I'm also having pain if I take deep breaths or sneeze. Very similar to the pain I had 2nd week of surgery. Wondering if anyone had similar issues and if this is part of the healing process? I should mention that I'm still avoiding fatty foods, etc and sticking with healthier food choices since April when I was first told I had to get gallbladder removed.

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Get checked out and ask for a scan.

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@cedro78

I'm just about 4 and a half weeks post gallbladder removal surgery and even though the 2 week follow-up went great and everything has been healing nicely, a few days ago I started having pain on my right side, some abdominal pain...I compare it to having an intense workout and doing too many crunches. I've been getting chills and that 'I have a fever feeling ' yet no fever. But I'm also having pain if I take deep breaths or sneeze. Very similar to the pain I had 2nd week of surgery. Wondering if anyone had similar issues and if this is part of the healing process? I should mention that I'm still avoiding fatty foods, etc and sticking with healthier food choices since April when I was first told I had to get gallbladder removed.

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To be safe have a scan
Mine has been out for many years. You just never know??

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The abdominal pain is caused by the air that they pump into the abdomen so they can see during surgery. The air is left in when they are done. It is normal to have pain until all the air dissipates.

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