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3 weeks post gallbladder Laparoscopic surgery

Posted , 6 users are following.

Cherrie43
Cherrie43

Hello all...

I'm 3 weeks post surgery and I've been having soreness/stiffness in my upper chest area; neck and upper back for about a week. I immediately became concerned so I called my Dr to see if this was in any way a side effect from surgery; of course she said yes. It is from the CO2;

"CO2 can settle up under the diaphragm, the muscle that helps you breathe. You might experience this as irritation in the lower chest and even all the way up into the shoulder".

Omgggg! This pain is so unbarable. They explained that I can take some Motrin and try to do extra walking.

Has anyone gone through this as well; just want to make sure I'm not the only one.

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • terry50104
    terry50104 Cherrie43

    Posted

    hi,yes i know what you mean,ive had the same,but lucky no pains in back, the muscle in upper chest area needs to tighten up,deep breathing excersises ,was told to do sit ups,but was advised against this,take it easy no heavy lifting,
  • Beenthruit
    Beenthruit Cherrie43

    Posted

    I was booked for lap chol but ended up having open surgery. I was prepared for this because nurse at pre op experienced this so bad she thought they'd broken her shoulder! I had looked it up and apart from walking to disperse the CO2, you can raise the foot of your bed. Maybe research this? It occurs with all keyhole surgery not just gallbladder.

  • laura87574
    laura87574 Cherrie43

    Posted

    I had my gallbladder out a little over a year ago and I remember that achey feeling perfectly. I can't remember how long it lasted, but I was told the same thing and that it was from the CO2 that they used during surgery and it would go away. My advice would be to just walk as much as possible. I forced myself to walk around the house as much as I could during my first week. I know you're three weeks post op, but I agree with your doctor and going on short walks might help to get your muscles working and hopefully "push" the CO2 out. 

  • hedy62689
    hedy62689 Cherrie43

    Posted

    Thankyou for your information as I have awkward pain in areas. I thought co2 pain did not stay in your system for long !! My tummy and the sides are very bloated!! Lots of muffin top, My toiletry system has changed too, more constipation. This site is good as I realise I am not the only one having symptoms. Thankyou and I hope you feel better soon.
    • Beenthruit
      Beenthruit hedy62689

      Posted

      I had open surgery four months ago and have muffin top you describe but think most who've had cholecystectomy have this because of scar tissue and location of gallbladder so you're not alone in this. It's worsened when you feel bloated.

      As to the constipation issue, try branflakes with chopped dried soft apricots, orange juice with bits, oranges, prunes, eat plenty of vegetables (skin on baked potatoes), baked beans, wholemeal bread etc and if all that fails, resort to lactulose. All work very gently.

    • hedy62689
      hedy62689 Beenthruit

      Posted

      Hi thankyou. My eating habits you suggest is my usual diet. I have a spasmodic bowel and have a routine to help it 😏 My weight is the same even though I am looking bigger. I did not know anything about co2 and the length of time it takes to leave the body. I will have to be patient. Thanks again.

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