Lying down hurts

Posted , 7 users are following.

I had my gallbladder out on Saturday night (it's currently Thursday morning now). It was done laproscopically, but there were minor complications with my liver. It went fine. In the hospital I would rest with the bed fairly upright because lying directly down was way too painful. At home, I lie down on my back but only on the couch. I can't lie down in bed - getting up is pretty difficult - and I can't lie down on either side of my body. I always preferred to sleep on my side/stomach. Will I be able to when the wounds heal completely?

0 likes, 14 replies

14 Replies

  • Posted

    Im no doctor but I sure would think you will.  I had mine removed 2 weeks ago and just yesterday the achey pain in my gut right side lessoned to where I could handle it. But the ache always gets worse in the evening form some reason so ONCE agan I had to try and get some sleep in my recliner instead of my bed.  Im hoping every day I will feel better and Im sure you will also
  • Posted

    Hi I had mine done in January, I had trouble sleeping too, but found lying a little on my side with a bed pillow tucked under my side and gently rolling on it eased it a lot! It took about a week and a half for mine to start feeling better, take your time, don't lift or bend too much. After 2 weeks I felt much better and went back to work. Slept with a pillow for around 4 weeks then glently tried each night to sleep on my side without the pillow. It will be okay just take each night as it comes, it will feel less painful as the days go on. Keep taking the painkillers! Hope this helps!
    • Posted

      Thanks! What kind of over the counter pain killers work best? My prescription pain killers will be done by the end of today
    • Posted

      I found nothing worked for my pain, not even Norco, I think the doctor thought I'd get hooked on painpills or something.  THAT was one major problem for me was the pain, Doctors dont want to give adiquate pain pills for fear we'll get addicted, I was so mad mine made me endure such pain. 
    • Posted

      I rang my GP up and they gave me a repeat prescription for what the hospital had given me, I also had anti inflammatory tablets too!
    • Posted

      I was told to take Tylenol, because some anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, Aleve (naproxen sodium) and Advil (ibuprofen) will thin your blood and actually slow your recovery. Did you receive discharge instructions from the hospital?  Alternatively, you could call your MD and ask what's best to take.  
  • Posted

    Hi, Kaeches, you're healing from major surgery, so you are going to experience pain and/or discomfort for a while. Your body is bound to be sore.  I suggest that you rest, eat a low fat diet and give your body enough time to heal. Sometimes, it takes a good while. Best of luck, and let us know how you do!
  • Posted

    I was unable to sleep on my side for some weeks ..... a few weeks after my op, which was a year ago last April, we decided to take a week's break in the sun and this helped my healing considerably.  You will have to be gentle with yourself and rest as much as possible in these first few weeks.   
  • Posted

    Please  be aware that every body is different. Age,I'm 72 and past medical history pay a huge part. I was ok. I had my surgery in February but had a setback requiring 4 day hospital isation a month later. I am now fine and can eat anything without pain. I just can't eat as much as before which is good for weight loss. Don't expect to feel great too soon and don't look back. It works!
  • Posted

    I had mine out yesterday. My wounds are amazing. They have glued and applied a waterproof spray dressing and they are not sore or very stingy. The worst pain is under my ribs and round my back. Feels a bit like a gallbladder attack - stitch like pain. I'm feel quite burpy with hiccups. Other than that it's nausea and feeling bruised on the inside. But have to say no where near as bad as I thought it may be. I have oramorph but that makes the nausea worse. I'd rather try to eat a little something and have paracetamol. I used oramorph before bed and had two extra pillows, one between my legs and one for my arm. I was able to sleep on my left side and back last night. Did anyone get a terrible cotton mouth? I can drink gallons of water but

    my mouth is so unbelievably dry! They gave me sea bands for nausea but that doesn't help.

    • Posted

      Hi, Lisa, good to know that you've had your surgery.  I think the cotton mouth may be due  to the anesthesia.  Keep drinking water to help your body clear it out.  Give yourself some TLC:  eat small low fat meals and rest often.  You're on the road to recovery!  
    • Posted

      Thanks linda. As the day as gone on I'm feeling better and better. The stitch pain is easing as is the cotton mouth. It's starting to hurt when I laugh though lol. But I'm impressed how well I feel considering :-)
    • Posted

      You're welcome! When I had mine out I felt so relieved, too!  Though you've had yours out, please keep contributing to this site.  I think it helps so much!  
    • Posted

      I owe so much to this site. I couldn't just leave. I know how hard the journey is and how alone everyone feels. Families can be supportive but they can never fully understand. I've felt like a stuck record for months. This has been the one place I can come and people understand what it's like. I'm now part of the gallbladderless club lol, finally!! I couldn't be more relieved to get rid of it 😂😂

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