Nagging, burning sensation in my right epigastric region

Hello everyone! Today is post-op day 8 for me. I returned to work today. Rough... I am not used to waking up at 5:30 and getting ready for work as my normal routine was before surgery. I sat at my computer and did paperwork all day, but my back was killing me by the end of the day. Not sure if it's just because I haven't been upright for 8 hours straight yet or if it is my change in posture due to pain in the left shoulder and abdomen. I put a hot pack behind it for awhile and that helped a little. Also, I have had this nagging, burning sensation in my right epigastric region today. I guess it is probably where the stomach is sutured but it sure is annoying. I have decided to take my friend, children's liquid Tylenol, to work with me tomorrow to see if it eases my aches. I did make it all day. I was surprised, but as the day went on, I didn't feel so fatigued. Of course, I came home and glued myself to the couch for the rest of the night! I probably need to buy a scale to monitor my weight. My scrubs just kind of hung off me today. Not a totally bad thing, but an evil way to lose weight!

Has anyone else experienced the "burning, nagging" in the right epigastric region? I know Cat recommended I get some aloe vera juice. I've just about decided to try that.

NW

Honey, get the aloe verra juice. I cant tell you how much it's soothed that burning feeling for me except to say that I dont have it anymore unless I get a gas bubble trapped right there or a hiccup.
I only ever have just the one hiccup but when that happens it feels like my stitches are being yanked.
Thankfully, this only happens once in a blue moon.

I can't believe you're back at work! lol You've got my admiration!
I'm still shuffling around in my bathrobe in the front yard, breathing hard from the effort - and I cant stand to sit in a chair at all.
Something about bending in the middle like that....I cant take it.
I stopped sleeping in the recliner after only one night and moved to the bed so my body would lay more straight.

You're made of tough stuff - obviously - but don't overdo it!

(I'm still taking dilaudid at LEAST once in a 24 hour period.....my hat is so off to you! lol)

Cat

Do you have CVS pharmacy where you live? They sell it. : )

I dont know if GNC does - but you get this huge container of it for 10 bucks at CVS.

Ask the pharmacist where it is in the store so you dont have to hunt it.

I bet you are glued to the couch now... I cant even imagine having gone to work today...there's just no way...I salute you for doing it!

LOL

I'm jealous that you can eat soup. LOL

I looked and Walgreens and CVS both sell the huge containers for about 10 dollars.

GNC, K-MART, and even Amazon also sell it - but they only sell you 16 oz of it for almost the same price.

You'll be soothed from the burning in no time if you can get past the taste of watered white wine - that's what it tastes like to me.
I dont like it, but I drink it! lol

Newlywrapped, I have to ask - how on earth are you coping at work with the gas? LOL

Well, how are you doing, period? I'm interested to know so I can compare! LOL

Cat

Oh good, I did catch your update before turning in!
I'm jealous, that's how I am! lol
Ah, to be 11 years younger! lol
I'm kidding. I've always been a slow healer.....it's just so nice to know that that is coming for me.
I'm happy for you that things are picking up - just remember not to overdo it!
I'm better too - though my shoulders have been a problem all day....but there's always tomorrow! : )



Cat

I'm a walking fool.... lol I didnt walk this much before my operation! lol

You're right though - the shoulder pain thing IS the worst of it most days.

I mean, like today, it isnt bothering me - but that's because I've been active.
I didnt even need pain meds this morning because I was up and down so much last night.
I actually had someone (the NERVE) over on facebook try to scoff away what I said about my shoulders saying that all gas from the surgery would be gone 48 hours after surgery. This is someone who hasn't had Nissen, of course, and has no idea what they're talking about. Ohhh I was mad. lol

Good to see you!

Cat

My surgeon told me the shoulder pain is from the phrenic nerve. They cut through the diaphragm which referrs pain to the shoulder. All those nerves are connected...so you can tell that to your Facebook friend.

All is well for me! Work was much better today. I just had a little back pain so I put on the hot pack after lunch. I plan on going back to the gym to do some "easy" cardio

Well, I am still doing ok. BUT I have had a bout of diarrhea daily for the past 4 days. Pure water...yucky. I take a 1/2 immodium since I don't want to slow things down completely, but this is getting annoying. It always hits me when I'm in public too...like at work! It's embarrassing. Did anyone else deal with this after surgery?

That is SO not fair.... lol

I'm sure it would be horrifying to have it happen in public though... for that I feel terribly sorry for you! Bless your heart.

I'm able to do grits, soft eggs, and noodles but have not yet tried fiber powder. Maybe I better wait! lol

I shall copy and paste that right to my fb - thanks so much! lol

....I cant believe you're back to real exercise! I am just now getting back to household chores. You're my hero!

Cat

LOL I was afraid it would get stuck going down or I'd have been back on it. I drank it every day before the operation.

Well, had a setback today. I got up for work this morning (4th day back) and got in the shower. I started to feel faint in the shower so I sat down just long enough to regain my strength and get out. I then laid down for a few minutes. I decided to go ahead and eat and get ready for work. Got to work, but only lasted until lunch. I had to come home. I just feel so dehydrated and puney. I came home and I've been drinking Gatorade. I have had one bout of diarrhea daily for the past 5 days. I take 1/2 immodium after the episode and it stops until the next day around the same time. I took my immodium before the diarrhea this morning and haven't had any today. I don't want to take too much immodium because we don't want the opposite effect either! Everyone keeps telling me to call my doctor, but I don't know what else they could do for me. I am trying more solid foods which I have been attributing to the diarrhea, so I'm backing off a little bit. Just sticking to the brothy soups for today. Also, cereal doesn't seem to bother me. I have my follow-up appt on Thursday with the surgeon. *Sigh* I am just so disappointed because I felt like I was on the mend...Maybe I just did too much this weekend and should have stayed home and rested??

Cat, how are you today? Sorry I'm so gloomy :-(

Newlywrapped,
Can you handle some veggie juice? Also try the BRAT diet to help you stay balance in your blood sugar. Bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast.

Kitty, Please contact your doctor immediately. This is getting dangerous. Don't wait!