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May 12, 2022 18:39:19 GMT
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Post by Ira on May 12, 2022 18:39:19 GMT
My apologies, but I am feeling the need to vent about how much pain I'm in. I'd let it out by crying a bit more, except that jolts my stomach muscles which are the ones hurting.
So last Thursday evening I had laparoscopic surgery, and my body was a bit uncooperative, what with all the layers of my abdominal wall being thicker than expected for my size. (This being a result of doing taekwondo for a number of years in my teens and early 20s) I was in a lot of pain straight after but reasonably comfortable when I was coming home. It increased a bit but not much, and on Monday I was feeling up to doing some easy chores, like a bit of dishwashing.
Only then Tuesday I change my dressings, no sign of infection, but the area under my dressing turned red. Not massively weird for me because I mark easily. Only then it spread. A lot. Aaaaand then I spiked a temperature of 38.1. So I have a soft tissue infection. Got antibiotics yesterday, and the redness is less red but has still spread. It's only angry red over a distinct bump just below my umbilical wound, but the swelling makes the stitches stretch uncomfortably.
This morning my temp died down, my nausea went away, and the pain mostly stopped, and I felt pretty good. But now it's all back and I just want to sleep so that I can stop feeling it for a while. And my back is so uncomfy from not being able to move around much.
I feel like I'd feel better about it if I was in hospital rather than at home.
Probably going to phone the doctor again tomorrow, depending on how it looks in the morning, to see if they'll take another look in case I need to change antibiotic.
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Post by criswell on May 12, 2022 19:00:34 GMT
Oh, no. That sounds really horrible. I hope the infection clears up quickly. Can you take pain killers or do they not help?
I really hope you feel better soon.
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May 12, 2022 19:04:30 GMT
Ira likes this
Post by tweetiepiesmom on May 12, 2022 19:04:30 GMT
Oh my goodness - how awful for you! Could you be allergic to the antibiotic? Did they recommend cold compresses for the area? Be sure to let others do things for you. It is good to get up and walk inside your house (no chores!) and get budgie kisses.
Come back and vent whenever you want. We'll all give you our sympathy and well wishes. One good thing about this forum with people around the world, someone's always awake!
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May 12, 2022 19:22:28 GMT
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Post by Ira on May 12, 2022 19:22:28 GMT
criswell I'm taking regular paracetamol and ibuprofen, although my housemate just gave me a naproxen instead for my last dose, and the occasional 30mg of codeine. I'm allowed 60mg but it makes me feel sick, I might before bed though. This hurts regardless of what I take. I think the swelling is making the stitches pull. tweetiepiesmom I'd love to be able to do more than get up and stagger to the loo like a hunched over old crone. That hurts badly enough. I can't even get comfy on my side, so my back is agony too. Though tbf my back isn't great when lying on my side either. 30 seconds of walking about and my stomach is burning. The poor budgies have been stuck in all week. OH can't manage work, cleaning up after them, and cooking. I've barely seen them because they're two floors above our bedroom.
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May 12, 2022 19:25:48 GMT
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Post by Loz on May 12, 2022 19:25:48 GMT
My sympathies, IraI've had a laparoscopy after a motorcycle accident and I still remember how much that damned thing hurt. It sounds like yours was even worse - was it a keyhole procedure or more extensive, do you mind me asking?
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May 12, 2022 19:29:19 GMT
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Post by Loz on May 12, 2022 19:29:19 GMT
Ira, be wary of codeine. If it stops making you feel ill it's because your body is adjusting to it. It's quite an addictive drug. Also, it can lead to constipation which is something you don't need in your current situation! You probably know all this though.
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May 12, 2022 19:30:19 GMT
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Post by Ira on May 12, 2022 19:30:19 GMT
'Just' keyhole. So I have three small incisions. The other two are fine.
Yeah, I think I have a mild allergy to it, because even 30mg tends to mess with me. I've barely taken any of it. They gave me lactulose in case of constipation.
No cold compress. I did try a wrapped ice pack for the swelling earlier. I think it went down a bit but the cold was too unbearable to manage for long.
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May 12, 2022 20:12:51 GMT
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Post by jellybean on May 12, 2022 20:12:51 GMT
Sorry you're suffering Ira, I don't suppose you're getting much sleep either, which just adds to the problem. I really hope the pain subsides and you start to feel better soon.
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May 12, 2022 21:25:28 GMT
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Post by ffiscool on May 12, 2022 21:25:28 GMT
Oh that’s horrible. Anything near that area is painful as in that’s how you move. I’d say, take the lactulose regardless. Also, maybe a heat pad for your back, or hot water bottle. I hope you get sorted soon
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May 12, 2022 21:32:20 GMT
Post by tweetiepiesmom on May 12, 2022 21:32:20 GMT
Oh Ira so sorry you can't move about just a little. Even a cold compress for just 15 minutes might help, a few times a day. Have you tried arnica pills? That might help. We can get arnica in a cream here to use topically and it helps with the healing of cuts and bruises. Wishing you rapid healing.
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Oct 6, 2011 7:41:27 GMT
Marianne Marlow
Administrator
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May 12, 2022 21:36:07 GMT
Post by Marianne Marlow on May 12, 2022 21:36:07 GMT
Oh this sounds awful. I hope the pain and infection go away soon.
Just to say I have taken lactulose and it gave me explosive diarrhea and hot and cold sweats. Never again.
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May 12, 2022 22:09:55 GMT
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Post by ffiscool on May 12, 2022 22:09:55 GMT
Not good! I’ve never had a bad reaction. I think also drinking loads will help too
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May 13, 2022 0:08:14 GMT
Post by willowsmum on May 13, 2022 0:08:14 GMT
So sorry that you are going through this Ira, that's really tough. It sounds like a check-up at the hospital might be the best plan in case they need to switch your antibiotics. I know it's awful if you can't get comfy but I would rest and sleep as much as you can. Have you got anything you enjoy watching/listening to that could take your mind off it for even just a short time? Thinking of you and hoping you are feeling a bit better in the morning x
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May 13, 2022 1:40:14 GMT
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Post by Ira on May 13, 2022 1:40:14 GMT
Currently up with a temp and pain like I've done a million sit ups. Probably the strain on my abdomen from having to sleep on my side.
Contacting 111 now because I can't cope with this much pain.
On the plus side my infection looks far better.
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May 13, 2022 2:23:18 GMT
Post by Hezz on May 13, 2022 2:23:18 GMT
🥺Feeling very sorry for you, Ira, and can’t even begin to imagine how you feel. Hope it all settles down for you very soon. 😘
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