Breathing problems post-op

Betsyjane · 11-15-2006, 08:35 AM

I'm having trouble taking a decent breath. My surgery was Monday. The nurses day it is due to trapped gas, and that walking and gas-x are the answer...mostly walking. I've been doing both, but it's still difficult. Any ideas! (I'm also trying to figure out how air pushe dinot you around your stomach so they can see during surgery, would end up INSIDE your stomach in order to be burped out....)

Otherwise, I'm doing OK.

**Kat817** · 11-15-2006, 10:04 AM

While I cannot explain the workings of your innards, I can sympathize!! With my banding I didn't have any gas issues, but when I had my hysterectomy I did! Walking helped me, but I needed to change positions often! If I sat or walked a lot the gas did what it does naturally and rose to the top...up around my shoulders and lungs, and heart, and breathing hurt!!! I found when it got bad, if I would lay down, allow it to move, it helped a lot. Walking does help it dissipate, I understand it is absorbed into your organs and is dispersed that way. But a change of position when you are really hurting might help you. Others have head relief from a heating pad as well.
Hope you feel better soon!!!
Kat

Parvathi · 11-15-2006, 03:10 PM

Hey Betsyjane,

I had the same issues, with both of my band surgeries. After surgery, the doctor told me to make sure atleast once an hour, I took 10 deep breaths and held them for a few seconds. Being groggy, I guess I didn't stop to ask why .. but eventually, it got easier to take those big breaths.

If you're concerned about it though, definitely call your surgeon's office and ask them about it.

Good luck :)

Jachut · 11-15-2006, 04:06 PM

That's normal, there's so much gas inside you that its harder and where the pain is located makes it hard to take in a deep breath too. I too was told 10 deep breaths an hour (same surgeon, makes sense, lol).

rubymum · 11-15-2006, 11:40 PM

I had a lot a pain from the gas and alot of trouble breathing properly after the operation. I found that heat packs on my shoulders (particularly the left) worked really well. Also, one of the nurses at the Avenue in Melbourne gave me peppermint water which worked really well. Perhaps you could try peppermint tea - it makes you burp and relieves some of the gas pressure.
The gas that is pumped into your abdomen during the surgery is absorbed through the bowel and stomach lining this is what causes the need to pass wind from both ends. The gas is also absorbed up through your diaphragm into the area surrounding your lungs etc, this along with the nerve stimulation from around your stomach (from having the band put in place) causes the chest and shoulder pain.
You should also try taking some pain relief as it is realy important to be as comfortable as possible so that you can take deep breaths, cough and keep moving.

If it continues you definately need to call your surgeons rooms.

Good Luck
Amanda
Melbourne Australia
Banded 26th September 2006
Avenue Private Hospital
Lost 15.5 kg so far (34.1 lbs)

Betsyjane · 11-16-2006, 08:50 AM

Yep. I have the incentive spirometer. I started at 1000 and have now gotten it up to 1500. Thanks for the explanation about the gas. It makes sense. Gas-x doesn't seem to do anything, and I suppose that's because the gas is dispersed in places the gas-x doesn't go. I'm walking and that seems to help some, but I'm so slow since I can't get a full breath. This morning I started some "deep" yoga breathing. It's interesting-nothing else seems to bother me. Once I get rid of the gas, I should be feeling darn good, except when I bend wrong! I'm on my way.

ssmanzo · 11-16-2006, 05:02 PM

I just experienced the sharp pain thing the past two days. I was doubled over with pain at times and could not move or take a deep breath. I called the nurse and we figured out that I was somewhat constipated and that the bowels were getting 'backed up' (gross, I know!) which was maaking me bloated and I THINK it was making my port (mine is on my left side) hit my ribs or SOMETHING because it hurt like you-know-what! Turns out, I am not drinking enough water, sooo guess I will have to work on that.
I too still have a tough time bending over...

I also have trouble laying on my right side (the port is on the left...) at night...I am 2 weeks post op. Has anyone had this issue? It seems if I lay on the left side, it shifts my port out and away from my ribs. I dunno...crazy stuff!

FullofGRACE · 11-17-2006, 12:31 PM

I'm a week out and I am breathing much better, but I had the exact same experience. I called the surgeon the night of because it was so bad and it's all the air in the chest cavity. I'm 90 percent better a week out but still pain when breathing sometimes.