If you have ever had surgery you know that incision pain isn't just an ache. It can ache, burn, feel like it is coming apart. Those are just the normal pains, but what about when you feel a new more intense pain? Suddenly, it hurts more than it did before, or it is bleeding more than it was. This is one of the first signs that something might be wrong. There is a wide range of problems that can go wrong with an abdominal incision from infection to total dehisence.
Some pains are normal and just from the trauma, and part of the normal healing process. Trauma from the surgery its self is a major cause of the majority of your pains. Nerves, muscles, connective tissues, and skin all get cut, pulled and manipulated during surgery, and then they have the hard task of coming back together. This trauma and swelling that contributes to your aches and pains afterward is normal. Plus, depending on the anesthesia of choice it causes its own set of aches and pains post op.
Here are a few warning signs to take note of that will ensure you know when to call your doctor:
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Pain is new or worse, -
bulge anywhere around or in the incision, -
reopening of the incision, -
new swelling of the abdomen, -
new or increased bleeding from the vagina, -
unable to pass gas or have a bowel movement, -
swollen red or discolored area that is new, -
fever above 101.0 F, -
or you are unable to walk normally.
Basically, trust your gut... Literally... If you think it feels wrong call your doctor, but if you can see your bowels protruding through your incision or you are gushing blood... Call 911!
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