Post surgery stomach problems.

[gormenghast]

I had knee replacement surgery eleven days ago and still have the most appalling stomach problems. The diarrhoea has stopped (mainly I think because my painkillers have bunged it up a bit), but I still feel 'icky' a lot of the time.I'm also flatulent. This coupled with the most amazing tiredness still in the middle of the day. I know I'm 65, but I wasn't anywhere near as debilitated as this when my knee was at it's worst.Should this type of post anaesthesia tummy still be persisting after eleven days? Any patients, doctors or nurses in the Mumsnet house?

Oh _forgot feeling bloated like an old air balloon!

Are you on codeine and other painkillers ? They mess me up, so I come off then as soon as possible after surgery.

Tummy probs are likely due to meds, diet and changes of environment. Hang on in there and hopefully reduce meds. Are you eating normally and keeping to a fairly normal schedule?

Tiredness could be down to the fact that your body is recovering from major surgery! As before, think in terms of weeks. Give yourself a break and maybe lower your expectations. If you're really concerned you could ask your GP for a check, but your recovery sounds fairly normal.

My advice is to eat and drink well. Rest, potter, physio, rest, potter, physio. All about you.

Finally accept all and any help offered.

Best wishes.

Ps I will be having a knee replacement at some point so will be watching your progress with interest! Do let us know when you start to feel better.

Hi Everyone and thank you. Just had the most griping tummyache ever.It made me cry. I think one of the problems is that my doctor has taken me off my anti-inflammatories and my co-codomol tabletsand now that I've had the knee done and the specialist actually told me when he examined my knee six months that I probably had osteoarthritis in my hips as well. I am trying to do my physio and am finding that the pain is so bad that it makes me feel sick. Also because it's referring up into my hips and other knee. I think I still need the medication for the hips, especially as I'm trying to do exercises with a new knee I'm in as much agony as before. I seriously think I shouldn't have gone cold turkey like this.It's making me feel very ill and the cramps are really awful.Has anyone had the same problems?I hear what you say about the codeine The Fuzz. Funnily enough

my co-codomol have always really suited me. I did wonder if going off my anti- inflammatories so suddenly has exacerbated the gastric problems

I'm two weeks post op today (appendix) and have had very similar problems. I think it;s a combo of the meds, anaesthetic, change of eating pattern and mobility..

The bloating lasted AGES for me.. vile. My stomach is still swinging wildly between the runs and brick like constipation.. and I'm 20 yrs your junior..so sadly I think it's just the combo of meds and op.

Hope you feel better soon!

Have you talked to your GP about a gradual reduction as I have suggested? I really think you should. Here is some info you might find useful.

Withdrawal and dependence[edit]
As with other opiate-based pain killers, chronic use of codeine can cause physical dependence. When physical dependence has developed, withdrawal symptoms may occur if a person suddenly stops the medication. Withdrawal symptoms include: drug craving, runny nose, yawning, sweating, insomnia, weakness, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle spasms, chills, irritability, and pain. To minimize withdrawal symptoms, long-term users should gradually reduce their codeine medication under the supervision of a healthcare professional.[9]

Please get medical advice. Good luck.

Ps do you not have any stronger meds than paracetamol to tide you over? Being comfortable enough to mobilise and do your physio is vital to your recovery.

Thank you so much everyone. I have an infection in the wound site which I am now having antibiotics for and that is feeling much better.Thanks Mathilda the Cat for the stuff about codeine. I had begun to wonder about that myself.I have bought some Ibruprofen because my hips are still giving me jip which is making my good knee hurt. I already take a one tablet per day anti-inflammatory. Would Ibruprofen be ok? Any doctors out there who could also advise.

Call the pharmacist to check. Maybe go there are have a review of all your meds. They are happy to advise.

Glad you're slowly on the mend.

Hi Everyone.
Sadly I've been taking the antibiotics now for five days. Only two days left and it's still pink and hot around the wound site. Tummy has improved a bit, but I get so feverish in the middle of the day that I can't get warm without two pairs of socks and a hot water bottle under my duvet. I feel like shit.

Sorry you are having such a rough time, my guess is you will need more and stronger antibiotics to get on top of the infection

Hi Everyone.Thanks PoshPenny.
Have been back to the doc this morning and as there's some sign of progress, e.g. not as much swelling and cessation of shivering and extreme cold feeling, she has extended the anti-biotics by three more days. I can't have anything stronger as they are the strongest.
Here's hoping

Has your GP actually swabbed the wound to check you are taking the right antibiotics? If not you might be taking something that will never help the infection. GPS often start by using a broad spectrum antibiotic but if that isn't helping please insist on a swab (which she should have done in the first place).

Really hope you finally turn a corner soon.

Thanks everyone for your help and support. I was feeling really low and desperate. I went to the nurse yesterday and the wound was healed and clean. She said the last bit of redness around the very edge of the dressing was caused by the adhesive they used on the dressing!! I am now dressing free, the redness is going and my bowels are trying to get used to life without strong antibiotics. Tired out and a bit diarrhoea-y but feeling a whole lot more positive.This is the first time I asked the Mumsnet world for a bit of TLC and you have been marvellous