Recovery after open umbilical hernia repair - is this normal?

[Itsbeenabadday]

I had open surgery for a small umbilical hernia, using mesh, last week on Weds. I am now 5 days post surgery and the pain is worse than it has ever been since the operation.

On days 1-2, I felt like it was bearable and was confident I would be back at work by week 2. The past couple of days (4-5) however the pain in the area of surgery has been boardering on unbearable and I have a high pain threshold.

I'm on Dihydrocodeine, paracetamol and ibuprofen. I got up at 1am to take some Dihydrocodeine last night and felt so groggy and sick this morning, mixed in with unbearable pain. Generally, first thing in the morning is the worst until the pain killers kick in but even then, walking around is so painful I've basically been lying on my back on the sofa for a day and a half. Is this normal?

I was under the impression that the pain would be at ita worst from days 1-3 then I would be feeling much better in 1 week and right now I just can't see that being a possibility. I only have one days worth of Dihydrocodeine left and I don't know how I will cope! Could there be something wrong or am I overthinking it and feeling sorry for myself? TIA for any advice/experiences. X

No, this level of pain is not normal, you need to be seen by a HCP. Do you have a number to call from your post operative information documents? Or call your GP surgery/111

Oh gosh I just woke up having slept on the sofa since lunchtime. Probably too late to call GP now and no number to call at the hospital on discharge note. Might try 111 but have never had good outcomes with them, I've. They never actually call back. Do you think it could be an infection? I don't understand what could have gone wrong as I kept being told how straight forward a procedure it was 🥺