Help! I can not get rid of the gas!

[momagrant]

I am three weeks out of my surgery on 06/06/2007. I am having real problems passing the gas build up in my abdomen. It hurts! I have taken Gas X and Mylanta, nothing seems to work! I can't burp, or pass the gas the other way. It just hurts. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I am miserable. I can't sleep lying down, I have to sleep propped up, and I can't turn over yet either. I am really not a complainer. This is just miserable, I have never had this problem before.

Thanks for listening.

momagrant

[QueenOfChunk]

I think time is the only answer to getting rid of ALL the gas. Since it's not in your stomach I don't know if Gas-X would even work. I would suggest walks and heating pads, from experience. It took mine a while. I still wake up some nights in pain from it.

[ky woman]

I am three weeks out of my surgery on 06/06/2007. I am having real problems passing the gas build up in my abdomen. It hurts! I have taken Gas X and Mylanta, nothing seems to work! I can't burp, or pass the gas the other way. It just hurts. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I am miserable. I can't sleep lying down, I have to sleep propped up, and I can't turn over yet either. I am really not a complainer. This is just miserable, I have never had this problem before.

Thanks for listening.

momagrant

I'm a registered nurse and am familiar with the type of pain you are feeling. I want to help you. Have you ever done a colon clense? Americans often have a build-up of gunk on the lining of the colon that makes having bowel movements difficult. Signs include small diameter stools, bloating and needing to take something to have a bowel movement. The gunk on your colon may be making it more difficult to move the products of the surgery.

I am including a patient teaching sheet for people who may be interested in getting rid of the gas as soon as possible after the surgery. I have, also, seen some research that suggests chewing gum after the surgery may be helpful.

How to Get Rid of Gas

after Surgery

People who have had surgery often complain more about gas pains or discomfort from the

surgery. Your nurse can give you pain medicine every 3 - 4 hours after your surgery. This

medicine will help take away the surgery pain, but will not take away the gas discomfort. If you

have trouble with discomfort, a few easy exercises will help you get rid of the gas.

What will Happen after Surgery?

After surgery, you may not be able to eat or drink. When you start to take fluids, do not take

very hot or very cold liquids. Both can cause gas. You may suck on ice chips because ice will

melt in your mouth. The water then warms up before it gets to your stomach.

What can I do to Prevent Gas Pains?

The best way to prevent gas pain is to have a bowel movement as soon as possible after

surgery. Other things that may help are moving in bed from side to side, getting out of bed,

and walking.

How do I Get Rid of the Gas?

L Massaging or rubbing your stomach or mild exercise may help get rid of gas. Do this

exercise several times a day :

< Lie on your back with your legs straight and a pillow under your knees.

< Slowly raise your right leg and move it toward your stomach. Bend your leg at the

knee and hip.

< Hold this position for a count of ten (10).

< Take 2 or 3 slow, deep breaths.

< Slowly lower your leg.

< Repeat this exercise with your left leg.

L Try rubbing or massaging your stomach this way:

< Make your hands into fists.

< Put the knuckles of your left hand on the right side of your stomach.

< Use firm but gentle pressure.

< Roll your hand up toward your chest, across your stomach, and down the left side.