Gas pain

Total hysterectomy done yesterday (davinci robot assisted, one incision in my belly button, everything removed through my vagina). I felt pretty good at the hospital and was able to manage the pain while there. Once I got home, I started getting very uncomfortable. Sharp pain in my left shoulder and it hurts to take a deep breath. The area around my ribs hurts a ton too. I didn't really sleep last night while in hospital and I don't know if I will be able to tonight either. Just laying down in bed was excruciating. I have tried to walk around as much as possible, used a heating pad, and drank some peppermint tea. Does anyone have any other suggestions? Also, how long should I expect the gas pains to last? I called the doctor on call already tonight and she gave me some advice but I'm wondering if anyone has helpful tips for me. Thank you!

Caitlin732003, The Co2 pains are awful. The only good thing about them is they only last a couple, maybe 3 days. Here is an article we have about it ---> Relief from CO2 gas pains. One other thing I can think of that helped was moist heat. Wet a towel, wring it out, and put it on the affected area. I wrapped mine in another towel, some ladies suggest a plastic bag. I'm not sure why that seems to help, but it does. No matter what the Co2 pain should be gone soon. in there!

Try a very warm washcloth on your left shoulder. Is supposed to help draw the gas out of your body.
I found the gas pains only lasted 2-3 days max and was manageable with prescription pain meds. I found I couldn't sleep laying flat. I had placed 3 pillows behind me and 2 more under my knees so I was in a semi "sitting" position in bed.

laying flat with heat pack on shoulder has helped me. gentle hugs coming your way!

I was in the hospital for 4 days/nights when I had my TAH and I found it helpful to sip on gingerale. This would make me gently burp and I figured at least the air was coming out of somewhere. My gas pains lasted about 4 days and then got a whole lot better once I got home and I was able to walk around more. Wishing each one of you wonderful recoveries

I'm sorry you are so uncomfortable, but, I do remember being in the same boat. I mostly used ice packs to help with pain and swelling, and sometimes had to sleep slightly propped up to take the strain off my tummy. Also, using a pillow under my knees helped to prevent the weight of my legs from pulling on my tummy even in the littlest bit. Seemed like there were times I was surrounded by pillows propping different parts of me. I really missed having automatic controls on my bed like I had in the hospital.

I also used a heating pad for areas on my back and shoulders. My stitches didn't like being too warm, it actually would hurt to use heat on them, so the ice packs helped with that, and my neck and shoulders and lower back sometimes too, the heat was wonderful. Use what you need where you need it and do what you have to for comfort, which will include lots of cat naps til you can sleep mostly through the night.