Duodenal Switch Pain

After you have undergone surgery you may experience some pain, this is common and will be expected from most surgery. The best way to deal with this pain is to become fully aware with the types of pain you may experience, so you are prepared after you operation. You will also have access to prescribed pain relief during your hospital stay, and you will often be sent home with antibiotics. You will be allowed to take over the counter medicine to deal with the pain after you have been discharged from hospital. As long as you stay calm, and familiarise yourself with the types of pain you will be able to deal with anything that you may experience.

What type of pain is common?

You may experience pain caused by the Duodenal Switch surgery itself, which can include wound pain during the healing process, during your hospital stay all attempts will be made to reduce any risk of infection, after you have been discharged you will be required to clean the wounds regularly to ensure your surgical wounds heal quickly, effectively and with as little pain as possible. You may also experience stomach cramping, and uncomfortable bowel movements whilst your digestive system gets used to its new layout. You will be offered advice to deal with this, and you will follow a diet which limits the amount this may occur. You may experience diarrhoea and nausea caused by both the surgery and the waking up from surgery.  For any pain that you experience there will of course be a way in which it can be treated, you will usually stay in hospital for around 4 days, this give specialist nurses enough time to assess your recovery and to provide you with medical pain relief and assistance when necessary. If of course any complications occur your stay will be extended and you will be offered a longer period of assistance and access to prescribed medicines.


How can I cope with the pain?

You will of course have prescribed medicine available to you if you feel necessary during your hospital stay; you will also be given recommendations on what to take after you are discharged from hospital. You will usually be able to take over the counter medicine to deal with any pain. You will be required to look after your surgical wounds and ensure they heal properly without infection, as well as looking after yourself. You will be given assistance with how to adapt your lifestyle once the surgery has been completed, you should at all times follow this advice, including a much healthier diet and exercise regime, this will improve your health and ensure that your body adapts successfully to the change, In turn this will reduce any risk of pain, and will ensure that you are able to cope with anything which you may experience. You should ensure that you have the support of your family for the days following your procedure as well as of course for personal support throughout your changing lifestyle, and you will be able to access the specialist team of your surgeon, nurse, dietician and psychologist at any time necessary if you have any worries or require any more advice on how to reduce pain from a Duodenal Switch.

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