shoulder pain after appendectomy

[csa141980]

Last Monday I had an emergency appendectomy (it had burst). I was in the hospital till Wed and released with two antibiotics and pain pills. Sun. I had bad pain in my neck/shoulder down to my elbow and my ring finger and pinky are partially numb. Maybe cubital tunnel syndrome? Still hurts & I thought it was the cipro antibiotic No - stopped those Mon, maybe jp drain – no that out yesterday. Nurse said maybe way I laid on the op table but I told her no since it started Sunday & surgery was prev Monday. Please help, Maybe I'm overly nervous cause they told appendix was a pulled muscle wk before surgery. I found a couple of exercises, no help & it said muscle wasting could occur. Scary! On Lydocane APAP for surgery - why I think pain comes & goes (comes especially when I lay down - I sleep with heat around my arm/shoulder and take a pain pill but I am running please help - I'm tired of hurting. Also hurts shoulder to yawn and when I breath deep it hurts shoulder and right side.

[Maria RN]

Was it a laparoscopic or open appendectomy? I've read that shoulder pain may be experienced by patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy. This is because of the air introduced in the abdomen during the procedure. Of course there may be other reasons for shoulder pain, it would be better to talk to your doctor just to be sure. Good luck.

[csa141980]

it was laproscopic but the pain didn't start until six days after the surgery. Thanks!! :-)

[Maria RN]

No probs. Just inform your doctor about your symptom because shoulder pain is commonly experienced during the first couple of days after the surgery.

[csa141980]

Thanks, sue... I feel better knowing it is not just me.. :-)