stitch type pain under ribcage, only occurs when trying to breathe deeply

I am maybe 17 hours post op and I have this. Been told it's gas moving around the newly formed stomach. Plus in my case the surgical carbon dioxide gas. Had similar when my gallbladder came out too, like I need to burp but just can't

I had this exact pain Thursday night, stitch like pain, under left rib/breast, couldn't breathe, or sleep on either side that night, only on my back. I phoned my surgeons office Friday morning. Took it very seriously and sent me for ct scans. 

It was serious, and very glad I called. I don't want to scare anyone, but if you have this please make sure you call the nurse. It was a pulmonary embolism on my left lung, blood clot. 

Also please wear your teds post surgery and don't be slack with the clexane! :)

This also happened to me.It felt like my lungs were catching on my ribs. The doctor said it was internal stitches from stitching the fat out of the way to clear their view of the stomach and would ease as they dissolved. I also saw a physio because I know what happens in theatre and the positions and pressures applied during surgery. He said it was also probably due to being expanded with the gas and it causes stretching of the muscles and cartilage around the rib cage and can also cause spasms in the back. It took two treatments and it is resolved thankfully.

Hi wwwbill, I am 6 weeks post op and I experienced a similar pain but on my left side for a few weeks post op. However like it has already been said, this might have been nothing for me, but if you have any doubts always consult your surgeon, no use taking any chances!

WondaWendy wrote:

This is probably not helpful at all (so sorry! lol), but I have had very similar sounding pain before several times in my life with the sharp pain when breathing in (however, I haven't been sleeved and it doesn't last for as long as 2 weeks, more like a couple of days).  I assumed mine was something like a pinched nerve and was just thinking it might have happened to you during the sleeve process, but, even while I'm writing this, I think it probably won't be that simple.

I really feel for you as it feels horrible. Hope you sort it out soon.

Cheers,
Wendy :)

I agree with Wendy, I used to have this a LOT pre-surgery, but do go back to your GP for an ultrasound whilst your surgeon is on annual leave and then hopefully he will be back by the time the results are ready or see another surgeon.  Any type of pain or things not feeling quite right - go immediately back to your surgeon and request follow up tests.

You are in the healing stage which is were things can go wrong.  Mine was 5 weeks after surgery when things hit the fan and I was rushed in for emergency bypass.  Don't leave it to that long.

I think the initial advise is best if in doubt go to the Dr just for peace of mind.  However it does sound like just from the stitching area I did find pain when going over bumps etc in cars sneezing coughing and yes even lying to one side where the abdo sort hung I'm talking the fat not the stomach organ.

When anyone has real concerns and it is so soon after the op a Dr should be contacted the specialist may have a nurse in practise who can answer these type of inquiries over the phone ring to find out don't suffer in silence.

I had a stitch kind of pain on my right hand side everytime I moved a certain way after surgery. My surgeon told me it was internal stitches.

This is probably not helpful at all (so sorry! lol), but I have had very similar sounding pain before several times in my life with the sharp pain when breathing in (however, I haven't been sleeved and it doesn't last for as long as 2 weeks, more like a couple of days).  I assumed mine was something like a pinched nerve and was just thinking it might have happened to you during the sleeve process, but, even while I'm writing this, I think it probably won't be that simple.

I really feel for you as it feels horrible. Hope you sort it out soon.

Cheers,
Wendy :)

Hey wwwbill,

It's odd that its on your right side. My instant thought after describing the pain, and the trouble breathing was gallbladder....

...but it could be anything. Can you head to your GP to get it checked until your surgeon comes back? Or is there another surgeon in the office, or an office nurse that you could talk to?

I had a lot of aches and pains after the surgery too. But mine were contact based (e.g. lying on my left side or sitting with poor posture), not based on breathing. Must be so uncomfortable and annoying!!!

Hope it clears up for you soon! And fingers crossed that its just some residual swelling or something simple like that.

Lexi xo

Hi all,

I am just over 2 weeks post op, and right from the start I have had a stitch-like pain under the right side ribcage. Whilst the other soreness has gone, this sharp pain remains.

I have been out walking regularly and have been taking gas relief pharmacy products (containing simethicone).  I feel the pain only when I try to expand my rib cage fully.

There is no relationship with eating (too much or too fast).  It is purely to do with breathing deeply.  This makes sneezing painful, yawning nearly impossible and, moving from one side to another in bed, uncomfortable.

Please can someone reassure me that this situation is not forever?  My surgeon is on leave at the moment - I can't see him for another 2 weeks. 

I appreciate that other Sleevers have had far worse "side effects". Its just that I still have to breathe - last time I checked this bodily function is not optional!

Thank you!