Seeking Advice on Post-Surgery Pain
I'm a 35-year-old woman weighing 175 pounds and standing 5 feet 5 inches tall. I've been diagnosed with anxiety and depression, and my current medications include Klonopin and Wellbutrin. I do not smoke or consume alcohol, and I identify as Caucasian. I underwent surgery on April 10 and continue to experience significant discomfort. I am concerned about whether this level of pain is typical. My doctor reassures me that everything appears to be healing well and that post-operative pain can be expected. However, I sometimes feel as if I’m walking on rocky surfaces, yet the x-rays and the physical examination of my foot indicate no abnormalities. Additionally, it is painful to apply pressure on my big toe, regardless of the type of shoes I wear. I have a vacation planned for next week, and I am anxiously worried that it will be spoiled by my current condition. I will include a description of the procedure I had in the comments for reference. I just feel overwhelmed because it often seems that complications arise whenever I undergo a medical treatment. Any insights or advice you could offer would be incredibly appreciated. Thank you kindly in advance for your help!
Answers (1)
7/6/2025, 11:20:31 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed after surgery, especially when experiencing significant discomfort, and I appreciate you sharing your concerns. It's common to have post-surgical pain, but the nature and intensity can vary from person to person. Given your description, it sounds like the pain you’re experiencing, particularly with pressure on your big toe, might be part of the normal healing process, but it's important to manage it effectively to enjoy your upcoming vacation.
Explanation
After surgery, especially on the foot, it’s typical to experience pain as the body heals. However, sensations like feeling as if you’re walking on rocky surfaces and persistent pain when pressure is applied can indicate sensitivity in the area, and it’s possible your nerves may still be adjusting post-surgery. Since the x-rays and exams show no complications, it suggests that there hasn’t been a physical issue in the tissue itself.
Next Steps
Here are some specific and prioritized measures to help you manage your pain effectively in the days leading up to your vacation:
-
Pain Management: Continue taking any prescribed pain medication as directed. If you find your current regimen isn’t controlling your pain effectively, consider discussing with your doctor about adjusting doses or exploring topical pain relief options like gels or patches that can provide localized relief.
-
Rest and Elevation: Try to rest your foot as much as possible and keep it elevated when sitting or lying down. This can help reduce swelling and discomfort.
-
Ice Application: Applying ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day can help alleviate pain and reduce any inflammation. Make sure to wrap the ice pack in a cloth to prevent frostbite.
-
Proper Footwear: Opt for soft, supportive shoes that provide adequate cushioning. Avoid heels or tight shoes that can exacerbate discomfort. Open-toed sandals might be more comfortable if appropriate for your condition.
-
Gentle Movement: Gradually begin to gently move your toe or foot as tolerated to help with healing. Simple foot exercises can help improve flexibility and circulation, but ensure that you do this within comfortable limits.
-
Mind-Body Techniques: Given your background with anxiety and depression, consider practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga as these can help alleviate stress and pain perception.
If your symptoms worsen or you notice new issues such as swelling, redness, or increased pain, it's important to reach out to your doctor promptly. Remember, the goal is to feel comfortable and enjoy your vacation, so take these steps to make that happen. If you need further guidance, feel free to ask.
Related Questions
Concerns About Persistent Cough: Is It Cardiac Related?
Greetings everyone, I’m a 20-year-old male weighing 320 pounds, which qualifies as overweight. Having dealt with asthma for the majority of my life—although it’s generally mild—I typically rely on a nebulizer during occasions of typical chest colds. For some context, I came down with a cold around January 9th. Being on a college campus frequently means exposure to a variety of illnesses, and I suspect I contracted bronchitis, given the lasting cough and breathlessness I experienced for a couple of weeks afterward. However, I believed I had fully recuperated and moved on. Recently, since about Monday, I have noticed a return of my breathlessness along with a persistent cough and a sensation of fluid in my chest and throat. I find myself coughing as I attempt to clear my throat. This comes and goes, but it tends to intensify in the mornings right after I wake up and at night when I try to sleep. Additionally, I spend time with friends who smoke on occasion, and I initially thought that secondhand smoke might be a contributing factor. My concern has grown, and I’m unsure what to think. So, I’m reaching out for guidance: could this be residual effects from my cold in January, or should I be concerned that this might indicate a more serious issue related to my heart?
Hernia Diagnosis Without Follow-Up: A Conflicting Situation
A 22-year-old male recently visited the emergency room due to discomfort in his lower abdomen. Upon examination, the medical team was indecisive about whether he was experiencing an oblique muscle problem or a hernia. Surprisingly, they opted against performing a CT scan or ultrasound and did not schedule any follow-up appointments. To the best of my knowledge, hernias typically do not resolve themselves with merely the use of ace bandages or over-the-counter pain medication; surgical intervention is usually necessary for proper treatment. Is there a specific rationale behind their reluctance to pursue further diagnostic testing or surgery?
Experiencing Wheezing During Deep Breaths
Greetings, everyone! I'm seeking your insights on a particular issue I'm facing: I experience a wheezing sound only when inhaling deeply. Interestingly, it's noticeable on one side, and it's audible to others as well. I've never used tobacco or any other substances, nor do I consume alcohol. My weight falls within a healthy range, and I do not have asthma. Additionally, my oxygen levels are normal, and I don’t struggle with breathing; this situation is more of an irritation than a serious problem. I’ve recorded the noise, but I’m unable to share it here; it honestly resembles the sound of a rubber chicken. I would appreciate any thoughts or suggestions! Thank you in advance!
Unexplained Episodes of Abdominal Discomfort
Age: 28 Gender: Female Weight: 194 lbs Height: 5’7" Current Medications: Vitamin D, Fish Oil, B Complex Vitamins, Birth Control Pills, Vyvanse 30 mg Health Background: Asthma, Eczema, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Since August 2025, I've experienced three occurrences of intense abdominal discomfort that necessitated visits to the emergency room for pain management. These episodes usually strike at night, escalating to unbearable levels within around 30 minutes. None of the sitting positions seem to provide relief, and gastrointestinal medications have proven largely ineffective. Only strong pain relievers seem to alleviate the suffering. After the peak of the pain subsides, my abdomen remains sensitive for more than three days. I can accurately identify the location of the discomfort, which appears to be between the midepigastric area and near the gallbladder. The pain is difficult to articulate, yet it presents as a severe burning and aching sensation. Interestingly, there does not seem to be any specific food intake related to these pain episodes. I underwent an H. Pylori breath test that returned negative results. Additionally, I had an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Although the biopsies were also negative for H. Pylori, they did reveal residual liquid in my stomach and a small section of intestinal metaplasia. My complete blood count (CBC) and comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) results were normal, except for elevated LDL levels, which I’m already aware of. My gastroenterologist has recommended a gastric emptying study (GES) to evaluate the functionality of my stomach. If results indicate no issues, we will then investigate the gallbladder. Are there alternative explanations for my symptoms? Should I be worried about autoimmune metaplastic atrophic gastritis (AMAG)? While I have been diagnosed with GERD, this pain feels distinctly different from the GERD-related discomfort. I am not entirely sure it is gastroparesis, even though I occasionally regurgitate if I eat too quickly; I do not experience nausea or malnutrition. I have researched extensively, and my symptoms align with biliary colic. However, I am anxious about the possibility of gallstones not appearing in the ultrasound. My gastroenterologist is not particularly concerned about the intestinal metaplasia, but being only 28 years old, I find this worrying. As a medical student, these painful episodes significantly hinder my studies and academic progress.
Understanding My Symptoms: A Personal Account
I’m sharing my experiences here, as I haven’t received much feedback elsewhere. I am a 15-year-old female, measuring about 5 feet tall (152 cm) and weighing between 105 and 110 pounds (47-50 kg). I identify as Hispanic and Cuban, and legally fall under the white classification. I reside in Palm Beach County, Florida, and I am a U.S. citizen. I have a diagnosis of Autism and previously had ADD, although that diagnosis has been dropped, which leaves me unsure about my current condition—whether ADHD applies or not. Additionally, I have a past history of anemia, although it is currently not diagnosed. For the past year, I've experienced a range of symptoms that appear intermittently and are often present almost daily. While these symptoms vary, they haven’t subsided. I’ve noticed that both physical activity and caffeine can either trigger or exacerbate these issues. Now, I’d like to detail the symptoms I've been facing. One of my major concerns is my balance; when I stand, I often feel unsteady, and sometimes I even limp. This particular symptom is quite troubling as it occurs frequently. I also experience occasional dizziness and fatigue, which leaves me feeling too weak to move, causing me to remain still for prolonged periods. During episodes of significant fatigue or balance issues, I find myself starting to stutter and I suspect my speech may slur at times. Additionally, my hands sometimes shake, especially when I struggle to walk. There could be other symptoms I haven’t recalled yet, but this is what I remember for now. I will provide updates if I think of anything else, and I welcome any engagement. Furthermore, I’ve noticed irregularities with my heart rate. Initially, when these symptoms began, my resting heart rate dropped from the 80s and 90s to the 50s and 60s; this lower rate has persisted. Lately, however, even simple tasks such as standing, walking short distances, or rocking back and forth (which I do as a self-soothing mechanism) have caused my heart rate to spike to the 100s. These changes are new, while the other symptoms have been consistent for about a year. I genuinely seek guidance or support, as I feel uneasy relying on AI for self-assessment. Unfortunately, I can't afford doctor visits at this time, and my caretaker has shown little concern for my well-being. Therefore, please refrain from suggesting medical consultations. Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I’m open to any questions.