Open Inguinal Repair Surgery, Sore Muscles. Normal?

Posted on Tue, 22 May 2012

Question: Hi, I had open ingruial repair surgery yesterday morning....and today it feels like I've run 3 marathons....every muscle in my body is sore like after a long hard workout.... Is this normal....I can barely walk cause of it, and it's more painful than the surgery site itself

Tks
C

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (16 minutes later)

Hello.

Thanks for your query.

The muscle soreness you are having could have been from succinylcholine which is a muscle relaxant used for endotracheal intubation and for very short surgical procedures where good muscular relaxation for brief periods is required. However, such a popular and extensively used short acting muscle relaxant has some undesirable side effects like postoperative muscle pains, and rise in serum potassium, intra-ocular tension and intragastric pressure. The pain is from the unsynchronized skeletal muscle contractions called "fasciculations" caused by succinylcholine. Some times it can be pretreated with certain medication/s but doesn't always prevent it. Also, usually larger the muscle worse the fasciculations and the muscle soreness.

It should wean off on its own, if not you will be treated, you can consult your operated surgeon who will give you appropriate treatment.

I hope this information has been both informative and helpful for you. If there are additional concerns, I am available for your followups.

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (29 minutes later)

is there anything i can do in the meantime myself?

how long should it last?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (18 minutes later)

Hello.

Thanks for writing back.
It usually lasts for 48 to 72 hours post operatively. Normally it subsides on its own. You cant do much about it but still increase your fluid intake and avoid fruit juices XXXXXXX in potassium like orange juice or lime water.
Sincerely hope it will help.
Wishing you an early recovery.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (2 hours later)

Thank you or the advice....water here I come :).

Thanks
C

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (56 minutes later)

Hi,

You are Welcome.

It is our pleasure to help you.

Wish you a good health.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar