My Back Is Killing Me!

[AutumnPunkin 313]

So I had surgery on Halloween '13. I suffered severe back pain in the hospital that spanned across the base of my left shoulder blade to the right shoulder blade base. This eventually was relieved shortly as I was able to walk. I suffered also from intense abdominal pain, for which everyone said was normal. My pain did let up eventually as I am 11 days post op. My pain in my abdomen is lessened by Tylenol and a stomach binding, just bought today.

Unfortunately my back is getting worse. About 5 days ago, I was experiencing back pain in the small area of my back, but towards my left side. I attribute it to stay in the same position for so long, it actually caused back strain. I still believe this is the fact. But today when I woke up, I can barely walk without severe pain!! I cannot bend of due to abdominal pain from surgery, and straightening up causes me to almost collapse from pain. I am seeing my GP tomorrow, and my surgeon on the 18th. I have never heard or read if this happening to anyone. The only position that doesn't hurt my back is to sit in a reclined position. What are your thoughts?

[pumpkin73 21]

Sorry to hear and yes, I have the same problem. When I went in for my 2 wk post op, he said it was musculoskeletal. I'm now almost 5 wks post op. It is not as bad as it was but I have to use a heating pad & tylenol to get some relief. Hope you feel better.

[oldoneyoungagain 200]

They use air to fill the gavity when doing surgery and it depends on how much they have to use. This travels up to the left shoulder as there is (what you might consider empty space)thus the pain. This eventually gets absorbed but walking definitely helps, and yes the recliner does to. Remember there is gravity, so if you are upright it will travel down, if you are reclined it is going to pretty much stay down. Passing gas or bleching also help. I have had both lapband and bypass, and for the first couple of weeks I slept in my recliner for just that reason. I was off pain meds within three to four days, also used gas x with the band, didn't have to with the bypass.