Just got back from dr. visit, still having pain...

I'm at over 8 weeks now and still get terrible back (lower) pain even after just the smallest activites. I need to get better, I have to go back to work next week!! Plus my vaginal area feels irritated and dry but she says that's from lack of estrogen so now I have to apply estrogen cream. But the back pain is what really concerns me and she said now I have to talk to my regular physician about that!!! She said it's not from the hysterectomy! WEll, of course it is!!! I never had back pain "before' the hysterectomy!!!! Does anyone have any advice or help!! I'm pretty bummed about all of this!! My vicodin is running out!!!! Thanks!!! zanylynn

HI I KNOW WHAT YOUR GOING THRU. mY BACK HURTED FOR A WHILE AFTER I HAD MY SURGERY. BUT IT WASN'T FROM THE SURGERY I THINK IT WAS HOW THEY HAD YOU ON THE OR TABLE. PLUS THOSE STUPID HOSITPTAL BEDS THERE NOT COMFORTABLE AT ALL. I HAD MY SURGERY ALMOST A YEAR AGO AND THINGS DO GET BETTER, SO TRY TO TAKE IT EASY REST WHEN YOU CAN AND DON'T WORK TOO HARD. GOD BLESS YOU

I can really relate to this post.

I also had kind of a slow recovery -- in fact, I'm still dealing with post-op difficulties.

I was still having pain at 8 weeks, too, and I would get so very tired! I remember going for my six-week checkup, putting my head down on the chair next to mine "just for a minute" and then waking with a start 45 minutes later, complete with a pool of drool on the chair !! I must have had a look of horror on my face, because the nurse said, "Don't worry -- he had an emergency, and I didn't want to wake you." Ack!!!

Although you didn't experience back pain before your surgery, that doesn't necessarily mean that your surgery caused your pain, either. I know how it feels to feel like you're being put off by the doctor, though. I had my surgery at a big teaching hospital/clinic, and for my post-op stuff I've really gone to my family doc anyway -- I feel like I get more personalized care at my own clinic. And my regular doc is the one who has isolated my ongoing post-op complaint.

As far as the vaginal dryness goes -- along with the cream, you might want to try a personal lubricant. There are lots of great brands, including one sold right here at the HysterSisters store! I thought the dryness was just an annoyance, but I have learned that it can actually become rather serious if left uncared for. A little lubricant means a world of difference in comfort, too.

Hi, I am 7 1/2 weeks post op and I know what you mean about the back pain. I still have lower back pain and I have had it since the hyst. I personally think it is related some how. Some days it is worse than others so hopefully it will go away soon. When I am up and moving it is not as bad as when I am sitting or riding in the car., even in bed on my back it hurts so I usually have to sleep on my stomach. I have been seriously thinking about going for a massage to see if that will help. I go back to the dr on 6-28-2005 and hope that it is gone by then or I will definitely bring it up to my dr. Wishing you the best.

Hi zanylynn,

I was also having mid and low back discomfort post-op. I think it was caused by resting in bed so much, and from inactivity. I also think there is a natural tendency to want to protect the abdomen, and think I did that by tensing all the muscles down there. After a number of trips to my chiropractor, and after doing some gentle stretching it seems to have resolved. My spine just felt so stiff, and now feels more fluid again.

Would you consider seeing a chiropractor? I also think a massage is a great idea. We are so imobilized after surgery, I think things kind of freeze up. Maybe you just need some body work of some sort.

Good luck!

I too have the back pain. I do believe its from the postions that they put you in for the surgery and the fact that you aren't as mobile afterwards. I'm only 2 1/2 weeks out, but know as soon as I get the go ahead I am headed to the chiropractor! I don't have any suggestions for the dryness- I'm on an estrogen patch. Maybe some K-Y Jelly????

Good luck and hang in there!

Thanks to all who replied--I appreciate it-- guess I just have to take it one day at a time and consider my options (massage, chiropractor etc..) Thanks, all, zanylynn