Back Pain from H---

I had a vaginal hysterectomy that left my ovaries. I didn't get horrendous back pain until my second week.

I was hopeful it would pass. I was wrong. It has increased ten-fold. It's UNBEARABLE. I could nearly vomit from the pain. I have tried Ibuprofen, Percocet, ice, heat, Naproxen. Sometimes in my sleep, when I turn or shift, it feels like my back is breaking into pieces. I swear I've heard it make some crackling noises as well.

At first I thought it was gas. Not it. I figured..well, I had been sitting more...not it. Whether I sit for awhile, drive, or walk around, it HURTS. I MEAN...HURTS.

Even hot baths with epsom salt don't work, and usually I can get some relief. I go to see my gyno tomorrow...but was wondering if anyone else has had the same experience?? I am supposed to go back to work next week and this pain is going to keep me from doing sooooo much.

Unbearable pain is unacceptable. I would say go to a doctor, a chiropractor, fysiotherapist, anyone that can help!
good luck

	Quote:
Originally Posted by nay.elizabeth I had a vaginal hysterectomy that left my ovaries. I didn't get horrendous back pain until my second week. I was hopeful it would pass. I was wrong. It has increased ten-fold. It's UNBEARABLE. I could nearly vomit from the pain. I have tried Ibuprofen, Percocet, ice, heat, Naproxen. Sometimes in my sleep, when I turn or shift, it feels like my back is breaking into pieces. I swear I've heard it make some crackling noises as well. At first I thought it was gas. Not it. I figured..well, I had been sitting more...not it. Whether I sit for awhile, drive, or walk around, it HURTS. I MEAN...HURTS. Even hot baths with epsom salt don't work, and usually I can get some relief. I go to see my gyno tomorrow...but was wondering if anyone else has had the same experience?? I am supposed to go back to work next week and this pain is going to keep me from doing sooooo much.

Hi Elizabeth,
I was told by my osteopath that sometimes when they lay you on the operating table they can put your back out..I had foot and leg pain after my hysterectomy in June..have been taking magnesium for it ...maybe try some magnesium tablets then make an appointment to see a physio..this may be more gentle than a chiropractor! If you are not up to work tell your boss..your healing is more important than anything else at the moment!!!
Good luck with your recovery!
Judydownunder

Could it be a Kidney Infection??? My back KILLS when I have one! Please do see a doc ASAP! Unbearable pain is NOT acceptable and needs to be fixed quick!!! Good luck sweetie! I hope you feel better and get some relief soon!

I was thinking possibly kidneys too - but it could be so many things. Please let us know what the Doc determines.

My gyno pushed on my back and determined it was tight muscles. They were retracting then pulling from my lack of daily movements I did before surgery.

She gave me exercises to do 3 times every morning and 3 times every evening. If no improvement, to see a chiropractor.

I still get a little pain but the exercises have helped quite a bit! She said to use the "cat and dog" stretch? If that is what it is called.

I also had a back injury a year ago from lifting a VERY heavy child incorrectly, and I also have a very slight case of Scoliosis. So I'm sure between that, and surgery, and my lack of regular movement for so long that it is just really tight muscles.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by nay.elizabeth My gyno pushed on my back and determined it was tight muscles. They were retracting then pulling from my lack of daily movements I did before surgery. She gave me exercises to do 3 times every morning and 3 times every evening. If no improvement, to see a chiropractor. I still get a little pain but the exercises have helped quite a bit! She said to use the "cat and dog" stretch? If that is what it is called. I also had a back injury a year ago from lifting a VERY heavy child incorrectly, and I also have a very slight case of Scoliosis. So I'm sure between that, and surgery, and my lack of regular movement for so long that it is just really tight muscles.

Do you think it might be the mattress? I had a terrible back pain before and after the surgery. My husband and I had Tempur-pedic foamy mattress for about eight years. The mattress lost its firmness over the years. I couldn't get out of the bed without my husband's help. The longer I laid on the mattress, the more painful my back became. After couple of weeks, I slept on the recliner. Ahh, my back felt much better. Long story short, my husband bought a new mattress within a week...LOL No problems with my back since then.

I am 3 days post LSH with awful back pain which I think is from not being able to stand straight which just adds pressure to my low back.

If you are able to, lie on your back on the floor and get an ottoman or use your sofa and push your butt against it so that your legs relax at a 90 degree angle on the sofa and just lay there and do nothing. I do this for about 20 minutes and can actually feel my lower back open up and relax. I did this today and had to put a pillow under my head for added support as my abdomen is still sore, but it sure felt nice!

I also use icy-hot and other cooling heating type lotions/gels.

Elizabeth,
You probably mean the "cat & cow" stretch. It is used in yoga & pilates. You can look it up under yoga postures on the internet.

I don't believe it's my mattress since I hardly spent / spend that much time in my bed. I was mostly in a recliner, a chair, or on the couch.

I cannot lie flat on a floor. Since my upper back and shoulders are just enouch uneven, lying on the floor on my back is very painful.

I now have a heating pad that I will use when I sit for longer periods of time. The stretching I do has helped, I just have to give myself more time.

I also think that between the injury from last year and the Scoliosis, and the surgery positions (ick) it may just take a bit of time. Thank you all for the responses and support.

It's nice to have a forum for JUST women...since men don't have a CLUE!