Question:
Terrible back pain at 2 weeks post-op

I am almost 2 weeks post-op and am having terrible back pain which is keeping me from moving around a lot ... I spend most of my day with a heating pad .. any suggestions? I cannot take pills ... what can I take?    — Laurie C. (posted on April 5, 2003)

April 5, 2003
I'm so sorry to hear about your back pain. I started having back pain at 3 weeks post op. Today is my 1-year anniversary, and I still have the terrible unrelenting pain. Is your pain constant? Does it only hurt during and after you eat? Where is the pain located? The heating is about all there is. Please see your doctor about it. They might be able to help you.
   — Christine L.

April 5, 2003
Hi, I had terrible back pain at 2.5 weeks after surgery. I called the surgeon and went to the ER where I had my surgery. I had mild pancreaitis and my white blood cell was high. They did a CAT scan to make sure I had no leaks. I was admitted for a day and was given medication and fluids till my white blood cell count went back to normal. I would highly suggest calling the surgeon and getting this checked out. You just had major surgery and this is your LIFE you are talking about. It is better to be safe then sorry.
   — Beth D.

April 5, 2003
Laurie- My friend had back pain following surgery also. She wisely went to her doctor and they found a blood clot in her lung. I don't want to alarm you, but you should always check with your doctor if anything seems unusual. You've taken a big step in improving your life, don't let this go unchecked. Good Luck.
   — Lori B.

April 6, 2003
Another thing to consider is what happened to me at about 2 weeks out. I wasn't getting enough water and developed a kidney infection. It started with a dull back pain and later got fever and related symptoms. I didn't realize what was going on at the time, but it made lots of sense after the fact. It could be many different things, so I would echo previous posts not to dismiss it as a normal aches and pain and get some tests done with a Dr. Good luck and hang in there...the first couple of weeks are the hardest, but the pay off is worth it a thousand times over!
   — Scott L.