Question:
Can Sex Cause Herniation Post Surgery?

Hi... I have a real concern. I've been wondering if sex can cause you to herniate after surgery? My hubby (12 months post-op lap rny) and I (18 months post op, lap rny) have really been rediscovering sex. This is great, but I have been having pain up under my ribs, especially on my left side, after sex and it has become constant now for the past few days. I can't clench my abdominal muscles without pain and discomfort. Even just sitting here I have pain up under my ribs. Perhaps it is the energy or positions? Gahh... I feel weird asking this, but dang it, you guys know so much...! Help?? Am I just being a sissy or is this a normal "readjustment" time? Thanks in advance and please, no one flame anyone else's answers. This is such a sensitive issue and I'd like to hear anyone's opinion who wants to answer. Thanks again!    — Sharon M. B. (posted on June 19, 2003)

June 19, 2003
I'd say any kind over-strenuous physical activity can cause a strain - from sex to moving furniture, etc., depending on how physical you get. If you are in this kind of pain, definitely see the doc. You don't have to say how you exerted yourself to the nurse or receptionist, you can just say you have been having pain since some extra-hard workouts - and when you see the doc you can tell him what kind of workout you actually had if he asks.
   — bethybb

June 20, 2003
I just saw my Dr. on 6/18/03 for the same thing. He said it was just my insides readjusting and tightening up. He said the best thing for the pain is to apply massage oil or lotion and give yourself or have your hubby to give you a deep message. Post-op 3/19/03
   — Charnel S.

June 20, 2003
Oh, thanks so much for your responses! It is so good to hear from other people about stuff so sensitive, I can't even talk to my doctor about it! LOL!! You all are much better than doctors, most of the time!! LOL!! My doctor is beginning to get aggrivated with me because I tell him the correct diagnoses before he can even look at me! LOL! He knows I research constantly and talk to AMOS all the time... but he told me that he feels a bit useless to me sometimes! LOL!! I told him I come to him to verify my own diagnosis and to make sure I wasn't missing anything major. I also told him that "doctors" are still a relatively new breed and nothing replaces listening to our own bodies! :~) Doctors are there to take care of things we can't do ourselves... like surgery! LOL! :~) I did go to my doctor and he told me it was a pulled muscle... I couldn't tell him what I did to hurt it... as far as he is concerned, It just started hurting. He is too much younger than me, too cute (lol), and there just isn't any way to feel comfortable talking to someone about this who hasn't been there! :~) He did want to put me on muscle relaxers, but I didn't get the script filled. No more unnecessary meds for me! I'll deal with the pain and let my muscles heal naturally, thank you! :~) I told him I would take the medication, and he said that it was up to me, but I had the script just in case! :~) The warm oil and massage idea sounds like a wonderful alternative to medication... and slightly conducive to more fun between my hubby and I! :~) Thanks again!
   — Sharon M. B.