Question:
Has anyone had severe lower back pain before surgery?

I have very severe lower back pain, have had it for about five years...I have been on Vicodin pain pills and Soma muscle relaxers for the past two years to help with my lower back pain, I have a buldged disc which I think may be herniated by now as its been five years since my cat scan. The pain meds are barely helping anymore and barely put a dent in the pain. I am very concerned that people without back pain are having back pain after surgery, when I can't even hardly make it to the couch from my bed in the morning... Has anyone had severe lower back pain before surgery and had a terrible time with it getting worse after the surgery. One of the reasons I am choosing this surgery is to be rid of my pain and I know that will come all in due time with the weight loss, just concerned about those first couple weeks since my current pain meds aren't doing much for me now... Thanks for listening!!! <<<HUGZ>>> Renee Donalson    — Renee D. (posted on March 21, 2001)

March 20, 2001
Hi Renee, NO FEAR they take very good care of you. My Doc's took all factors into account and got the job done. I have broken my back in numrus places and the pain of the simples task was breath taking. While I was in the hospital I had very little pain, It was controlled very well. After I got home, they gave me more pain meds. Now four months down the road I would do it again in a heart beat, please don't let fear stop you what little pain you will have is nothing compared to what you are used to dealing with each and every day. God Bless You
   — William C.

March 20, 2001
I have had 2 back surgeries for ruptured discs before my open Rny this past July. My first back surgery was when I was 18 years old and the last one will be 3 years ago in May. So I am very familiar with back pain. Before losing 95 pounds, my back pain was almost interable. It still hurts on days when it rains, or if I do a lot of lifting. But even when it hurts bad now, it is nothing compared to before WLS. The worse part for me during the surgery was having to lay on my back for the time that I was in the hospial. I was up walking (good thing) a lot at night for that reason. I was so happy to be home and sleep on my SIDE in my own bed. Best wishes on your journey.
   — livnliter