Question:
10 days post op and suddenly having bad back pain...why and what can I do?

I'm 10 days post op, getting a little stronger each day....had open RNY (about 50 staples still in). I can't sleep in my bed...it hurts too much. The recliner I'm sleeping in feels great while I sleep. But I'm having awful back pain....upper and lower.....why and what can I do? I'm still wearing my binder, per my doctor..and I still can't sleep on my sides or tummy...it hurts too much. Help!?!    — Tracy M. (posted on December 28, 2001)

December 28, 2001
I went back on my pain meds to help with the back pain from sleeping in the recliner.. cause I too can't sleep in my bed.. I take half to two halfs (or a whole, but it has to be cut) of a darvacet .. as we all know it really doesn't do much for the pain, but it did help me to relax enough to sleep.. I would think any of the pain meds your Dr sent you home on would work for the back pain too..
   — Elizabeth D.

December 28, 2001
I had a bad back before I had the surgery done, and I had to stay on the recliner, I tried several times to lay down in bad or on the couch, and that didn't work at all. In fact I didn't get to lay down flat until about 8 weeks after my surgery.
   — Tanya M.

December 28, 2001
I have had a shoulder/ shoulder blade pain since surgery. The other pains i had went away ha. But this one has been so annoying bec i can't set at my puter long. Well everyone guesses what it is...from the oxygen, from the sleepy meds from "pulling me " up in the bed to straining when i got out to get up and some say the epidurial ??? I only know it hurts but it's slowly getting better. The good side is I'm feeling better every day and losing weight. I think this will all pass in time.
   — Jackiis

December 29, 2001
Hey there...I am 11 days post op and know EXACTLY what you mean. My husband dragged our overstuffed LazyBoy (just love it!) into our bedroom and set me up a little recouperation zone where I can just shut the door when I need to get away...my kid's (20 mos. and 4) whining seems just a little bit more irritating now! LOL Anyway, I have been sleeping in it...I have tried to sleep in bed w/ my binder on...I just can't yet. I am having some terrible muscle cramps in my back...kinda in the middle-sides. I think because the abdominal muscle (which does support the back) is cut and healing...it puts more stress on the back muscles....and if you have a big belly like me LOL that's a lot of stress! My hubby (bless his heart) gives me back rubs. I feel it more if I have been sitiing too long. Try getting up every 1/2 hr or so and walking around the house and bribe someone to give you a back-rub! Take a hot shower...that makes me feel better too.
   — Karen B.