Question:
What could it be? I seem to have a strained back muscle, lower left back area.

This radiates around into my lower abdomen and groin area. I cannot step with my left leg without pain so bad I would cry if I thought it would help. I had a urine test a week ago to rule out bladder or kidney infection. I just had my bloodwork and all was within range, although the doctor's office called to say I needed a B-12 injection. By the way, how is that listed on the lab report? I saw nothing out of range. Maybe however they report it, it was just low range. I don't know and forgot to ask. I will be seeing the doctor soon for the shot and will try to find out about that and about the pain. In the meantime, I would like your opinion. If it was on the right, I would have gone to the ER last night, thinking it could be my appendix. Thanks in advance for any info!    — Kathy L. H. (posted on February 28, 2003)

February 28, 2003
I have a bad back and that sounds like a pinched siatic nerve. It hurts like the dickens. When I get mine is pinched it radiates around the lower back, down through my groin and down my leg. When I put pressure it only intensifies. I once spent three weeks in the hospital only being able to roll from side to side. Sometimes quick weight loss shifts the body weight and can cause a pinched nerve. I'm not a doctor and I'm not saying this is what you have. Just telling you of my experience. Hope it clears up soon for you. Bless you.
   — Sharon L.

February 28, 2003
I've had similar problems with scoliosis and disc disease. Even now, after losing my first 24 pounds, I sometimes have back spasms that make me scream. See an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in backs, not a generalist. Call a practice and ask for an appointment with the back specialist, as soon as possible. I saw 3 orthopedists in the last 10 years, but it took the 4th, a back specialist, to take the x-rays correctly, so that he could see the curvature of my spine.<br> Whatever you have, you are likely to end up with a prescription for pain medicine. Make sure that this doctor knows you have had WLS, and need something that is gentle on your stomach. My weight loss surgeon allows me to take Vioxx for my back problems (with food), but it depends on the gastric surgeon. If your medicine hurts your stomach, but works on your pain, ask your gastric surgeon for prevacid or some other medicine to coat your pouch.<br> Good luck! Beth
   — Beth S.

February 28, 2003
Thanks, Beth and Sharon, both answers were great because I do have degenerative disk disease, spinal stenosis and osteo-arthritis as well as sciatica. I take Vioxx and Lortab. I went to the doctor today and as if I didn't have enough problems, they said I have a kidney stone! I knew this pain was different than any other I have experienced. Now I would like input on this problem along with RNY surgery. I was told to drink more water than I ever thought possible. Well, I have a problem with water in any amount! THANKS! Original poster.
   — Kathy L. H.

February 28, 2003
This all sounds familiar a year ago when I was pre-op I got this excruciating pain on the left side of my back resulting in me not being able to walk for 3 months, my legs would spasm like as if i were having charly horse 24/7 ended up in the or 3 times because i couldn't walk and the pain was so intense that not even vicoden helped, the doctors never gave me a diagnois, and I had thought it was caused by my weight, at the time I was 275 now at 208 post-op I just recently had an "episode" I had been walking all day long, mind you lifted some heavy things, bent over a million times that day and i got that pain.and landed in the or over the weekend. It felt like my back was on fire, just my left side, my legs gave out and i couldn't walk, the pain is ubearable, and yet all the doctors tell me is that I have imflamation. and I live off percocets daily if theres anyone out there with these same symptoms please tell me what this could be i thought I would never experice this ever again cause i had thought it was because of my weight. Again it feels as If I'm paralyzed,a long with a pain to where I can't even move, my legs spasm and tighten. the only relive i get is if I do'nt move.please anyone out there with simular symtoms please tell me what the doctors have told you because my doctors don't have a clue and I'm tired of living off pain pills. rny 08/20/02 starting weight275, down to 208 thanks.
   — jennifer O.

February 28, 2003
I got my kidney stone for Xmas, 3 yrs post op. I was warned, even. Do not take calcium carbonate, they said, esp Tums. Stop messing with tea, she said, or anything brown, like cola or coffee (caf or decaf no matter). What I heard was, "blahblahblah". Sigh. So, now I know. Keep my beloved green leafies & brown liquids to a minimum, run like the wind from carbonate forms of calcium (this would include oyster shell & coral, of course) and just drink the water I also do not enjoy. My husband also heard, "blahblahblah" in all my struggles. He got his at the 6.5 yr mark, but his resulted in 2 surgeries. Sign us, Stupidly Stubborn (the anonymous couple--LOL!)
   — vitalady