Question:
anyone with back, bottom and arm pain

Post-Op Lap RNY March 7th, came out of surgery with excruciating lower back and upper bottom pain. It was totally numb and still is numb. My tummy never hurt a bit, but my back is aother story. Even to the touch, it is numb. My L hand was numb too and still is too a degree. Its like I have carpel tunnel. Out of the blue it will hurt like I hit my funny bone. Anyone with other experience with this? I really feel like my back is hindering my recovery. I was in suregry for about 5 1/2 hours on that uncomfortable table and Im sure that may have something to do with it. I even developed blisters on the small of my back. Any ideas or suggestions? thank you all so much.    — L M. (posted on March 14, 2002)

March 14, 2002
Blisters on your back...I wonder if you could be experiencing a reaction to the medication?? I would call your DR and see what he says...Something does not sound right. It would pay to be sure.
   — ScatCat

March 14, 2002
I had excruciating positional lower back pain following my surgery on 2/12. However, I never had any numbness. Additionally, the pain was gone by the end of the second week. When my back acts up, I get leg and back pain. I've never gotten arm pain. Sounds like you should contact your doctor - the blisters would really concern me. Your symptoms don't sound like a normal back ache reaction to the time on the table.
   — Kathy J.

March 14, 2002
hi there had open r n y on feb 8 i too have bouts of terrible lower back pain and the booty too lol my upper right leg is still numb came out of recovery that way i would be really worried except i somewhat expected it because i have sciatica problems and when i lie flat on back my leg goes numb the only way t relieve it is by sleeping on my side which i only now just started being able to do this so in time my numbness will go away im sure hope this helped good luck
   — carrie M.

March 15, 2002
I had open RNY on Aug 29, 2001 and havelost 160 lbs. My right butt check was numb for 2 months LOL. I laugh about it, because I asked my surgeon at my 1 week check about it. I thought maybe he damaged a nerve or something. He said it was very common because we tend to sleep/sit/lay in only one comfortable position immediatly after surgery where as before, we would shift and move around alot. Our muscles and nerves aren't used to not moving around and kind of fall asleep. Well my butt stayed asleep for 2 months, but only the right side. I felt like I was sitting lopsided. It's funny when I think about it now, but I do remember it was very uncomfortable and itchy and somewhat painful.
   — Danielle M.

March 15, 2002
I have a possibility but it ain't good. It sounds to me like shingles (the virus that is like chicken pox). I have seen cases come into the dr's office. Go to your PCP and have them check it out immediately! Be sure and tell them about both the nerve pain symptoms AND the blisters! Please don't wait as--if that's what it is--the sooner you get it treated the better. Shingles can be VERY painful!
   — ctyst

March 15, 2002
I agree with Cheri. It sounds like shingles to me. I'm pre op but I've had shingles a few years ago. Go to the doctor, but be warned that there isn't a whole heck of a lot they can do for you (since it is viral) except give you some pain med to help ride out the storm. Sometimes Valtrex or similar drugs work to speed the process, sometimes they don't.
   — A. S.

December 5, 2004
Hi, I had the same issue too, I laughed about it with my parents..."my butt is numb!!!" is what i kept saying over and over and over and then it got itchy but i couldn't scratch my back because it was numb! no blisters tho...maybe some bed sores? I know that the nerves are numbed and pinched around my hips because they splay out due to weight...maybe your nerves are getting pinched because of the shift of your weight...just a hunch but my mom is a nurse and she seemed to think it was normal... hope this helps!!
   — amy M.