I had surgery on 4/24 and keep having very bad lower back pain. Concerned that it might be constipation, I did an enema the laxatives weren't helping) and I seemed to get some relief, but the back pain is happening again today. I have only had liquids since 4/23, so I'm honestly not sure if I would even be producing any poop to become constipated. Anyone have any insight on this?

Thanks,

LA

Constipation is very common. So your pain may be from that. Remember even though you’re only drinking liquids, those shakes & soups have nutrients that end up as waste once your body has got what it needs from them. Your poop may be small &/or softer or you may have bouts of diarrhoea from all the liquid. Don’t expect to go every day either in the beginning.

Back pain can also occur because of your weight loss. Many of us experience this as our bodies try to rebalance ourselves as we get smaller. Our muscles, tendons, etc. have been compensating for our heavier weight & now it doesn’t have to. Our posture & centre of gravity changes too so don’t be surprised when at odd times you lose your balance.

The back pain can be from being moved about during the surgery too.

But as with all things, if this seems strange or unusual for you or the pain isn’t manageable, contact your medical team. Better to be sure it’s nothing than something.

Congrats on your surgery!

You're only 5 days post op, so it could be constipation, gas from the surgery (it travels and causes A LOT of pain until it finally dissipates), your body recovering from the surgery, the weight starting to come off...any number of things. Make sure you're walking, getting your fluids in (especially fluids with protein in it), and take Miralax in your drinks to help move things along.

When they do surgery often they tilt the table and it can put a lot of pressure on your lower spine/back. I've had multiple surgeries done and each time I have lower back pain for weeks because it pisses off the arthritis in my back when they tilt the table and I lay that way for hours. LOL I also got back pain as the weight started to come off at first. I don't know why it was worse then than now, but it was. I think it is because of the change in center of gravity, as noted above.

If you notice you are needing pain meds for it or it is worsening, definitely ping your doctor about it.

Oh and if you still have a uterus it could be cramping from that locale too. I used to feel that a LOT in my lower back before my hysterectomy.

I would also check with your surgeon, or request the documents to see if they had you in supine or lithotomy position. Some doctors keep women in lithotomy position while they are doing surgery. This has been researched to prove it can cause long lasting nerve pains and damage and is not always necessary to lay their patients in this way.

I hope you find the answers you need.

So how are things going now?