Serious pain in lower back week on from laparoscopy! Is this normal? Please help!!

[Pink_Moon]

I’m in serious lower back pain since I had my Laparoscopy a week today. The pain is just above my bottom bottom of my spine. I can’t sit or sleep properly. Is this normal I’m so worried something has happened during this procedure. He removed endometriosis from uterosacaral ligaments, back of the uterus, but that’s all I know until I see him for 6 week appointment as I wasn’t given a discharge letter so I don’t know what else was done. I can’t take codine as this seriously constipated me and I’m just taking Ibrupfen and paracetamol which isn’t easing the pain. Any help greatly appreciated xxx

[Lyns88]

I had this- felt like I couldn't straighten my back proper. It ended up my lumbar spine was put through trauma whilst in theatre. I ended up paying for physio weekly- and carrying the exercises out at home regular. This definitely helped me, I'm only returning to work now- from September due to my back. DO NOT LIFT ANY HEAVY ITEMS.

Hope you get answers too. I too was like you worried incase something had been touched during surgery. Maybe try physio and see what they say? 💛

[Pink_Moon in reply to Lyns88]

Thank you so much for replying. That’s how I feel. The pain is getting worse on my back but my stomach is healing well. I was worried as Rectovaginal endometriosis was found incase something had happened during surgery. Did you go to your GP or straight to a a physio? x

[Lyns88 in reply to Pink_Moon]

Yes I went to my gp 4 days after surgery cause I was worried sick , they sent me straight to a&e who put it dwn to constipation (which it wasn't) 🤦🏻‍♀️

Went back to my GP the week later. They advised physio but I live in Northern Ireland and physio waiting lists are 9months long on nhs- so I paid private..... Trust me it's worth it. Also in the mean time heat, heat and more heat. Lidl sell electric heat pads every now and again if you can get hold of one of these? Do it's amazing. Another thing is ibuprofen gel 10% it's not the answer but it does help a little.

Iv just signed up for yoga, my pelvic floor and my core are also extremely weak due to years of living with endo pain hell. These are all factors. I was a work alcoholic but this experience has tought me so much- give your body time to heal, don't ignore it- Self care is vital 🙂🙃 I don't give 2 sh**s about work anymore. Our health is so important 💛

X

[Chrysta123]

I have a bad back anyway but my god it was horrific after my surgery! I also had it removed from the uterosacaral ligaments. When I spoke to my doctor they said it could be to do with the fact the surgery weakens your core muscles (as you literally had your stomach muscles cut into) so my back was trying to compensate to support me more which was causing a lot of pain, so it could maybe just be that for you? Obviously you can’t really start strengthening your core again straight away though lol

I 100% agree with Lyns88 about not lifting anything heavy though!! I picked up just a slightly heavy laundry basket sooner that I should have and really set myself back...

Have you tried something like deep heat cream or having a hot water bottle and some cushions behind your back? I found that helped x

[Pink_Moon in reply to Chrysta123]

Thank you for replying, did yours ease then after a while? I have been rubbing tiger balm on which gives off heat and it gives me some relief for a while until it wears off, the pain is just constant. Worse than before the surgery. Tried sitting on cushions, anything and everything just to try and get some relief I could cry the pain is just there all the time xxx

[Chrysta123 in reply to Pink_Moon]

Yea once I started to get more back to normal and was moving around more it slowly got better, mine did not like all the lying down/sitting around! I use it more for period pain than I did for after surgery, but maybe look into getting an electric heat pad? Mine does mean I can’t move as connected to a socket...but it really helps the pain and lasts longer than the creams as can sit with it on for hours take a little break then wear it for hours again, and also keeping a slightly firm rectangle cushion at the small of my back can work wonders

Sorry you have it so bad I know it isnt nice at all fingers crossed it will start to ease up soon!x

[Pink_Moon in reply to Chrysta123]

Thank you xxx

[Thecraftyadder]

I also had terrible back issues after surgery. I think you get put in all sorts of positions on an operating table and dealing with endo pain already puts a strain on your back. I to had it on my uterosacral ligament which of course connects to your lower back (sacrum). I had 8 wks off before I could attempt work again but best thing was finding a hands on Physio. She does sports massage so is used to treating injury but has some patients with chronic illness to. I'd tried doing gentle Pilates myself at home but I needed manual physio to. She also explained about how one area of the back over compensates for another area, causing pain. When you are able start gentle exercises for your core (I used fitness blenders post abdominal surgery work out on YouTube). Think I started that 5/6 weeks post opp after clearance from my surgeon. And look out a good physio. I also used a tens machine on my lower back to help a bit.

[Pink_Moon in reply to Thecraftyadder]

Thank you for replying, I will look into all of this xx