Pain in back : 10 months post op doing... - Oesophageal & Gas...

Oesophageal & Gastric Cancer

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Pain in back

Von66 profile image
Von66
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10 months post op doing ok apart from bad wind šŸ™„ but lately have pain in top of back between shoulder blades after eating is this normal ?

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Von66 profile image
Von66
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Danstable profile image
Danstable

It is for me, it's the pressure of your full 'stomach' pushing on your spine.

I had a similar feeling (like my spine needed cracking) in the weeks and months leading up to my diagnosis. On reflection it was the pressure of the tumor pushing against my spine.

I also get an elevated heart rate and shortness of breath due to my fat 'stomach' taking up space that my heart and lungs would like to occupy I think.

Janashlin profile image
Janashlin

I had the stabbing pain in the same spot for about 18 months after my surgery. It felt like someone stabbing me with a knife from the inside. I am happy to say I do not get that anymore but it was horrendous when I did. I still get dumping syndrome everyday but I think that will be a long term side affect of the surgery.

Best of luck and I hope it calms down for you soon.

Small amounts of food at a time and donā€™t drink with your meals!

Von66 profile image
Von66 in reply to Janashlin

Thank you I still get the dumping I had ibs before all this so thought I would cope with the dumping but the cramps sometimes are agony much worse than my ibs crampā€™s especially down the left hand side by where my feeding tube was so many things to deal with isnā€™t there sometimes gets you down just hoping some of things will settle down in time x

Janashlin profile image
Janashlin in reply to Von66

It will get better, remind yourself how far you have come. Keep going!

Notknowmuch profile image
Notknowmuch

Hi Von66, best you get specialist to check it out early if the pain is causing you concern.

Cavalier3 profile image
Cavalier3

Hi Von66, you always seem to post something as Iā€™m starting to suffer with it too! Iā€™m 11 months post surgery next week. I get the off pain there too. Iā€™ve found it if I eat a bit too much or I do too much with my arm I suffer for it. Also the gripes you get on your left hand side, me too. It makes me feel physically sick they are so bad. Not sure if there is anything can be done to make that easier.

Von66 profile image
Von66 in reply to Cavalier3

Least Iā€™m not on my own which always makes you feel a bit better lol I know the cramps in left side are awful šŸ˜ž think you might be right about back pain probably when we eat a bit too much itā€™s a long road to recovery isnā€™t it x

Cavalier3 profile image
Cavalier3 in reply to Von66

It really is and as my family and friends keep reminding me itā€™s very early days for us. Itā€™s good to have someone else that really understands though. Iā€™m doing really well but I get frustrated when I canā€™t do what I want to or did before. I was a big walker and would walk for miles and up mountains. One day at a time and we will get there!!!

Von66 profile image
Von66 in reply to Cavalier3

Very true my clinical nurse says that to me all the time about early days , I know what you mean I get frustrated too but yeah thatā€™s what I do now instead of worrying about tomorrow or next week I take each day as it comes thatā€™s all we can do x

Cavalier3 profile image
Cavalier3 in reply to Von66

It is, weā€™ve been through too much to worry about anything. Itā€™s easier said than done I know but I try! I would love to get up Snowdon again but there is always the train :) Sue x

Von66 profile image
Von66 in reply to Cavalier3

Iā€™m sure you will one day x

walking-in-wales profile image
walking-in-wales

Just 3-years post-op & have also had the back pain related to larger meals. I think drier food also makes it worse. Happens infrequently now probably because I've learnt to mange my diet better, but I also think your body adapts over time. Also a hill walker like Cavalier3 & forunately can get back out on the mountains though can't do as much as I used to. So try to keep positive & try not to rush the recovery, though it can be so frustrating at times. Good luck!

Cavalier3 profile image
Cavalier3 in reply to walking-in-wales

Hi walking in wales, good to hear your back out doing some decent walking! How long did it take you to get back out there properly. I can walk a good 5 miles a day but nothing strenuous yet. I was going to wait past my 1 year surgery anniversary before i try something more.

walking-in-wales profile image
walking-in-wales

Hi, it was about a year after surgery before I did much on the hills. It was great to be back out there, but felt it a couple of days later with the fatigue catching-up with me. I still suffer a bit after longer walks, but the benefits outweigh the downside & it helps to be prepared for it. Hopefully I can do a bit more this year when the weather improves & can gain some more fitness. Everything seems a bit steeper than beforešŸ˜‰.Hope you can get going soon & don't get too downhearted by setbacks. Good luck.

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