need help with swelling/numbnessq

[sarahcant]

Hi All...I am in my eigth week of recovery and I think that Ive posted about this before but it has not gone away and in fact its getting worse. I have had swelling in my abdomen since the beginning which I'm told is totally normal. However, with that swelling I have internal swelling my "guts" swell and by the end of the day I look six months pregnant and my insides are numb and painful. Has anyone else gone thru this? Ive already gone to the surgeon about this and he told me to put more time between me and the surgery but its really bothering me its painful and weird. Any comments? Thanks guys!!

[Lilysaidwhat]

I haven't had this but wish you luck in finding out what is causing it.

[LindaRacine]

That seems like a bit long to have so much swelling, and I can't remember anyone describing their insides being numb. Are you constipated?

--LInda

[sarahcant]

No Im not. Im only taking Vicodine as needed also. It is so uncomfortable and weird. My insides are killing me. I am calling the doctor tommorrow because I know he's in on Thursdays and will let you know what he says. I am so upset. I've been doing so well and now this.

[LindaRacine]

You might want to also talk to your primary care physician. Orthopaedic surgeons aren't necessarily all that skilled when it comes to non-bone issues.

I hope you'll post whatever you learn.

[sarahcant]

Hey Linda I called the surgeon today and they said to go to a gastro guy which I am doing tommorrow. Will keep you posted. Thanks for the advice, of course you were right!

[ColdBricks]

My guts are very sore, too..and I have perfect bowel movements etc. I am told that internal bruising is not uncommon with back surgery...all of the pulling and pushing etc requires a LOT of force. It can take months to heal..still, best to see someone!

[sarahcant]

update

So the gastro guy thinks that it might be gas trapped. I cant drink anything with bubbles and I need to take gasx 4x a day. If Im not better by monday he wants me to go for a cat scan. He said that my numbness was external not internal but I do have some swelling on the right lower intestines. I agree with you Coldbricks I think that this is just one of those things that will take time. Im not a youngster like you, but I am doing so well that this is really bringing me down. I cant wear anything with a waist I look preggers! Oh well in the scheme of things I'll take this complication instead of anything else. Thanks for all of your comments. Happy Mothers day to all of the moms on the forum!

[peachrush7]

I had swelling that lasted into my 8th and 9th week post-op. I also had trouble with gas, stomach swelling and pain while on the Vicodin. I got off it around the same time, and I immediately started feeling better and my stomach swelling went away. That medicine can do a number on you, even if you're only taking it once a day. I took one the other day after really over-doing it, and the next day my stomach was in knots, pain, and slightly swollen. I thought to myself good lord, I was taking it every 4 hours at one point! no wonder I felt so miserable on that stuff!

good thing to be seeing a dr though, hopefully it will get better!

[LindaRacine]

Sarahcant... Any change in symptoms?

--Linda

[sarahcant]

update

Hi Linda I ended up have a catscan and it was normal. So the doctor put me on Floristor to help get my "gut" back to normal. I noticed that when I eat sugar or carbs I totally blow up. I saw Dr. Errico on Thursday and he told me not to gain any weight because it puts so much pressure on the back. So my feeling is that if I watch my diet and do what Im told I'll be ok. (easier said than done) Thanks for your concern, will keep you posted with any changes. How are you feeling?

Sarah

[LindaRacine]

Hi Sarah...

Glad that it appears everything is OK.

I'm doing well. I still have some issues (limited sitting tolerance, for example), but I'm getting close to returning to work. I've been doing in to work for about 1/2 day every week, plus working a day or so at home. I'm waiting for a sit/stand workstation to be installed. Once that's done, I'll go back to work at least part-time. Can't wait!!

Regards,
Linda