Post-op back pain/leg cramps

dmtjet · 07-17-2007, 02:25 PM

I have been banded for exactly a week today! :whoo: Feeling great, have lots of energy, a little tummy soreness, and bloating, but otherwise, good! My question is ... anybody have/had back problems after surgery? :sick Last night it woke me up, of course I never sleep on my back and I have been since my surgery. Still, when I went to stand up, my back wouldn't straighten out.

Ached like the devil, needless to say I didn't go right back to bed, but instead put some ice on my lower back. Well, once I was able to go back to bed, I was awakened again with the "oh so uninvited leg cramps!!!" :help: Just wondered if anyone else has had these experiences and if there is anything I can do to keep them at bay!!!! Anxious to hear from everyone! I do have a doctor's appointment tomorrow, so hopefully if I don't find answers here, I will there! Thanks! :)

icybreeze · 07-18-2007, 12:15 AM

Don't know what to say about the back pain, but for leg cramps, are you getting enough fluids? I've heard dehydration can be a contributing factor. I've been super paranoid about leg cramps, so I make sure before I go to bed to do some leg stretches. Once I go to bed, any time I wake up I make circles with my feet just to keep the muscles in my calves limbered up. Can't say that's helping, but it doesn't seem to be hurting.

Hope you keep doing well!

dmtjet · 07-18-2007, 08:21 AM

Icybreeze, Thanks for the advice! I think I will try the stretches! I am also going to ask my doc about the back pain today. Seems like it works its way out during the day and comes back at night. Has happened two days, but started at the same time the shoulder pain stopped! So kind of wondering if it might be from anesthesia and just needs to work its way through. Guess I will find out! Thanks again!:)

dmtjet · 07-19-2007, 11:45 AM

Doc says I can go to the Chiropractor whenever I want!!!! Could've went yesterday if I wanted!!!! So, I plan to do that as soon as possible!

icybreeze · 07-19-2007, 02:07 PM

Good news! Hopefully the chiro will be able to give you some relief! How are you doing with the leg cramps?

dmtjet · 07-21-2007, 09:33 AM

Icybreeze, haven't had the leg cramps since that one night, so far, so good! I did have bloodwork done and they say my kidneys show not enough fluid, so I guess I will need to spring a leak, 'cause I already drink over 64 ozs./day!!!! lol Didn't make it to the chiro yet, but due to go on Monday! I'll let you know! Thanks! My back is still pretty sore, the low back.

icybreeze · 07-21-2007, 08:47 PM

That's great the leg cramps haven't come back!! 64 oz and lacking fluid??? My goodness, do they want you to float away? That could be what's causing your back pain though. I had a bad kidney infection years ago, and it made my lower back hurt quite a bit. Cranberry juice helped a lot. It seems to be good for cleansing your system. Works great with bladder infections too.

I came close to a leg cramp the other night and freaked. I realized I hadn't gotten in all my fluids that day. It's amazing how much I notice body changes now if I don't get it all in! I really feel it.

wrangler054 · 07-21-2007, 10:24 PM

Fluids are important to avoid leg cramps. I've had them but I don't believe it's from the surgery, its from riding my stationary bike and using muscles I haven't used in a long time.

I too, move my legs in circles when I wake up just to help the circulation.

I do have back pain, but that is because my back is out of place. I can always tell when it's out of place really bad b/c my left thigh becomes a little numb from a pinched nerve. I can't see a chiro yet 'cause I just had surgery but I will be seeing one as soon as my doctor gives me the OK.

dmtjet · 07-23-2007, 09:35 AM

Yes, I am going to see the chiro today!!! Doc said it was okay as of 1 week post-op!!! I was kind of surprised, being I will need to lay on my stomach, but he said it isn't a problem! I am healed nicely though and have been laying on my stomach for nearly a week anyhow! So I will let you know how it goes!!!! Thanks for the feedback!

dmtjet · 07-24-2007, 05:53 PM

I went to the chiro yesterday and he did an adjustment!!! Whew!!! ... so much better. He said he feels it was from positioning, both during surgery and with the difference in my sleeping habits during the healing process! So much better today!!! Thanks! Hard to believe you can go as early as 1 week post-op without any problems!!!! :clap2:

dmtjet · 07-24-2007, 05:55 PM

wrangler, my regular physician did do bloodwork and said my kidneys reflect that they need more fluids ... so I guess 64 ounces isn't enough and I have to up that!!!!!!

wrangler054 · 07-24-2007, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmtjet

wrangler, my regular physician did do bloodwork and said my kidneys reflect that they need more fluids ... so I guess 64 ounces isn't enough and I have to up that!!!!!!

Good. Now you can tackle and defeat the problem.

It's hard to drink what is needed every day. I found myself falling behind yesterday and today.

icybreeze · 07-24-2007, 10:28 PM

Jeanie, I'm so glad your back is fixed!!! woohoo!!! must be such a relief

dmtjet · 07-24-2007, 11:05 PM

Icybreeze, it is!!! What a difference!!!! I can move again!!!! Kind of hard to walk, walk, walk, when you can barely stand!!!! YIKES!