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Severe Back spasms and "rumbling" near my liver

Last night I began to experience severe muscle spasms in my mid back, on the right side, obviously this made it hard to breathe, but I was able to bring the spasms under control at the time with heat, and was able to take  a percocet, and fall asleep. Today when I woke the discomfort was still there, but more easily managed, I spasms stop if I lie on my back on right side, with my back being the more effective means to control things. I'm also noticing "rumbling" sound on my right side when I breathe but its not in my lungs but it feels rather near my liver. I am 3 weeks post op for  Ankle Surgery (surgery was on the right ankle). I am wondering if I've just managed to aggrovate my back or could this be serious?

thanks in advance!        
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Avatar universal
This article saved me from a near fatal experience.

Roughly 2 1/2 weeks ago, while sitting at a work desk, my right leg began to cramp. Chalking it up to a Charlie horse from a new pair of heals purchased that week... I went on with life.  The pain became more severe throughout the next few days and even through heat treatments and Advil, it lingered for about a week. Soon after the leg pain subsided, I began to experience extreme and sudden pain in my mid-right section of my back.  This pain would last roughly an hour and subside - But during that hour, the pain was so severe that it was near paralyzing, and breathing anything but quick, shallow breathes was next to impossible with only to be described as a rumbling sensation upon breathing. If I had to describe the pain in fewer words - it was as if something was grinding against my diaphragm.

Over the course of the following week - I had multiple primary care visits of which I was treated for kidney infection, UTI, and monitored for kidney stones, gallstones, liver issues... But none of these were the answer.

As much as doctors and nurses HATE for patients to arrive with a pre-determined diagnosis from their "spot-on" google diagnosis -- this saved my life! I looked up symptoms of kidney infections, kidney stones, kidney disease -- none of these seemed to match. It was THIS "blog" web-post from 2009  that alerted me to the possibility of pulmonary embolism. -- ME? No, I'm too young for that diagnosis... I'm 31 and in primarily good health!

As outpatient care slowly continued and personal health deteriorated along side, I decided to believe in my gut feelings and arrive at the ER with the mind set and expectation to be examined for this diagnosis. Doctors, nurses, (etc) in the ER did exactly what I thought - "you're too young, healthy..." "Sounds like you need a new mattress for the back pain..." "Oh no... Google will drive anyone to believe anything"

Sure enough, blood test back -- the doctor who exclaimed that I needed a new matters -- lowered his head and explained that it came back positive for blood clots and that I had made it to the hospital just in the knick of time.  Needless to say... I gained a lot of respect for the rest of my visit from the hospital staff for my self diagnosis.

Even with fear in my heart, I was relieved that I finally had an answer after 2 weeks of the most unbearable pain. By arriving with a stubbornness and determination for health -- Further testing concluded: DVT's in both legs which lead to multiple bi-lateral pulmonary embolisms which had caused infarction of the lungs - which was the pain and discomfort felt in my back. -- I am grateful and lucky to be alive! All of this and no major damage to any organs, no sign of heart damage, and deadened lung tissue from infarction should rejuvenate. The best news of all? I should be getting out of the hospital today!!

Most importantly: Trust your body and trust your gut instincts, a wise nurse here said if it is a pain you have never felt before, your body is trying to tell you something.

THANK YOU Helping me!!!
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Avatar universal
i kinda glossed over it, I thought it was caused by the back spasms, it wasn't till I started coughing up blood that I realized things were serious.
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Avatar universal
I am glad that you obtained medical txmt.  I am surprised that it was a pulmonary embolism as you did not describe any significant breathing problems on your initial post.  It does make sense as one of the primary complications following any surgery which necessitates prolonged bed rest or inactivity (ie ankle surgery) there is a risk of developing blood clots in the lower extremities.I If a clot were to break loose, it would travel to the lungs and occlude the airways --- hence pulmonary embolism.
Thankfully, you sought medical care and I hope you are now progressing well.
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Avatar universal
I went to the hospital, and  it turned out to be a moderate Pulmonary Embolism.
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Avatar universal
Depending on the nature and extent of your ankle surgery, your ability to walk naturally may have been altered.  This could account for muscle pain/strain/spasm in your low back.  If it is confined to the low back itself without leg symptoms, it may resolve with proper body mechanics and rest, using heat and pain meds as needed.  If your symptoms continue, it is definitely worth calling your ankle surgeon and obtaining further medical evaluation.
The "rumbling" sound may be associated with peristalsis of your intestines.  Hopefully you are not experiencing any bowel difficulties postop.  I can't think of any problems that could be related to your liver.
Best wishes ----
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