muscle damage

[lilwe]

Around 6 wks after my hysterectomy, I began experiencing like something was sitting on my spine.  I have endometriosis and some scar adhesions. It felt like something was pressing on my nerves.  I had tingling etc.  Before my hysto, I had a large fibroid removed, it was pressing on my descending colon.  This was a myomectomy.  They removed my uterus and then replaced it.  Ever since that surgery I had a knot like feeling in that same area I had a deep nagging before.  This became more intense and with pain.It was  in my lumbar area.  I then had the hysto, they thought perhaps that was what still was causing the problem.  I am scheduled again to have surgery this time with an adhesion specialist.  He mentioned to me that sometimes when your uterus is removed this creates an open space and it is poss. that your bowel fell bhind something?  I cannot remember exactly what he said.  After every bowel movement my spine aches even more as does my left lumbar and left flank.  Something feels kinked and constricted.  My doc said it is poss. if this happened with my bowel that it could effect my nerves down in my pelvic area causing inflammation in that area.  The pain has worsened so much it is incapacitating.  It shifts at times also.  I know that all this still might be do to the adhesions, but I was just wondering if you have ever heard this before.  I had a colonoscopy before both these surgeries and all was ok.  I really didn't want to do another one.  Since I am having a laparascopic procedure next week to remove the adhesions/endo etc I figured they would be able to see it when they go in.  Is this poss?  If so can they repair it.  thank you

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Hello - thanks for asking your question.

You note lumbar and flank pain after having hysterectomy.  Colonoscopy was normal.  Please note that without examining you it is impossible to say what is going on.

As I am not a surgeon, my experience in post-op hysterectomy complications is limited.  In my internal medicine practice, I have not had this particular scenario before.

There are several considerations.  Adhesions may be a possibility.  Typically, they present with crampy abdominal pain associated with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distension depending on the severity.  

With the surgery, it is also possible that there may be some residual nerve irritation causing discomfort.  

In terms of followup studies, I would suggest an abdominal/pelvic CT to evaluate for any evidence of obstruction, inflammation or abscess.  If there is continued lumbar pain, you may want to consider a lumbar MRI to evaluate any damage to the spinal canal or a neurology referral.  

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[surgeon]

Back problems can be worsed by any surgery on the belly, because the belly muscles have a lot to do with support of the back. I'd consider an evaluation by a back specialist (either orthopedist or physiatrist -- a physical medicine doctor) before having more belly surgery.

[Linobszarny]

Hi,
I am going through somewhat of a same problem.  I had a c-section in July.  Previous to this I also had 2 laparoscopies for endometriosis.  I feel I have not been the same ever since.  It feels like either something must be wrong with my insides or scar tissue.  I also feel like I have a constant air pocket & inflammation.  I too wonder if something was damaged between all of these surgeries.  It is very unsettling at times not knowing exactly what is going on in my body.  Keep us posted after your next surgery.
Lin