back pain

[inpain122]

i had a disectomy tues. and barley had any leg pain before hand, just sometimes, it was mainly in my lower back and right hip. now i am so numb with leg pain you could put a knnife in it and i wouldnt notice. is this normal?
its in my right butt cheak down to my knee. also i havnt had a bowel movement since the surgery, i know my meds can do that, ive been on the same pills since before surgery and never had a problem  but now im taking more pills. can i take something to help me go to the bathroom

[rtjrevie]

I am sorry you are having so much trouble. :-(  I am not sure what is "normal" for your surgery but thought I could help with the bowel problems. Make sure you are drinking plenty of fluids, and increase your fiber intake. (Prunes, prune juice, fruit, veggies etc.) In fact Fiber One makes really good granola bars if you like them, plus look for cereal with extra fiber. Next, make sure you are take a stool softener such as Docusate Sodium (Colace). I have also used Miralax after my last surgery too. Its a powder that does not taste like anything and you mix it with any type of fluid (make sure to take 8oz or more). It really helped a lot and most people say they don't end up with diarrhea when using it.  If it goes too long you may have to take some milk of mag or try a suppository. Constipation can be very painful and difficult, and pain meds increase it. I know you state that you did not have this before. But sometimes after surgery you need to get things moving again and you probably had to fast before surgery. Good luck, and I hope this helps.

[inpain122]

thank you. today was pretty bad my parents had to take the boys to the bus stop i had to just sit all day, i need to go back to work next week but on my feet all day. i dont know if i can do it.

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Numbness and pain are commonly encountered problem following a discetomy. These are likely to get better in the following weeks. For the bowel movement I would suggest consulting your doctor and getting the serum electrolyte levels checked before taking anything.
Hope this helps.

Take care!