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403156 tn?1290150018

lower back pain

My lower back is killing me. My back has bothered me off and on for a while but it was nothing that I could not handle. My foot has been sore for several months and I figured I was probably walking on it strangely and that might have caused the pain in my back. Out of nowhere today, I got an extreme pain in my lower back. I cannot stand up straight and it hurts to walk, particularly when I take a step with my left leg. I am kind of leaning to the right and people at work commented this - I ultimately had to go home early. I took 1000mg of motrin, I know that is excessive, but even that has not done anything for the pain. I tried lying down and I could barely get up out of bed - it took me a few minutes. I was not lifting anything heavy when this happened - I am not sure what I did. It is getting to the point that I have a hard time walking. What could be wrong and what should I do? I am supposed to have surgery to remove my gallbladder in 10 days and I am not supposed to take any pain meds a week before. I am starting to panic a little.

Thanks for your help
3 Responses
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514494 tn?1376511148
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
First of all, not many 21-year-olds get their gallbladders removed. Why is this being done? As far as the back pain, it sounds as if you may have ruptured a disc. Does the pain intensify if you cough or sneeze?

Warm wishes,
AT
Helpful - 0
403156 tn?1290150018
I am having my gallbladder removed because I have been getting severely ill for several years now but never went to the doctor for it. Only after I was sick for a couple of weeks with nausea and vomiting did I go to have it looked at. After tests were run, they found a 2 cm gallstone and told me that I should probably have it removed.

The pain does intensify if I cough or even move slightly. I took Vicodin last night for the first time and that was a disaster - I passed out and hit my head on the wall when I fell. I do not think it helped the pain at all either, but maybe falling didn't help the situation. I have also been taking naproxen sodium - but I am not sure how much this is helping as well. What else should I do for this? How long does something like this take to get better? Do you think the pain will have subsided in 10 days if I did rupture a disk?

Thanks

Helpful - 0
514494 tn?1376511148
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Jen, we're not born with "extra parts" -- You need your gallbladder. While many people can survive without one for a while, complications and additional problems inevitably arise... especially for someone so young. Even if the surgeon is quick to put you under the knife, that doesn't make it okay.

While I can't tell you what to do or not do, you might do some research into gall bladder cleansing. It could be a viable solution for you, especially in the long term.

As for your potentially ruptured disc, you'll need an MRI to determine if there's a herniation. Have your GP or local chiropractor examine you and then order this imaging study if necessary.

If there is indeed a herniation, they'll check to see if it will repair itself on its own, or whether surgery is needed to remove the herniated section. If surgery is not required, you have several options. You can let it heal on its own... this can take several months. You can undergo chiropractic treatment and/or spinal decompression. This will help you much quicker... sometimes in as little as a few days. Physical therapy can also be an option for you.

As for the gall bladder issue... it's not a "ho-hum" procedure. Removing an organ is a big deal! Please don't make the decision lightly.

Warm wishes,
AT
Helpful - 0

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