Small Bowel Resection

[Samson428]

I had a small bowel resection in March of 2012.   Recovery was pretty much what I expected.  It is over a year and recently I have developed pain in my back below the ribs, right about at the waist or slightly above the waist.  It becomes worse when I eat.  And especially if I eat fiber.  For nearly the whole year since surgery I stayed clear of fiber.  I added whole wheat bread and some bran cereal to my diet in the last couple weeks, and now the pain.  I am so tired of taking Milk of Mag for constipation and thought the bran would help.  Since I only have 1 kidney and am Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3, I have other issues with food so I have to constantly watch it.   Since my surgery in March 1 year ago I have gained over 20 lbs and need to find a happy medium so I can quit gaining.  At first I thought it was my one remaining kidney causing the pain, and so did my doctors but after an Ultra Sound, that was ruled out.   With my health history the doctors are pretty much in the dark as to what to do about the pain.  I have had way too many abdominal surgeries and yet to find out if I have another blockage it is nearly impossible to find other than to have an Explor Lap.   More surgery.  Does anyone have another solution?   Today I cut out the fiber again, but the pain is still there, sometimes unbearable.  Hoping for some insight here, please.

[Samson428]

Thank You.  
I believe, since I wrote in that it could be another blockage.   I decided to see if Milk of Mag would help.  The end of the stool was pretty much black.  Not a good sign I guess.  Did not really help the pain, but did not make it worse.  I have requested an appointment at the University with my Internist.  I also have Urology Oncologist who I see on June 4th at the University.  Thank You again.

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Well, without knowing the relevant clinical details or a detailed clinical evaluation it would be difficult to determine the cause of back pain in your case. Aside renal causes possibilities that may need to be considered include GI causes such as infection/ inflammation etc., neuro-muscular causes such as muscle sprain, nerve impingement, injuries to muscles/ ligaments etc. referred pain from other regions, growths/ masses etc. I would suggest getting this evaluated by a primary care physician/ internist initially and depending on the cause diagnosed/ suspected, it can be managed accordingly or specialist care may be sought.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!