When planning my hysterectomy, one thing I was looking forward to was a life free of chronic back pain. With my endometriosis, my back and leg pain was almost as debilitating as my cramps and bleeding. Just days after my surgery, I could already feel a big difference. Aside from the pain at the incision, I was feeling better than I had in years. One notable change was the absence of back pain. Oh, happy day.
Imagine my surprise, then, to find my back hurting-- badly-- in my third week post-op. I instantly jumped to conclusions-- my endo wasn't completely removed, my back pain was never related to the endo in the first place, I was still doomed to a life of chronic pain, and on and on.
Luckily, I learned that back pain is perfectly normal in the third and fourth weeks post-hysterectomy. Apparently, the back is having to compensate for the weakened abdominal muscles. The pain should go away in another week or so. In the meantime, I'm finding relief from:
- Ibufrofen
- Heating pad
- Warm bath
- Walking
Don't worry, girls... this, too, shall pass. Just keep thinking of the pain- and period-free days ahead and it'll all be worth it.
There is life after hysterectomy... and it's good. Enjoy!
16 comments:
Back pain is one of the most frequent problems that hysterectomized women report. Among other reasons is the fact that the utero-sacral ligament, which is attached to the uterus and to the sacrum in the lower back, must be severed to remove the uterus during hysterectomy. For a more complete discussion of what women report after hysterectomy, watch the video at http://hersfoundation.org/anatomy/index.html.
Rick Schweikert
hersfdn@verizon.net
Yes, Rick, that is complete, and also a bit negative. Since I've already had a hysterectomy, I'm trying to focus on the positive and on a healthy recovery. I agree that hysterectomy should not be recommended lightly, but, when necessary, it really can be a blessing.
I just had a hysterectomy and one of the things I can't stand is the back pain. Of course it is only been 1 week. I am walking a little around the house but not lifting up anything more than a piece of paper. Any advice for me?
Rhea
I had mine on June 6th all i do if pray and take meds.....my husband has been catering to me so even when I'm nit in much pain...i ask for things because i live being SPOILED!!!! Take advantage of it ;-)....our little secret..
Hey Rhea This is a year later but thought I should my experience. I had a radical hysterectomy done exactly 2 weeks ago and been experiencing low back pain and bowel issues. To make things worse in the first week my bladder refused work so they had to keep me on the catheter which I am still on hopefully I can get off next week. In regards to the back pain I am a physiotherapist by qual so I can tell you now it is quite common and my specialist and my own physio suggested I start pelvic floir exs like kegels exs not sure if you have heard of it. Also try lying on your back with your knees bent and pressing your back down towards the ground try no to use your abdominal muscles. For me its too soon to start this but I will definitely be starting kegels exs. I would suggest consult your physio about your back pain as it will definitely help! Also its completely normal for a few weeks.
While I haven't really had back pain per se, I have noticed since my surgery that my lower back feels much weaker.
I had a TAH on April 29th, 2014, so I am only beginning my fourth post-operative week.
I have found that stretches to stretch out my lower back help, as does applying a warm heating pad.
After removing the uterus my mom facing too much of problem....The major problem is back pain..daily she suffering alot and she put on weight also..Will please tell any idea ??????Pls help me
I only had a partial i only had my uterus removed amd its been 11 mi ths and have terrible back pain
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Hi
I’m 16 days post op. Maybe I’m an exception but I had such chronic severe back and hip pain before my surgery that I was In Physical therapy and also have an appointment next month to be evaluated for facet joint pain injections, but my back pain is so very much lessened now. I haven’t been on any narcotic meds for a week. I keep thinking I’m just not feeling it because I’m so aware of the numb belly, itchy incision and the tugging type pains in front. They seem to be decreasing too. Numbness lasts a while my doc said but I’ll taje it any day compared to the horrid uterine pain I was in three weeks out of every month. I’m thrilled that I no longer have my uterus. It was the size of a nerf football. 5 fibroids, one being 9 cm, the rest about 1.5 cm. Yup, good riddance. I wish you all great recoup and positive happy renewed joy after this. It ain’t easy but it’s necessary!
I had my hysterectomy on 9/11/18 because of a fibroid and polyps. I had lower back pain for almost a year. I also went through physical therapy for my back and prolotherapy injections to strengthen the ligaments and tendons. It has been 9 days since my surgery and my lower back no longer hurts me. I noticed this the first day after surgery and thought it was because of the Percocet. I am no longer on this drug and the pain has not returned. There must be a connection with my uterus and the back pain. Whatever the reason, I am so thankful that it is gone and hope it never comes back. I do plan on going to physical therapy for pelvic floor exercises. This was recommended by my Yoga instructor who is also a licensed Physical Therapist.
You're an idiot
I been having terrible lower back pain after my hysterectomy.had my surgery November 2018. They took everything but my ovaries I'm about 5 weeks post surgery and my back hurts like crazy. I've tried IBUPROFEN, heating pads and walking a little nothing seems to help any suggestions?
I'm exactly 5 weeks 3 days out. Out of nowhere, my back started feeling weak yesterday and today I was in so much pain i literally fell to the floor, thank god i was in the doorway at home. I slid down the door frame. I couldn't move for a minute after stretching out on the floor. Husband took me to ER and I was given muscle relaxers and steroids...the meds are not giving me much relief. I'm hoping stretching will help. I'm looking for suggestions too. the pain is on the right side of my back, lower to mid section, no leg pain.
Note...partial on 11/27 , still have ovaries
Ditto l am 5 week and 2 days post op first of all l thought it was hip pain now seems more back to theft side. cocodamol helps a bit but l feel stiff all over now too ! I was like it before the op! I am just 60 so l think l am suffering with arthritis but felt great after op when resting but now doing more it's all back😔
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