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Back-pain (tailbone)--mind playing tricks

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Posted 5/9/2010 9:59 PM (GMT 0)
OK, I guess I need a bit of reassurance. For the last month, I have had back pain -- basically, a somewhat sore tailbone and surrounding area. It kind of feels like a bruise. I have a habit of sitting up in bed playing on my laptop. I do a lot of work this way and often do this for hours, with a few breaks. I suspect the pressure of sitting that way is causing the pain as that is where the pressure is.

I have had much worse back pain over the years; this is more annoying than disabling although I now sit somewhat gingerly.

In the back of my mind, my BIG fear is "is this the PC going to the bone." After all, the tailbone is sure near that area. This is far more disturbing than the pain (I have not even taken pain medication for it).

However, logic tells me that the chances of this happening now at this time is EXTREMELY REMOTE. Is this supposition correct? I was dx. on 12/2/09 with a pre-op PSA of 4.19. My post-op PSA done on 3/10/10 was 0.01, which is great. I would assume if the PC had metastized to the bone (with symptoms yet) I would have had a higher PSA. Additionally, it would not happen so quickly.

I know others have also posted about that fear -- they get a pain and think "is this the PC"?

Well, I guess its my turn.

I really don't want to go running to the doctors for every little thing and I'd rather avoid a bone scan (but I have a feeling that's what a doctor might do -- defensive medicine).

Comments?

Mel

Posted 5/9/2010 10:54 PM (GMT 0)
Mel, a most common fear among PC men. Easy to put that thought into your own head with pains in that area. I developed mysterious hip and back pains that I never had in my life before my PC dx while awaiting surgery, was totally convinced the PC had spread.

While not impossible, with your numbers before and since treatment, it would be highly unlikely that anything has spread to the bone and that you would be feeling pain directly from that.

You still aren't very long out of a major surgery, and probably more connected to the long term healing effect your body is still going through. If you need convincing, though, bring it up to your doctor.

David in SC
Posted 5/9/2010 11:29 PM (GMT 0)
David:

Those are my thoughts too. But, frankly, I've seen enough doctors. I am TIRED of seeing doctors. But the main reason is that the doctor, in order to give me an answer, might have to  order CT/bone scans. I don't want that unless REALLY necessary. My follow-up at Ford is on 7/2. Hopefully this will suffice!

Normally, for this type of pain, I would ice it if it got worse or take some tylenol, and I would not even THINK of seeing a doctor (it just isn't that bad).

Still, this stuff causes worry -- another wonderful aspect of PC!

Mel

Posted 5/10/2010 1:02 AM (GMT 0)
Its natural, to associate every pain with PCA, just use the capitol Mel, which is your mind, intelligence, common sense, rather than, small letter mel, which are , fears, negative emotions. You seem to answer your own questions in your posts, so You know you know, yet it is nice to get reassurance. Your'e a smart guy, Mel, trust yourself and know when you go to MD's, they will order a test if there is a hint of concern, on your part.
Posted 5/10/2010 1:44 AM (GMT 0)
Mel,
Are you taking Cialis? I've discovered that the daily 5mg version leaves me with significant lower back pain, which was causing a lot of problems for the IGRT sessions. Noticed that someone posted about that, stopped it, and pain is gone.
Posted 5/10/2010 2:14 AM (GMT 0)
I pinched a nerve in my back and thought it was cancer. I went to the chiropractor and it helped. You are having normal thoughts and may be more stress? There is definitely a "me" before cancer" and a me "after cancer". I seem to worry and wonder about cancer a lot.
Posted 5/10/2010 2:16 AM (GMT 0)
Mel,
With a PSA of .01 just tested few weeks ago it is very unlikely that your back pain is related to PCa. Back pain is a common occurrence especially if you sit in awkward position and don't exercise regularly. Relax and don't worry.
Posted 5/10/2010 2:37 AM (GMT 0)

I42:

I'm taking levitra. This did start soon after I started the levitra. Never associated the two.

I may stop the levitra.

I also started taking zocor recently.

Mel

Posted 5/10/2010 2:44 AM (GMT 0)
With all the other things I've been dealing with, I'm just into the pills, so can only speak for Cialis, but check the side effects.
Posted 5/10/2010 2:57 AM (GMT 0)

I did. Levitra and zocor both list back pain among the NUMEROUS possible side effects.

I'll probably stop the levitra for a few days and see what happens.

This could all be due to my putting too much pressure on the area by my sitting position.

Mel

Posted 5/10/2010 11:59 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Mel,

Its more likely to be the Zocor, it is notorious for causing muscle , joint and back pain. Sadly its one of the few that are available in generic form Simvastatin for free ( mail order drug plans) so Dr's tend to offer it more. Crestor is a newer "cleaner" statin but no generic is available and it costs the most of any statin

What statin were you on before Zocor ?
Posted 5/10/2010 6:17 PM (GMT 0)
Mel, I had back pain before my op (I have a glass back) which then went to my tailbone and recently my hips.
Had a bonescan and mri pre-op with nothing showing.
My last psa was april of <0.03 so it's unlikely and my surgeon thinks it's irrelevant to the cancer.
It's sticks in the back of your mind though, so I know where your coming from.
I'm currently getting accupuncture

Hope your back gets better quicker than mine:)
Mike
Posted 5/10/2010 8:19 PM (GMT 0)

Thanks Spotty. My back is not much better, but it is not real bad. It is basically like a widespread and deep bruise in the general area. I've had plenty of back problems and this is a piece of cake compared to my previous back ailments. Again, it is really the FEAR that the PC has spread.

I'll reevaluate my situation (with regards to getting a medical opinion) after we return from Vegas. At that point, I'll have a week until my KC trip (work-related).

Mel

Posted 5/10/2010 8:28 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Mel, I don't have any helpful advice, but I couldn't resist replying to this thread so I could say: "Bummer!"

I too sit up in bed working on my lap top and I can identify with your worries. It's not my tail bone though, it's my groin. I keep wondering if PCa goes to the groin? My wife points out that I'm 68 years old and my body is likely objecting to lifting bales of flax straw out at the farm last week. Still ...... ????

Sounds like you're doing fabulously well in the contenence department. Good on you!

Sheldon AKA Sleepless
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