Question: Back Pain Around Ribs

I am still recouping from my surgery of 7/18. I believe I'm doing better every day, but I had a strange symptom that hasn't happened before. Except for the Pancreatitis I had when a gallstone got caught in the pancreas. I had to have my gall bladder removed.

Today about an hour after eating a small amount of cut fruit, I suddenly got this bad pressure like pain in my back, where my bra hits. It feels similar to the pain I had when I had Pancreatitis, except that pain was in the front and back from my neck to my thighs, worse than delivery pain.

I'm hoping it's just gas, but panic set in when I felt that kind of pain. I'm not wanting to go to emergency!!

I am still experiencing some difficulty and discomfort swallowing food. I avoid bread, and sometimes forget and swallow too fast while eating, then it feels like the food is stuck.

I know it takes four to six weeks or more to recover to a point where things don't bother you anymore. But from what I've been reading I think this may follow me for a long time.

In reality the benefits are good. I don't suffer from reflux anymore and can sleep laying flat. I don't have the lump in my throat, and I don't belch constantly. I've also lost some weight, which is a good thing. I am weaker than expected, but that could have something to do with my food intake. I've started to drink Ensure. Hopefully that will help the energy level. We'll see.

If anyone has experienced this back pain let me know. The only thing I can think of is that I may need to go see my chiropractor. Haven't had my back adjusted since before the surgery, and am afraid to have him push on my back until I'm sure my stomach has healed well enough.

Keep Smiling.

Hi Sharon,

Good advise, I try to snack frequently but I can only manage maybe four a day. In the beginning I was nocuous in the mornings, now its not as often. I also chew until the food is liquid, and yes my mouth does revert back to it's old habits and I'll swallow too soon, then the pain will start, but at this point I know why. The pain that I felt was similar to back muscle pain, but a bit worse. It could have been a combination of malady's. I find that I sit a lot and I'm not use to that. I now get up and try and move around more. I will start walking on my treadmill again, I'm sure that will help the gas issue.
I keep telling myself that I have to heal. I had my gall bladder removed with robotics and I was up and running in less than three weeks. I'm a quick healer, but in this instance I realize that the surgery was MAJOR, my doctor was busy for an hour and a half, and I was blown up like an air balloon. So I have to be patient. I will also ask the doc about a chiropractor visit.
Sharon thanks so much for thoughtfulness, all the information on this forum is so helpful.

Cia

Hi Sharon,

If the issue with being nauseous keeps up I will get a prescription. I had breakfast an hour ago and I feel a bit off sorts. Oatmeal or brand cereal is my start for the day, slides down easily.
Went to see my GP yesterday for an annual check up. With the way I'm eating I'm hoping the blood sugar level evens out. Otherwise she says all is looking good.
The pain in my back has subsided, so I can put off any adjustments. Now I have to start to exercise, so that starts today. A little music in my ears and I'm off and walking. Just have to stay out of the heat.

Best Regards,
Cia

Hi guys, thanks to all for your encouragement. I finally did get with my doctor and got some Zofran. Helped to end the nausea in two doses.

Although this morning I woke up again with the symptom, so I took the meds again. Feel better already. I must have eaten something. I did take some pain meds last night. Had an issue with my sciatic so took a half of a Vicodin. I have stopped all pain meds for my surgery long ago. As I'm getting more active my other malady starts to show it's ugly head. Sciatic being the main one.

I usually get an epidural every four to five months. My last one was in February, so I'm a bit late. But because I wasn't able to go back to my very active life after the surgery, my left side hasn't bothered me until now. As I have started to recover and do more, and since I'm not scheduled to get a shot until mid September I rely on pain meds at night. But mind you, only when it gives me problems. Which is about two weeks before my shot. I put the shot off as long as possible. But believe me cortisone is my friend, without the shots I'm unable to function. Some day back surgery, when its a sure thing, and the percentage is 100% in my favor!!

As far as my recovering now, I think I'm doing well. I'm still losing weight, and I had my yearly with my GP. She's happy with everything except my sugar level. Oh well, can't please everybody!!

The only downside still is swallowing, gas, constipation (which could be Zofran or Vicodin), and lethargy. But that's improving more and more each day. Attitude also matters, and my glass is half full, not half empty!! Of course my energizing bunny thing may be over, but who knows, right?

Cia