This topic is about someone who recently had ileostomy surgery and is now experiencing severe back pain, particularly between the shoulder blades and in the lower back. They are reaching out to see if others have had similar experiences and to gather advice on how to manage this discomfort.
Here are some helpful insights and advice:
1. Sleeping position change: After an ileostomy, you might need to switch from sleeping on your stomach to sleeping on your side or back. This change can temporarily cause back pain. Try using pillows for support and experiment with different positions to find what reduces strain.
2. Core-muscle weakness: The surgery can weaken your abdominal and core muscles, which might destabilize your spine and lead to back pain. As you heal, gentle core strengthening exercises, once approved by your doctor, can help ease these symptoms.
3. Operating-table and recovery-bed positioning: During surgery and the recovery period, your body might be placed in positions that cause stress, which you might not feel immediately due to medication. This can lead to back pain that usually subsides within a week or two. Short-term pain medication might provide relief.
4. Posture after surgery: You might find yourself walking hunched over to protect your abdomen, but this can strain your back. Try to stand upright, even if your abdomen feels tight, to help reduce additional stress on your back.
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