This topic is about dealing with back pain after having ileostomy surgery. The person who started the discussion is experiencing severe back pain four weeks after their surgery, which is a new issue for them. They are curious if others have had similar experiences and how long the pain might last. Here are some insights and advice shared by others:

1. Many people find that post-surgery back pain is normal but temporary. It can last from a few weeks to a few months and usually gets better as the body heals, especially if you avoid over-exerting yourself. Activities like reaching, twisting, or doing heavy work too soon can bring the pain back, so it's important to let your body heal fully.

2. The likely cause of this pain is the position patients are placed in during surgery. The unsupported sacral area bears the weight of the legs for many hours, which can lead to lower back pain afterward.

3. To help with recovery, it's important to rest and avoid twisting or lifting. Wearing a lumbar support or back brace can be helpful for heavier tasks once you're cleared to do them. Sitting or sleeping in a semi-reclined position, like in a rocking chair or on a sofa with pillows for support, can also provide relief. Some people find lying on their side with a pillow between their knees helpful once their incisions have healed enough.

4. For managing pain, regular over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen can be effective. Some people found prescription pain patches to be very helpful in the early weeks after surgery.

5. Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises for the back and abdominal muscles can reduce pain as your posture improves after being in bed for a long time.

6. Some have found devices like the Bodi-tek "Back Magic," an adjustable lumbar stretcher, to be very helpful. Using it for 15 minutes twice a day can stretch and relax the lower spine.

7. If you experience severe or worsening pain, shortness of breath, chest heaviness, or persistent nausea with poor stoma output, it's important to contact your surgeon or seek emergency care to rule out any complications.