This topic is about experiencing back pain after having colostomy surgery. The person who started the discussion is dealing with severe back pain seven months after their surgery. They used to pass rectal mucus three times a week, but this has stopped, and they are curious if this change might be related to their back pain. They are reaching out to see if others have had similar experiences.
Here are some insights and advice shared by others:
1. It's quite common to have back pain after surgery. Many people have experienced this after their ostomy operations.
2. Some possible reasons for the back pain include:
- Loss of strength in core and back muscles due to weight loss during recovery.
- Favoring the side with the ostomy, which can lead to uneven posture and muscle strain.
- The ongoing healing process of the rectal stump, if it is still open, and any related discharge or moisture.
3. To manage the back pain, consider these suggestions:
- Engage in gentle walking and light exercises several times a day to help rebuild muscle support and improve posture.
- Some have tried using a TENS unit or an impulse-generating wrap, though one person found it less beneficial compared to exercise.
- It's a good idea to have a physician assess the situation to rule out other causes and ensure that healing is on track.