Hello. I Am In Surgery Recovery ( Colon ) And

Posted on Fri, 10 May 2019

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Fri, 10 May 2019 Answered on

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Question : Hello. I am in surgery recovery (colon) and had an adverse effect to either the surgery or the narcotic. The surgery, though successful, has created (or exposed) a prostate issue. I have a catheter in as I await insurance approval on either a procedure of a surgery. My issue though at the moment is my back. I don't usually have back issues but I do see a chiropractor every 6 weeks for an adjustment. Having now missed my regular appointment (my surgery was 5 weeks ago and I am not nearly right yet), my back has been occasionally stiff and what feels to me like out of alignment. But tonight it took a turn for the worse -- much -- leaving me concerned this may not be a chiropractic issue. The pain got to be excruciating, and I have a high tolerance for pain. For a few minutes I was having trouble taking deep breaths without causing sharp pain. That has subsided over the past few hours, and my breathing is normal again, but still if I inhale completely, sharp pain. So there we go. I have made a chiro appointment but can't get in now till Tuesday. My pain encompasses the upper left quadrant of my back. Basically expanded shoulder blade area. So what do you think? Chiro issue from limited post-surgery movement plus a skipped adjustment? Or does this sound like something else? Thanks!

Answered by Dr. Shinas Hussain (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Consult a neurologist.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for the query.
This can occur if the epidural or spinal needle or the epidural catheter damages a single nerve, a group of nerves or the spinal cord.
Generally it will settle by few weeks.
Chiropractic procedures are not recommended and might worsen the problem.
It is better to consult a neurologist or spine surgeon and get evaluated. You might improve with drugs like gabapentin and sometimes steroids are also required.
If pain persists better to go for an MRI scan for further assessment.
Wishing all the best.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Shinas Hussain (5 hours later)

Hi. Are you suggesting my back issue (calmer this morning but I can still feel it in there) was caused by something that happened in my surgery 5 1/2 weeks ago and is only fully manifesting now?

Answered by Dr. Shinas Hussain (21 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Both are possibilities, better go for an MRI

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
It can be a nerve root inflammation happened during spinal/epidural anaesthesia.
Other possibility is underlying spine related problem like prolapsed disc or nerve impingement which might manifested or aggravated after the procedure.
You can get an MRI scan to get a better clinical picture.
Wishing all the best.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D