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What Causes Chronic Back Pain And Numbness Left Foot Before An Umbilical Hernia?

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Posted on Mon, 19 Oct 2015
Twitter Mon, 19 Oct 2015 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 9 Nov 2015 Last reviewed on
Question : digestive tract problems. currently am scheduled to have umbilical hernia repaired in 3 weeks. had an acute bout of constipation on 10-18 after a long, very physically active day. also have moderate to severe pain associated with both my hernia and an ongoing back injury (bulging and protruding L4 & L5 discs and S1 damage with permanent nerve damage down left leg and subsequent numbness of bottom of left foot). I also take opioids for chronic back pain (35-50 mgs/day in both norco and vicoprofen form, been on pain management for 5.5 years). Hernia has been present/visible for 18 months/2 years. The constipation is a fairly new symptom. Family MD had a CT scan done for another digestive tract flare up approximately 6 months ago. Discovered partial blockage and indicated it was fecal matter. Prescribed an over-the-counter laxative to remove blockage. I am 55, about 20 lbs overweight, take crestor for high cholesteral, and pantoprazole for acid reflux. also take gabapentin for the nerve pain associated with the back injury
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Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (33 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Your pain medications are probably responsible forthis constipation

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

I have reviewed your information fully. This constipation is probably caused by the pain medications. normally you need to be on laxatives also to help prevent constipation associated with opioids pain medications. Fruits, vegetables, enough fluids and regular exercise will help address this constipation.

Hernia repair is pretty straight forward and there is no reason to be too afraid about it. I will like you to keep me updated about this.

I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thanks for using our services and feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Dr. Chobufo Ditah

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Practicing since :2009

Answered : 6315 Questions

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What Causes Chronic Back Pain And Numbness Left Foot Before An Umbilical Hernia?

Brief Answer: Your pain medications are probably responsible forthis constipation Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you so much for this query. I have reviewed your information fully. This constipation is probably caused by the pain medications. normally you need to be on laxatives also to help prevent constipation associated with opioids pain medications. Fruits, vegetables, enough fluids and regular exercise will help address this constipation. Hernia repair is pretty straight forward and there is no reason to be too afraid about it. I will like you to keep me updated about this. I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thanks for using our services and feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.