Weird question, anyone know?

[Karen from Indiana]

Ive been wondering something for a long time and always thought it was too weird to ask but am gonna anyway cause I really need to know. Can the bowels (intestines or whatever) cause problems or increased pain with the lower back? If so how exactly does it do it? I ask because when my back is doing its normal thing it is usually at a tolerable level...then there are times it will be a lot worse and within 2 hours or so I have a bowel movement, then within 30 minutes the pain is back to its normal level. Also having bowel movements feel like I am having back labor about to give birth. What is the connection?

[Nana4&cntn]

Karen, the answer is most definitely! Since we take meds for pain we tend to have firmer stools. The bowels get backed up and the pressure of it all, puts pressure on the spine. I agree it feels exactly like back labor! I work very hard to keep on a schedule so I don't hurt. Unfortunately, today is not a good day for the reasons I listed above.

The more you have to strain the more back pain you will have. It can increase spasms and pain. Then as you say, your pain levels go back to normal.

Take care,
Kathy

ps, there is a thread about this same issue somewhere, either here or on the spinal forum.

[Karen from Indiana]

Ok, that makes sense, it really does. I just have one more question, why does mine do that when im not on any pain meds? Days like today I wonder what goes through my drs head that im not but fact remains Im on nothing for pain at all.

[Spiney]

Are you on any other meds? SO MANY of them are constipating. Make certain that you stay well hydrated so the stool does not become rock hard. I try to drink a gallon each day. It gets pretty easy with practice. Also, keep moving..........walking is good. If you want the bowels to move, you need to move the rest of the body. A high fiber diet is good.........if you make certain to chase it with plenty of water otherwise the fiber can set up in the upper colon.

I make certain that the bowels move at least every 48 hours......one way or the other. The longer I go without a movement, the harder it is to move. I also find a strong cup of hot senna tea at bedime very helpful and usually results in a "normal" movement the next morning after a bowl of old fashioned oatmeal or bran flakes. Best wishes.

[moose53]

Absolutely. I know my back used to hurt tremendously with my periods before I got my endometriosis surgery. Still when other 'things' haven't been moving as they should, I feel it VERY MUCH in my low back. My whole back is shot, but, the lumbar is where the most severe problems are and I sure feel it. The nerves in there are all very close and I imagine a lot of them work double-duty, so any irritation in the tummy area would be felt in the back.

Hugs.

Barb

[Karen from Indiana]

I dont drink water but I stay hydrated for sure. I drink all day long and even take something to bed at night. I usually eat bran cereal every morning too. The constipation has gotten worse since starting the byetta for my diabetes. But thankfully it didnt work the other way like it does most people. I was just confused why my back would hurt so bad. It used to hurt like that all the time before my hysterectomy too. Now its just there and annoying until it comes time to have a bowel movement. There are days that it will flare for no reason but like I said I was confused about the back pain and the bowel movements.

[jenwick]

I know there are a lot of stool softerner and laxatives that have undesired side effects, but I've been on Miralax for years now and there are no nasty side effects, like the gas and bloating. They just made it an OTC med. The only thing is you have to take it every day, unless you're having diarrhea. It might be something to look into. It keeps everything moving smoothly.

[Karen from Indiana]

Why arent my notifications being sent when I get a reply?

[Nana4&cntn]

Karen, hit the refresh arrows at the top of your screen or leave the room and come back in. your answers will be here if you have any. Hope this helps..................Kathy

[Mark N]

Karen, be careful with the fiber if you continue to have problems. My doctor had me on more and more fiber but my constipation got worse because slow motility was my problems and fiber added to that problem. If the fiber works fine but if it continues to be a problem you should try to reduce your fiber.

[LKAHMS]

Hi Karen,

I would agree with the period comment...when I am just about to get my period my pain goes through the roof & then it calms down once it's here about day 2.
It took me a long time to catch on to that pain pattern.
I don't have pain in my back for bowel movements but I do agree certain meds can affect u and cause constipation which leads to pressure and strains....
I think it sounds normal.

[Spiney]

Karen, be careful with the fiber if you continue to have problems. My doctor had me on more and more fiber but my constipation got worse because slow motility was my problems and fiber added to that problem. If the fiber works fine but if it continues to be a problem you should try to reduce your fiber.


Yes, a thousand times, YES!!!!!!!!

[Kathi49]

Karen,

I have a broken tailbone (2 places) and also lumbar/sacral issues along with pelvic floor dysfunction. I know it can all be related after going through testing with a Urogyn and you name it...long story. Anyway, I have been told repeatedly to keep things "moving" and to stay well hydrated. I also eat fiber and drink plenty of water but at times take Lactulose which works well for me. However, I haven't needed it much at all lately. The thing with fiber is that you might have to experiment. When I first started adding in the fiber, I did way too much and was badly constipated. But now I know what to do and it is usually cereal of a morning and water throughout the day. I was also told to watch the caffeine intake for a number of reasons.

Anyway, you didn't say why you had a hysterectomy. But I had one 8 years ago due to endometriosis. Besides the horrible endo pain my lower back/sacral area used to hurt so bad and this was way before any spinal problems. But, whenever I was "scoped", my RE ALWAYS found implants or what she termed "powder burns" behind the uterus, on my bladder, on my ovaries and sometimes on ligaments. Anyway, not sure if you had endo or not but it is a thought since it can come back regardless...especially if you still have your ovaries OR are on HRT.

[Karen from Indiana]

No, never had endo but have had hysterectomy several years ago. And the pain was soooo bad before I would start. That was one of the reasons I had the hysterectomy. But this back pain is worse with bowel movements regardless of if I am constipated or moving normally. One thing about my bowels is they have never been normal, even before any meds which I dont think the ones Im on cause constipation. Am on glyburide, lisinopril, lovastatin and fluoxetine. And now the byetta injection which it has caused some constipation problems but like I said I was never normal prior to that. It is not uncommon for me to go several days or even weeks without a bowel movement and its not uncommon for me to go for a few days normally...its never the same. I was just confused as to the increase in pain when I do go.

[Peter B]

I never have any problems pre BM but if I'm in a spine flare the actual movement itself is unspeakably horrible. Another aspect of my the problem is the psychological misery I go thru just KNOWING what I'm about endure. The only positive is the fact that nobody is around to hear my towel-muffled moans. Leaning over to wipe is no joy either.


Pain free days,
Pete

[debhun]

Well put me in the group. I have been having trouble all my life. It runs in the family. My dad has it and I and now my 3 year old grand son. He was 2 when they had to put him on Miralax once a day. He is up to 2 times a day now. It hurts me to know he is in so much pain. My daughter is tring to potty train him and he will not go cause it hurts him. So he is still on pull ups. I know how I hurt and for a 3 year old I can't even think of it.

Pete I know about Leaning back is no joy either.Some times I don't think I can do it. but slowly I move. I think this is where we need a Bidet. I think that would be a good thing to get.

[Mark N]

Karen, please see your doctor and don't let her/him off the hook until you have regular BMs. I suffered with your problem for several years and risked doing some real damage [this is what Elvis died from as a result of his drug use]. I now have to use Mirilax twice a day and use enemas daily to maintain bowel health. Don't go for a week or two any longer as I suffered long enough that way.

[Peter B]

Deb,
I agree totally about the bidet. I was in Mexico with my wife several years ago and stayed in a very, very nice hotel. We were very cautious not to drink any water outside of the hotel but I inadvertently had a coke at one of the chain restaurants (I think it was Tony Roma's). The coke was fine, of course, but the ice cubes in it did me in. Well, not to be too graphic, I didn't make it back to our room. I think I was five or ten steps away when those ice cubes did their dirty deed. Anyway, having the bidet in the room was a God send. No need to use a half of a roll of toilet paper to clean up. Just get on the bidet, use it, and dry off. If I ever have the money to do it, I'll surely have a bidet put in the bathroom.

Pain free days,
Pete

[Mary Diane]

Hi Pete,

When I was in high school, our Spanish class went to Mexico. We stayed in a fabulous hotel, had a great time. Our hotel had bottled water that they brought to our rooms every morning, and whenever we called the desk for it. Now, I'm 53, and I was 16 then, so they didn't have commercial bottles of water, right? They had glass jugs with snap on lids, and I just happened to catch them filling them at the janitor's sink at the end of the hall. We were all so grossed out and disgusted!! So sure we were all going to be struck down by la tourista, or Maximillian's revenge. We weren't. We survived. I guess because we were young and healthy, maybe just because we were just lucky? LMAO I don't know.

My brother and I both got to go on this trip, and we have never forgotten it. We travelled from Michigan to Texas by car, then by train to Mexico City, and then back. It was an awesome experience. Two weeks of a once in a lifetime experience. I would not attempt it now. I could not fathom two weeks in a car, :eek:*ack oh, yeah, or worse
and after the train ride? two days of that shaking? I'd kill somebody *claymore , if I could bend my knees and uncrick my neck, and straighten my elbows *bones

Well, I guess I'll hobble these old bones off to bed, dang, just thinking about it makes me feel old. LMAO

God Bless and one-armed hugs,

Mary Diane *cg06