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Do We Get Stabbing Abdominal Pain With Chills After Having Vaginal Hysterectomy ?
Question: Hi! I had a vaginal hysterectomy 8 weeks ago taking the uterus and cervix. I have had bowel issues for about a year and two bulging discs in my back. I only move my bowels once every 2 or 3 weeks. When I do it is severe pain and diarrhea. Yesterday I began having stabbing upper abdominal pains that brought me to my knees. It is coming and going and continues today. I moved my bowels this morning with diarrhea. I have chills but no fever. I am very nauseated.
Hi,
Thanks for your query.
From your history it is clear that you are in post operative phase of vaginal hysterectomy.
Now there are many causes of abdominal pain and diarrhea. In your case the possibilities are
1. Drug (hydrocodone) induced
2. Enteritis secondary to infection
3. Irritable bowel syndrome
Now the measures you can follow are-
1. You will probably need a course of antibiotics
2. Drink plenty of water to keep yourself well hydrated
3. Antispasmodic drugs help in relieving spasms. Tab. Meftal which is available as over the counter may be used for pain relief. One pill to be used twice a day for 2-3 days.
4. Avoid spicy and oily food as they tend to induce nausea among many people.
5. You may use anti nausea medications if severely nauseated
I suggest that you consult your primary care provider. Some of the above mentioned medications can be prescribed by him/her. A physical examination and stool tests will be useful in differentiating among the aforementioned causes. Tapering and stopping hydrocodone may be considered here.
Hope I have answered your query. I will be available for follow ups.
Regards.
Thanks for your query.
From your history it is clear that you are in post operative phase of vaginal hysterectomy.
Now there are many causes of abdominal pain and diarrhea. In your case the possibilities are
1. Drug (hydrocodone) induced
2. Enteritis secondary to infection
3. Irritable bowel syndrome
Now the measures you can follow are-
1. You will probably need a course of antibiotics
2. Drink plenty of water to keep yourself well hydrated
3. Antispasmodic drugs help in relieving spasms. Tab. Meftal which is available as over the counter may be used for pain relief. One pill to be used twice a day for 2-3 days.
4. Avoid spicy and oily food as they tend to induce nausea among many people.
5. You may use anti nausea medications if severely nauseated
I suggest that you consult your primary care provider. Some of the above mentioned medications can be prescribed by him/her. A physical examination and stool tests will be useful in differentiating among the aforementioned causes. Tapering and stopping hydrocodone may be considered here.
Hope I have answered your query. I will be available for follow ups.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for your suggestions. I forgot to mention that I also have medullary sponge kidney disease. It seems that since my hysterectomy everything has gone hay wire. It still hurts when I urinate or move my bowels. I am literally in tears from it. My family is concerned that my bladder and/or bowels may have somehow been damaged during my surgery. I am going to see my primary care doc tomorrow, but they do not listen very well. I see specialists for my bulgings discs and my kidneys. I feel like I have too many doctors who are not communicating these issues and my health is really suffering. My neurologist has tried weaning me off the hydrocodone, but I have such horrible pain in my back just from every day activities that I have to use it. Is there any other medication that may help my back other than the narcotics??
Hi,
Thanks again.
Medullary sponge kidney disease is sometimes associated with recurrent renal stones. This can explain pain / discomfort while passing urine.
When someone passes stools infrequently (2-3 weeks), the hard stool can cause discomfort. Sometimes hard stool may pass as loose stools too. Infection, chronic inflammatory conditions, drugs, hysterectomy, spine condition and hormonal factors may be contributing in making the symptoms worse.
Apart from the measures suggested in my previous reply, high fibre diet, stool softeners and laxatives are important in treating your symptoms. Discuss about them too while you plan to XXXXXXX your primary doctor. I think with appropriate diet regimen consisting of high fibre diet, good hydration, stool softener, laxatives, antispasmodic and infection control (if any) your symptoms should improve.
Since there could be multiple factors contributing to the symptoms, perhaps the various specialist gastroenterologist, orthopedic or neurosurgeon / neurologist and your primary care doctor can combine and work together in giving you the optimal health.
Lastly if hydrocodone withdrawl has resulted in severe rebound pains, I do not feel tapering and stopping hydrocodone is right in the current circumstances. Narcotics probably have the best chances in controlling your back pain. I hope you have considered physiotherapy, acupuncture and other alternative forms of treatment in treating the back pains.
Hope I have provided you with good information that is positive and encouraging.
Wishing you regain good health.
Regards
Thanks again.
Medullary sponge kidney disease is sometimes associated with recurrent renal stones. This can explain pain / discomfort while passing urine.
When someone passes stools infrequently (2-3 weeks), the hard stool can cause discomfort. Sometimes hard stool may pass as loose stools too. Infection, chronic inflammatory conditions, drugs, hysterectomy, spine condition and hormonal factors may be contributing in making the symptoms worse.
Apart from the measures suggested in my previous reply, high fibre diet, stool softeners and laxatives are important in treating your symptoms. Discuss about them too while you plan to XXXXXXX your primary doctor. I think with appropriate diet regimen consisting of high fibre diet, good hydration, stool softener, laxatives, antispasmodic and infection control (if any) your symptoms should improve.
Since there could be multiple factors contributing to the symptoms, perhaps the various specialist gastroenterologist, orthopedic or neurosurgeon / neurologist and your primary care doctor can combine and work together in giving you the optimal health.
Lastly if hydrocodone withdrawl has resulted in severe rebound pains, I do not feel tapering and stopping hydrocodone is right in the current circumstances. Narcotics probably have the best chances in controlling your back pain. I hope you have considered physiotherapy, acupuncture and other alternative forms of treatment in treating the back pains.
Hope I have provided you with good information that is positive and encouraging.
Wishing you regain good health.
Regards
Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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