A Real Pain In The Behind

Hi all!

I am a five year ostomate following treatment for life threatening colorectal cancer (when a ball sized tumor ruptured inside me).

Just got my results from my quarterly cat scan. Seems that a little swelling was detected this time on my right abdominal side, and my doctor wants blood and possibly more tests. I told him that I had experienced low back pain (location right buttock area, as the pain seems to travel to where it feels like it's on the hip). I also told him that while it (the pain) was in a new location, my recent history of a slipped disc (in the neck), and other back maladies led me to believe it was all associated. Of course doctor knows best, so he'll probably run me through a Pet scan or something.

Anyway, scoured the internet and noticed several discussions on the same problem, described exactly as I have. Some say sciatica, and others not so sure. At any rate if anyone else has experienced this phenomena I will keep you posted on my results after my tests.

Hi kenkd,

You've come to the right place! This community is full of people who understand and are ready to offer support and share their experiences.

Regarding your situation, it's good that you're staying on top of things with your doctor. Back pain can be tricky, especially with your history. It could be sciatica, as you mentioned, or something else entirely. It's reassuring that your doctor is being thorough with the tests. Many of us have been through similar uncertainties, and it helps to talk about it. Keep us updated on what you find out, and hopefully, it turns out to be something manageable.

Congrats on being part of this community! You'll find plenty of support, information, and some really great people here who are always willing to help out.

Hi Kenkd - good idea to have it checked out - one of the symptoms with my original tumor was excruciating low back pain, which everyone said was sciatica. I have recently been having similar pain to what you describe too - all my surgery left my kidneys susceptible to infection, so I get any pain checked out pretty frequently.

Sounds like you have a keeper in your doctor!
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Hi

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  I agree with Pinky, it's good to get it checked out, .....I have had probs in the past with Sciatica and I have a few friends and a family member who also have sciatica trouble and it is much like what you describe....good luck with that, but be careful and take it easy in the meantime, let us know!

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KENKD,

Whatever your outcome, I am pulling for you, as I do for all who share our digestive system problems.

I am a big, tough ex-Alaska commercial fisherman. I have been brought to my knees in tears with some of the problems posted here. Many here, if not all, are a lot tougher than I could ever hope to be.

Good luck

Rick.....

Well, it looks like cancer is back. After my recent tests, my doctor has discovered cancer in the part of the rectum that was left after my emergency surgery years ago. The surgeon is confident that (as he says) 'We'll remove the cancer, and we expect you to live a long time'. He also says he can reverse my colostomy at that time (while he has me open), and claims that it is the 'good news'.

I'll be entering discussions with him on Tuesday regarding that. As for the cancer, I beat it once and plan on beating the hell out of it again. I'll be entering Cleveland Clinic on March 16th to begin that episode for seven days, and I am counting on a fairly speedy recovery (based on the last time I was opened up).

So it appears that the pain in my backside may have been associated with this new recurrence. The pain has been gone for over two weeks, but after surgery, I will be out of it once again.

Big thanks to my oncologist for having raised the alert, and my surgeon for pinpointing the problem. What a team!

Getting Support in the Ostomy Community with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister

Good luck, Ken. My thoughts and prayers for a complete and speedy recovery. You have the attitude right; that's half the battle, in my opinion.
mmsh

Wishing you a very speedy recovery, Ken ...

Take good care, Rach xx

We'll be having positive thoughts for you Ken, best of luck, Ed

Dear Ken ... thinking of you and knowing you will pull through. And it is good to hear about docs that are on the ball.

Hi Kenkd

I'm coming onboard late I guess! 🤭

If you've already had your surgery I pray all went well.

Keep us posted!

E& I