Lower back + crampy pelvic pain -- a symptom of recurrence?

[lpas]

Just curious if anyone has experienced this and had it turn out to be cancer-related? My lower back has been bothering me for almost 2 months now and, if anything, it's getting worse instead of better. I'm now popping at least 8 ibuprofen a day just to keep the pain manageable. It tends to be on both sides (not in my tailbone) and, most recently, is accompanied by crampy pelvic pain that feels like period cramps--except I've had a hysterectomy, so it definitely isn't that! It does seem to be worse when I sit for long periods.

Am also wondering if this could also be a post-chemo issue, similar to the muscle weakness I have in my legs.

Has anyone else had this issue? Were you able to determine the cause (or a solution)?

Thanks so much.

[dianetavegia]

Only in those with rectal cancer when the cancer had spread to the bone.

Have you been checked for a bladder infection? Have you read up on pelvic floor dysfunction? Did you know you can develop varicose veins in the female area that can swell up and cause pains like menstrual cramping? Lack of sexual activity in a young woman can also cause pelvic and back cramping. Pinched nerve?

When I get constipated, I have crampy symptoms of a UTI but have learned to take care of that issue and the pain goes away.

I remember Dr. House, MD saying 'When you hear the sound of hoof beats, think Horses, not Zebras'.

[momof3]

My husband had bone mets that started with the lower back pain...however 2 months in ibuprofen never would have helped. He was on serious pain meds before they finally figured it out thAt it was bone mets. His Cea also climbed ...has yours been checked?

[lpas]

Thanks guys. Actually, am most concerned about some kind of peritoneal mets--the omentum, my one remaining ovary, etc. CEA was OK as of 3 weeks ago but it isn't a great marker for me. Had CA19-9 drawn today, so we'll see soon what that's been doing. Feeling crazy nervous about it, particularly with this pain.

[Steph20021]

I had really bad lower back and pelvic pain this summer but I had so much removed after that that it could have been the bladder, the rectum, the vagina, the ovary or all of the above that was causing my pain. I was on 12 Percocet a day. I hope it turns out to be nothing for you, or something fairly fixable. Please keep us posted. Sending hugs.

[Jachut]

I get bouts of very strong abdominal pain, I literally cant move with it and it can hang around for 48 hours, I've been to the hospital once and there's nothing to be seen. I mean they can tell my abdomen is rock hard and that I'm in pain but CT shows nothing, colonoscopy was clear - after all the surgeries, radiation, chemo it could be anything - probably adhesions. I've had bowel obstructions and it doesn't feel like that.

But if you need 8 ibuprofen a day it needs to be checked out thoroughly.

[PainInTheAss]

I have shooting pains in my vaginal area and lots of random weird pains. My recent clear scans were a big relief because you do start to worry that every ache and pain is a sign of recurrence. Especially every cough! I don't even have a uterus anymore and I still have "crampy" pains. I know now for sure that all my aches and pains are treatment related. I got tore up! I finally broke down and got some pain meds. Too much ibuprofen isn't good for your stomach or kidneys.

I don't have any back pain, but I do remember reading about a woman on this forum who was over 5 years post treatment and NED and had so much tail bone pain that it had become a QOL issue for her. After many tests it was theoried that it was radiation that affected the bone and they even found a crack in her tail bone, so bone pain doesn't mean bone mets. And pelvic scar tissue can pull on back muscles and cause back pain. I've come to just accept pain as the price of treatment. But I still am planning on some physical therapy to minimize it. Pain sucks!

[DarknessEmbraced]

I hope the pain gets better. That your doctor can find the cause of it.*hugs*

[JDinNC]

I get pain especially now that cold weather has begun. My pain is under my right rib cage...where my tumor was so of course I'm thinking recurrence. I do get a pain on my lower right side every other month or so. It makes me feel nausea and I don't want to look at food Then after a week I'm fine. I also get these electrical charges that shoot across my stomach but I've figured it's anxiety. Strange though...they happen spontaneous even while I'm focus on TV .
I don't take pain pills except on very rare situations. I do use a heating pad, I found that it helps sometimes.

Jan

[jhocno197]

Have they checked you for UTI?

[Sams wife]

Maybe there is a GooD! chiropractor someone can tell you to go to. I have seen a few people recommend physical therapy on this website. Maybe you could try a few yoga moves to relax it some.
My uncle had chemo up & radiation up in his chest or stomach. He is having pains now in legs that they think may be damage from radiation. Just trying to give you some ideas.
I'm sure I will worry about every pain hubby has later. Not sure that he will tho. : )
I know there is a chiropractors exercise: get on all knees & hands & stretch your back like a black cat. Just do it 30 seconds & then relax.
Hope you feel better

[SoupRgirl]

Hope you get it figured out. Mostly wanted to post to say what gorgeous kiddo in your profile pic. So cute! My last I was hoping would be a girl but I got a red headed boy.

[lpas]

Hope you get it figured out. Mostly wanted to post to say what gorgeous kiddo in your profile pic. So cute! My last I was hoping would be a girl but I got a red headed boy.

Aww, that's so sweet of you--she's definitely my pride and joy. Thanks so much!

[lpas]

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to give a quick update. After doing some additional research, I'm almost sure the pain is coming from my right ovary (the only one I still have). Last night, I also noticed some bright red blood on the toilet paper when I went to the bathroom, which can't be good since I don't have a uterus or cervix. I do have a history of endometriosis, so am hoping it could be something to do with the endo coming back. Maybe this is where the blood in my urine was coming from a month or two ago (since my urological workup was clean)? I have an appt with the NP from my gynecologist's office this afternoon, so we'll see if they find any cysts. I know there are quite a few here who've had ovarian mets, so that's probably my biggest fear. It seems crazy that that could happen with a normal CEA and clean CT only a month ago, but I know it's happened to others. I did get checked for a UTI a few weeks ago and there were no issues.

Thanks again to everyone for the feedback. Am keeping fingers crossed that it's nothing.

[DarknessEmbraced]

I hope your appointment goes well and that you get some answers!*hugs*