Middle back pain - trying to not worry

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wallan
wallan Member Posts: 1,275
edited September 2014 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

Hey everyone:

     I am a 10 year survivor of 3rd stage BC.. yippeee.... no recurrance, though I have had a gazillion things checked out over the years.

Latest thing and new  - middle back pain.  It started about a month or so ago, just a dull pain in the middle of my back. I also have had indigestion problems and thought maybe backpain is from that. But now, the pain has gotten worse and the muscles in my mid back are spasming. I am now telling myself its a strain, its bad posture and it could be. 

But I cannot help but wonder - the old anxiety resurfaces.  I have not said anything to anyone yet. I know I should get it checked out. But I need a dose of courage from people who understand - you guys.

I need positive thoughts and vibes so I do not slip back into that black place....

Anyone have middle back pain that was nothing???

Wendy

    

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  • odie16
    odie16 Member Posts: 1,882
    edited August 2014

    I have similar back pain when I have gall bladder attacks. May be related to your indigestion. Wishing you the best Wendy. 

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  • Lou10
    Lou10 Member Posts: 332
    edited August 2014

    I had a scare because of new middle-to-upper back pain. After it failed to resolve first with rest, then with massage therapy, I had a bone scan. It wasn't mets ... just my crappy musculoskeletal system. 

    A friend of mine had middle back pain that turned out to be from a kidney stone. It was embedded in one of her ureters and causing swelling of her kidney; she also had an infection. When the pain started it was quite mild but she's not used to having back pain, is only a year out of active tx (stage 3 bc), and was worried about it being mets. So she went to her oncologist instead of her family physician. After a clear bone scan, they figured it was just normal "wear and tear" back pain. It wasn't until the pain got worse one night that she went to the ER and the problem was immediately identified.

    You're probably right that your back pain is caused by strained muscles, but if it's bothering you, why not see your doc? Best wishes, and try to stay away from the dark place (I know, easier said than done!)

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  • wallan
    wallan Member Posts: 1,275
    edited August 2014

    Thanks everyone.... I will go see my family doctor this week.  

    I am trying heat, meditation, massage, walking and cold. Cold works best. The pain is still not leaving me though.  

    Interesting about the kidney stones....this prompts me to see my doctor sooner rather than waiting.  

    Wendy

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  • peacestrength
    peacestrength Member Posts: 690
    edited August 2014

    Wendy - I don't have experience with middle back pain but wanted to offer my support and prayers to you.  You supported me on one of my past threads and it still uplifts me.  Thinking of you.

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  • Nettie1964
    Nettie1964 Member Posts: 759
    edited August 2014


    I struggle with back pain everyday and I'm just now a year out from tx!  I've complained and been told that it's due to my scoliosis!  but I'm not convinced, haven't been scanned!  Have asked to be, but so far, doctors say no need!  Keeps me scared and worried everyday!

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  • bevin
    bevin Member Posts: 1,902
    edited August 2014

    I'm sorry your doctors are not respecting your report of pain. Could you possibly get a second opinion? You can see another oncologist at any time, perhaps some one who will at least investigate to find the cause of your pain.

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  • LW0919
    LW0919 Member Posts: 196
    edited August 2014

    Hi Wendy.  I too have had back pain for the past several months,  more concentrated in the lower portion of my spine.  I kept hoping it would go away, but it hasn't and is getting worse.  I've been having spasms and when I coughed last week, it felt like my spine was going to burst.  I called my onc on Friday and they scheduled an appointment for me to come in on Wednesday.  Not sure yet what she'll say or if they will have me set up to do any scans but I'm glad now that I finally called.  

    My onc had stated after my initial treatment (chem/radiation) was over that there would be no more scans but to pay attention to my body and if an ache or pain doesn't go away to call and we would investigate.  If you go to your GP make sure they understand your concerns.  Sometimes we have to push our agenda but it's necessary to stay on top of these issues! 

    Hope your pain and mine is something we can chalk up to just getting older!

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  • wallan
    wallan Member Posts: 1,275
    edited September 2014

    Hey everyone:

      Your posts have really helped me alot!  I am waiting to get in to see my family doc. I have a waiting list for non-urgent things I guess. They tell me to go to a walkin clinic or ER if I feel I must be looked at right away. If I can, I will not go that route. Waiting hours and hours and hours is not my idea of productively living my life! 

    Anyways, it looks like thursday this week is my family doc appointment. I have been doing gentle stretchs and exercise and meditation. It seems to be related to heartburn and indigestion too. I don't have a gallbladder, so I know its not that.  I do alot of driving in my job, so its probably posture related and getting older.  

    Your support means alot and keeps me sane as I said.

    Good luck on your tests, LWO919.

    Wendy

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  • AndreaJ50
    AndreaJ50 Member Posts: 889
    edited September 2014

    Hi Wendy,

    I had a dull ache in my abdomen for nearly a year. A CT scan showed all was well, but the pain persisted. I went to a GI doc who did a barrage of tests. No findings.

    Then in June I started with spine pain. Since I was out of the country I wasn't able to get it checked out until ten days ago. I had a spinal X-ray that showed disc compression in thoracic and lumbar regions. And most surprisingly a mass in my kidney that looks like a whopping big stone (1 cm- won't pass on its own). 

    Abdominal pain finally figured out. Radiologist didn't think it looked like spine mets so I am referred to spine specialist. Waiting until I see my MO tomorrow.

    Sorry for ramble. Spine pain wakes me up at night and that is what mostly concerns me.

    Good luck with finding the cause of your discomfort.

    Take care,

    Andrea

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  • J9W
    J9W Member Posts: 395
    edited September 2014

    Hi Wendy,  I had three months of back pain before I finally saw my family doctor. The first thing she did was look at the kidneys - turns out I had a urinary tract infection that hit my kidneys....none of the regulary UT symptoms.  Two rounds of antibiotics and I'm almost clear.  Here's hoping you too have a UT.  (Sounds so wrong to wish that on someone but it's better than other alternatives). J9

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  • AndreaJ50
    AndreaJ50 Member Posts: 889
    edited September 2014

    My MO just confirmed no signs of Mets...yay! 

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  • LW0919
    LW0919 Member Posts: 196
    edited September 2014

    I saw my MO today.  She's requesting an MRI of my lower spine so that we can rule out mets and determine what the problem is.  I have to wait on an approval from insurance before they can schedule so I think it will be sometime next week, so now we wait!  I'm hoping it's just me getting older.  I'll be 43in a couple of weeks so maybe it just comes with age.

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  • LW0919
    LW0919 Member Posts: 196
    edited September 2014

    I had an MRI on Friday.  I've tried not to think about it but am getting really anxious.  I was told to expect results in 24-48 hours.  I plan on calling tomorrow afternoon to see if someone can give me the results. I'm so nervous and impatient.   I'm hoping it's all clear.  

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  • AndreaJ50
    AndreaJ50 Member Posts: 889
    edited September 2014

    ((Hugs)). Keeping good thoughts coming your way. 

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  • wallan
    wallan Member Posts: 1,275
    edited September 2014

    Hey everyone:

      So, I couldn't get in to see my family doc afterall. They cancelled and told me to go to walk-in clinic or ER or reschedule. I was frustrated, so I have not done a thing.

    My middle back ache comes and goes now which is a relief from what it was. So I am guessing it is nothing bad.. but I will eventually get it checked. It is weird how after all these years and many things being checked out, you really do get sick of doctors and tests and waiting.  I still know it is in my best interest though to go get checked. It is such a pain in the ass though.... Right now my back is not in spasms. It does ache though at days end and sometimes in the morning.  I am beginning to believe it is not mets and anything else in my books is not as bad. Unless I get deathly ill from an infection or something or am in severe pain - but I am not. Just a sore mid back and indigestion. 

     I am trying to figure out if I have become sensitive to something I eat. Like Dairy. Or wheat or corn. So far, popcorn and corn on the cob are not my friends anymore. 

    But, thanks to all your support, I feel calmer, less anxious. 

    HOw are you doing LW0919?  Any results?

    Wendy

      

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  • LW0919
    LW0919 Member Posts: 196
    edited September 2014

    hi Wendy.  My MRI news came back good.  It' arthritis.  Phew.  I was so relieved.  I can deal with that though find it odd to have arthritis at 43.

    I have developed lactose intolerance and it seems like it came shortly after chemo.  Most of the time milk will have me doubled over in pain but I keep drinking it because I love it.  Lots of indigestion every time I have a glass.  

    Glad to hear your back pain has eased up some!

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  • AndreaJ50
    AndreaJ50 Member Posts: 889
    edited September 2014

    LW0919: Yay! That is great news!!

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  • wallan
    wallan Member Posts: 1,275
    edited September 2014

    Wonderful news!! 

    Arthritis.... huh... I swear all the treatment creates side problems like arthritis... 

    But its not cancer.... 

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  • LW0919
    LW0919 Member Posts: 196
    edited September 2014

    I know!  I'll take arthritis over cancer anyday!  

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