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Experiencing Severe Lower Back Pain . I Have Nerve Damage
Question: Experiencing severe lower back pain. I have nerve damage after surgery to remove cancer in my upper right lung. Since then I have constant pain, but not in my lower back. I have had blood in my urine and my doctor is aware of it. I have an appointment soon, however my pain is so severe that I wonder if I should go to the hospital emergency. I have been using Percocet for pain since my surgery and wonder if this is a side effect. Should I proceed to go to the hospital?
Brief Answer:
It is unlikely that the pain is a side effect of Percocet
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,
I carefully read your query and understand your concern.
I am sorry for your diagnosis of lung cancer and the complications of the surgery.
Percocet is a tablet that contains Tylenol and an opioid. It is generally good for pain and it does not usually cause lower back pains so I do not think the lower back pain you are experiencing is related to Percocet use.
On the other hand, if the pain is present at rest, or present at night, or not affected by pain medications, it is always important to let your doctor know.
It can still be a muscular-skeletal pain which most of the time is self-limiting and nothing to worry, but due to your history of lung cancer you need a good physical examination and rule out more important conditions.
To conclude:
- I do not think Percocet is causing your back pain as back pain is not a usual side effect of Percocet
- as for the need to see the doctor, it is safer to do so due to your history of lung cancer and also to have some relief as Percocet seems to not have the pain under control, so you will need to have proper pain management as well.
I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj, General and Family Physician
It is unlikely that the pain is a side effect of Percocet
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,
I carefully read your query and understand your concern.
I am sorry for your diagnosis of lung cancer and the complications of the surgery.
Percocet is a tablet that contains Tylenol and an opioid. It is generally good for pain and it does not usually cause lower back pains so I do not think the lower back pain you are experiencing is related to Percocet use.
On the other hand, if the pain is present at rest, or present at night, or not affected by pain medications, it is always important to let your doctor know.
It can still be a muscular-skeletal pain which most of the time is self-limiting and nothing to worry, but due to your history of lung cancer you need a good physical examination and rule out more important conditions.
To conclude:
- I do not think Percocet is causing your back pain as back pain is not a usual side effect of Percocet
- as for the need to see the doctor, it is safer to do so due to your history of lung cancer and also to have some relief as Percocet seems to not have the pain under control, so you will need to have proper pain management as well.
I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj, General and Family Physician
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
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