back pain with manual pd

[Charli]

I just started PD about 3-4 weeks ago. I do 4 exchanges a day and all is going good. I really don't have any problem with it at all, except a little pinch or cramp at the end of drain, but I just use that as a tool to let me know when I'm empty and once I close port it stops immediately. I like PD so far and I do feel better and have more energy, but I do have one problem.  Back pain, stomach pain and neck pain which causes headaches. I've had a history of back pain and had neck surgery(2 fused disk in neck) about 3 years ago. Ever since I started PD, the low back pain from the weight of the 2000L bags is wrecking havoc on my back which goes all the way around to stomach and up to high back, shoulders, neck and back of head. It's constant muscle pain. I take muscle relaxers and hydrocodoine, which helps a little (not all the way) but wears off in about 4 hrs and pain is back.  I'm 4"10 and all the weight is right in stomach and just is heavy on back and stomach muscles like crazy. I've kinda gotten used to the uncomfortable full feeling, now if only I can get rid of back pain.   Can anyone tell me if they have this problem and is there any way of fixing this or at least helping it ?

Charli

[KICKSTART]

I think you have answered your own question really , in the fact you have back trouble. As far as i know back pain isnt common normally with pd , so it is probably because you have a history of back trouble to start with. The only thing i can suggest is maybe move on to a cycler , that way at least you will be lay down at night when you have the fluid in and some people can go empty during the day.

[Jie]

I am doing nightly cycler and have bad pain when I sleep on my back. If I sleep on my sides, it is not a problem.  My training manual says there are some excercise that can help, but I have not done any of them.   --Jie

[Restorer]

Previously when I first increased my cycler fill volume, I got a very tired back and a very restless feeling when I failed to drain completely, and the next fill plus all the ultrafiltration was too much. I wouldn't call it back pain, just very tired back muscles.

Jie, what exercises are those? I haven't heard that from either of my PD nurses, or read it in any of my manuals. It does make sense and sound like a good idea.

[Jie]

Restorer,

I do not have detailed information about the excercise.  My training manual says that if there is back pain, call the nurse for information about the excercise to help.  I called my nurse, but she does not know (she is relatively new). I also called the nurse on call during the weekend, but she said she did not have the information at home and asked me to call her during the weekdays. She said she has the information in the office. Later I found out that I can sleep on my sides without back pain, so I did not follow up this.  So if you are interested in this, please call the dialysis nurse for information.