Abdominal Discomfort after Kyphoplasty?

My friend feels intense abdominal pressure and pain. It is difficult for her to eat. This is following kyphoplasty a T-11 to L-1. The pain is worse on being upright, but she also has trouble lying down.
I so welcome your question.
One suggestion was made about possible hiatal hernia.
The situation does not seem to be usual.
I would try to get reimaging of the T9 to rule out overfill of the vertebral gap.
My friend is finally able to get an abdominal MRI. Her doctor says they are "scratching their heads." I'll keep you posted and hope we get some responses.
There has to be cause and remedy.
Greeting to your husband.

Thanks, Gently. Hubby is able to sit upright or in recliner with legs up comfortably, as well as lie on his side in bed. Has trouble standing for more than a few minutes. Today, he's describing the tight abdomen/stomach pain as "stress". He's supposed to get up and walk around the room every hour or so, but he's not doing it as much as his surgeon recommended. Just wants to lie in his recliner, watch football and have me bring him juice, banana, cookie and Ensure Protein drink, instead of his usual breakfast of Shredded Wheat N Bran that he's been having for maybe a half century. Had a half bowl of chicken Fettucini last night. It's hard to find things that he feels like eating. Seems to be mostly soft foods.
Another follow-up with orthopedic surgeon in a couple of weeks. Hopefully, we'll get some answers and solutions. Best of luck to your friend, and thanks for sharing your suggestions!

I am 7 1/2 months post lumbar decompression and fusion. While certainly not kyphoplasty, the minimally invasive procedure might be roughly the same? I have been chasing a similar abdominal issue and am happy to share what I’ve recently learned. One question first: where was the incision made?

Thanks; hubby’s incision was made in his back.

@grrranny It is very common for older folks to get tight hip flexors from sitting too much. That is tightness just inside and in front of the pelvis. It can tighten up the abdomen and put pressure on the guts which is uncomfortable and can slow down transit time causing constipation. The pelvis can also shift out of alignment from this. A physical therapist can help and hopefully get him walking again. Have you discussed this with his doctor? Walking is so important after surgery and spine procedures.

My contributions to abdominal issues are relevant for a side entry incision. But still wishing your hubby the best and he’s lucky to have such a concerned care giver. Happy New Year

Thanks, Phil! I hope you’re much better now! Hubbs is improving very gradually, but it’s awfully slow going…

Jennifer, thank you! I showed this to hubby and he actually got out of his chair and walked around the room two times today — twice. After orthopedic surgeon follow up and Endocrinologist for new osteoporosis meds — will be referred to a Physical Therapist.

That's great @grrranny ! That sounds like progress. I'm glad he has you looking after him.

Jennifer