Tina Shelby wrote:
> JAnet,
>
> I just wanted to add my 2 cents worth about having surgery or not having
> surgery.
>
> I have had no less than 12 abdominal surgeries for adhesions. After each
> surgery, I would have pain relief, for a time, then the pain wouold return
> with a vengence. Each time, I sought a surgeon who would go in and "clean
> up" the adhesions and take out whatever the adhesions had caused, such as
> ovarian cysts/tumors. My last surgery all but cost me my life. I had a total
> abd. hyst but also had a nicked bowel. I spent a week in ICU with my family
> not knowing if I was going to live or die. My husband still can not talk
> about the horrible experience without getting emotional. Seprafilm was used,
> but because of the infection, it did not help.
>
> After about 9 months, the pain was back again. It was at this point, I
> decided not to put my family/myself through another potentially
> life-threatening surgery but sought pain-management. This does not mean I
> have lost hope, on the contrary, I am at peace with my decision. The
> medicines/diet are working to control the episodes of what I describe as
> "sucidial levels" of pain.
>
> I am in the process of getting disability as I can not work and take these
> medicines. I am looking into starting my own home-based business and I am
> co-authoring a book. Although life is not fair, (not that anyone said that
> it would be) - I am using what I have and am going to live my life to the
> fullest - and not let the pain get the better of me. I could feel sorry for
> myself, but what benifit is that? I don't understand why this has happened
> to me. I could be bitter, just sit down and let life pass me by, but what a
> waste of life that would be.
>
> So, I just wanted to let you all know, that if the time comes, where surgery
> is no more the option of choice (or the cure), you can live with ahesions
> (with pain management) and have a productive life, even though it may be a
> bit different that what you had envisioned for yourself. So don't be
> discouraged because surgery does not have to be your only option. I will not
> have surgery again, unless I totally obstruct and have not other choice.
>
> Tina
>