I had three inquiries as to why I was still in pain after having surgery in Scranton, PA, and if they should perhaps not have it, because mine didn't work and I am still in pain. I answered each one privately, and not to the board, and I thought perhaps I should write to the board, and clarify things a little bit.
Unfortunately, every one heals differently, and everyone knows that there have been many, many successful surgeries with Drs. Redan and Reich, but mine, well the pain just never went away and was there the moment I woke up. I have a right-sided rib pain which I had after my hysterectomy in Dec. in 1999. The surgeons thought that they would find adhesions on my diaphragm or gall bladder when they performed the surgery, but although I had massive adhesions (4 hour long operation) they said all the adhesions were contained below my belly button and they saw nothing in the right rib area. This pain has continued to plague me now for a year 1/2. I have undergone additional testing (negative), so I am at a loss as to what this is. The surgeons felt that perhaps it could be nerve damage or muscle damage. I will be honest here and say besides the right rib pain I do feel I have some re-attachments. I have a wonderful pain specialist in VA that I see and because of the medication he keeps me on, I able to function somewhat normally (at times), other times the pain is not able to be controlled. Dr. Redan has contacted me and has said that I can come back to Scranton for a second look, but at this time, I have chosen to live as I am. Call me a scaredy cat, but I am not ready for another surgery. Please do not let my still being in pain deter anyone from seeking surgery with these wonderful surgeons (IT JUST MUST BE ME) a little ha ha there. No, seriously, I am sure that one day I will seek another surgery, I am just not ready yet.
Love,
Helen Chalmers
Helen Chalmers