Bethany Lourias wrote:
> June 2, 2001
>
> I think you are not alone in your worries. I feel the same.
>
> In Feb 2000, I passed a gull stone which resulted in its removal, and a
> severe case of pancreatitis. Since the stone passed, which gave no
> early warnings that I had a problem, I have had an array of
> complications since. They include psoudocyst formation and removal,
> removal of my spleen and part of my pancreas.
>
> Today, I am told I have a small bowel blockage that is a direct result
> of adhesions. One doctor said that they took out my bowels, and could
> have NOT put them back in correctly. Either case, I have pain, nausea,
> vomiting, and such. I feel overall miserable.
>
> The worst part of this is that the doctors don't want to operate until
> the opening is totally blocked. Then, I can't seem to get 2 doctors to
> tell me what type I diet, (low-fat, high-fiber, low-fiber, or
> low-residue) I should have in order to prevent this or ease the
> symptoms.
>
> I take 8 tablespoons of Milk of Magnisia daily, for any less results in
> pain. I take phenergan and zofran for nausea and vomiting, and demerol
> for pain. (yes, I know the use of narcotics slows the system a lot, so
> I only take it when I think its time to visit the ER, in hopes the pain
> goes away.)
>
> If you or anybody else has advise, or remedies for me, I will be more
> than happy to consider them.
>
> Sincerely,
> Bethany Lourias
>
> At Wed, 19 Jul 2000, Kathie wrote:
> >
> >I posted on the board a little while back re abdominal pain and
> >adhesions. I was diagnosed with extensive adhesions some years ago,
> >following a laparoscopy and I've been experiencing abdominal pain
> >accompainied by frequent BM for some while now which is becoming more
> >frequent/painful/prolonged. I finally saw my GP today who feels that I
> >could have a partial small bowel obstruction. I have to go back next
> >week for an internal (to rule out gynae problems) and to discuss
> >possible courses of action - including a referral to a gynae or general
> >surgeon for laparotomy (with the associated risk of recurrence) or to
> >manage conservatively with diet/drugs. In the meantime she has told me
> >to have a low fibre diet and has prescribed anti spasmodic drugs to
> >reduce the pain. I'm loath to have surgery (due to problems with
> >recurrence but do not want to run the risk of a complete obstruction.
> >How successful is conservative management in this situation as the
> >tablets have not really reduced my pain any?(though I've only taken them
> >since mid-morning so it may be too early to tell. Any advice?
>
> --
> Bethany Lourias
>