Re: The surgery question - my thoughts
From: Elizabeth (aprilange@aol.com)
Fri Jun 21 22:39:23 2002
At Fri, 21 Jun 2002, clare wrote:
>
>Hi everyone:
>
>I've been around this forum for about 9 months now, and I would like to
>reveal my views on the question of whether or not to have surgery....
>
>I understand and support that in a lot of cases, too many surgeries are
>being performed and that they often result in adhesions related
>problems. With each surgery, we face more potential complications. That
>said, once you have complications from adhesions, what do you do? I've
>read so many posts that say 'no more surgery', and perhaps in an ideal
>world that would work, but it is not an ideal world and people suffer so
>much with the pain related to this disorder that I believe it's quite
>understandable when someone decides to have another surgery.
>
>Yes, I've read the many, many, testimonies (my own included) of those
>who've had an adhesiolysis performed, only to be the same or worse
>shortly thereafter. And I've read posts from those who's Drs have
>prescribed narcotics and anti-depressants, and those people are doing
>well, at least for a while. I've read how alternative methods can help
>- visualization, TENS, nerve blocks, breathing exercises, etc. I've
>tried some of these alternative methods and they have helped me a bit. I
>even know a man who has had wonderful success with exercise!
>
>But what do you do when the pain is back with a vengence, your Dr won't
>prescribe proper pain meds, they don't work or you can't deal with the
>side effects? What do you do when you've tried everything you can think
>of and nothing eases the pain enough to let you just breath in a normal
>fasion? What do you do when the cycle of pain takes over your existance,
>putting extra stress on your family etc.?
>
>You do the best that you can do in your situation.... If you're lucky
>you'll track down the best surgeon you can find, and talk him/her into
>using one of the new gel barriers. You have the surgery, and perhaps
>things will be better - you may have less pain for a while or forever.
>Yes, it's a gamble. You might be worse than before, but with a lot of
>luck you just might be pain free.
>
>I have also read messages from those who had successful adhesiolysis.
>Unfortunately, they don't post often as they no longer are in need of
>support. I would like to propose a section called success stories, that
>could be updated regularly. I think it would help those of us who are
>fighting this battle. It would give us hope, and helpful pointers to
>get to that ever so elusive pain free state!
>
>Once a person has armed themselves with all the information they can
>gather, and regardless whether it's their 2nd surgery or their 42nd
>surgery, I would like to state that I empathize with and support them in
>their decision. It takes a lot of courage for someone to have a surgery
>hoping for improvement but knowing that it may make things worse. I
>think that it says a whole lot about how badly they are suffering, and
>how much they need our prayers and support. I also support those who
>chose not to have surgery as well, but today I am concerned about how
>those facing surgery feel.
>
>We are a forum for support for those who have adhesions and their
>related problems. I would like to say that although I think it takes a
>lot of gumption to be any of us, I believe it takes a tremendous amount
>of courage to have a surgery while knowing what we know. To those of
>you who have recently had or are facing an upcoming surgery, please know
>that I support and fully understand your reasons why. I also think you
>are very brave.
>
>Wishing you all pain free moments, hours and days.
>
>--
>Clare
>
--
Clare~~
Very nice message! I do agree that there should be a "Success Story" section. It would give the ones who are having such a hard time right now, to know that there is hope for all of us. Elizabeth