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Yet another surgery; From: Christine Lake (clake@americanchartered.com); Sat Aug 3 16:02:27 2002
Cathy: Hi everyone! After seeing an orthopedist regarding the MRI results on my back (they found a few bulging discs), they've decided that the bulging discs are not what is really causing my back and abdominal pain. They want me to start doing physical therapy, just in case it helps, which I have, for the next month. After talking with my gynecologist (the one doctor who finally listened to me) about what the orthopedist said, they have finally decided to do a laporoscopy.
Helen: I hope you realize that YOU are the person, who decides if you're going to have surgery or not -- NOT your gynecologist!!. Too many people have been talked into having unnecessary surgery - without being told that adhesions are a risk of surgery. Adhesions are a definite risk of surgery!!!
Cathy: I'm definitely not thrilled about having another surgery.
Helen: Look at what you just said; and listen to it!! What else can you do? Start learning as much as you can about adhesion related disorder (ARD) -- the number one problem in surgery today!! Knowledge about adhesions will prevent you from saying "Yes" when any doctor suggests surgery!! Become informed about adhesions - BEFORE seeking surgery for adhesions!!
Cathy: I've already had 2 in the last 4 months.
Helen: For what reason were those surgeries done? Were they laparoscopy or laparotomy(open abdominal) procedures? Your gynecologist's hastey talk about surgery bothers me - especially since you've had two very recent surgeries!! Too many surgeries will increase the formation of adhesions - and cause even more pain!! Too many open abdominal procedures (laparotomy) will weaken abdominal muscles - which can lead to a hernia.
Cathy: But what else is there? I've had just about every test available, and they have all come back normal.
Helen: Since all of your diagnostic tests were normal - and since you recently had 2 prior surgeries - adhesions are THE most likely cause of your pain.
Cathy: My biggest fear is that I will go through this surgery, and they won't find anything wrong.
Helen: Based on what I know about adhesions, the surgeon WILL find something wrong -- lots of adhesions that have attached internal organs to one another!!
Cathy: Then where do I go?
Helen: When a person has been diagnosed with adhesions, it is imperative to seek a surgeon who is an adhesion specialist. I'm aware of only seven adhesion specialists (Georgia, New York, Pennsylvania, and Utah) in the United States!! I'm also aware of three adhesion specialists in Germany (at Duisburg and Frankfurt).
Helen: Based on my personal experience, the surgeons in Germany offer the best surgical intervention for an adhesion-sufferer!! The cost -- of travel and ALL expenses -- IS very reasonable!! The surgeons in Germany offer both a second look procedure and the NEW adhesion prevention barrier, SprayGel. Neither one of these is offered as part of an adhesiolysis in the United States.
Cathy: In the meantime, my primary doctor has prescribed yet another medication that is supposed to help with chronic nerve pain. I take so many pills now that I think I'm starting to rattle when I walk. I just hate taking all of this medication. Please say a small prayer for me that the surgery goes well, and that they finally find the cause of this pain. Thank you all! God bless! Christine Lake
Helen: When taking presciption drugs, it is very important to become informed about the side effects and risks of the drugs. You can access information prescription drugs at this website: http://www.rxlist.com/ ..
Helen: I hope I've been able to encourage you (and other adhesion-sufferers) to start accepting personal responsibility for your medical care by learning as much as you can about adhesions - before you ever submit to what could easily be an unnecessary surgery.
Helen: Adhesions are the way the body heals and protects itself following a trauma, like a surgery; consequently, adhesions will form after any and all surgeries. More surgery WILL cause increased adhesion-formation - and as a result, increased pain!!