Re: Newbie Sticking It Out
From: tires_only@comcast.net
Sat Jan 17 08:10:27 2004
I too suffer from severe, extensive internal scarring following any
surgical procedure. Mine began at the age of 26 when I had an ectopic
pregnancy requiring surgery to remove my right tube. This triggered
what has become years of pain, unexplained pain and problems and
excessive absence from work. I have been treated over the years for
bladdar spasms and pain, as well. Just three months ago, I underwent
what should have been a 2-hour surgery for complete hysterectomy (which
my uriologist said would relieve much of my pain also causing the
bladdar spasms but to date, it has not). The recent surgery ended up
being a 4+ hour surgery because the first 2 hours of it consisted of
removing so much scar tissue which had all of my organs encased and
fused together. My colon and part of my intestines were "stuck down and
together" so badly, this had been causing me pain/fullness and
difficulty breathing, etc. I was blessed with a wonderful OBGYN who
worked patiently during the surgery, along with his associate doctor, to
"unstick" many of these organs and do some repair work as best as he
could--all in an effort just to get to my enflammed and diseased uterius
and ovaries which were covered in non-cancerous cysts. He lined and
intertwined my internal organs with a special (new) fiber-type mesh
substance which is suppose to help minimize additional scarring but as
he described my body to be prone to major scarring, he said he wouldn't
count on not developing future problems. He STRONGLY advised against
future surgeries except those for critical life-threatening issues.
I also have severe IBS which I'm currently trying a new medication for.
It does seem to help. I also have joint pain and get tired very easily
(which has increased over the past few years). The bladdar spasms are
painful, particularly if I'm in a situation where I cannot lie down and
relax (relax, meaning doing the mind-clearing technique to reduce
stress).
All information I have gathered, since this began for me in 1993,
indicates each body is different and subject to acting/reacting to
surgical and other procedures in an otherwise unpredictible manor. For
someone who is facing surgery for the first time, their chances are high
they may have the same misfortune. Of course mine bagan with an etopic
pregnancy too large to dissolve, requiring instead a major surgery,
followed by the extensive scarring. This led to the inability to ever
conceive/deliver a child, as well as triggering many other health issues
over the years. I'm told actual internal scarring does not, itself,
cause illness but I'm convinced that what the scarring does to the
organs has indeed caused me great suffering.
My body (and yours, as well) appear to be most succeptible to this
scarring thing. It is good to hear from someone else who was forced
down this unique path. CF, age 37, in Alabama