I have recently been diagnosed as suffering from abdominal adhesions. I
have had a hysterectomy 12 years ago after having one ovary removed the
year prior to that. The pain is constant and nothing shows up on the
x-rays, ct scans, or any of the tests. I have been advised that I need
to go have a laparoscopy (sp) just the peek in and remove the adhesions.
My fear is that my mother had the same thing when she was 45 and it took
years for the doctors to diagnose this, of course it was back in 1988.
Well the doctor that did her surgery (an OB/gyn) actually nicked the
small intestine and she died 3 days later. I would much prefer to live
with the pain than to have my kids have to go through the loss of their
mama. I have one friend that is very insistent about, hey just go to
the ER and they will do the surgery. Well, I don't want to just go to
the ER. I don't want to have to have the surgery either. I'm scared to
death. I don't know if I'll even consent to having the surgery when the
time comes. I have been doubled over in pain at work. I'm sure y'all
know how that works. I am not sure what type of recovery time I'm
looking at after I do have the surgery. I work in retail and don't have
a ton of ill time to take. I really can't afford to be off from work
any longer than my scheduled days off. I've been having difficulty
sleeping. I have taken to heating up a nice rice pillow and placing it
on the area where the pain is at night. I am on some type of "tummy
relaxer" called bentyl I do believe. Have been on all types of pain
meds and I hate using those because I tend to have mood changes. I just
want to be well. As I stated I am working in retail and I do this at a
home improvement warehouse. I'm very active at work and must drive
power equipment (so no pain meds for me while at work) and schlep paint
and products down tall ladders. Any advice? How long was your time in
the hospital or was it outpatient? How long were you home before being
released to go back to work? If anyone can give me any help in answering
these questions I would appreciate it greatly.