This is my first posting, but I'm not new to this site. I've Dr.
Wiseman to thank for guiding me to Dr. Redan 7 yrs ago when I was in a
world of hurt and terribly afraid of my future. With 13 abdominal
surgeries under my belt (no pun intended); 3 C-sections (2 preemies), 1
apendectomy, 1 tubal pregnancy, 1 hysto, and 7 lysis of adhesions
surgeries (2 laperotomies and 5 lap's)the last being done by Dr. Redan
in 2001, I'm wondering...how many is too many surgeries? A recent visit
to my local GYN to disuss my concerns about possible recurring
adhesional problems was deeply disapointing. Though he had trained with
Dr. Harry Reich (who with Dr. Redan performed my last lap) and had
performed countless surgeries, my GYN strongly advised against another
surgery. Instead, he referred me to a gastro specialist and wished me
good luck. This wasn't what I expected or wanted to hear! And the idea
that I would have to wait for a bowel obstruction to deal with symptoms
that I believe could be related to recurring adhesions, was just not
acceptable to me. On top of all the surgeries, I've suffered with
severe Intersticial Cystitis the past 10 yrs. When I left NY August 22,
2001, Dr.'s Redan and Reich gave me hope that I wouldn't have to endure
year after year of surgeries. I've had 7 yrs since my last lap. Thank
God! Before that, I was having a surgery about every 9-12 months. I
understand that the more surgery's you have, the higher your chances of
recurring adhesions. But the fact is, Dr. Redan has given me 7 more
years than I had expected. And told me that I had 80% chance they would
not return. Unfortunately, the past year and a half I've experienced
significant signs that they have returned. And to be honest, I'm scared
to death of another surgery. But I also, don't want to wait for an
emergency surgery either. I recently remarried, have an incredible
husband, delightful Autistic 15 1/2 step-son, 3 wonderful healthy adult
children and 4 amazing grandbabies. Life for me should be hopeful and
full of life. Instead, I'm spending most of it layed up in bed crying
with unrelenting pain. Even the pain meds do not offer me the relief I
long for. Is it unrealistic to expect that yet another lap surgery
could significantly improve my quality of life and minimize future
surgeries? Any thoughts? Feel free to email me. I've been fighting the
thought of another surgery for the last 1 1/2 yrs. I'm praying God will
give me wisdom and guidance so that I can take action. Doing nothing,
accomplishes nothing. Sorry for the long post. Guess I needed to vent.
God bless you all. Roberta