How many is too many surgeries when it comes to adhesions?

From: Roberta Keith (Source14U@hotmail.com)
Tue Sep 11 21:14:33 2007


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

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