At Sun, 25 Jul 2004, Cathy wrote:
> >Hi, I'm new to this site but have read enough where I see the cry for >help and relief. I'd like to share some of the things I'm doing or am >planning on doing in the hope that it will help someone. > >First of all, if you need to take any kind of narcotic pain relief, long >term, please do your body (and your mind) a favor and take a stool >softener. That was the first thing my doctor recommended after my >surgery. I take an OTC product called Colase. This is a very expensive >medication but at least Meijer makes a brand comparable for about 1/3 >the price of the name brand, and it works JUST AS WELL. I take one of >these per day and have not had a bit of a problem. > >Secondly, I am experiencing a lot of back pain lately and all I can come >up with is the fact that these little buggers attached to everything, so >they probably attach to nerves, too, which probably travel outside the >abdominal area and into the back, since it's pretty close. I use a >heating pad constantly on my back and sometimes a cold gel pack and find >great relief with both. If I'm planning on swimming or doing any kind >of exercise (which a lot of time exaccerbates my pain, especially >vacuuming), I take Motrin first (anti-inflammatory). > >Third, my doctor recommended (no more than) 400 mg of Vitamin E. This I >take by mouth and the idea is that it softens the adhesions and makes >them more pliable and when that happens, hopefully = less pain! >Apparently, Vitamin E is not water soluable so you have to be very >careful to NOT take more than one per day! > >Last, one more thing that I've heard of is a product called Zostrix, I >think it's actually peppermint oil, and you apply it to the site(s) of >your pain The idea is to rub a very thin coat on your skin, making sure >you put it where you will not sweat because that will just make it wipe >right off and it won't be effective. Apparently, you can get this at >the pharmacy. I'm planning on trying that very soon and I'll do a >response to this thread and let you know how it works. > >I'm not recommending anyone do any of this stuff without checking with >their doctors, especially the medication suggestions but it's sure worth >a try! Ok everything with your doc first, though, please! > >I'm 38 years old, have a husband and three kids and I'm dealing with the >pain of adhesions on an every-day basis but I look forward to reading >these postings and picking up new ideas to help cope. Thanks, everyone >for sharing a part of yourselves that's pretty personal, and painful as >well! Your thoughts and insights are invaluable to the people seeking >help! Take Care and God Bless! > >--Cathy, After 3 c-sections, hysterectomy, andhesion laproscopy, and a
ovaryectomy I am again in debilitating pain with a bottle of vicadin. I
have not found anyone who is dealing with adhesions so all I know is what
the doctors tell me---which isn't a whole lot. I keep getting bounced
around to different specialists even though I tell them what is wrong.
I,m expecting that I will be living with this for the rest of my life,
so I need to find the rescources to help me along. Drugs and surgery
are not the answer. I'm going through a fashion crises (and I realize
this is kinda silly) I cant wear anything tight against my abdomen. The
only thing that works is loose stretch pants and empire dresses. I
starting to become familiar with natural cures and appreciate any
suggestions you may have. Thanks for sharing....Kim
>Cathy in Michigan >