Re: [2]: Laura-What do I do now?

From: Gina (gina@maine.rr.com)
Wed Nov 24 07:40:23 1999

Hi Laura, You really need to find a new doctor if that's the case. They were ready to Dx me and refer me to a pain specialist only 3 weeks after my last surgery. I only knew I had adhesions and my 1st adhesiolysis (when they did a hysterectomy) on 8/12/99, my second surgery (BSO & adhesiolysis) was 9/15/99. I was upset that I felt they gave up so soon in Dx adhesions and telling me I'd have chronic pain and would have to go to a pain clinic for lifelong treatment! I can't take drugs like that, not for extended periods. My liver can't handle it for one thing, my stomach for another, nor do I feel I could function that way. There are LOTS of options besides narcotics and surgery. I feel docs are way too lazy. If it were THEM with this problem you KNOW they'd be doing more! I switched docs 4 times in 4 months while I was having surgeries and everything! I finally found a good one. I'm looking into other options for my adhesions such as massage therapy, physical therapy, herbal remedies for pain and swelling, relaxation techniques, etc. I'm waiting for intergel to be approved and proved too. Then I might opt for another surgery. Or if the problem becomes life threatening like bowel obstructions, etc., then I will be forced to do whatever is necessary. In the meantime, my Dr. works with me to try anything and everything that might help before giving up on me. And if I wanted to go to a pain clinic, I could have went 6 weeks ago with a Dr.'s ok and referral. Is it possible for you to find another doc, one who knows more about adhesions or is at least more compassionate? Gina

At Tue, 23 Nov 1999, Laura A Johnsrud wrote: >
>Toni,
>
>You almost have to jump through hoops for a year before you can get referred to
>a pain specialist in our hospital system, the waiting list is that long. I
>don't think any of my doctors realize how debilitating the pain is on a day to
>day basis.
>
>Laura
>
>____________________Reply Separator____________________
>Subject: Re: What do I do now?
>____________________Reply Separator____________________
>Author: <adhesions@obgyn.net>
>Date: 11/23/99 8:24 AM
>
>At Mon, 22 Nov 1999, Laura wrote:
>>
>>Apparently, adhesions are nothing new. I'm one of those considering
>>something drastic because no one seems to be able to help. Long story
>>short:
>>6/97 hysterectomy and left oophorectomy for severe endometriosis
>>8/97 right oopherectomy with appendectomy (ob/gyn said she "couldn't
>>find my ovary" it was already enveloped in a mass that included my
>>appendix.
>>4/98 removal of softball-sized pelvic mass that they call an ovarian
>>cyst; half-way through 6 week hospitalization, developed small bowel
>>obstruction, removed 24 inches of sb, redeveloped ileus
>>12/98 removal of diverticulum that had developed from side-to side
>>anastamosis (attached to stomach) and another ileus. Ten days after
>>discharge, severe pain redeveloped inpatient 2 days, on 4 weeks TPN
>>therapy at home.
>>11/99 readmitted for partial small bowel obstruction (5 days) Two weeks
>>after discharge, another partial obstruction. Surgeon states this will
>>be an ongoing problem prescribes Bentyl then Levsin. No relief.
>>
>>The pain is getting progressively worse. My abdomen is distending as I
>>am writing this. Everyone says that I am overproducing scar tissue and
>>adhesions, and there is nothing they can do. I can't live like this
>>anymore
>
>Laura, do you have a pain counselor, or someone to talk to? I see a pain
>clinic and the couselor there is great, she tries to ease my mind and
>treats the epression this has all caused for me. I have never yet had a
>bowel obstruction, 4 days after surgery, in the hospital I devevoped an
>ileus, but it resolved itself within a few days, and that was painful
>enough. Please if there is anything I can do, or you need someone to
>talk to please email me. I would love to try to help, but like Gina, I
>have no answers. Take care!
>
>Toni

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