It has been 5 years since Barbara started to experience to terrible
localized "tugging" pain associated with adhesions. Initially,the
numerous tests to determine the cause all proved to be negative. She
was even sent to a psychiatrists. As a last resort a surgeon was
consulted,laparoscopy was performed and adhesions discovered. The lysis
provided relief for about 2 years and the pain returned. Some more
tests,all negative and back to the surgeon again for lysis of adhesions.
Relief for about a year and a half and the pain again returns. A few
more tests,all negative and back to the surgeon. Very few adhesions
were discovered yet the surgeon was amazed at how much pain she had.
This time,the pain returned after two and a half weeks. We were
referred to a pain clinic by the surgeon. For nine months,Barbara was
on Fentanyl(Duragesic patch),Neurontin and Catapres-TTS-1 patchand was
pain free but eventually the pain returned. Now,even morphine at 25mg
does nothing to relieve the pain.
We tried acupuncture and even magnets,all with no relief.
The "tugging" pain is present a good part of the day,but gets much worse
when she eats. I feel helpless when she screams in pain and I cannot do
anything for her. She is still a "fighter" and tries to go on with her
life in as normal a way as possible - she works,goes out with friends
etc. We saw Dr. Reich at the beginning of the month and surgery is set
for Aug. 21. We know we are in good hands and have received wonderful
support.