Newby
From: Jann213 (jann213@redrivernet.com)
Sun Feb 25 22:17:17 2001
Late last year after I had a colonoscopy I was diagnosed with intestinal
adhesions. During the procedure, the Dr had difficulty getting through
the small intestine. For the past 4 years I have experienced pain in the
upper abdomen, the left side and left pelvic area. I have had bouts of
nausea, vomiting, diarreha and constipation. I have had Ultra sounds
and CT scans which wer all normal. The adhesions evidently developed
from a polypectomy I had in 1989. For several years these digestive
problems were continually mis-diagnosed. Now I believe my problems are
from the adhesions. My Dr's (Internist and Gastroenterologist) say that
any surgery performed will just create additional adhesions. They also
say I have IBS but I believe the adhesions are the culprit. I have
altered my diet limiting carbohydrates, and absolutely no processed
sugar as it creates gas which is the worst. I take Donatal for
intestinal spasms. I have a BM every day, however they are soft and
pencil thin. Drinking water and daily excercise is crucial for me. I
have not lost any weight, as a matter of fact, I am overweight even
though I eat very little meat, virtually no fat and no starch. This
makes me wonder if there are absorption problems.
I don't feel I have all the information that might be available. I have
many many questions. My Dr's appear to have limited knowledge. I am
retired and live in AZ. Any suggestions as to where I can get my
questions answered?
Questions Like:
Once they have formed, how rapidly do they grow or spread?
Is there a point where the growth stops?
How can the extent of their growth or spread be determined?
Should I be concerned that they may be attached to other organs?
Could they be the cause of abdominal distension (when no gas is present
and BM's are regular) because of the
extra tissue that has formed?
What is the prognosis for people with abdominal adhesions or is there
one?
Are there suggestions for living with and successfully managing
adhesions?
Sorry to be so long-winded. I am new at this.