>----- Original Message -----
From: "Janet Karam" <jkaram4@home.com>
To: "Multiple recipients of list ADHESIONS"
<adhesions@mail.medispecialty.com>
Sent: Friday, March 09, 2001 7:30 PM
Subject: Re: PLEASE HELP...if you are experiencing a similar situation...
> Dear Helen,
>
> My GI told me the same thing after my colon resection(with 18" removed),
as
> far as stretching the colon goes...I think these doctors often assume that
> it is that simple because they don't understand that the etiology of
> adhesions...that even though surgery was performed on the large intestine,
> adhesions can form around the small intestines causing partial bowel
> obstructions.
>
> Adhesions act as a noose in my small intestines, making it difficult for
> food and gas to pass through. My experience and symptoms are the same as
> this person describes. I also have trouble with my bladder, often even
when
> it is full, I cannot go. Her colonoscopy will likely report normal
findings,
> as mine did, as the scope does not reach the small intestine.
>
> Meal replacement drinks are essential to me, and a more liquid mushy diet
> helps. Also your posting with the info on the low-residue diet should be
> helpful to her.
>
> Love,
>
> Janet
>
>> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Helen Dynda" <olddad66@runestone.net>
> To: "Multiple recipients of list ADHESIONS"
> <adhesions@mail.medispecialty.com>
> Sent: Friday, March 09, 2001 2:28 PM
> Subject: PLEASE HELP...if you are experiencing a similar situation...
>
> > Today I received the following letter. If you are experiencing a
similar
> > situation, do you have any suggestions that might help her?
> >
> > ~ ~ ~ ~
> >
> > "I had several attacks of diverticulitis and was hospitalized. I was
told
> I
> > needed surgery or I could end up in the emergency room with peritonitis,
> > which could be life-threatening. I had surgery in June, 2000 and had 12
> > inches of colon removed. After a hospital stay of 6 days, I went home.
> >
> > "I started having problems with pain and elimination right away. The
> > surgeon told me to use stool softeners. They do not help me. I know I
> have
> > a partial obstruction from scarring; my stools are pencil thin.
> >
> > "The surgeon told me he can go back in and sew the intestines back
> together
> > leaving a larger opening to allow for any subsequent scarring.
> > This scares me. What if I end up in worse shape?
> >
> > "The GI doctor told my husband he could do a colonoscopy on me and use a
> > device on the scope which would "stretch" my colon in the restricted
area.
> > This also scares me. Have you ever heard of stretching the colon?
> >
> > "Meanwhile, I work full time and suffer with pain, trying to get my
bowels
> > to function so I can keep going. Any thoughts you may have would be
> > appreciated."
> >
>