I have had adhesion related surgeries 5 times (over 19 years) and sooner or later they always return. I have not gone to butchers and lost lots of organs or anything like that, and actually felt much better after 4 of them, but within years they are back. I am one of the lucky ones who did last for years instead of weeks or months like allot of women. When I say "lasted" it means I could function and not in "unbearable" constant pain, not perfect health though.
I never went for surgery until I couldn't get off the sofa anymore due to severe pain and pulling and I had partial bowel obstructions. Two other times my ovaries were bound down and they need to float freely in order to function properly, plus it created mobility problems which hindered me from walking or standing. I did have to lose those ovaries since they were covered with adhesions and cysts. It was a very difficult long process just to remove them from my bowel and vagina which was done successfully without any perforations or loss of bowel. I was past child bearing age at that time anyway.
I just thought you needed to know the success rates are MUCH lower, too many people expect miracles which don't happen!
JEAN
"Going bra-less pulls all the wrinkles out of your face" -----Original Message----- From: adhesions@adhesions.org [mailto:adhesions@adhesions.org]On Behalf Of Kimmi&Dave Sent: Wednesday, November 14, 2001 2:38 PM To: Multiple recipients of list ADHESIONS Subject: Re: Bowel obstruction...Abdominal distention...updated 11-14-2001
Helen, I so understand where you are coming from. I have met with several surgeons who are not willing to operate until something life threatening happens. You know its terrible to leave patients in pain,when there is a possibility that the next surgery will work. I know there is like a 65 percent chance, and to me that's a high percentage and I will take it, but doctors look at that 35 percent and say No.. Hugs hoping we have a pain free day Kimmi
> ----- Original Message -----
From: Helen Dynda
To: Multiple recipients of list ADHESIONS
Sent: Wednesday, November 14, 2001 1:15 PM
Subject: Bowel obstruction...Abdominal distention...updated 11-14-2001
Bowel obstruction - Abdominal distention:
If you have been having problems with bowel obstructions and abdominal distention, I encourage you to read as much as you can about these painful conditions. Once you understand how bowel obstructions and abdominal distention affect your body, you will be empowered to make better decisions about your care.
You will not only be better prepared to discuss your medical condition with your doctor; but as a result of educating yourself, you will have a much better idea as to whether surgery is your only option. Too many surgeries are being done for the wrong reason!!
There are many surgeons, who are not very eager to perform surgery for adhesions!! In fact, in January 1998 I had an appointment with a colon-rectal surgeon at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. My hope was that he would agree to do surgery for me; but he very matter of factly told me that he does not perform surgery for adhesions unless his patient is having an emergency bowel obstruction!!
If you suspect that you have bowel or intestinal adhesions, it is time to begin to learn how to keep your gastro-intestinal organs functioning in as healthy way as possible. There are things that you can do in order to be as comfortable as possible - such as following a special diet, exercise, etc. I will post these suggestions separately
~ ~ ~ ~ 1.) Postoperative Adhesive Intestinal Obstruction
http://www.bhj.org/journal/1996/3802_apr/reviews_365.htm
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2.) Intestinal obstruction
http://www.drkoop.com/conditions/ency/article/000260.htm
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3.) Abdominal distention (swollen abdomen)
http://www.drkoop.com/conditions/ency/article/003122.htm
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4.) Constipation, impaction, and bowel obstruction: This information is intended mainly for use by doctors and other health professionals.
http://www.graylab.ac.uk/cancernet/303510.html
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5.) Bowel obstruction...Enter: Bowel Obstruction...Click: Search...Click: bowel obstruction
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6.) Intestinal Obstruction: Self-Assessment for Intestinal Obstruction http://www.ibionet.com/intestinalobstruction.html
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7.) Bowel Obstruction - Enter: "Adhesions" in the upper right corner - Click: "Search" - Scroll down and click: "Bowel Obstruction." http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH
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8.) Constipation, impaction, and bowel obstruction: Information from PDQ for Patients - This patient summary is adapted from a summary written for health professionals. It describes the differences between constipation, impaction, and bowel obstruction, their causes and treatment.
http://imsdd.meb.uni-bonn.de/cancernet/503510.html
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9.) Intestinal Obstruction
http://www.nurseminerva.co.uk/intobs.html
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10.) Intestinal obstruction - a complete bowel obstruction is compared to a clogged drain pipe...
http://www.rush.edu/worldbook/articles/009000a/009000088.html
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(NOTE: If the Url for any article is not completely highlighted, you will have to enter it onto the address-line of your computer.)