I'm sorry to have to be the bearer of bad news, but there is no other definite way to diagnose adhesions but through laparoscopy. There is no age limit on adhesions - check out the adhesions quilt for Zachary's story, as he is only 5, and has adhesions nearly since birth.
My best suggestion is for you to read everything on the IAS website (http://www.adhesions.org) that you can get your hands on and then keep reading. Educate yourself with everything you can find through the Links button on the home page, through the Adhesions Quilt stories, and through searching the message board archives. And do what so many of us already here have done - print out the information you think you need and educate your doctors.
Good luck, best wishes, and pain-free gentle hugs.
Nancy in NB
Help spread the word. Find out more about National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week September 23-29, 2002, at http://www.invisibleillness.com