Re: Adhesions and small bowel obstructions.

From: Ms Lee (leenoga@cfl.rr.com)
Tue Apr 1 09:01:34 2003


>I'm getting really desprate. I can't deal with this any longer. I have
>had to deal with partial small bowel obstructions since Oct 2001.>

Heather, I understand your frustrations! Kinda in same boat as you, and this boat of mine sails about every 5 years after they go in and clean me out.

I wish I could give you some spirit, as an adhesion sufferer myself, and a 70% disabled veteran because of it, I have found taken pain meds was the only way for me to lead somewhat of a normal active life with restrictions of course.

Having had over 11 abdominal surgeries over 27 years, its hard for me to get excited about going thru another one. They are evaluating me in June at Shands, in N. Florida due to the complexity of my history. But its a bitter sweet since I know the adhesions will be back.

But you know what, what has gotten me thru was realizing my options are limited, and at best temporary if have the surgery again [except for our Germany success cases] which I cannot afford as an option.

One day I decided I was gonna live with this disease, and then take my pain pills because I did go lead my life. Food is a horrible trigger, and the ladies here can help you eat better and curb triggers with great suggestions. I lost alot of weight but stablized once I learned to "pick" all day vs. eating meals. If I am having a real bad bowel day, I go from bathroom back to kitchen and start nibbling again [crackers, soup].

Knowing your limitations and ACCEPTING them is another area I had to come to grips with, I was causing the exacerbation because I was in denial.

I know now that I cannot lift or push heavy things, I cannot exert after I eat/nibble, I cannot walk long distances, I cannot stand for long periods of time, and I do NOT eat a thing when I am way from the house.

Doing these lifestyle changes have not solved my partial bowel obstructions, but they have prevented me from AGGRAVATING my disease which I freely admit I was doing!!!!!!

Lifestyle changes to NOT correct our bowel/pain problems but combined with pain medication has allowed me to live with this problem, be as active as I can be which has kept me from sliding into emotional funks. I took up fishing too!

If the Docs and technological advances coming can help me long term, Im game. But if nothing can help me then I reside on this "Plan B" which is managing and coming to grips with my problems, knowing my triggers and limitations etc.

The whole reason my Doctor prescribes percocet every month, is because I am active, and not vegging on the sofa all day. He said he is medicating me because every day I face these adhesion demons put my clothes on and say to myself,"Your not taking my choices from me, Your not controlling my day either", I take my pill and out the door I go.

My trying to be active is a trigger, but the meds were given to handle the downside of trying to live on the upside.

My heart goes out to you sweetie, I wish I could take everyones pain and sacrifices away from them, as much as they would love to take my bad days from me.

Your not alone in your struggles.

This forum is the best :-)).


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