Deb, My heart goes out to you. I know how you feel and no one should ever have to go through that. I too have had a tough time finding a surgeon willing to take on the task of removing adhesions. Thankfully, one special surgeon had the compassion to refer me to another surgeon who did laproscopic removal of the adhesions. He called him the "Guru" of laproscopy (this guy pioneered the laproscopic removal of the gallbladder). If she didn't feel comfortable doing the surgery, she should have found you someone who could. Adhesion removal is difficult and many doctors balk at taking them down because of the level of expertise it requires. She obviously was persuaded that she did not have what it takes either by another physician or maybe the hospital review board. Be aware that every surgery a surgeon performs is up for review by the hospitals review board. If she didn't think it would get by them, than that's most likely why she backed out. Don't give up. Call her up and demand she refer you to a surgeon who is skilled in laproscopy. It's less evasive so the risks aren't as high. It's not really easy to find a surgeon skilled in laproscopy, but demand that she find someone who is. Keep the faith. And don't give up. Keep trying to get help. Caryn R
>-------------- Original message --------------
From: "IAS Admin (Tracy)" <tracy.joslin@adhesions.org>
> Sender: dood4bama@bham.rr.com (Deb)
> Subject: Need Prayers
>
> Almost 2 years after seeing Der. Redan in Orlando, I began experiencing
> problems again. Around the same time, my internist sent me to see an
> Immunologist as he began to suspect I had an Immune disorder. They
> confirmed I have what is called IGg subclass 1 and III deficiency. I
> ended up having IVIG infusions, which made me very ill, but did restore
> my immune levels to normal. I was told that this type of deficieny can
> cause many problems, and some feel might contribute to susceptibility to
> adhesions. Soon after that, I got a cold and took antibiotics and ended
> up with a terrible C Difficile infection. After 3 months of t reatment,
> susbsequently confirmed to be cleared up.
>
> I continued with horrific belly pains, loud bowels sounds, nausea,
> abnormal bowel movements, loss of appetite, sweating, fast heart
> rate......
> I was sent to see a local colo-rectal surgeon as my immunologist was
> convinced I might have a partial bowel obstruction. She wanted me to
> have another lap.
> I saw the female surgeon twice. She was very kind and went over ALL of
> my extensive history, including my recent issues. She decided to do an
> exploratory lap and THIS TIME place adhesion barrier in my abdomen. She
> heard the horrible bowel sounds and yu can literally feel a tight band
> on that side. I was thrilled that someone was finally going to place a
> barrier in me. It was scheduled for tomorrow. Through all of my
> suffering this week I kept telling myself to just get through until
> Thursday. I w ent and had all my pre-op work Monday, made arrangements
> with a friend to be with me, filled out tons of papers for work,
> scheduled all of my time off, bought all of my prep supplies and
> medications and was mentally ready...and as usual excited to possible
> get some relief. This is about as sick as I have ever been and I have
> been severely depressed. I have continued to work when I am able, and
> yesterday was really rough. But, again I kep praying for patience and
> thanking God for the chance to finally try the barrier. I had also had
> nothing but clear ilquids all day. Then, my phone rang at almost 5 PM
> yesterday at my desk. I was headed out the door to go home and begin
> prep.
> It was the surgeon. Seems she was having second toughts. All she told
> me was she had discussed my case with a few other "people" and she was
> going to cancel the surgery. Then she said "some I spok e with firmly
> believe adhesions do not cause problems like this...or pain". I felt
> like someone had kicked my in the stomach. After the almost 1 1/2
> discussion with her at my last appointment, It was very obvious she did
> not feel that way at ALL. I have no idea what or who changed her mind.
> I burst into tears and begged he not to do this to me. I asked her
> "what now?" I can barely eat. When I do go to the bathroom (sorry for
> being graphic) it is unlike anything I have ever experienced. So much
> gas...it is just explosive and abnormal. I am in constant pain and my
> bowels are literally screaming. I stay in sweats and shake. She said
> "I will be in touch" and hung up.
>
> I have been up all night crying. Devastated is not a strong enough
> word. I cannot afford to go back to Orlando, and she almost seemed to
> imply discussions with Dr. Redan helped her decide to not do it. I
> understand there are risks.....I UNDERSTAND THAT FOR GOD'S SAKE! I have
> been through this enough to understand all of that! I still wanted to
> try the barrier! I AM THE ONE SUFFERING AND IT IS MY BODY! He didn't use
> the barrier. I should have the right to try it if I want to. So here I
> sit, in tears, hurintg, bowels screaming, sweat dripping, with no
> further options. If I hear from the female surgeon again I will be
> surprised. I have been pushed off the cliff. Pray for me.....please.
>