Hi to all members, My name is Alice and I'm from the 'Land Down Under'. I have been keeping up with all the info that you guys have been discussing on this page with earnest as I am also suffering terribly with chronic 24/7 pain due to severe adhesions. I have had 27 abdominal surgeries spanning 20 years. I have had most of my small intestines removed in 2007 and have been in chronic pain since. I had two surgeries in the space of 10 days and they could only incise dead bowel tissue instead of adhesion removals. The latest run of appointments with specialists and hospitals is that it is too dangerous to operate again as the job involved is too arduous and prone to little mishaps/nicks that could lead to festering fistulas. So, right now I'm in a limbo state of affairs. Your discussions deal with surgeons in the US, but I was wondering if you know or have you heard of anyone or any place here in Australia that might be of some help to me? Or maybe someone could give me contacts with the surgeons in the US who might steer me right concerning doctors here in Aus. I would be most appreciative of any help offered as I'm at my wits end. I have researched, sought, used and applied most of the alternatives available (i.e. natural therapies). Some have worked, but, only for a while, like acupuncture and herbal remedies. However, the most useful tool I have encountered is meditation. Without it I would find life unbearable. It is most useful in helping to cope with the pain and thereby minimise the use of pain killers. I am so hoping that I hear from someone, anyone regarding any information. Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Alice (Perth, Western Australia)