Greetings!!
From: Meg (megb@ime.net)
Wed Aug 4 21:01:11 1999
I have just been reading a few of the most recent posts. It is weird
when you read something and think, "I could have written this!"
I am 26 today. Last summer I had an appendectomy which took three hours
because of all the scar tissue he had to remove just to find the bugger.
The lumen had been completely obliterated on my appendix, and the final
analysis was "chronic appendicitis". It finally explained all the pain
I had suffered since early high school.
About 6+ weeks ago, I had my first laparoscopy. I had two major
adhesions, one tying three loops of my intestine together, and the other
had my colon attched to my upper abdominal wall pointing left.
Before the surgery, I had faced only two things, a Colonoscopy and an
Upper GI with follow-thru. When these two came up glaringly "normal",
my surgeon opted to take me in for surgery.
He has been a God-send. He listens, and is not afraid to help me. He
does more than I thought any surgeon would. When the pain returned
shortly after surgery, he sent me to a GI specialist. Diagnosis:
chronic adhesions. "Here, take this pill, it will help you cope."
My surgeon was on vacation, and I never felt so alone. I couldn't deal
with the concept that the rest of my life would be narcotics and
Amitriptylene.
When he got back, we discussed the Amitriptylene. I have now taken it
for two weeks, with minor success. But I want to try and solve this
problem, before giving in to pill popping.
Which is why I am here. He is willing to try anything with me!! He was
so excited when I talked about all the great information I found on the
net, and wants to learn all he can for me.
We are going back into surgery soon, a decision my husband and I had
made together. If nothing else, my doc will confirm that the adhesions
did return in a very short amount of time. If we get all our info
together, he may try a film to stop the adhesions.
So for now, I remain out of work, and reliant on my husband to see us
through financially. I help out where I can working from home doing odd
computer jobs.
I know I am lucky to have such a wonderful healthcare provider. Right
now, I feel like he is my best friend. I don't want to think of what
would happen without him.
Remember, the best doctor is one who listens, and works with you. Don't
be afraid to interview your prospective doctor. They are going to have
intimate knowledge of you, like any other relationship - make sure you
feel comfortable with it!!
Grace to you all, and peace.
Meg Bensen