adhesions anyone?

[pocketandsweet]

Hi I'm 44 with a miserable childbirth history which has resulted in 4 abdominal surgeries ( two sections, one major abdominal surgery at 12 weeks pregnancy to keep baby in situ and then 6 months after baby born another operation to repair rugby ball sized hernia that I got from throwing up/ morning sickness from the 12 week operation). My stomach looks like a war zone. Now one year since last surgery I have some episodes of major abdominal pain. My doctor and I have identified one "lumpy" area and I await an ultrasound to determine whether I have a cyst or something else visible... But my GP felt like adhesions were also a likely possible source of the pain. From our discussion it sounds both likely AND hard to diagnose.

Anyone have any relevant advice/ experience. I have to say the idea of yet more abdominal surgery ( which of course cab cause even more adhesions) fills me with dread... Especially since I don't even get a lovely baby for suffering through this surgery ;)

After months of pelvic pain, following a laparoscopy, I've been diagnosed with adhesions, probably caused by when I had my appendix removed. I recently saw the photo taken during the surgery of the adhesions (quite severe according to consultant) and it looks like chewing gum stuck to my insides! No wonder it hurts when I move, sit, stand, lie down etc!!

I was uncertain whether to proceed with more surgery, but the almost constant pain is getting me down, so I've decided to see the surgeon (have an appointment in a couple of weeks) and see what he recommends.

I understand what you mean about suffering through surgery with no baby at the end! However, I don't think, if it is adhesions, that they will resolve by themselves, and from my point of view, being in constant pain is having a detrimental effect on my life.

Good luck with the ultrasound - hopefully you'll be better informed to make a decision when you have the results.

Your posts are ringing loud bells and although older than you I have had 5 major lots of abdo surgery (1 for breast reconstruction) I have dx of a large hernia and am awaiting surgery but the pain is daily and I am a miserable old bugger. Can either of you describe your pain please?

2old2beamum my pain is also daily, and mostly like a deep, gnawing pain, iyswim?! Sometimes it gives a sharp pain when I move - like when I roll over in bed. And, yes, I am a miserable old bugger at times too! Good luck with your surgery - do you mind telling me when it is?

The pain varies and is not always there. Typically it is just an uncomftBle pulling sensation.... I have a couple of very sensitive spots on my lower abdomen where if it gets pressed ( or stepped on by DD2) it is agony. But I have now had two specific incidents where I was literally unable to walk and for several hours was doubled over and on those occassions it basically felt like a knife had been put inside me.... No matter how I moved it was no better ( but sitting down was impossible).

Thankyou ladies you have oddly made me feel better. niknak like you turning over in bed is horrendous I find it better if I get out of bed and get in the other way! Gnawing pain oh yes. Two questions have any pain killers helped
Also do you think humping a 13year DS CP around exacerbates the pain?
Have a peaceful night if possible.

I just take paracetamol and ibuprofen when it's at its worse, and sometimes before bed so I can sleep without the pain waking me, but don't feel like I should take them every day, even though I can't explain why!!

And yes - some activities or positions make my pain so much worse. You sound like you have your hands full?

Hope you manage to have a good nights sleep.