Hi,
I'm new here but I have had ghastly adhesion problems since 2012. I had an easy C-section in 2000, then a ruptured ulcer in 2006 that nearly killed me. The sepsis probably did the most damage to my small intestine. I then got a painless incisional hernia in 2007 that was repaired. All seemed OK until 2012 when I was very active and suddenly started sprouting hernias (12). It was like a mountain range! I had a really good silicone doormat-like thing put in and it has held up. Unfortunately, that's when the adhesion nightmare began. I kept having to rush to A&E and the doctors there suspected cancer through my abdomen because it was so bad. After many tests, scans, scoping, etc. they were stumped. I was frequently hospitalised with indescribable pain. The A&E doctors often tried to focus on my ovaries as the problem, which was a) not the problem and b) wasted days and days of tests every time I went to the hospital. In a drastic but helpful move, I had a complete hysterectomy with a human oestradiol implant that has been great. It is replaced once a year and means I should never have to deal with menopause while lowering risks of breast cancer, osteoporosis and dementia down the line. BUT I still have ghastly adhesions.
In 2013, I had adhesiolysis surgery to separate my gummed-up intestines. It was only partially successful. I take 4-8 30mg codeine/paracetamol per day and have metoclopramide and Nexxium for flare-ups. I have been learning self-hypnosis through apps, which also helps.
I kept gaining weight though, despite no alcohol and a low carb diet. It was really depressing. Then, in January 2017, I felt a new aspect of pain and it turned out I had pancreatitis. After that settled, they took out my gallbladder and the wonderful surgeon did some more adhesiolysis but said I will almost certainly need major surgery with a laparotomy in the future.
Still, things are a bit better. I still take 4 codeine per day but the agonising attacks are less frequent. I was found to be lactose intolerant and also FODMAP-sensitive. I now stick as closely as possible to a 16 hour daily fast and eat buckwheat crispibread with slivers of cheddar or mashed avocado primarily. I take lots of magnesium to keep everything moving. Pasta, tomatoes, whole nuts and fibrous vegetables are dangerous, although a ramekin of almond meal mixed with butter and icing sugar and baked as a crumble topping over frozen berries offers a bit of occasional luxury, as does occasional white chocolate melts that I mix with finely ground, homemade, sour strawberry boiled candy and press into a long flat sheet (great for satisfying occasional cravings!).
So everyone tells me I am losing weight, although the scale begs to differ. Still, I think it may be the bloating receding and I can now exercise a bit more often without triggering a massive attack. Still no alcohol (sniff!) and I am basically a vegetarian now because meat tends to stick to one's innards. But it seems that by sticking very closely to a daily 16 hour fast and focusing on buckwheat crispibread, avocado and bits of grated cheddar, I can cheat occasionally and actually enjoy an occasional (every 2-4 weeks) proper meal of normal meat/fish/veg/ice cream. The fasting diet apparently reduces inflammation and so I don't have a reaction, although I found that cheating by eating cashews turned out VERY badly!!!
Initially, after my last surgery, my cholesterol suddenly increased but I think it has now dropped thanks to the 16 hour fasting. I just was tested two weeks ago and my GP has not called to warn me of untoward results, which he always does if anything is off.
I exercise a few times a week on the treadmill, using high intensity 1-2 minute sprints at a 12% incline while hanging on for dear life followed by a minute of slower jogging. I try to do 4-6 repetitions each session. Studies have shown very positive results for overall cardiac health, cholesterol levels and reduced internal inflammation associated with this mercifully short, if definitely exhausting routine. I like it because it is quick!
I still face the likelihood of a future major blockage but I am hopeful I can stave it off with this diet. Again, I can occasionally have a normal (delicious) meal without problems.
I would love to hear about others' experiences and techniques for dealing with this condition. I know what it is like to have the hospital refer one to the pain clinic, which is what they often do if they think one is just addicted to opioids. I went through that ordeal and have been certified as legitimately needing lots of painkillers. Still, I do use the self-hypnosis and highly recommend others try out some of the apps available online if they need an internal trick for emergencies.