Many of us who have had multiple abdominal surgeries can find we later have issues with adhesions.
I was reminded of this the other day when I was talking to my carer about my story. I also realised I haven’t said anything about adhesions on my blog in any detail.
My Adhesion Story
In 2010, at the same time as I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, I was also battling intense abdominal pain.
What I didn’t know at the time was I had so many abdominal adhesions, my bowel was obstructed and in knots and my ovaries were being obliterated.
The ongoing pain which was always worse during ovulation, caused me to finally see a Gynecologist. Thankfully I found one who was prepared to listen and think carefully about what might be going on.
My ovaries couldn’t be found on an ultrasound. A good indication that something wasn’t right as we knew they were there somewhere!!
The Surgeon(Gyno/Oncologist) decided I really needed an investigative laparoscopy and I happily agreed. Something wasn’t right and we needed to find the source of the pain.
The Surgeon couldn’t believe his eyes once he started the laparoscopy. He said he’d never seen so many adhesions. He told me afterwards the density and complexity of them was spectacular!!
As a result of the adhesions my ovaries were diseased and full of cysts. They had to be removed and thankfully post surgery my abdomen was returned to some semblance of normality.
The instant relief from pain and fever following that surgery was amazing. My Total Abdominal Hysterectomy in 2007 was the cause of the issue and really the start of revealing my underlying bowel issues. The adhesions were the nail in the coffin which 3 years later resulted in the severe rectal prolapse and the need for my permanent colostomy in 2013.
Many Surgeons won’t remove adhesions because with each abdominal surgery more will return, so it’s like fighting a losing battle for the Surgeon and the patient.
My Gynaecologist felt in my case I had all the classic symptoms at the time of severe adhesions. He felt not to operate would have led to peritonitis, a condition which could have killed me. He was right, I was full of infection and disease.
If you have pelvic pain and nothing is showing on scans, it could be you have Abdominal Adhesion Disease.
It’s not to be underestimated, so keep raising the possibility with your medical team if you’re concerned.
Take care
Sam xx
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/adhesions
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Sam you have so much to deal with. Not sure how you do it. I am humbled!
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Thanks Marla 💖
One step & one day at a time is the only way to approach life with chronic illness. I know I am not alone in dealing with these complexities & I gain strength from reading of others courage too.
Thanks for reaching out xx
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I agree with Maria and don’t know how you do it. You have had more than your fair share to deal with…….yet from what I see and read you do it with class and courage. You are inspiring. I am glad to read that you draw strength from reading about the courage of other people too. I guess there are SOME benefits to this information overloaded, technologically and social media driven society we live in. The ability to reach out and be reached out to. Gentle hugs x x
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Thank you. That is so lovely xx
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