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

If you’re looking for genuine support, care, understanding & friendship, you are so welcome to join my closed Facebook support forum, Medical Musings with Friends . It’s a safe place to connect with others living with chronic & complex diseases, who truly understand the daily challenges. A warm welcome awaits.

I’m also a Contributor at “The Mighty”. You can check out my published articles at My Author Page

I also write @ Blogs by Christian Women

I’m a member of  the Chronic Illness Bloggers Network,  the  Grace Girls Facebook Group and Salt and Light Linkup Group

If you would like to read a little more about my journey, here’s the link to My Story

Please click here to read our Privacy Policy

WEGO Health Award 2018 Nominee