Abdominal adhesions: any suggestions for relief?

@foxfire I have the same problem and would like suggestions too. I had kidney surgery and gall bladder removed. My chiropractor has been massaging my adhesions which has helped with the pain somewhat, but the bloating has not budged.

I have been researching and lots of people end up like this after abdominal surgeries! But can’t find what to help . More surgery creates more adhesions . Trying to stretch and massage The bloating is so bad too !

I have been researching but feel frustrated . Not sure what to do. Pain comes and goes , heaviness, pressure and bloating an ongoing problem

Hello @foxfire and @rashida

As someone who has had two surgeries of the upper digestive tract, I understand just a little about what you are experiencing. I would also to invite two other members to this discussion, @thull and @astaingegerdm who might be able to offer you some suggestions. You might also find another Connect discussion helpful. Here is the link to that discussion on adhesions and bowel obstructions, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/reoccurring-bowel-obstructions-due-to-adhesions/

I'm wondering if your GI doctors have offered you any suggestions? Have you had pelvic floor therapy (PFT)? I went to PTF and I received a lot of good suggestions for dealing with my symptoms.

Is constipation also a problem?

Thank you so much for connecting I feel like GI doctor doesn’t understand . I do have constipation as well . Feeling pretty depressed about this .

@foxfire Hi Kay,

I understand how difficult it would be to feel that you are not supported by your medical team. Can you reach out to another GI specialist for a second opinion and obtain support?

Let the doctor know what kind of help you are looking for. My GI doctor is connected to a major university medical center. I've found that doctors connected with a university tend to be good teachers. They provide education for their patients and are very willing to help you.

Do you have a medical facility like that near you?

Had colon surgery 4 years ago and bladder lift and hysterectomy years ago. I know my problems with abdominal pain and adhesions. The won’t do anything as my primary indicated, unless I throw up green they won’t do anything. My colon doctor understood this and he cleared out the adhesions when he did my surgery then. I need to see a surgeon for this and need a referral. It’s on hold since I am recovering from hyperactive toxicosis at the moment. I’m in touch with a great physician assistant at my gastro doc and she is more helpful than the doctor.

Hi Kay. I don’t know if I can help, but I will give you some ideas. I totally get your discomfort an frustration. I deal with adhesions following numerous abdominal surgeries. You might be having pseudo obstructions, which aren’t full on blockages. My PCP explained it as the bowel filling up partially and ballooning out, so some solids and air get through, while the rest sits in the pocket and expands. What I did, under his watch, was used a bowel prep (full on miralax prep) with some fleets saline enemas for the initial treatment. Then I did liquids/semi liquids low residue, for about 10 days. After that I introduced cooked veggies, puréed soups, etc (easier to digest while promoting lots of liquid into the bowel. By doing this, my Doc explained that the bowel wall has time to contract back and achieve more normal peristaltic rhythm. I maintain this, with daily evening miralax after all food for the day, and morning Linzess. The morning always has a meditative time (and hot liquid beverage) to achieve relaxation and promote the histamine response. I have been doing quite well with this routine for 2 years now. It sounds like a lot of work, but it beats NG tubes, pain and bloating. Good luck with your individual situation. Most of the treatment falls upon the patient. The linzess is the prescription part, and the rest is over the counter measures. You do need to be monitored by a DOC who is sensitive to your individual circumstances. I hope this helps.

Why is trying to stretch and massage bad

Thank you for your ideas ! I feel that might help me !