1. < Digestive Health

Chronic abdominal pain from extensive abdominal adhesions

Posted by sandypaints @sandypaints, Feb 24, 2023

Had abdominal surgery in 1983 for ovarian cancer. second abd. surgery in 1984 total hysterectomy. Next year increased abdominal pain then more surgery for lysis of adhesions. Abdominal pain worse...Second exploratory surgery showed multiple loops of the bowel adhesed to the abdominal wall and liver adhesed to the abdominal wall. I have been tood when an adhesion is cut and released from sticking it immediately sticks to something else causing worse adhesions. If they can send a man to the moon why cant they come up with a product or lubricant that can be put into the adbdominal cavity to prevent the adhesions from sticking again. This seems like a simple fix to me...I have so many adhesions in my abdomen that every time I move or bend or any movement I have chronic pain. I describe the pain as "being kicked by mule or socked in the belly....The adhesions are stuck and pull on my abdominal organs...its like my abdominal cavity is full of sticky bubble gum and am frustrated there isn't a simple lubricant that would solve this problem. I am now 75 and have suffered with this pain for 40 years. I only wish someone could come up with a solution.

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llcc8800 | @llcc8800 | Feb 25, 2023

I’m so sorry that you’re suffering. It’s so frustrating, especially if you look into adhesions and read that “most adhesions do not cause issues.” I want to scream when I read that, it’s such a huge misconception. Do you have issues eating?

I struggle with severe bowel adhesions too, and I struggle with feeling a “pulling” pain pretty often as well as cramping and squeezing sensations and I’m like you, I’m unable to bend over, bend down, lay on my side or belly without a lot of pain and abdominal distention. I’ve had multiple lysis of adhesions and they just reform even worse. It’s so incredibly frustrating and painful. And I completely agree, it’s ridiculous that it’s 2023 and we don’t have a solution for severe adhesions, especially since they say adhesions are “so common.”

You’re not alone in your pain and feelings of frustration and anger. I’m so sorry that you’re in pain. Please know that you’re not alone❤️

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1 reply
docm | @docmeehan | Feb 25, 2023
In reply to @llcc8800 "I’m so sorry that you’re suffering. It’s so frustrating, especially if you look into adhesions and..." + (show)
@llcc8800

I’m so sorry that you’re suffering. It’s so frustrating, especially if you look into adhesions and read that “most adhesions do not cause issues.” I want to scream when I read that, it’s such a huge misconception. Do you have issues eating?

I struggle with severe bowel adhesions too, and I struggle with feeling a “pulling” pain pretty often as well as cramping and squeezing sensations and I’m like you, I’m unable to bend over, bend down, lay on my side or belly without a lot of pain and abdominal distention. I’ve had multiple lysis of adhesions and they just reform even worse. It’s so incredibly frustrating and painful. And I completely agree, it’s ridiculous that it’s 2023 and we don’t have a solution for severe adhesions, especially since they say adhesions are “so common.”

You’re not alone in your pain and feelings of frustration and anger. I’m so sorry that you’re in pain. Please know that you’re not alone❤️

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I'm having the same issues as y'all are having plus I'm taking Miralax daily and am having a lot of trouble with getting my bowels regulated on this low fiber diet. Any advice would be appreciated,
I'm so sorry that anyone else is having to go through this hell.

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kroaleen | @kroaleen | Feb 25, 2023

I too have chronic pain with abdominal adhesions. I see a very talented PT, who is gradually working the adhesions to release them. It’s been over 3 years but I’ve gotten some relief. That said, the bouncing dance of diarrhea, constipation and intermittent acute cramping and partial blockages is wearing. I also wish something could be done to relieve the pain.

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1 reply
susanh824 | @susanh824 | Feb 25, 2023

I have similar pain from multiple abdominal surgeries. The last one I had took seven hours for them to unstick my organs and fix hanging loops. I now have Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency caused by all those previous surgeries. My GI says that there is now a special massage that can be done for adhesions. I haven’t booked an appointment with the therapist, but am considering it.

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1 reply
docm | @docmeehan | Feb 26, 2023
In reply to @susanh824 "I have similar pain from multiple abdominal surgeries. The last one I had took seven hours..." + (show)
@susanh824

I have similar pain from multiple abdominal surgeries. The last one I had took seven hours for them to unstick my organs and fix hanging loops. I now have Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency caused by all those previous surgeries. My GI says that there is now a special massage that can be done for adhesions. I haven’t booked an appointment with the therapist, but am considering it.

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I'm very interested in the massage approach so I would appreciate it if you would keep us informed concerning your progress.
All the best.

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1 reply
docm | @docmeehan | Feb 26, 2023
In reply to @kroaleen "I too have chronic pain with abdominal adhesions. I see a very talented PT, who is..." + (show)
@kroaleen

I too have chronic pain with abdominal adhesions. I see a very talented PT, who is gradually working the adhesions to release them. It’s been over 3 years but I’ve gotten some relief. That said, the bouncing dance of diarrhea, constipation and intermittent acute cramping and partial blockages is wearing. I also wish something could be done to relieve the pain.

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May I ask how you found your PT therapist?

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susanh824 | @susanh824 | Feb 26, 2023
In reply to @docmeehan "I'm very interested in the massage approach so I would appreciate it if you would keep..." + (show)
@docmeehan

I'm very interested in the massage approach so I would appreciate it if you would keep us informed concerning your progress.
All the best.

Jump to this post

Gladly, I’ll ask the doctor when I see him in about a month.

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sickofbeinsick1. AKA Tina | @sickofbeinsick1 | Feb 27, 2023

Person w/ adhesions & anybody else w/ gut pain…my husband had low colon cancer.. lose to the rectum. He hasn’t been back to “normal” since…but I will tell what the surgeon told him, we were on speaker call. My husband told him (surgeon) that I had suggested he (husband) to use vibrating hot pad we have. Surgeon thought that was a great idea. It seemed to help him
To adhesions; try mineral oil or castor oil. It may not be instant, but it sure couldn’t hurt

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