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Abdominal adhesion, symptoms, and therapy or surgery?
I need some advice about upper abdominal discomfort and pain that I've been having since the fall of 2023. I had laparoscopic gall bladder surgery in 6/2/23. All went well, recovery was fine. There were four small incisions made, and the lower right side one that was used to remove the gall bladder was the most sensitive post surgery. It continued to be sensitive, primarily due to it being located where my waist bends. It healed, but still felt like there was a strain there at times. Since the end of 2023 to now, I've been having more discomfort abdominally and particularly on the right side in that location. I had imaging done to rule out any other abdominal issues, and all imaging is fine. I have an appointment with the Dr. that did the surgery in a week. Looking on-line, it appears that abdominal adhesions are common post abdominal surgery. It appears that the symptoms that I have are common too: abdominal pain, cramping, bowel movement changes, etc.
Has anyone else experienced this? If so, what outcome is there for this? It reads on the internet that the scar tissue can be removed with more surgery, but may cause more to develop.
Input please!!
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The adhesions are so painful but two things. First I had all the negative tests. And suffered for 10 years after gallbladder removal. Then a GI did a special X-ray ERCP that found I still had stones in my bile duct. These were washed out and no pain since!
Secondly if you have surgery of anything else discuss a steroid was before closing to minimise adhesions.
I still have lots of abdominal pain because I had surgery for severe endometriosis. They removed it but left me with multiple adhesions. I manage with heat pads, laxatives, painkillers etc. best wishes.
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3 ReactionsI can't imagine how I will learn to live with this. The tightness and digging in is unbearable at times. I don't live in my home state and want to be able to travel to see my family, my son and my 2 youngest grandchildren. How can I travel if I can't even sit. I can't believe there is no medication that can help these uncomfortable adhesions. It seems to be such a common problem after surgeries, why have doctors not be able to find some kind of help for the patients.
I have tried heating pad, red light therapy at home. and I ice the area that has nerve damage. I want to be able to get out of the house. This is horrible. I'm sorry you are dealing with this too.
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1 Reaction@debrap57
I agree, why doesn't the health care system have some way of preventing, or even identifying and treating adhesions. It seems to be pretty common after surgery, yet there isn't anything we can do? I too can't think about travel with airplane or car, short distances by car are tolerable.
I'm sorry for your condition, I know that doesn't help anything, but it seems like there are a number of people in the same situation of varying degree.
I was told that surgery to cut the adhesions would only be done if they were causing bowl obstructions. Fortunately I've not had that, yet anyway, but have much pain and discomfort.
If Mayo Clinic people read this, what is going on for research to deal with adhesions?
Hang in there, it's pretty much all we can do I think.
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4 Reactions@kremer1 I'm really trying but this is terrible. I can't deal with the tightness and digging in. I literally cannot get comfortable. Thank you for your support. There has to be someone in healthcare that can help us
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