Lower Right Abdominal Pain

  I have experienced pain in my lower right side for almost 2yrs.
  It started about 6mos after my gallbladder was removed.  At
  about the same time I experienced frequent diarrhea.  I was sent
  to a gyne for the abdominal pain after being told diarrhea is
  common after gallbladder surgery. Gyne confirmed endometrosis and  
  I had a total hysterectomy.  The pain continued.  I then went to
  a GI specialist and after 3 colonoscopys, 2 CTs, Sm Bowel XRay,
  he suggested laproscope to rule out scar tissue. (I had previous
  abdominal surgeries)  Extensive scar tissue was removed during
  surgery as well as my appendix.  Also, The diarrhea went away
  earlier this year (changed my diet) and about a month before the
  surgery, I developed constipation.  Since surgery, a motility
  study was performed and I was told I have colon dismotility.
  Currently I am taking colyte prep to induce bowel movements.  I
  also take painkillers almost daily.  The pain killers were stopped
  for a period of time to rule out potential contribution to
  the problem.  Current treatment plans are to try antidepressents
  to reduce sensitivity to pain.  Another dr. mentioned the possibility
  of colon removal.  Any thoughts or suggestions?  I am at my wits
  end.  Thank you.
______________
Dear Ellen,
It is difficult to distinguish between the symptoms due to any underlying problem and those symptoms due to surgery.  For many people with constipation and pain, regulation of the bowel pattern improves all symptoms.  There are some people wh require regular use of Golyely, but in general we prefer to use regimens that cause less discomfort.  Check with yur doctor that you have maximized the use of fiber, omotic laxatives such as Lactulose.  
Finally, remeber that surgery should be a last resort in this situation.  Talk to your doctor to get a sense as to how confident he is that this major surgical procedure will improve your symptoms.
This information is presented for educational purposes only.  Ask specific questiosn to your personal physician.
HFHSM/./D.-rf
*keywords: abdominal pain
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