Scare Tissue

[jmn]

Three years ago I had a complete hysterectomy.  After my surgery the Dr. told me that I had had the worst case of endometriosis she had ever seen in her entire career.



Four months ago I had a gallbladder attack.  After being rushed to the hospital by ambulance and numerous tests done I was diagnosed not only with a none functional gallbladder but a collapsed section of my small intestine.  

I had surgery that was supposed to be done by a scope but the Dr. could not repair my collapsed intestine hence he had to open me up cutting from my belly button down to my pelvic area.  The Dr. had to remove five inches of my small intestine.

After surgery the Dr. told me that I was loaded with scare tissue.  He also said that he had to remove scare tissue in order to get to my gallbladder.  In fact my scare tissue was so bad he felt compelled to show me some pictures of what my scare tissue looked like.



Three weeks ago I began to experience pains that were somewhat similar to the pains I had when I had my gallbladder attack.  My stomach area began to contract and I had diarrhea.  I went to the Dr. the next day.  By then the pains started to subside and my physician told me that since I was not vomiting I probably had a mild case of the flu and if I had another blockage I would be vomiting.



One week ago today I again got those pains only this time I vomited twice and had severe diarrhea.  In fact this pain that woke me up in the middle of the night caused me to pass out briefly and I was sweating.  By morning I had diarrhea only and being somewhat confused of what my physician told me a few weeks back I waited suffering with the contractions/spasms and continuing with severe diarrhea.  Two days later I went to the emergency room.  After X-rays and another Cat Scan I was diagnosed with scare tissue that was entangled around my small intestine causing a partial blockage.  

The next day I saw a Gastroenterology specialist.  He proceeded to tell me that there is nothing that can be done for my severe case of scare tissue, which I would have to live with this for the rest of my life never knowing when another attack can occur, prescribed Belladonna/Phenobarbital and gave me a low residue diet.  He said that I would have to live like this for the rest of my life.  (Note: I also had a colonoscopy which turned out normal)

I discontinued the medication he prescribed as it completely whacks me out and causes me to sleep (not to mention the very vivid dreams I am also having)  

My question to you is this…..Is there anything that can be done to permanently remove the scare tissue that is entangling my small intestine?  

I understand that having another surgery would/could temporary subdue what I have right now, but would cause more scare tissue growth hence a vicious cycle, however what about laser surgery or a medication to get rid of or reduce the growth of scare tissue that I have now?

I refuse to live my life on a medication that hinders me from functioning normally and be on a diet that is not very healthy.

Please please advise.

-jmn

[troid]

with every surgery you have, you will get scar tissue, there is no way to avoid it, sure they can go back in and clean it out, but more will form.

[jmn]

Yes I know further surgery would cause more scare tissue as I stated.  What I am trying to find out is if there is anybody out there who has had any type of procedure done to permanently remove scare tissue. For example laser surgery*** or*** medication.  My thought process here is that there are procedures out there to permanently remove facial hair i.e. laser surgery, why not scare tissue?

[troid]

i agree, i wish there was a way too but i havnt heard of any, i know exactly what you are going through, i have had 8 abdominal and pelvic surgeries in the last 2 years, one of them to remove a bunch of scar tissue, i feel better, but i know it is going to come back and that scares me.my dr told me to do light exercise right after the last surgery(hysterectomy)aug 3rd. so it wouldnt build up as bad, so far im doing pretty good. i hope the best for you.

[ruthy2874]

they can remove scar tissue and it will come back, sometimes more than before.  some ppl just have alot scar tissue.  it sounds like you are one of them.  but you could always get a second opinion and ask them if there is a film of some sort they can put on your intestine to keep it protected a bit longer.  when i have tumors removed off my ovaries, they put some kind of film on my ovaries and the scar tissue wasn't as bad as it was at my incision site.  i have had the one surgery for the tumors which i was cut straight down from navel to pelvic hair line and 2 c-sections using the same incision.  so i have massive scar tissue as well.  but, maybe if they could use that film on your intestine it might help so the scar tissue doesn't grow right on it like it is now.  but this would require another surgery.  but the scar tissue will always come back.  who knows though if the film would help it to be less.  hth.

[willowlady]

I am also having problems with scar tissue.  Not to the extent you are.  I totaly agree with you there has to be something out there.  I would call and check with a lot of the bigger pioneering hospitals and find out what can be done.  I told my doctor I had problems with keloid scars prior to my surgery.  Of course it went in one ear and out the other.  After my hysterectomy the scar tissue started forming onto it self and making it very difficult to even have an exam done 6 weeks post op.  I am still trying to find an answer for my problems. Again mine are not nearly as bad as yours.  



I think it is great that you are not going to just take it lying down.  There is a great hospital in Pittsburg, PA University Medical Center and the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Ohio is also great.  I would try either of them and see what they can tell you. Good luck!  If you find information, make sure you post it so we now the options also.  If I find anything I will also post it.

[jmn]

to willowlady...going to see a specialist at northwestern hosptl. on Oct 24th The hosptl. has a good reputation so lets hope I get a sharp Dr. who will look at all of this from a diff. point of view. As soon as I learn something (hopefully) I will share....jmn

[MOONWALKER]

HI Everyone,

           Im new to this and l would like to greet everyone before l start ,l had a scare removed from the bridge of my nose and the plastic surgeon told me that it would take upto one and a half years for the redness to go away .The redness is still there and its been close to this time frame ,do l still have hope l have tried vitamin e creams and alot of other things on the market .Has anyone out there ever had a scare removed and redness of the lining they stitch back together taking this long , l am starting to get worried and should l consider lazer to maybe help.

Kind Regards

Moonwalker

[LIZCOQUI]

Seven years ago I had a laparoscopic surgery due to endometrosis and my appendix was removed since I had it there too.  Four years ago I had a full hysterectomy due to the endo again, there was also some on my intestine.  Since the beginning of 2007 I had being feeling like prior having my hysterectomy with the pain, bloating, I feel very inflamated in the abdomen.  I went to my OBGYN and he refered me to the GI doctor.  The GI doctor did a colonoscopy which turned out ok.  I had an Upper GI test which also turned out ok.  Then I had a CT scan with contrast on that it shows the Lymph nodes