Lower Right Abdominal Pain, Back Pain and Nausea. Adhesions?

[koda2011]

Hello, I am a 41 year old female and I am looking and searching for answers and came across this forum that I am hoping someone can help or provide advice.  

I have had several surgeries over the past few years - c-section (1997), gallbladder removal and hysterectomy (2008)and then last year (Dec 2010) a resection rectopexy for rectal prolapse.  

Over the last few months, I have been developing pain in my right lower abdomen.  Over the last two months, it has become extremely severe and debilitating.  It also goes around to my lower back.  I have urine retention problems (I am seeing an urologist and until my urodynamics test, have to self cather myself 4-6X/day).  But, this does NOT relieve the pain - unusually, it seems to bring it on more.

I believe that my pain is due to scar tissue build up and adhesions.  

When I first had the pain, I went to my OB and he did a pelvic exam and ultrasound and said all was good with my ovaries.  Then, I went to my internist who thought it might be appendicitis so took a trip to the ER to find it was not appendicitis.  The cat scan showed some minor cysts on my kidneys, but then also a "mixed density bilobed structure in the right lower quadrant) - my internist said that basically means an unidentifiable mass or blur of "something".  After talking further, he referred me to a general surgeon.  I saw the surgen today to discuss laparoscopic surgery, but he seems very hesitant.  

I am in such pain and distress that I have not been able to work (I am now out on disability as of this week).  I cannot eat (causes too much pain and I have lost over 15 pounds over the past month) and I was in the ER last week because the pain was so bad.  I am also very nauseous.

How can I convince the surgeon to do the laparoscopic - I am certain it is scar tissue (when I had my hysterectomy, my gynecologist saw a lot of scar tissue that he says he removed some from my c-section with my first child).

I have had issues (digestive) for the last 5 years where doctors told me I had IBS, eat more fiber, etc., and that I would be okay to find out that I had a gallbladder disfunction and then the prolapse.  I have had every test known to man (cat scan, mri, ultrasound, xray, bloodwork, urinalysis, proctogram, cystoscopy, small bowel series) and cannot go on like this.  

The surgeon seemed hesitant because he said that if I had scar tissue or adhesions, that my intestines would be blocked, but from what I have read, that is not necessarily the case.  Adhesions can cause intenstinal blockage, but not in all cases, correct?  My other symptoms seem to point me back to scar tissue buildup and adhesions from my rectopexy (it was done robotically, but the surgical incisions are quite large and my pain is where the incisions are).

Your advice or suggestions are appreciated very much!

[Jaybay]

I have lived with abdominal adhesions and partial bowel obstruction since 1998.  Went on the surgical merry-go-round for years.  Each surgery resulted in less and less time without symptoms.  The last one some 6+ years ago gave me all of two weeks of relief.  That's when my doctors and I decided surgery was only causing more problems and I'd have to learn to live with it unless I was fully obstructed and about to die.

Pain management helps but it's about more than throwing meds at the pain and nausea.  Living with adhesions requires a strong commitment to alternative nutrition - think smoothies - and a big dose of psychotherapy to learn relaxation and meditation techniques.  Once you accept that your life won't ever be what it once was, you can start to build a new life that has joy and meaning in spite of the medical problems.

[koda2011]

For your intestinal adhesions, your OB would not have had the expertise to do surgery on that area.  I would recommend going to a colon-rectal surgeon as they specialize in this area and can do surgery.  Any doctor who tells you that you would be in pain the rest of your life and that they don't want to help you does not have  your best interest at heart.  I would continue to search for another doctor.  I had to go through several different doctors and specialists before I found one who cared enough to push other doctors to help me.  I REALLY hope that you find some help soon!

[achilles2]

Also has anyone every looked at endometriosis, just because they did not "see" endo during surgery does not mean it is not there there must be a biopsy done to look for microscopic endo.

Also are you getting your hormones replaced w/bio-indentical hormones? This is very important here is a link to tell you about them. Maybe you can contact them and find someone near you.
http://diplomatpharmacy.com/patient_services/bio_identical_hormone_therapy/

[achilles2]

I am sorry you are in so much pain. When they did your surgeries did you ever have a bowel prep? If not that is why they have not touched your intestines. Can you go to another state for help if so I recommend that you try
http://www.surgery4women.com/home

I hope you get the help you need,
achilles2

[nascar14champ]

I am 46 and have had 5 surgeries starting at the age of 12 exploratory and they cut me from my belly button down. At 18 I had PID. Then at 21 I had an ectopic pregnancy that ruptured and was cut through the scar they did the surgery on when I was 12. 6 months later I had another ectopic pregnancy that ruptured and they took out everything but my ovaries. They cut me through that same scar that formed kiloids. Well in 2010 I was in so much pain that my OB did laproscopic surgery and took out my right ovary that was buried in adhesions. This past July 2011 he took out my right ovary due to adhesions and informed me I have adhesions on my right intestine he cannot get to. I am in so much pain and I do not know where to go from here, I was told I would be in pain the rest of my life but they don't want to help me with the pain. I live in Independence, Mo and do not know where to go for help. Any ideas?

[achilles2]

Thanks for the update. I am glad that you have such a good surgeon. Get well soon.


achilles2