Understanding Abdominal Adhesions
For approximately three weeks, I've been struggling with significant abdominal pain and discomfort at the age of 28 and weighing 123 pounds. Initially, I sought help at the emergency room. Despite undergoing various blood tests and an ultrasound that both yielded normal results, the attending physician decided to discharge me with a prescription for dicyclomine. While this medication alleviated some of the tenderness in the affected area, I continued to experience distressing symptoms such as spasms, pulling and stabbing pains, and burning sensations. Earlier this week, I took the step of consulting with a gynecologist after discovering an intramural uterine fibroid located at the top of my uterus during my ER visit. After conducting a pelvic exam, she informed me that I also have abdominal adhesions linked to the top of my uterus. This revelation makes sense given that five years ago, I underwent an appendectomy followed by a laparoscopic procedure due to an intestinal blockage caused by the earlier surgery. Regrettably, the only method to assess the extent of the adhesions and to remove them requires another surgical intervention, which ironically carries the risk of creating additional adhesions. Currently, I have started taking diclofenac and applying Salonpas patches daily, and I am scheduled for my first session of massage/manual therapy tomorrow to help soften the affected tissue. I would love to hear from others who have dealt with similar conditions or therapies. Specifically, I am interested in: • Your experiences with managing pain in both the short and long term, • Insights on whether you have undergone surgery to excise adhesions and its outcomes, and • How this situation has impacted your quality of life. Thank you for taking the time to read my post; I genuinely appreciate any advice or recommendations you can share.
Answers (1)
6/27/2025, 12:10:47 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about the significant pain and discomfort you're experiencing. Abdominal adhesions can indeed cause distressing symptoms, and it's understandable to seek insights from others who have been through similar experiences. Here is an overview of your situation and some suggestions for managing your symptoms.
Key Points:
- Management of Abdominal Adhesions: Adhesions can lead to pain and discomfort, and while surgery is one option, it carries its own risks.
- Pain Relief Strategies: You are already on medication; consider additional methods to enhance your comfort.
- Quality of Life Considerations: It's essential to address both pain management and the impact on your daily activities.
Explanation:
Abdominal adhesions are bands of fibrous tissue that can form after surgery and can adhere internal organs to each other or to the abdominal wall, often causing pain. In your case, these adhesions might be contributing to the distressing symptoms you describe, including spasms and burning sensations. Unfortunately, as you noted, surgical intervention to remove adhesions can sometimes lead to more adhesions forming.
Next Steps:
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Continue to Manage Pain: Stick with the diclofenac and monitor how you feel. Talk to your healthcare provider about adjusting dosages or trying other pain management methods if needed. In addition to medication, try techniques such as gentle stretching and heat application (like a warm compress) to ease discomfort.
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Attend Therapy Sessions: Since you have a massage/manual therapy session scheduled, approach it with an open mind. Communicate your symptoms and any areas of increased discomfort to your therapist so they can tailor the treatment to your needs.
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Track Your Symptoms: Maintain a diary to document your pain levels, triggers, and relief strategies. This can help you identify patterns and provide valuable information to your healthcare providers about how best to manage your symptoms.
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Consider Dietary and Lifestyle Adjustments: Sometimes dietary changes, like increasing fiber or hydration, can help alleviate abdominal discomfort. Pay attention to which foods may exacerbate your symptoms and adjust accordingly.
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Seek Community Support: Joining forums or support groups for individuals with abdominal adhesions or fibroid issues can be invaluable. Sharing experiences and coping strategies can help you manage both the physical and emotional aspects of your condition.
Remember, while seeking surgical options may eventually be necessary, they should be weighed against potential risks. Focus on enhancing your quality of life through pain management and supportive therapies for now. If you notice any severe changes in your symptoms, such as increasing pain, fever, or significant changes in bowel habits, seek medical attention promptly.
I hope these suggestions help you navigate this challenging situation. Please feel free to come back with any more questions or concerns.
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