Understanding Adhesion Formation
Greetings, Three months ago, I underwent laparoscopic surgery, during which my surgeon informed me that I was diagnosed with endometriosis upon waking up. **POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSES:** 1. Pain in the right lower abdomen. 2. General pelvic discomfort in females. 3. Heavy and irregular menstrual cycles. 4. Primary dysmenorrhea. 5. Endometriosis affecting the pelvic peritoneum. 6. Adhesions in the intestines. 7. Adhesions surrounding the adnexa. **PROCEDURES COMPLETED:** 1. Diagnostic laparoscopy. 2. Laparoscopic excision of endometriotic tissue. 3. Laparoscopic separation of intestinal and adnexal adhesions. The appendix appeared normal but was found enveloped in scar tissue near the pelvic brim on the right side. There was also scar tissue around the sigmoid area near the left adnexa, left ovary, and the left pelvic wall. Additionally, there was no sign of pelvic inflammation. One week later, I was informed that the biopsy results showed no evidence of endometriosis. My surgeon speculated that the extensive adhesions might be a result of a previous surgery, but this was actually my first surgery. I also have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which she clarified is unrelated to my current situation. Furthermore, I have no history of infections. Ultimately, she suggested that I might simply be dealing with chronic inflammation. I find myself perplexed by the initial diagnosis of endometriosis, only to be contradicted by a negative biopsy. What explains the presence of adhesions? And how can I have chronic inflammation without a clear cause? Thank you in advance for any insights!
Answers (1)
7/12/2025, 11:20:32 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your concerns; it sounds like you're navigating a complex situation after your recent surgery. It’s understandable to feel perplexed by the initial diagnosis of endometriosis and the subsequent negative biopsy, as well as the presence of adhesions without a clear cause.
Key Points:
- Understanding Adhesions: Adhesions are bands of scar tissue that bind organs together and can result from surgery, inflammation, or other factors. They can form even without prior surgery if there is chronic inflammation or another underlying issue.
- Endometriosis Diagnosis: A negative biopsy does not entirely rule out endometriosis since it can be challenging to diagnose purely through histological examination. It may also suggest that the tissue thought to be endometrial was normal.
- Chronic Inflammation: Chronic inflammation can stem from various causes, including hormonal imbalances (common in conditions like PCOS) and environmental factors. It may not always have a defined trigger.
Next Steps:
- Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a record of any symptoms you experience—this includes pain levels, menstruation changes, and digestive issues. Note any potential triggers that might worsen your inflammation.
- Lifestyle Modifications:
- Diet: Consider an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids. Avoid processed foods, excessive sugars, and trans fats.
- Hydration: Stay well-hydrated, which can help with digestion and overall recovery.
- Stress Management: Engage in stress-reduction techniques such as yoga, meditation, or gentle exercise, as stress can exacerbate inflammation.
- Follow-up Care: It's important to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider. If you haven’t had a follow-up appointment scheduled, consider requesting one to discuss your symptoms and manage your care based on your evolving situation.
- Support Groups: Look into local or online support groups for individuals with endometriosis or chronic pelvic pain, where you can share experiences and strategies.
Understanding your condition is an ongoing journey, and your treatment may need to be adjusted as you gather more information from your symptoms and healthcare responses. Please feel free to reach out for further clarification or to discuss your concerns.
Related Questions
Experiencing Heart Palpitations Following Chest Impact
I'm a 17-year-old female who has struggled with tachycardia for several years, having been diagnosed with postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) about five years ago, although I haven't pursued further testing because I haven't completely lost consciousness. Recently, over the past month or two, I've started to experience sensations of my heart skipping beats, accompanied by difficulty in breathing during these episodes. These occurrences have become significantly more frequent, even when I'm at rest. Five years ago, I underwent a Holter monitor test, which indicated primarily tachycardia with occasional premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), but nothing alarming was found. In early December, I was struck hard in the chest by an elbow while in a mosh pit, which resulted in some pain when taking deep breaths for a few days. My sternum became bruised and slightly swollen, and it remained tender to touch for about two weeks, but this discomfort was manageable. I still feel some soreness when stretching, although it’s not severe. Additionally, I have diagnoses of Crohn’s disease and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (HEDS), and I am currently on immunosuppressants. Given these circumstances, would it be advisable for me to seek medical evaluation, or could these symptoms be considered typical?
Understanding My Experiences with Dissociation and Physical Symptoms
Hello everyone! I'm 15 years old and I’ve been grappling with intense feelings of dissociation recently. About two years back, I experienced what I now refer to as a "silent seizure" for the first time. It happened around 2 PM while I was at school in the band hall. Suddenly, I found myself zoning out completely; I was just sitting there, disassociated from reality, until it dawned on me that I couldn’t seem to reconnect with my surroundings. Feeling lost, I turned to a friend and anxiously asked, "Where am I?" She chuckled, unaware of the seriousness of my situation, but I stood up and wandered out of the classroom, aimlessly walking towards the bathrooms. The sensation was akin to being in a dream—you know you’re somewhere, yet you can’t fully engage with the moment for what felt like 5 to 10 minutes. Strangely, I even had the feeling of observing myself from above as I moved through the halls, like a scene from a dream. In a state of panic, I contacted my mom. By the time I managed to leave school, my mind was clearing. She took me to her workplace where a colleague checked my blood sugar levels, revealing it was low. I had eaten that day, so this was unexpected (especially since my mother also faces issues with low blood sugar). This occurrence was unprecedented for me; thankfully, I haven’t faced such low levels since then. In the following weeks, I experienced intermittent dissociative episodes, prompting me to visit a doctor. I underwent blood tests, an electrocardiogram (EKG), and a routine examination. Everything appeared normal, except I was diagnosed with anemia—something my mother and sister also deal with. I walked away from that appointment without any real explanations, and after a while, the episodes subsided—thankfully, a relief. FAST FORWARD TO NOW: (15 years old) (Potentially relevant context) Recently, I’ve been enduring severe heart and chest discomfort. I’ve been noticing irregular heartbeats, sporadic strong pulsations, and sharp pain localized in my heart region and upper right chest. Lying on my side can be quite painful, and sometimes I struggle to take deep breaths. I make it a priority to get a full eight hours of sleep each night, I take daily vitamins, and I’m actively involved in competitive cheerleading, maintaining a healthy fitness level for my height and weight. We sought medical advice again, underwent numerous tests, and, once more, everything checked out fine. My heart was deemed healthy, and all other measurements were satisfactory. Initially, we suspected anxiety might be a factor, but my mom is hesitant to consider antidepressants, believing that my age may limit treatment options. She has recommended that I hydrate more and practice breathing exercises (which is somewhat ironic since I struggle to breathe when these pains occur, yet I don’t argue). UPDATE: During practice today, I unexpectedly experienced my first "silent seizure" episode in two years. It was more disconcerting than I recalled. I lost track of my location again and couldn’t re-engage with reality. It felt as if I was observing those around me from a dream-like vantage point. This realization frightened me, thinking that I had moved past these episodes. It took about ten minutes for me to regain my awareness of my environment. Additionally, this week, I noticed moments of dissociation, albeit not as intense as previous episodes. I found myself vacantly staring, and my vision felt oddly lazy, frequently. It's worth noting that I do not have a lazy eye. I plan to document these occurrences meticulously, and if they persist, I will consult my doctor again. Meanwhile, if anyone has suggestions about what might be happening to me, I would greatly appreciate it. Is this potentially linked to anxiety? I’m genuinely confused about my condition!
Identifying a Mysterious Brown Circle on My Scalp
Age: 21 Gender: Female Height: 5'4" Weight: 175 lbs Ethnicity: White (Scottish/Irish) Location: California Current Medication: Testosterone injection administered subcutaneously in the thigh While I was having my hair dyed blue, my girlfriend noticed a perfectly circular brown mark on my scalp. It resembles a circle that appears to have been made with a brown marker. The size of the ring is similar to my thumb’s tip and contrasts sharply with the lighter shade of my scalp. There is no evidence of hair thinning or loss around this circle; we only discovered it because we were parting my hair. I’m curious if this could be connected to the brain fog or headaches I’ve been experiencing lately. I looked online, and while ringworm was suggested, it doesn’t match my symptoms since there are no bald patches or flaky skin. I’m open to answering any additional questions to help clarify this situation, as it's causing me some concern.
Should I Seek Medical Attention for a Possible Spinal Injury?
Greetings! I’m a 20-year-old male, and while I’m not overly anxious about my situation, I've been experiencing enough discomfort to consider it. Three days prior, I went snowboarding and attempted to navigate a box, which is essentially a flat metal structure with a slight ramp at the end. Unfortunately, I lost my balance close to the end of the box and landed squarely on my backside. This caused my back and head to make hard contact with the ground. At first, I didn’t perceive much pain in my back or head; instead, the primary source of pain seemed to be my rear, which felt as if it had developed a noticeable lump. However, I dismissed it at the time. The following day, the soreness persisted, alongside generalized discomfort throughout my upper body. Every time I coughed, I felt pain that radiated from my neck down to my abdomen, which was tender to the touch. I asked my girlfriend to check for any visible injuries, and although my butt showed no bruising, I did notice around five bruises along my spine. I’m questioning whether I should consult a physician. I usually avoid going to the doctor unless absolutely necessary, having only visited twice in the last four years (excluding vaccinations during my teenage years). I tend to prefer toughing things out to save on medical expenses, but if the situation warrants it, I wouldn’t hesitate to seek help as I did last year for an ear infection. What do you think – should I consider getting checked out?
Seeking Insight on Abnormal Neuroimaging Results
A 42-year-old female, standing 6 feet tall and weighing 194 pounds, has been grappling with cognitive challenges for over three years. She has a clinical history that includes a diagnosis of Bipolar II disorder coupled with generalized anxiety, which she manages effectively through a regimen of an antidepressant, a mood stabilizer, and medications for anxiety. Currently, she is under the care of her fifth neurologist in the Boston region. An FDG-PET scan revealed a significant decline in metabolic functions, showing a 30-40% reduction within the left parietal lobe and a 20% decrease in both mesial temporal lobes. As part of her evaluation, a lumbar puncture was performed to assess amyloid and tau protein levels, with results coming back negative. Although a radiologist recommended pursuing an amyloid PET scan to gain further insights, her neurologist has declined this option. Despite the neurologist's suggestion that her indications might fit into the Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) category, she remains unconvinced and believes there must be an identifiable underlying cause for her symptoms and the irregularities observed in her scans. She is seeking advice on the next steps to take in pursuing a clearer diagnosis or understanding of her condition.