OpenHealth Q&A

Confronting Severe Adhesions in the Chest and Abdomen: Seeking Advice

Greetings, everyone, I’m reaching out at the age of 26, feeling quite hopeless after facing a series of challenges. Having undergone four abdominal surgeries, the most recent one in 2023 involved a ribcage incision during what was intended to be an abdominal procedure. Since that time, my health has deteriorated significantly. Here’s what I endure on a daily basis: - It feels as though I’m bound by an internal straitjacket — a relentless grip from my neck down to my pelvis. - My ability to fully expand my ribcage is severely restricted — shallow breathing makes it feel as though my lungs are suffocating. - I experience a sensation of pressure on my heart — a constant throbbing and pulling that never seems to let up. - My abdomen feels hard and appears oddly compressed, giving it a narrower look. - Swallowing is a struggle; food often feels lodged, and I’ve been vomiting multiple times each week, whether from water or just supplements. - I frequently suffer from intense intestinal contractions and throbbing pains in my arteries. - Overall, I feel weak, with a mix of numbness, confusion, and frequent dizziness. - The pain is unbearable, consistently at a level of 10 out of 10 — I grimace in agony so much that I’ve started to develop a noticeable wrinkle between my eyebrows. - Simple tasks such as standing, showering, or cleaning have become exceedingly difficult. Thus far, I’ve had several scans and tests done: - Multiple CT scans have indicated the presence of pleural fluid and thin curvilinear atelectasis or scarring in my lungs. - Unfortunately, since CT scans are tailored more for bone structures than soft-tissue issues, they fail to provide a clear understanding of my adhesions. - I’m advocating for a chest wall MRI using contrast (T1/T2/STIR) to get a more accurate depiction of my situation. My attempts at relief have included: - Engaging in physical therapy, both regular and visceral manipulation. - Undergoing shockwave therapy. - Trying myofascial release techniques. - Visiting pain management clinics for injections. - Taking various medications, including gabapentin, baclofen, flexeril, Mobic, Cymbalta, and Celebrex. Sadly, none of these treatments have been effective in providing long-lasting relief. The sole significant improvement came from a specialized visceral physical therapist, who helped me loosen my ribcage enough to facilitate eating and drinking, though I can no longer afford those sessions. My current predicament involves: - A lack of willingness from doctors to prescribe stronger pain medications, such as opiates, despite my continual 10/10 discomfort. I fear my age may contribute to being taken less seriously. - Feeling dismissed and gaslit as psychiatry is frequently suggested, despite my condition being clearly physical and observable. - My health seems to be declining rapidly; I struggle to breathe or eat, and I am losing weight, with pale and sunken eyes. - I find it increasingly difficult to see a path forward and have even begun exploring potential euthanasia options overseas due to the unbearable nature of my suffering. What I’m looking for: - Have any of you experienced severe adhesions post-surgery in the chest, neck, or abdomen? - Are there particular imaging techniques or specialists in the United States that you would recommend I pursue? - Any insights on how to obtain pain relief when faced with reluctance from healthcare providers? I feel cornered and in dire need of direction from individuals who have navigated similar challenges or who better understand the healthcare system.

Answers (1)

9/3/2025, 3:40:48 AM

OpenHealth AI

It's clear from your message that you are experiencing severe and debilitating symptoms following multiple surgeries, particularly related to adhesions and the challenges stemming from those complications. Your concerns about pain, mobility, and the overall decline in your quality of life are deeply valid, and I commend you for seeking insight and support during this difficult time.

Key Points:

1. Severe abdominal and chest adhesions can cause significant pain and a variety of symptoms due to restricted movement and internal pressure.
2. Imaging studies are essential for understanding the extent of these adhesions, and advocating for appropriate imaging (like MRI) is a valid step.
3. There are additional avenues to explore for pain management and addressing your symptoms, even in the face of hesitance from healthcare providers.

Explanation:

Adhesions develop as a healing response to surgery, and they can lead to a range of complications, including restricted movement of the lungs and abdominal organs, pain, and gastrointestinal issues. Your symptoms, including difficulty breathing, swallowing, and high levels of pain, greatly impact your daily life and overall well-being.

Understanding your condition requires more comprehensive imaging to visualize soft tissue structures accurately. You've already taken steps by requesting an MRI, which is critical in delineating the adhesions and assessing any potential interventions.

Next Steps:

1. Advocate for MRI Imaging:

   • Continue to push for the chest wall MRI with contrast. Clearly express how your symptoms are not just discomforts but are significantly impacting your life. Providing documentation of past imaging and symptoms may strengthen your case.

2. Exploring Pain Management Options:

   • Remain persistent with your pain management discussions: Seek referrals to pain specialists who focus on chronic pain or specifically those experienced with post-surgical complications.
   • Consider multi-modal approaches: Medications, interventional techniques (like nerve blocks), or alternative therapies like acupuncture may provide relief. Documenting your symptoms can help healthcare providers understand the seriousness of your situation.

3. Review Financial Assistance Options:

   • Since financial constraints limit your ability to access effective physical therapy, explore community resources, non-profit organizations, or sliding scale clinics that might provide similar therapies at reduced costs.

4. Seek Support Groups:

   • Connecting with others who have faced similar challenges through online forums or local support groups can provide emotional support and potential resources (like recommended specialists).

5. Document Everything:

   • Keep a detailed symptom diary, documenting pain levels, instances of vomiting, difficulty breathing, and any medication side effects. This will be useful in discussions with healthcare providers.

6. Consider a Palliative Care Evaluation:

   • While this may seem daunting, palliative care focuses on symptom relief and improving quality of life, rather than solely prolonging life. They can help manage pain and other debilitating symptoms even while pursuing treatments.

Your situation is indeed challenging, but taking proactive steps and advocating for your health will be crucial as you work towards obtaining relief. You're not alone in this struggle, and many have faced similar battles. Reach out for support from both medical professionals and others who understand what you're going through. Let me know if you have any other questions or need further assistance.