Many people know what Adhesions (Scar Tissue) is but
not many realize that this condition can be debilitating. If you are unfamiliar with adhesions, here
is a brief explanation of what these painful tissue's do to me. My abdomen is like one big spider web,
causing the scar tissue to attach its self to all my organs, making it impossible for all my organs to
be free flowing like they are suppose to be. Causing each movement quite painful.
The reason I
have created this page is I am an adhesions suffer. I have had Gyn related pain for years, The last
three years I have been in chronic pain due to massive amounts of Pelvic adhesions, they now believe
that I have developed adhesions in other areas as well. I am 39 years old and I have had 13 abdominal
surgeries. Surgery to remove adhesions are no longer an option for me, unless they are obstructing something.
I have been seeking doctor after doctor trying to figure out the best course of treatment for my condition.
We have tried various medications, and treatments such as Cortizone Injections, Abdominal nerve blocks,Trigger
Point, Physcial Therapies, so far none of these have worked. I have been living on Demerol to try to
elevate some of my pain, If you are wondering why the Demerol, I am allergic to almost all other pain
medications. Demerol does not take the pain away ,It lessens it to the point where I am sometimes able
to function normally, there are many days that the Demerol doesn't even work.
Does any of
this sound familiar to you? There are thousands of people out there suffering with adhesion problems.
So far there has been no fail proof treatment for adhesions. I have decided to create this page in hopes
to inform others about this horrible chronic pain conditions. The information and links will take you
to other web sites that carry information about adhesions.
What are adhesions All structures within the abdominal cavities are covered
with a special smooth slippery tissue called peritoneum, that prevents these structures from becoming
stuck to one another. Perhaps as a result of an infection, endometriosis, or the irritation that occurs
from the handling of the abdominal or pelvic structures at the time of surgery, a type of scar tissue
will develop that results in the sticking together of some of the organs or structures. This type of
scar tissue, called adhesions may have the appearance of wispy cobwebs
What causes adhesions
There are many things that can cause adhesions here is a list of a few. Inflammation Trauma
Infections Endometriosis Chemotherapy Radiation Cancer Foreign bodies (partials like lint,
powder from a surgical glove, or sponges) By far the most common kind of Adhesion is the one that
forms after surgery.
How common are adhesions Adhesions are a common occurrence after
pelvic or abdominal surgery. Adhesions are also common in women who suffer from pelvic inflammatory disease
(PID), endometriosis, or sexually transmitted diseases. The likelihood of adhesion formation and
the seriousness of their consequences vary based on multiple factors (e.g., type of surgery, number of
previous surgeries, surgical technique, and the predisposition of individual patients). However, studies
have consistently shown that a majority of women who have gynecologic surgery will experience some degree
of adhesion formation
What do they do Cause infertility, dyspareunia painful intercourse
and debilitating pelvic pain. Adhesions involving the bowel can cause bowel obstruction or blockage
Most everyone has adhesions in their body, some remain silent and cause no problems, while other's suffer
from tremendous pain, adhesions can form in every part of the body, because of my own personal problems
with adhesions we are going to stay within the abdomen. Adhesions may cause sharp, pulling type pain,
with each movement pain maybe increased.
What problems do they cause painful intercourse
painful bowel movements adhesions may also cause infertility ectopic pregnancies pain while
reaching pain while stretching pain while bending pain while exercising adhesions in the
intestines may cause partial or complete bowel obstruction if they are around the liver this may cause
pain with deep breathing
How do you know if adhesions are causing your pain
It is very difficult to know exactly if adhesions are the cause of your pain, unless they do a laparoscopy
a surgical procedure).
Treatment for adhesions Pelvic laparoscopy a surgical procedure
to examine and treat abdominal and pelvic organs through a small surgical viewing instrument (laparoscope)
inserted into the abdomen.
Description of a Laparoscopy While the patient is deep
asleep and pain-free (general anesthesia), an one-half inch incision is made in the skin below the navel
(umbilicus). Air is pumped into the abdomen to make the organs of the abdominal cavity more easily visible.
The laparoscope is inserted and the area can be viewed. Instruments can be inserted through the scope
to obtain tissue samples or to perform certain surgical procedures. After the laparoscopy, the gas is
released and the incision is stitched.
Expectations after surgery Laparoscopies are
growing more popular with physicians, especially with the advent of more "high-tech" laparoscopes. This
procedure can be done on an outpatient basis, but an overnight stay may be necessary. The operating time
averages one hour. The gas pumped into the abdomen may cause abdominal discomfort for one or two days
after the procedure. You may also suffer from gas pains in other area's, by taking little laps around
your house this may help prevent gas pains.
Chronic Pelvic Pain is any pain that lasts more than six months. Some patients go on to
develop what is termed Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome. This is a patient who has chronic pain lasting more
than six months that has also developed emotional and behavioral changes due to the duration of the pain
and stress produced by the discomfort. We have all been taught from infancy to avoid pain. However, when
pain is persistent and there seems to be no remedy, it creates tremendous tension. Most of us think of
pain as being a symptom of tissue injury. However, in chronic pelvic pain almost always the tissue injury
has ceased but the pain continues. This leads to a very important distinction among chronic pelvic pain
and episodes of other pain that we might experience during our life: usually pain is a symptom, but in
chronic pelvic pain, pain becomes the disease.
Did you know 93% of patients who had
undergone at least one previous abdominal operation had adhesions, compared with only 10.4% of patients
who had never had a previous abdominal operation. % of all laparoscopies developed obstruction due to
adhesions within one year of surgery with 3% leading to obstruction at some time after surgery. Of all
cases of small bowel obstruction, 60-70% of cases involve adhesions Lastly, following surgical treatment
of adhesions causing intestinal obstruction, obstruction due to adhesion reformation occurred in 11 to
21% of cases Between 55 and 100% of patients undergoing pelvic reconstructive surgery will form adhesions.
Be sure to check out our other health topic pages.
SYNECHION: The place to learn about surgical
adhesions and their prevention Dr. Wiseman is an accomplished and recognized expert in the science
and business of prevention of surgical adhesions with general expertise in preclinical, clinical, regulatory
and marketing aspects of medical products I have to tell you personally this doctor is a wonderful
person, I have personally spoke with him on the telephone. If there were as many people in the world
like Dr,Wiseman we would all be pain free. Thank you for your kindness and support Learn more about
adhesions Dr. Wiseman is featured in a monthly chat dedicated to adhesions at OBGYN.net.
Patients with FMS/MPS are more prone to adhesions, fibroids, cysts overgrowths, and abnormal scarring.
It is common for TrPs to form along incisions
Disclaimer: NOTICE - The information on this website is provided as general health guidelines and
may not be applicable to your particular health condition. Your individual health status and any required
medical treatments can only be properly addressed by a professional healthcare provider of your choice
