7 mos post hysterectomy - A lap to remove adhesions - what should I expect?

Well, my TAH (ovaries left in) was 7 months ago today. About 8 weeks after my surgery, I started having sharp pain on my right side. After dozens of tests, tricyclic antidepressants for chronic undiagnosed pain, pain medications and general upheaval, I decided I had had enough and took a break from doctors for the holidays. All that was happening was that I was going home in tears and in pain. I knew the problem, whatever it was, would still be there after New Years and I wasn't going to spend my favorite time of year at non-stop doctors appointments. I finally went back last week, taking my doctors original advice to give it time. He told me what I had suspected (and discussed with him!)from the beginning - adhesions. So now I'm in for laproscopic on 2/13. He also still thinks there might be additional problems with an ovary that might have to come out. *Sigh* I'm so tired of this. And as I wean myself from the anitdepressants, the pain is more intense. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE let this be the end!!!!!

I am sorry you are needing a surgery so soon!

We do have several Adhesion Resourcess you might want to read through. The problem with surgery for adhesions is that it allows for more adhesions! It can be a vicious cycle.

Have you had a second opinion about whether or not a second surgery is your best option right now? Is your doctor a specialist regarding pelvic pain and treatment of pelvic pain? Will there be any materials used to attempt to prevent future adhesions?

Also, are you working with your doctor(s) to wean yourself off of the antidepressants? Are you switching to pain medications?

I wish you the best and hope you and your medical team find the right solution for you!

Hi Wildiris--I'm so sorry you are having to deal with all of this, and for so long! I just wanted to wish you luck on the 13th and let you know you're wished the best.

Thank you for the concern, ladies. I knew that the adhesion surgery can lead to more adhesions so I have to be VERY careful. I am weaning the meds with my doctors knowledge and ok. I'm taking Norco for the really awful pain, but try to stick with Motrin. But that has it's own problems, like acid reflux. My goal is to be off EVERYTHING. I've had so many opinions that I feel like my treatment is by committee! LOL! I will take advantage of the resources to get me through this.

This sounds very similar to my story which involved a nerve trapped in a bit of scar tissue up by one of my incisions which apparently occurred when they were closing the left incision of my LAVH in my abdomen. I knew that something was wrong from abut week 2 of my recovery. I would also ask about nerve entrapment as a possibility. Of course, this can involve nerves trapped in adhesions as well so your doc might tell you that it's all one and the same but I thought I'd give you my experience. The surgery to "un-trap" the nerve went well and I had no complications or further adhesions. Best of luck to yu!

He had already mentioned nerve entrapment. He will be checking for that as well. I just want it to STOP. This has far too much affect on my life. I'm a painter. A lot of my work is on handpainted furniture or up on a ladder for a mural. I can't work more than a few hours at a time and then I have to take a "pain break" to medicate and rest.

Thanks for all the help with my feelings about my upcoming laparoscopic adhesion surgery. These questions are more on the practical, living post surgery side. What is normal after the surgery? Will I feel as bloated as from the hysterectomy? What is the pain level? Will the recovery be even more complicated if an ovary is removed? Will I feel out of it for a few days? A week? More?

Any info or tips would be greatly appreciated.

I had adhesions after my hyster and went through the second surgery. Don't sweat it sister!

Compared to the hyster it was nothing. I was like you in ALOT of pain and sick of doctors. I was so scared to have more surgery, but the pain was unbearable.

The recovery time is alot smoother and not as long. You do still have to be careful and rest, but it will not be near as bad as the hyster.

I have been pain free for awhile now. Once in awhile I will get a little twing of pain, but it's not bad at all. Something I can deal with and go on.

You'll be fine, it's not that bad really. Best of luck to you!

When I went to my Primary care doc I was told my right side pain was arthritis and sent for Physical Therapy. A friend went to see her doc and was told her pain was was scar tissue from a c-section. Now I wonder about the Adhesions too. I am a year out last night.
Regards and hang in there, Amant 456