Adhesions- more surgery & complications

I had my hysterectomy 2 1/2 years ago. Suddenly a month ago I was violently ill with intense pain in my upper belly. I found out it was adhesions causing complete intestinal obstruction, the result of my hysterectomy. Had laparoscopic surgery to separate my intestines and now I have a fairly large and painful lump around my belly button. My family physician has no idea why and says I'll just need to wait & hope it improves. I'm wondering what to do next... wait or consult another doc or go back to the ob/gyn who was so wonderful, even though it's not really a gyn issue. Any advice? Anyone else ever heard of this?

Have you talked to whomever did your last surgery? Because the lump could be related to the surgery, that doctor may either be able to help you are send you to someone who can. It is possible you have a hernia in that area.

I think that I would make an appt with the doctor who did the surgery if you are comfortable with him. If not I would go to my general and have them refer me to a surgeon. Since it is causing you pain it sounds like something that needs to be looked at. Best of luck to you!

Thanks so much. I am going back to my family doctor again today, as the surgeon was horrible. I think I may be feeling my intestines through the wall of my abdomen in a way one should never feel them. Eeuw. And the nausea is bad, so I've lost even more weight.

Just one more question... do you think if I don't find help from my family doctor (she has not had a clue what might be the problem) and the surgeon was incompetent and uncaring, would I be able to get help from seeing my gynecologist? It's an intestinal issue not gyn but I need to find someone who can diagnose and offer help. I am losing so much weight and feeling so weak and the lumps in my belly are not improving.

I think women should be told what the symptoms of complications due to adhesions are after a hyst, because it can strike suddenly and you don't even suspect something like that. I was shocked to find out that my internal scars had caused my intestines to be glued together, and almost waited too long before seeking help.

I appreciate your advice, just don't know what on earth it could be if it's not what I suspect (and fear!)

Thanks to the HysterSisters for this forum. It is a huge help when you are laying awake in the night dealing with the unknown.

Any doctor who will give you an appointment should be able to refer you to someone if s/he cannot help with the issue. It sounds like you have a hernia and you may need to see a general surgeon to get that fixed.

Scar tissue is a side effect of any surgery and is generally listed on surgical consent forms. Unfortunately, a side effect of surgeries in the abdominal and pelvic region can also be a hernia!

I hope your appointment with your family doctor goes well today! in there!

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