I have had enough surgeries, exams and tests now that I'm confident everything is working as planned. I'm still having pain but am sure it is caused by scar tissue and is gradually getting better. I now know for sure it's not interfering with my bowel function.

The last test, yesterday, was horrible as I had to drink that barium stuff. I now have peace of mind, for the first time in a year and a half, since the final flair from hell started. The pain hopefully will entirely go away. My anxiety, PTSD and depression are another story but I'm working on that too.

Thanks to everyone for all of your support. I don't know how I would have made it, without going completely crazy, without all of your advice.

Toughenough,

You have been through a lot. Hang on and I hope finally you are on the way to having most your issues resolved and feeling better. You have also been a huge help on this site for others who have been struggling, myself included.

I wish you a long and happy, healthy life with a contented and perfectly functioning pouch...no pains, only pleasure and a life full of oppertunities and promise...
Sharon

Sharon, I'm far from that! Now that I know nothing is blocking anything and I have to just live with the pain I feel better, mentally.

Thank you guys

Baby steps my dear, it is all just baby steps...sometimes 1 forward and 2 back but still...we take what little we can get...at least knowing that there is 'nothing wrong' even though everything is not right is a help...dealing with pain is easier than pain + fear & terror or the unknown...give it time...And now you have some hope too...so hugs from here
Sharon

glad you're assured. Its good to be able to rest.

I consider myself more a buddhist than anything and one of the things that I think helps with all we have to deal with is a basic buddhist belief that my father (also a self-proclaimed buddhist) preached to me when he was alive. That is in this life we are all going to suffer in some form or another (be it sickness, poverty, death) but part of the path to enlightenment is how we deal with it.

Oh, and remember the two basic rules 1) don't sweat the small stuff and 2) its all small stuff.

Tikibartrauma,
I like your Buddhist saying better than the one "God doesn't put more on you than you can handle." I think we're all enlightenment bound!


Thanks everybody

Paulette-

Your user name says it all! You have been through so much and I am happy you are seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you for your support as well!

When I had chronic pain from scar tissue, I found accupuncture to be VERY helpful. Seriously, it kept me going when meds and rest and surgeries failed! Just wanted to mention that, in case it might be helpful for you.

Gin

I've been thinking about it. I tried it for my UC and it didn't help. (I tried everything for UC - like most everyone else.) Thanks for the suggestion Gin.

GinLyn,

Can I ask you how many treatments you needed for relief and if you still go back or if it was "cured". The tests performed show everything appears to be working correctly and the radiologist and my internist told me they think my pain is from scar tissue. I'm going to go back and try accupuncture again, just was wondering what to expect.

Thanks for your help