pain from adhesions, treatment options?

The only treatment I have heard of that is effective (at least temporarily) is deep tissue massage. However, for myself, I would worry about anything that is deep and vigorous enough to break up adhesions, could also cause tearing where you don't want it. Plus, if there is any internal bleeding from this, that could also stimulate new adhesion formation. Maybe it is an unwarranted concern, but something to ask about.

There are surgeons who will do surgery for release of adhesions, but mostly only if you are unable to eat or in intractable pain. As you mentioned, the trauma of surgery can stimulate new adhesion formation. The surgeon can take steps to reduce this, such as using adhesion barriers (Seprafilm for example) and/or doing it via laparoscopy. But, there is no foolproof method.

Some people just form adhesions more than others. That said, perhaps with your nasty colon gone, that may be less of an issue now.

If you have known issues with erosions you absolutely should avoid ibuprofen and any of the related NSAIDs.

Jan

Jan, thanks for the information. I am seeing the Dr tomorrow. This morning I was having a fair amount of pain. I took something left over from a previous surgery and finally got some relief. Everything points to adhesions, pain begins when I rise up out bed, eat breakfast, after exercise, and if I eat a large meal. And stress makes the pain worse. Sometimes I think I some stress comes from feeling some mild pain making things worse. Anyways I hope to get some answers tomorrow.

Bama Hiker,
Let us know what your doctor recommends and what course of action you take.
Thanks!

I had adhesion removal surgery. I still get small ones every so often but way way better than before when I would be in the ER like every few weeks. I think since 2010 I only had one that bad that I ended up overnight in the hospital.

Thanks for your concern and feedback. I saw my GI Thursday, and he thinks that I am having spasms and cramping in my stomach and small intestines. I had noticed my belly feeling tight all the time. He didn't rule out scar tissue, but wants me to try Librax for a month. This works by relaxing the muscles in the stomach and intestines and helps to reduce anxiety. I wondered if this was a little in my head. I guess it is easy to do that when you think the next pain you have is going to lead to pouch failure. Anyways I have taken 4 doses and I feel slightly better. The weekend is here so lets see how it goes.

Even if it is due to adhesions, if your symptoms are relieved by taking Librax, mo betta! In addition to relaxing the gut so it is not trying to force something big through something small, anxiety can definitely increase the whole scenario. So, staying calm is a therapeutic thing too, not just for keeping you from bugging your doctor too much (just kidding)!

Jan

Hi There, Your symptoms do sound similar to mine. I have just posted about my adhesions from which you will see there are risks involved with having them removed. I only undertook removal because my bowel ended up being blocked every time I ate any solid food and my intestine was permanently distended and painful. My advice would be only have surgery as a last resort. Good luck.