They tell me I am not dying, anyway.
The "they" being a number of doctors I have seen in the last six weeks.
I have been quiet about it, but my gallbladder surgery has had complications. Or at least, the after-effects of the surgery have certainly complicated my life.
The pain is nigh unbearable in my right side at times. Other times it is just an ache, but it's always there.
It hurts to walk. It hurts to move up and down. I have nausea and no energy.
Early in September I spent a day in the emergency room again. Initially they thought I had appendicitis, but finally decided I didn't. They gave me pain killers and sent me home.
One doctor has diagnosed me as having a rare occurrence, something to do with nerves and scar tissue which interfere with the abdominal muscles. His theory is that the muscles clench up like when you have a Charlie horse in your calf muscle, only they kind of stay that way. And it's in your belly, not your calf.
Muscle relaxers have helped, but just a little, and I have to keep taking them. They make me dopey and slow.
To say this has become life-changing is an understatement. It is tough to focus when your belly hurts. I've had to stop exercising, which makes other body parts hurt - I need to move, after all.
The worst part is no one can say that the diagnosis is right, or how long this might last. That's scary, for sure. What if it never stops?
They tell me I am not dying, but I have to say it kind of feels like it sometimes.
So sorry to read this, Anita, and know little words of comfort, but can only hope that there will soon be some relief for your pain and discomfort. Perhaps sharing will bring some feedback from others with similar medical issues.
ReplyDeletei sure hope things improve soon. enjoy your weekend. ( :
ReplyDeleteTry seeing a myofascial release specialist. Scar tissue needs to be stretched. See http://www.myofascial-release.com/pracwho.html and scroll down to the "Scars and Scar Tissue" part.
ReplyDeleteAnita, this doesn't sound right. Don't settle for that diagnosis. You are in too much pain. Did they do an ultrasound? Could some surgical material have been left behind?
ReplyDeleteOne thing I've learned about doctors and illness is sometimes it's one big guessing game. Don't stop complaining until you get a plausible answer. My mom always says, "A squeaky wheel gets the grease". And I say, sometimes you have to be a b_tch to get some answers. (A reasonable "b", that is.)
ReplyDeleteI could go on a rant here about how inefficient our experiences have been with doctors. I'm sorry you find yourself in this position.
Hmmm, as someone who had their gall bladder removed in 1992 I don't like the sound of this. By now you should be able to eat whatever you want (which is not always a good thing, trust me!) without being in pain. Is it possible that there is a gallstone still blocking something? If you haven't already had an ultrasound I think that would be a good idea.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear of your complications, Anita. I hope that they figure out what is wrong, that the pain finally subsides and that you are feeling better soon.
ReplyDelete