Severe Abdominal Pain- Hernia or Scar Tissue?
I have RNY bypass surgery on 9-2-08. I've lost 108 pounds so far. I'm very pleased with the results and feel good most of the time or at least much better than I did a year ago. I'm having abdominal pain, though. A couple months ago I spoke with the PA from my surgeon's office. I was having some constipation issues and pain so I was told to take stool softeners daily and a fiber supplement in addition to following the proper diet, of course. That helped some, but every few weeks I have abdominal pains near my belly button incision that double me over in intensity. The pain is sometimes sharp and takes my breath away and other times is not so pronounced yet is very crampy and uncomfotable. I have been able to feel a hard bulge in the area near my belly button when I press down. I still have a large stomach so it doesn't seem like a hernia is protruding or at least its tough to tell. I did go to Urgent Care last night. The dr on duty thinks this isn't a hernia because when I pushed against her hand the bulge stayed firm and wasn't pliant like apparently a hernia is. The thought now is that it may be scar tissue/adhesions causing my pain. I have had multiple surgeries in various parts of my abdomen so this is definately a possibility. I had 2 C-sections and one ab surgery to remove Endometriosis. All of those surgeries ended up with infection after and further treatment. Anyway. I'm in a fair amount of pain just sitting here, but the pain is horrible if the area is pressed against. I have an appt tomorrow afternoon (8-18) with my surgeon's PA. I don't expect any quick answers, but I figure I need to work on getting this issue resolved. I need to know if this is a pain I have to live with forever or if something can be done. Has anyone had similar issues? Thank you for your time and have a great day. Lisa
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