Bracing Archives

I NEED HELP SOONEST!

Dear Dr. Stoll:

My situation is this. In January 2002 I had fundlopycation surgery for GERDS. During that surgery, a haital hernia was repaired. Then in February, 2002 I had my gallbladder removed, which would have been done in January had the Dr. known of a hide-a-scan that was done. In June 2002 I had a third surgery, for which I am currently drawing a blank, but which at the time I authorized as it was necessary. I was off work a total of 7 months as a result of these surgeries. Since September, 2002 I have had extremely sever, painful attacks which have lessened in number, but has increased in severity. I have 3 – 4 attacks per week, which leave me completely exhausted once they subside. In 1993 I was diagnosed with Barretts Disease of the esophagus, but didn’t receive treatment until 2001, when I was put on Nexium. I have never been diagnosed with cancer because of the Barretts, however, I am extremely concerned about the increased severity of the pain. I am a vegetarian and because of my upbringing, I don’t take over the counter or prescription medications. I believe in holistic remedies such as papaya, ginger, vitamins and supplements.

My body has gone through so much the past 18 months. The Doctor who did most of the surgeries said he refuses to do another surgery, which I agree with. I am not interested in more surgeries, but a solution to the pain which is interfering with my quality of life and my job. I do not want to spend the rest of my life in pain therapy which ultimately breaks down the body. When the pain comes on it is so sudden, and I don’t have to be engaged in anything physical when it commences. The longest episode lasted almost 4 minutes, which is a lifetime when you can’t move or breathe. More often than not, I’m lounging either reading or watching television, so I know the attacks aren’t brought on by stress or exertion. If my fiancé is home when an attack occurs, he will try to stand me which is extremely difficult, painful and time consuming. Once I am standing, I find the pain lessens and it feels like something is "slipping" back into place.

The other problem that may or may not be connected, is that I don’t digest my food (it comes out almost in the condition it went in), and nearly everything I eat gives me severe cramping and the runs. I am almost at the point of just accepting these conditions because I am fed up with going to Doctors who end up telling me that there’s nothing they can do, then passing me onto another Doctor. I have been labeled a “difficult” pat

Follow Ups:

• Re: I NEED HELP SOONEST! (Archive in bracing.) Walt Stoll 08:26:23 6/05/03 (0)

In Reply to: I NEED HELP SOONEST! posted by Teri on June 04, 2003 at 13:21:37:

Hi, Teri.

In my opinion, all of this was unecessary! If I knew what your third surgery actually was I would be sure.

Start by reading, carefully, Roger Golten's classic "The Owner's Guide to the Body". I am sure your library can find you a copy. Let us know what you learn.

In the meantime, get some tempory relief by seeing a good Certified Massage Therapist.

Finally read all you can in the bracing archives.

Let us know how you do. When you get over all of this do not be too angry with your conventional docs. The AMA has spent 100 years doing everything they can to deny this information to medical practitioners.

Walt