This posting goes rather outside the normal range of this BB, but it may be of interest to many female readers, specifically, those who have had or may in the future have a hysterectomy. After my CT scan, I saw still another doctor (the fourth one I've consulted about the abdominal pain I'm experiencing).
The good news is that I finally found a doctor who knew what the cause of the pain is--and it's not a problem with any of my internal organs. The doctor (a surgeon) said he sees 3-4 women a year with the same problem (possible inguinal hernia), and all of them have had a hysterectomy with a horizontal incision.
More good news is that the pain MAY be eliminated via an outpatient surgical procedure.
The bad news is that the procedure has only a 66% success rate. With those odds, I plan to give my body more time to heal itself, try some visualization, etc. Knowing what I'm dealing with makes the discomfort more tolerable in the meantime.
In Reply to: Good News and Bad News posted by Vicki on August 05, 1998 at 13:10:13:
Dear Vicki,
What you are saying is plausible. However, inguinal hernia repair is a LOT more reliable than that. Incisional hernia has about that % success and is much more likely what the doc is talking about.
Doc Dave has shared that many times these unexplained symptoms can be eliminated by a knowledgable adjustment. If it were me, I would at least try that before going under the knife again.
By the way, hernias are almost always easy to diagnosis by simple physical examination. If the surgeon can feel the hernia, I would be much more likely to consider the surgery. If s/he cannot feel it, but just thinks it is likely there "internally", I would be certain to try the ajustment first.
Let us know what happens.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: Good News and Bad News posted by Walt Stoll on August 06, 1998 at 09:46:30:
Dear Walt,
Thanks for the information. The doctor went into a detailed description of the inguinal canal; I may have confused inguinal hernia with incisional hernia. Whichever, I wasn't thrilled about the prospective success odds (even though it sounds like a relatively minor procedure).
When I tighten my abdominal muscles, a lump or knot the size of a small pea can be felt in the lower right quadrant of my abdomen, about a inch away from the incision. That spot is sensitive to even light pressure. The other painful spot is directly above it, level with my navel, and not sensitive to pressure at all.
Assuming it is truly a hernia, is it likely to correct itself, or do you think I would be wasting my time trying to make that happen?
Vicki
In Reply to: Re: Good News and Bad News posted by Vicki on August 06, 1998 at 13:48:04:
Dear Vicki,
Your description makes this an incisional hernia. Although there is no doubt that imagery, during intense skilled relaxation, has frequently totally eliminated stuff like this in a few minutes, the likelyhood is that you are going to need surgery.
Although we are beginning to learn how to do this reliably (Menninger Clinic is the most advanced in this self healing technique.) it is too much a hit or miss thing right now for you to plan on it saving you from surgery.
If it were me, I would probably insist on them putting in a teflon patch (that increases the % cure of the first attempt up to about 90%).
If you are grossly overweight, all the above surgical statistics are out the window. I have known surgeons to refuse to operate if the person with an incisional hernia is more than 20 pounds overweight.
Walt
Having taken a bone density scan, and been diagnosed as having Osteo-penia, I went on natural hormone therapy. Doing everything right like soy, exercise, meditation, vegetarian, Yoga, etc., reaching menopause at age 54, now at age 57 breaking down! My estrogen levels dropped significantly as did my testostrone. Fearing my bones would crumble, I am now doing low levels of estrodial, testostrone, and progestrone, made by a compounding pharmacy. I have only been on this therapy for two months and have noticed a negative side effect of breast enlargement. It almost feels the way my breasts felt when I was pregnant. Question - Do I have to take NHT to feel lubricated and have healthy bones? Since my breasts have enlarged, I am fearful that they may be storing excess estrogen which might lead to cancer. Thank you for your expert advice.
In Reply to: Post-menopause and estrogen replacement posted by Shirley on August 21, 1998 at 20:24:09:
Dear Shirley,
Since this process effects EVERYONE differently, you HAVE TO get your present doc so answer this for YOU.
I will say that proper hormone replacement is a mainstay of what you need. Combining a serious wellness program WITH the HRT will do you wonders. If you do not know what I mean about "wellness' go to the FAQ page & read about getting healthy.
THEN, if you still have questions, write again.
Walt