Hope For Those Who Suffer From Adhesion Related Disorder.

Choosing A C-Section. What Moms-To-Be Need To Know

Elective c-sections and the risk of post-operative adhesions. See: 

C-Section

Adhesions and Surgical Barriers

An adequate adhesions barrier is only one of the challenges the surgeon must face when performing adhesiolysis. However, it is one very important aspect the patient should thoroughly understand prior to surgery. Had I known anything about the importance of a barrier prior to my daughter's second-and failed-adhesiolysis, I would have known the proposed surgery would not be beneficial. Sadly, I did not know. I was a mom who was frantic to find an answer for a suffering child. I trusted the doctor. After all, he claimed he could "handle" adhesions, had a nice website, congenial staff and he promised in each and every phone call that he was sure he could relieve my daughter of her horrific pain and suffering. Not one time during those phone conversations did he mention a barrier. He did, however, remember to tell me to send $5,000 cash upfront to secure our surgery date. 

With news about the expected explosion of the adhesions "market" on the horizon, there are those who seem to want to annihilate Coviden, the makers of SprayShield (formerly Confluent-SprayGel), who have already succeeded in producing a remarkable product that has been used on hundreds, if not thousands of patients with great success. 

While those who fight for the throat of their competitors by online attacks, those who suffer from adhesions are simply forgotten; thrown in the ditch and stomped upon a little more. After all, the sick are little more than a commodity to the greedy who attack, attack, attack. 

Whether one chooses a surgeon in Europe or one in your own backyard, the suffering person should be treated with respect and educated about the surgical process. Unfortunately, many surgeons are not educating the patient on the necessity of an adequate adhesions barrier. Why? As in our case, the surgeon had no intention of even using one. 

For more information see this link: 

Adhesions and Surgical Barriers 

For those interested in learning more about SprayShield, Dr. Kruschinski provides an endless array of surgical photos, along with educational material at this link: 

Surgicalatlas

More information here: 

Coviden

Adhesions. The Pain Of Illness-The Help From Others

In 2003, when my daughter was finally relieved from fourteen years of excruciating pain and suffering, I was beyond elated. I wanted to climb to the top of the highest mountain and shout to the world that there is an illness called:

ADHESIONS!

And my daughter, who had long been ignored by the medical world while suffering unimaginable pain, was finally well! In a sense, I did climb that mountain. Writing the story of our arduous journey was not only a tribute to my daughter, it was the giving back to others who would one day find themselves in our shoes. 

During the fourteen-year trying time in our lives, I learned what it's like to feel the whole world is against you. I learned that you can give it your all, yet it is not enough. I learned I was naive about illness being quickly resolved. I learned the medical world will work against you if it is in their best interest. I learned that when you struggle, people abandon you. I learned what it is like to hold someone who is sick, only to have others scoff at the illness (which means they scoff at the sufferer). I learned how it rips the heart from the parent when your child gradually loses all her friends. (No one wants to "hang out" with someone who is chronically ill). I learned how miserably many doctors treat patients, as well as a parent(s) of a patient. I learned what it feels like-after years of effort-to realize you just may not overcome. I learned what it feels like to be defeated at every turn. I learned that you can spend a small fortune in your quest for an answer to illness, only to come up empty handed time and time again. I learned only to reply "fine" to certain individuals who would ask, "How is your daughter?" I learned that there are some things in life that are so painfully difficult, that you begin to look forward to death. I learned that maintaining a positive thought process after years of defeat can be the most difficult challenge for the mind. 

I also learned, however, how remarkable it is to hear a doctor admit that he does not know what is wrong with your child. I learned how it feels to have someone scoop you up and cry with you. I learned how important family really is. I learned that the people who simply hug your child, send a card, or show up unannounced to visit, are angels on earth. I learned that when you scream at God in anger,it is an actual pleading for mercy. I learned that illness is a thief, but absolutely nothing-not even illness-can steal away your spirit. I learned how important a pet can be to someone who is ill. I learned that when it seems the whole world is against you, what matters most is pressing on with what you believe. I learned that medicine is a business, yet there are a few doctors out there who are not aligned with medicine as business. I learned there are people you would least expect who turn out to be the greatest blessing of all during your most difficult hour. I learned that in your darkest moments, God will enlighten your mind. I learned that there truly is purpose in all things, even hardship. I learned that real born-again Christians can get mad as hell. I learned that God meets us right where we are and that no one can tell you how to walk your walk with God during a fiery trial. I learned that people may abandon you in your time of need, but that abandonment will cause you to reach out to others. I learned that darkness is complete torment, but when the sun comes up, there is a new day of hope. I learned that if you believe there is an answer, the answer will finally come. I learned that it only takes one single person to completely change the course of illness. I learned that God answers prayers. In His time. In His way. I learned that when God reveals an answer, that answer is meant to be shared with others. 

Five Ways To Improve The Surgical Consent Process

Five Ways To Improve Surgical Consent

Informed Consent And The High Risk For Post Surgical Adhesions

Please click the link below for the press release on informed consent:

Informed Consent