What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Your C-Section

After years of living a life free from the pain of adhesions after a trip to Germany in 2003, we had no idea things were slowly changing inside the abdomen of my daughter after an emergency c-section in 2007.

Only noticing "something strange" with her abdomen, Melissa ignored the feelings for six years. She often stated that her stomach felt "like a bowl of spaghetti." She asked her OB/GYN if something was amiss, but he stated everything was fine. Melissa didn't feel she had adhesions from the c-section, so that was a blessing, but she knew something just wasn't right. 

Only weeks ago, Melissa called me one night and said she needed to go to the ER, as she was in a lot of abdominal pain. Imaging that night revealed a hernia. We were stunned. How could she have a hernia? (In fact, I thought the doctor must be mistaken). The doctor wanted to perform surgery, but Melissa refused. We stayed at the hospital until the pain subsided. Upon release, Melissa was advised to call her doctor and take the imaging to him or her. 

Once home, Melissa contacted Dr. Daniel Kruschinski. Within days, we were Germany bound. The last four images in the link below reveal the mess inside Melissa's abdomen. It was shocking to hear that the abdominal muscle that was opened to deliver Mazie had never been sutured back.  Dr. Kruschinski was upset, to say the least. He said, "As a surgeon, you open, you close! But, it was left open, which caused massive problems inside. I see this often is USA patients." 

At this point in life, I am left speechless. I am disgusted and appalled that surgeons in the USA have such disregard for the welfare of women. The surgeon who performed the c-section was actually called in because he is well-known for his precise skill. (Go figure) Melissa had developed HELLP syndrome and her high-risk doctor felt uneasy about the delivery, thus he called in this "better-skilled" surgeon. 

Months after the c-section, Melissa developed severe anemia, which resulted in years of ongoing IV iron treatments and continual blood tests. We were told (by a specialist) that Melissa did not receive the proper after-HELLP care she needed, which would have avoided the iron problems from occurring in the first place. 

Melissa and I never dreamed she would one day end up in Germany again, needing yet another surgery to resolve new problems that could have easily been avoided. I have posted about c-sections for years on end and cautioned women to avoid unnecessary c-sections because of the risk of adhesions. I had no knowledge that women are also at risk of the abdominal wall being left wide open by a performing surgeon. As always, most of us learn through our own experiences. Sadly, this experience has been a very painful, trying one for Melissa.

Once again, we hope that by sharing this experience someone else can avoid this mess!

We arrived home a few days ago and Melissa is healing from the surgery. She is feeling well and very thankful Dr. Kruschinski was able to take care of this new problem. We are grateful. Thanks also to Dr. K for his continuing education to the public by providing imagery and explanation through the cases he receives. 

UNSUTURED