Wow, first person I've so far read about that has a similar situation that I've experienced and continue to experience. I went through hell to get that diagnosed. The doctors here said there was nothing going on. I said, "Yes, there is. I won't eat before I go there because I didn't want anything to happen so it didn't block up." I should join this site because I have so much to say about doctors and how no one listens to me. I finally went to the Cleveland Clinic. They switched sides in basically the cramping. The stomach aches all stopped. There are some other issues that lingered, but I can live with it. I'll look into joining as I'd really like to touch base with you. I couldn't make up my mind because I'm very shy. I don't like putting my medical history out there, and to be honest with you, I'll read, but I don't like discussing the subject - it's almost like I have a hard time discussing what is private.
Wow, another relatable story. In one way, it's kind of nice to see that this happens to other people, but in other ways, it's terrifying to know that physicians can be arrogant and look at you when you know there's something wrong and just say, "Nope, everything's fine; the X-rays don't show anything. Labs are fine. You're outta here." I dealt with partial blockages for years. I missed life. I missed watching my niece play lacrosse; I just missed life. I did get it fixed. Finally, I went to a better hospital, better surgeons. And like you, I think when I brought them the X-ray, they knew that there was a blockage by reviewing the films. I swallowed the pill that would record your digestion, and if things ever got hung up, which they did. Hope I'm making sense. It's hard to go back and think about what exactly happened. Bottom line - I hate doctors and would rather try to figure it out on my own than ever go to a doctor. There's no trust, there's no confidence, there's nothing.
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Great site..I have had an colostomy over 30 years..and have been thru skin rash around my stoma,hernias(2), leaks, odor control , needed clothing suggestions and this site has helped me with recommendations and many ideas worked!
I wish it was around 30 years ago. Thank you everyone!
And sadly, the handful of less than 'professional' practitioners cause a loss of confidence, and the patient gets to experience a self-fulfilling prophecy of not wishing to seek further medical treatment, resulting in not getting situations righted.
I am glad that in your own case you did get better care upon review - as films speak for themselves - but the fact is that not many lay patients can read the films accurately - any more than we can self-operate - and are solely at the mercy of those medical professionals in whom we are asked to put our trust!
Thankfully, most medical folk are diligent, and although not all surgeons or physicians for that matter either, are born equal!
But .......
When one is fortunate to encounter one with experience and vocation, it is both reassuring and very, very humbling - because some do go above and beyond.
Good luck for your future ......
BW
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ waves from UK ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Jayne
Learn about the physical and emotional benefits of using ostomy accessories.
One of the main reasons I remain in California.... I'm 10 minutes from world-class healthcare at Hoag Hospital.
My "after surgery" care was exactly as previously described in this post: the surgeon put in my colostomy. The gastroenterologist manages all the care for it. I didn't understand this at first. I kept making appointments with my surgeon. He was happy to chat with me, but finally sent me to the gastroenterologist.
One big thing I learned: "You" must be your own advocate. Don't be reluctant to argue, disagree, or demand further diagnostic or alternate treatment. Seek out a second or even third opinion if possible.