This topic is about someone who had ostomy surgery back in 2017 and has been experiencing ongoing abdominal pain ever since. They're reaching out to see if others have had similar experiences and to gather some advice on what might be going on.
Here are some key points and advice shared:
1. The person noticed a "puff-out" area on their abdomen, which was checked by a surgeon and found to be harmless.
2. They've found some relief from the pain by using topical CBD oil on their abdomen.
3. They're considering seeing a gastroenterologist and possibly having a colonoscopy, but feel a bit nervous about it due to feeling sensitive internally.
4. In terms of diet, they can no longer tolerate sour cream, coffee, or alcohol, although they were generally advised to eat whatever they wanted after the reversal. They do use fresh ginger in their smoothies.
5. Recent blood tests came back normal, but there's a lingering concern about whether an instrument might have been left inside during surgery, although a post-op colonoscopy reportedly ruled this out.
Some advice and insights offered include:
- Persistent abdominal pain after surgery might be due to adhesions or scar tissue. Imaging tests like CT enterography and endoscopy/colonoscopy can help identify issues if regular CT scans don't show anything unusual.
- Recurrent infections, such as C. difficile, could also be a factor in prolonged gut discomfort.
- It's important to consider the risks of additional surgery, as each operation can lead to more adhesions. Allowing extra time for healing might be beneficial.
- Consulting with the original surgeon or a colorectal specialist is recommended to discuss symptoms, review any imaging, and decide on the next steps.
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