This topic is about someone experiencing chronic abdominal pain after multiple surgeries related to diverticulitis, including a colostomy and hernia repair. They feel dismissed by doctors and are seeking advice on managing their pain and understanding its causes. Here are some insights and suggestions that might help:

1. After several abdominal surgeries, it's common to develop adhesions, which are bands of scar tissue that can cause significant pain. These adhesions often don't show up on CT scans. A colonoscopy or diagnostic laparoscopy might be more effective in identifying any issues like narrowing or obstruction.

2. Healing from internal surgeries can take a long time, sometimes 6 to 12 months or even longer, especially after multiple operations. It's normal for pain to persist during this healing period.

3. Consider consulting a gastroenterologist or a pain-management specialist. They might offer more specialized care than your original surgeon or primary care physician. Oncologists and pain clinics often have a better understanding of chronic post-surgical pain and might prescribe medications like long-acting morphine if appropriate. Neuropathic pain should also be considered, and a referral to a hospital-based pain clinic might be beneficial.

4. If you feel your concerns are being dismissed, it might be time to seek a second opinion. It's important to advocate for yourself and find a healthcare provider who listens to you.

5. Some non-drug options that others have found helpful include:
- Gentle abdominal massage.
- Using hot-tub or bath jets over the scar area, either during a pouch change or with waterproofing.
- Acupuncture.
- Laser therapy for scar tissue.
- Hyperbaric oxygen treatments to promote healing.

6. When pain relief is necessary, try to avoid long-term use of high-dose NSAIDs like ibuprofen to prevent gastrointestinal side effects. Discuss alternative pain management options with a knowledgeable physician, such as short courses of opioids or steroids like Entocort instead of Prednisone.

7. Remember, your pain is real, and your appearance or age should not affect the quality of care you receive. Trust your instincts about your body and seek validation from healthcare providers who respect your concerns.