Fortunately, I haven’t had any issues with hemorrhoids up until now (though they aren't exactly worth mentioning), but suddenly, they've made an appearance. And they've arrived in a particularly nasty way, if you ask me..
The thing is, since I'm undergoing chemotherapy (I've finished the second of six sessions), I've run into hemorrhoid problems due to the diarrhea that consistently hits me three or four days after chemo. I have to stop it with some unknown medication just so I don't lose all my electrolytes. Then, once that's managed, I end up constipated for as many days as I go without taking something like an unknown laxative to get things moving. It's this constant cycle of diarrhea followed by constipation that triggered the hemorrhoids. But they weren't really an issue during the first round. The trouble started when I decided to combine that laxative with a probiotic on the same day. After six days of absolutely nothing happening... well, you can imagine what kind of disaster that turned out to be..
And then came the real nightmare: such intense urgency and pressure, yet nothing would come out.. I felt like I was being torn apart.. I saw stars. There was burning and deep internal pain, and then finally, one tiny little hemorrhoid about the size of a fingernail popped out.. And blood.. for the first time in my life.. I was terrified. Thankfully, the bleeding stopped quickly and hasn't happened again, thank God.. But.. I feel like I've seriously damaged things inside from straining so hard. When I whistle, there's this internal pressure that irritates the hemorrhoids.. and don't even get me started on when I have to go to the bathroom. The probiotic turns everything into mush, and then it burns like hell.. I've decided I am NOT taking probiotics anymore. Instead, I'll just have a little yogurt every day and stick strictly to soups, stews, cooked vegetables, and meat—no bread. We'll see how that goes. Because right now, it feels like I might have a prolapse, though I really hope not.. and my stools aren't loose.
So, my main issue is this sensation that something is protruding where it shouldn't be (maybe I need to push the hemorrhoid back in?), along with the burning and pain that persists even when I'm whistling... 😲 Yeah.. even when I'm whistling..😢 I suppose the slight pressure from gravity while urinating pushes those internal hemorrhoids outward, causing them to scrape and hurt.. Has anyone else ever heard of that..?!? 😲 It's awful.. This just started today. I'm not a chronic sufferer like most of you, but I'm terrified this stupid chemo is going to turn me into one..
So, here is the jackpot question: which cream or gel should be applied internally, and which one is for external use, to soothe this pain, scraping, and burning?? Just please don't tell me to take more pills; I'm already taking far too many, and I don't know where else I could possibly fit them into my schedule.. 🙂
Sorry for the long post, but I am completely fed up with these side effects. I'm trying to fight through them, but this is TRULY HORRIBLE when you feel like your guts are about to fail and everything is stinging and burning.. P.S. Honestly, I think labor pains are mild compared to this.. I have NEVER experienced pain quite like this..
Help me, people! Seriously, what do I apply externally and what goes internally..??
Just checking in quickly... I finally bit the bullet and cut my hair, and oh my gosh! I look just like Jane Doe now. 😁 There’s still a tiny bit of hair left, but I’m honestly wondering what’s going to happen the first time I wash my head... I can’t even bring myself to say "hair"... hahaha.
My second round of chemo is tomorrow. Ladies, please keep your fingers crossed for me—I'm praying I don't have a massive allergic reaction, that my blood counts stay strong enough for the treatment, and that my heart doesn't act up so they don't have to switch my medications. But hey, whatever happens, happens... whether I stress about it or not.
I'll check back in tomorrow. Kisses to everyone, and thanks so much for all the advice!
(Regarding the medical stuff and the insurance coverage, I've heard the rumors... we'll see how it goes. It feels almost impossible to get that approved right now... 😢
By the way, I went ahead and consulted my private physician about medical cannabis. Her take? She thinks I don't need it just yet—apparently, most doctors here view cannabis merely as a way to dull chemotherapy side effects or manage pain in end-of-life care, rather than treating it as an actual therapeutic medicine. However, she did mention she’ll write me a prescription if I ask for it... which is exactly what I plan to do!
Even though the whole idea of cannabis as a legitimate medicine remains somewhat vague and, frankly, unproven in many eyes, what on earth does it matter? If it isn't going to cause harm (aside from costing an absolute fortune 😲), then I am willing to try it. I even asked two different doctors whether there might be any interactions with my current regimen of smart drugs, and they both assured me it wouldn't interfere with the chemo. But honestly, how can I trust that? If they deny its medicinal properties entirely, how can they possibly claim there won't be an interaction? Good grief... so many questions, so much ambiguity, and so much sheer ignorance... 😢
I called the private specialist, and she told me exactly what I was already suspecting: that the PET scan is the relevant piece of evidence here, not the scintigraphy. She even offered to have their radiologist take a look at the PET CD for free. 🎉
That being said, since my PET scan was performed by an incredible doctor at a top-tier clinic using even better equipment, I don't think there’s actually been an error. Honestly, I doubt there was one, but whatever. Let's just wrap this chapter up. Let's put a period on and and stop questioning the findings. Or we'll debunk them, if God wills it... though I don't really doubt anything, per se, but still... a second opinion is a second opinion. So, I'm heading back there tomorrow at noon so they (those other people) can clarify the PET results for me one more time.
Oh, and here is something mind-boggling: I asked her if we should push for the removal of the primary breast tumor. She claims there is no medical justification for doing that right now, given that the cancer is already systemic and in my bloodstream, so... But I find myself wondering: if the main tumor is still right there, doesn't that mean it could continue to generate new metastases as it stands? Wouldn't it be better to just get rid of it?? Her response again: there isn't medical proof that it's a priority at this stage, but if I want it done for my own peace of mind, then we can remove it. Wait a minute: I shouldn't be undergoing surgery based on some "feeling," but rather for a legitimate medical reason. And she is telling me there is no medical evidence that this procedure matters now that the target is already in the blood...
My oncologist used a similar metaphor—calling it "Neanderthal" logic, essentially: you're worrying about a tiny flicker of a flame while a massive forest fire is raging down below... sure, we can easily operate on the breast, but the real problem is down there...
...so, to them, the metastasis is clearly a much bigger issue than the initial tumor. It makes no sense to me... why wouldn't the primary tumor keep generating new metastases?!? Now, my doctor (and I get the feeling she actually supports the removal and is, sort of, "under the table" agreeing with my theory about what should be done)... And so... my plan remains unchanged: shrink the tumors and remove the breast along with the associated lymph nodes. That's it.
But damn it. Where the hell is the target? If it were anywhere else, we could operate... but this? You just can't. 😢
@Rachel Williams/">@@Rachel Williams, you're right. My doctors mentioned that the bone needs radiation... but obviously not yet. We're only just starting chemo. We have to see how the chemo works first, and then decide on the next steps. That's the consensus held by my lead doctor (waiting to see the chemo results) and my private specialist too. They both say the same thing. What choice do I have? I have to be patient, wait, and pray to God (if I even can) that the medicine works and everything disappears... there's a chance for that... or at least that it shrinks significantly...
Keep your fingers crossed for me! 🙂 Only five more sessions until we know where we stand.
However, I don't exactly trust my lead doctor to order radiation when it becomes necessary. But I have my "wild cards"—I'll keep them updated with all the news, so they can weigh in when things change, and then I can lean on my doctor a bit if I need to. Maybe it's just my perception, but... I wouldn't even have had this PET scan if I hadn't paid for it myself. And I can't help thinking... maybe it would have been better if I hadn't, and if I didn't know I was in an incurable phase... life would be easier to fight...
So, I basically did myself a disservice... 🤷🙈😵👎 but that's just who I am. I wouldn't have done it any other way. I would have eventually done it anyway. Because I realized they hadn't run enough tests before setting a start date for the chemo. So... clearly, all of this is... meant to be.
By the way, my hair started falling out like crazy today... I think I might just have to order a hairstylist to come straight to my house, haha!
I have absolutely no intention of wandering around with an inch of hair left during this winter weather... and I certainly don't want people staring at me while I get a haircut at a salon.. noooo! NO way! lol!
Ugh, what is it about female vanity? 😁
This is a completely new experience for me... it feels like I'm joining the Marines or something. I am genuinely curious to see how I'll look with a buzz cut... though I'm actually terrified, if I'm being honest... lol!
I'm a total nutcase... everything just seems so interesting to me. I am completely ridiculous. 😵
And yes, dear.. he is aggressive as hell.. and as for these doctors.. "slow down, oh it can't move that fast, the lymph nodes hold onto things for a long time," and other such nonsense. I was reading about inflammatory carcinoma, and they really ought to be aware of that, yet somehow I end up knowing more than they do.. God, who is actually treating us? They are totally indolent.. just sort of careless..
Anyway, I have new results: the bone scan says they shouldn't classify those degenerative changes they see as secondary involvement.. In other words, they aren't calling the bone changes metastases, however, they haven't looked at the PET/CT findings, where it explicitly states there is pathological FDG glucose uptake of about 5.2 units—which is considered high (the cancer itself is 6.5 units!)—so the radiology department is convinced this is secondary. Therefore, that bone scan interpretation might not even be correct.
So here I am again: I've already sent the results to one doctor and we have a phone appointment tomorrow to see if they messed up the PET (I strongly suspect they did, logically speaking), or if this crew at the bone scan decided to be optimistic and positive. Or are they right?
I asked my Neanderthal doctor (the one who is supposed to be "guiding" me), and he says: "well, they don't have to see everything.." He is convinced the PET is what matters, not the bone scan.. Of course, he didn't say it clearly; everything comes out in metaphors and vagueness, and then he's done, so bye. I have my own jokers in the hole—two wonderful doctors I contact here and there, whether it's at the hospital or over the phone (one of whom is private practice), so I still manage to get (hopefully) some information..
Good grief, this American healthcare system.. 😢 (To all you kids out there, I'm screaming: run away from here to some normal country with a functional healthcare system and all the other vital components..).
There it is. Another fight. And what can I do? Well, if by some miracle they declare the targets were an error, I... I don't know what I'll do with my luck.. I'll probably just scream.. 😁
But I don't think it's an error.
I do have a "back up plan"—a sort of alternative approach. I’m going to ask my private doctor to write me a prescription for medical cannabis. It hasn't been scientifically proven to cure, but a lot of people around me have had positive experiences, and I truly have nothing to lose. My only concern is the potential interaction with my smart drugs, so I don't accidentally neutralize their effectiveness.
So. I have ideas, but the fact remains that I have targets, and I'm looking at maybe four years. If I'm lucky. Maybe longer, maybe shorter.. who knows.. And then, I honestly don't even know how to conceptualize my life right now: before, I used to think, "I'll get old.. oh boy, who will take care of me?" Then... my dog has a short life, how will I survive when he passes, and so on.. a hundred different visions of me being elderly, not having done this or that, how my husband and I will deal with living on the fourth floor without an elevator and needing to move somewhere, etc., etc., and in the end, I'll pass before the dog.. hahaha! I can't believe it.. I'm totally on some kind of trip.. which life picture am I supposed to build in my head right now..? I'm starting to feel "somewhat" lost.. For example, they say the new season of Game of Thrones won't air until 2019.. and my first thought is.. will I live to see it..? Terrible.. Sorry, ladies. I'm a bit depressed right now.. I don't think I'll write anymore while I'm feeling this way.
All my friends and family say I'm holding up great (but they have no idea about the targets; I don't have the strength to tell the people closest to me the whole truth—my mom would drop dead on the spot), so I'm dealing with this.. crazy diagnosis all by myself.. my husband, my sister, and me..
And you, my dear ones.
Oh, I bought a second wig.. not the one I told you about.. that one was just too expensive, lol! I'd rather spend the money on that medical miracle that supposedly works.. And it turns out the wig isn't quite as amazing as it seemed at first, so I don't regret it.. 😉
Anyway, I'll let you know what the doctor says about the bone scan and that alternative option, and what my next steps will be.
Let me say this one more time for the people in the back: if you think it’s mastitis, what are you waiting for? Get yourself an ultrasound immediately.
I am just praying so hard that he responds to the therapy and that they can finally get rid of him... I simply cannot bear looking at that lump anymore...
Susan Adams66, I’ve been following your journey here and there; I saw some of your posts regarding your stomach issues and those major surgeries, and it made me realize that I might be facing the exact same path. (I've been dealing with chronic lower abdominal pain for a year and a half now, both before and after my laparoscopic surgery for fibroids)... I started worrying that maybe I have nerve damage and that I'll be stuck on a endless hunt for surgeons, searching and searching until someone actually finds out what's wrong... but oh, it isn't quite that simple for me... (and what is it? 😢 )
In my case, it was clearly a combination of chronic pelvic inflammation, fibroids (perhaps necrosis?), and NEOPLASTIC SYNDROME... which basically means you're in pain somewhere, nobody understands why or what it is, doctors keep digging around, and they find absolutely nothing. And then, after a short or long period, the true illness reveals itself, stepping into the light in all its glory, and suddenly those "phantom" symptoms on the other side of your body start to fade away... That is exactly how my inflammatory breast cancer made its appearance. There you have it! That's the truth of it! As for me, for instance, my abdomen doesn't ache like it used to. That heavy feeling is gone, and I can walk normally now (which I couldn't do before), though I still can't handle any exertion whatsoever—nothing heavier than a few ounces. My husband still has to slice the bread, the meat, and everything else for me... what can I say... but at least I can walk and stand...
Susan Adams66, I am 48 years old. And I am desperately hoping that they made a mistake. That there is no target. Or if there is one, that immunotherapy will wipe it all out (it could happen, truly, but the odds aren't exactly high). However, all I can do right now is try to survive these chemo days and hold onto the thought that there is no other outcome than this thing disappearing so they can cut out that leech of a breast...😁
That's where I am. I'm staying positive because I wouldn't be able to handle these sores on my face and in my mouth any other way... I fight for every single day, and I even look forward to washing up! Hahaha!! I look at my photo with my wig on and I just admire myself... hahaha! It's crazy, really... because... my hair was always thin anyway, so I found this amazing wig—long, real hair... thick, fine... I finally have something to look at in the mirror.. HAHAHA! It was expensive, but if it brings me joy, then to hell with it... 😉)))
Call me crazy, but I am trying to find joy in every little thing and every small opportunity I can grab hold of...😉
I was presented with an option for a more aggressive therapy involving a full attack combined with surgery, though there is the inherent risk that this choice might complicate my future treatment options. I would have agreed to it in a heartbeat, but I simply don't have the luxury of waiting. When the doctor heard that I already had chemo scheduled to start the very next day, she insisted that I need to begin something immediately because I am HER2-positive; she emphasized that we need to get something into my system URGENTLY. The dilemma is when they at Mayo Clinic could actually finalize the chemo plan. I’d likely be stuck waiting ten days, and even then, I wonder if I’d even be granted access since it falls outside the standard protocol. Even though it seems reasonable, her advice was to stick with what is currently set and see how things unfold... but from what I gathered, there is no turning back: once you commit to this path, you can't retreat to the aggressive AC therapy. 😢
And so, here we are. Because of this damn race against the clock, I ended up being placed on maintenance therapy instead. From what I've been reading, none of the medical journals are forecasting the "disappearance" of the tumor; they are talking about maintenance... as long as it works, we shall see how I react. Most experts are skeptical about the primary mass shrinking enough for surgery, while a few are quite optimistic, believing that even with this specific therapy, the tumor could potentially vanish, making surgery an option. That would be wonderful... because given how rapidly it spreads, it should theoretically respond exceptionally well to this treatment. Plus, I only have one small target area rather than metastases everywhere, so I might just defy the statistics regarding the predicted two to four-year survival rate. Some even suggest I could see my full natural lifespan... oh, God. But that was just one doctor's opinion, and the others aren't entirely convinced, even if they haven't ruled it out.
Anyway... please keep your fingers crossed for me. I hope I tolerate this therapy well and can stay on it as long as possible, so I don't end up like those grim statistics due to toxicity or a lack of response from the tumor. Please pray that this thing shrinks and that I can at least get that mass removed so I don't have to stare at that damn thing every single f....ing day while I'm showering... that is my goal and my hope. It sounds thin, perhaps, but... it is hope.
Dear Kate Morgan66, that is precisely my plan. I am heading out to get two more opinions, and honestly, I might even seek out a fourth. The thing is, I’ve already had two specialists tell me upfront that when dealing with metastases, we aren't looking at aggressive chemotherapy, but rather immunotherapy. There is actually a targeted smart drug designed specifically for this type of cancer because of how heavily it relies on hormones. So, it isn't as if there are no options at all, but... I don't quite wrap my head around it. Even while I was reading up on the protocols, it seems that this is just how it's done. However, until a wider consensus of experts—both from private practices and Medicare—all say the exact same thing and provide a logical explanation, I am certainly not giving up the fight. Of course not. It’s just that if every medical resource says the same thing, then I suppose it must be the truth. But still, I demand an explanation!
I have inflammatory breast cancer.. the most invasive and aggressive type of breast cancer out there..
The nightmare with this specific type is how late it gets caught and how incredibly fast it spreads.. It progressed so quickly that it has already reached my pelvic bones, and we only just finished the diagnosis and the staging process before starting chemo..
Now, because they realized in the meantime that I am Stage IV, they are pulling me off the aggressive chemotherapy I was originally scheduled for and switching me to chemoimmunotherapy instead. In my opinion, that’s just palliative care disguised as treatment.
Do you see? I didn't even get a chance to start the actual chemo, let alone undergo surgery, and I am already at Stage IV.. The damn thing hid itself so well that even an ultrasound missed it. And I couldn't even get an MRI done because of some severe abdominal pain (it's a long story). So, while under the supervision of an ultrasound technician and a surgeon, my tumor spread.. all because those biopsies and punctures take forever, and this thing is so invasive that it literally expands day by day! Don't tell me the doctors say it isn't happening.. I can feel it on my own skin!
The entire point of me opening this thread is to urge every woman dealing with mastitis to make some noise. Regardless of whether your doctors insist on further testing (MRIs, mammograms, especially BIOPSIES), demand them immediately! If they won't listen, GO ON YOUR OWN. Pay for it if you have to—I did, and even then, it wasn't enough because it was too late. This thing hides incredibly well; the surgeon didn't react fast enough, the biopsy process dragged on, and now... here I am, in an incurable stage.. 😢
I realize this topic falls under the general breast cancer category, but given how invasive and lethal this specific type is, I believe it warrants its own dedicated thread.. specifically as a warning..
So, anyone experiencing mastitis (breast inflammation)—start making a fuss RIGHT NOW! It might not be cancer, but.. what if it is?? As soon as the breast turns red, get on antibiotics IMMEDIATELY, and don't let it drag on for more than 14 days. If it doesn't clear up, demand a puncture urgently. Go private if you have to! Just get those results back as soon as possible! If the findings are unclear, rush to get an MRI and a biopsy—private or otherwise—just go where you can get seen faster and get it over with! In my experience, we are talking about days here, not weeks..
That's all.. please keep me in your thoughts and pray that I can live as long as possible with this monster inside me, and with as little pain as I can manage..... 😢
Thank you all in advance..
And I truly hope that by starting this thread and posting this, I might save at least one person's life..
Melissa Sanchez8 said:I don't know, you're struggling just like this, and nothing has changed, whereas if that pus had been drained already, you would be recovering by now... ... You can always seek a second opinion. There is absolutely nothing wrong with doing that. There is quite a detailed breakdown regarding mastitis on this site:
Gonzales, thank you so much for the link... I'm reading through it, but I can't really relate. The only part that makes any sense is where it mentions how milk ducts shorten and widen due to perimenopause. But even then, I don't fully see myself in it. I honestly don't know if I have mastitis or what on earth is going on.
Anyway, the decision is made. I’ve scheduled an ultrasound for tomorrow at the Mayo Clinic with the female specialist who took over my case (I’ve been performing ultrasounds there for several years now, and they handle everything so professionally), just to see what she has to say. Based on her ultrasound from two months ago, I started some endocrine testing first—though everything got delayed because of doctor shortages—so now I want to see what's actually happening inside, given that some kind of inflammation has developed. What kind? I don't even know anymore.
And I'm going to ask the hospital doctor to perform his own ultrasound too, just to see if his findings match up, or rather, to see what his take is... Because I've started to lose a bit of faith in him. He's a decent guy, but I feel like we haven't communicated thoroughly enough about this situation... or maybe he just doesn't get it.
So, there it is... the saga continues... good grief. 😢
I went in today, and honestly, there’s just no progress. It’s terrifying. He feels terrible about having to perform another incision because he says it isn't even that severe anymore, yet the healing process is just dragging on forever... He feels bad that I have to suffer through an open wound for weeks when it shouldn't be this intense. It's just going nowhere. 🙄
...so I really have no idea what the next step is going to be.
He switched my penicillin and scheduled me for a follow-up in three days. Once again, it's Thursday morning—if they decide I need a procedure, I have to be ready to go... Ugh.
The mere thought of being cut open and dealing with weeks of agony makes me sick to my stomach, but part of me actually wants him to just do it so we can finally move past this standstill. Because from where I'm sitting, nothing is moving forward—or at least, nothing significant. I'm not even sure if things are getting better or if we're just stuck in the status quo.
Then there is the issue of the underlying cause. I brought up the possibility of a cyst, and he said, "Well, yes, a cyst could be the culprit, putting pressure on everything and causing the gland to react." I don't know... I just don't get the sense that my doctor is fully in control of the situation here. And then he asks, "Do you want us to drain the cyst immediately?" No, I don't! I'd rather let him treat the mastitis first, then deal with the cyst once everything settles down, so we don't trigger a whole new set of complications.
And if it *is* mastitis... what exactly is mastitis? I always thought it was just breast inflammation caused by blocked milk ducts... Now, I'm not even sure about that anymore. Oh, forget it. It’s clear I need to have a very thorough, serious conversation with him. There is inflammation, yes. But of what??? A cyst?? A gland?? Grrrrr... I cannot stand this ambiguity! 😢
Important disclaimer here: I’m not even lactating, so there is zero breastfeeding involved. My glands just suddenly became inflamed out of nowhere. To make matters worse, my surgeon tells me he hasn't the slightest clue what could be causing this... Truly encouraging, isn't it? 🙄
I’ve been diagnosed with mastitis. I don't have a fever, but honestly, there is quite a bit of pus visible in my nipples—just this white discharge. At first, I actually thought it was just milk, but it clearly isn't... 🤣 The reason for all this is that during my ultrasound at a private clinic, they told me my glandular activity is heightened and ordered some endocrine testing. Well, I went through with it. Apparently, it isn't a hormone issue. So, it looks like it really is pus.
I’ve been taking a massive dose of amoxicillin for eight days now (1 gram, three times a day!!), which has given me terrible diarrhea, and I've been told to keep going until Sunday. On Monday, I have a follow-up with a surgeon, and they’ll decide if they need to perform an incision and drainage to clear out the infection. It'll probably be necessary, because I don't exactly feel like things are improving much compared to a week ago... maybe a tiny bit, but it's hardly enough... I'm scared, to be honest.
Now, here is my question: Has anyone here dealt with that kind of procedure before? How long does the drainage process last, and how long does the wound stay open? Who handles the daily bandage changes? Where does the pus actually drain to (do they give you some sort of small collection bottle or something?) And how does a wound even heal if they leave it open like that? Are there any risks of complications?
Thank you all so much in advance for your help... I am waiting for your replies like a kid waits for summer break! 🙏
Jessica Davis66 said:How can you be sure they're adhesions?
I honestly don't know. I had a laparoscopic myomectomy. I was having issues before the surgery, which then cleared up, but now they've resurfaced immediately following the procedure. The doctors are suspicious because the ultrasounds and everything else come back totally clear. It could be something else entirely that only becomes visible through surgery. What? I have no clue.
My only concern right now is the logistics: if this issue started after a gynecological surgery, but turns out to be non-gynecological (for instance, if adhesions are sticking to other organs), how do surgeons actually handle that nowadays during laparoscopic diagnostics? Surely they aren't just going to poke around, see what's there, and shut it all down? Are they expected to fix it right then and there? Or am I looking at being cut open on a gynecologist's table for gyno issues, only to end up back under the knife on an abdominal surgeon's table for adhesions located somewhere else entirely? How does one actually resolve adhesion issues?
The whole concept of surgical jurisdiction bothers me deeply. I refuse to be sliced open six different times for the same underlying problem just because it's manifesting in six different spots. It sounds ridiculous.
This is a hypothetical question—though I'm hoping to schedule a consultation with a qualified surgeon, preferably a generalist who can handle everything, as soon as possible. The waitlists are months long, and I feel like I'm living in a Dr. House episode where everyone just looks at me and says, "We have no idea what's wrong with you," while my pain gets worse by the day! 😲 🙂
Please, people, I am asking for a concrete answer from someone who has actually undergone surgery to remove adhesions. Thank you! 🙂
Ladies, I am looking for a top-tier abdominal surgeon capable of performing laparoscopic diagnostics and removing any potential adhesions.
Doctors suspect adhesions following a laparoscopic myomectomy. Of course, I’ll be running more tests to confirm, but that seems to be the most likely culprit. It is the final measure I am preparing for—and unfortunately, it feels quite inevitable—so I want to be ready. I need to book a consultation and an exam well in advance, given how long the waitlists are for everything. Even getting a consultation with a surgeon takes forever. I want to have everything lined up by the time the diagnostic results I'm about to undergo come back.
I am in a coma, girls; I am a total Dr. House case. Please, I need your help.🙂
Who can you recommend? I’m not even sure if a gynecological surgeon should handle this (are they allowed to clear out adhesions from everywhere?), or if I absolutely need a general abdominal surgeon? And please, don't ask me why I won't go back to my own gynecological surgeon. I have very good reasons... he isn't cut out for "Dr. House" cases. He didn't even have the time to figure out what was happening to me before the initial surgery. You get five minutes with him and that’s it... so whatever he happens to catch, he catches.😲 I honestly don't think I'd be facing this mess if he were actually different.😢
In any case, do you know of any highly skilled abdominal surgeons?
Nicholas Wells74 said:Above all else, I truly recommend seeing Tanja Škorić at the Mayo Clinic. Both my sister and I have decided to go to her starting this year. Granted, I’ve only had one appointment with her, but she genuinely makes time and shows genuine interest in every single patient. She went through my medical records with such incredible length and detail.
I spent many, many years being treated at Vinogradski, but once you realize they swap doctors out on patients every single time you show up for an exam, you just think—fine, I’ll go look for better luck elsewhere. It is absolutely infuriating when you visit once or twice a year and find yourself facing a completely different doctor every time.
Dr. Tanja Škorić specialized in endocrinology in Manchester before returning to the States. That really impressed me, and I wasn't shy about telling her so right off the bat. I suspect she appreciated the compliment in return; most people only ever know how to moan, whine, and criticize. They rarely take a moment to actually offer praise.
All doctors—especially endocrinologists in your specific situation—can essentially perform the same tasks. The real question is simply how much heart each individual puts into their patients.
Nicole Barrett76, thank you so much for the reply! She and Dr. Miroševac from Vinogradski were my top favorites. I don't know which doctor you saw at Vinogradski, but I've heard Miroševac is wonderful too. Not quite as specifically recommended as what I just heard about Dr. Tanja (I'll try to get to her if I'm not satisfied with Miroševac), though from what I hear, Miroševac should be perfectly fine. The wait times there are long, but I believe I can get an appointment through a connection by the end of the month... And like you, I need a deep, thorough analysis and a careful reading of my results because my condition is a total "Dr. House" mystery.
I truly hope she lives up to my expectations and my trust, because I am reaching a breaking point. I'm disabled, and nobody can tell me why... while everything just keeps getting worse.
It looks like I’m dealing with adhesions... they're incredibly bothersome, and some people even suspect they might be completely hindering my quality of life.. 😢
The thing is, nothing is certain because they don't show up on an ultrasound unless specific conditions are met (like right before a period, if there's free fluid present, and even then, they don't see all the adhesions—only the ones near the free fluid..). The ones actually causing me trouble (if those are indeed the culprits 😢 ) just can't be seen..
Do any of you deal with this..? How is this typically handled?? I’ve heard—surgery is the only way. So now—who performs the operation?? Is it a general surgeon, or a gynecologist who specializes in fibroids? And is a gynecologist even allowed to touch adhesions on the intestines, bladder, or similar organs?
I have quite a predicament: I am completely lost regarding which specific tests I actually need to undergo, but it seems everything related to sex hormones, thyroid levels, the pituitary gland, and who knows what else...
My Siget General Practitioner has absolutely no clue which specialist endocrinologist she should be referring me to; she simply wrote "endocrinology consultation" on the slip. As if they will just magically know what's wrong once I walk through the door.
So, I am asking: which hospital offers truly comprehensive endocrinology services, and is there a particular endocrinologist you would recommend?