Surgery didn't go as planned and I'm more upset than I thought I'd be

LegacyUser

Hey I'm in my mid teens and I had a relatively small surgery a week ago to find out whether I had this condition which I was really sure I had (basically been in inordinate amounts of pain for 8 years, recently worsened). In my mind this procedure was just a formality, I definitely had this thing (three doctors thought I had this thing!) and once I had this surgery I wouldn't be in pain for the next few years.

The surgery itself was more than I was expecting. Not in terms of it being life threatening or anything just rather undignified (I know it kind of sounds silly but there were a lot of really private things I kind of wasn't prepared for) and the recovery was also a lot more difficult than I thought. When they finally told me what they found I was devastated because they didn't find anything. I am back to square one. I have no idea whats wrong with me, I'm in pain so much and I went through all the hassle of the stupid operation for nothing and I'm really really upset. I just feel like crying all the time and I don't know what I'm supposed to do. I never anticipated they wouldn't know what was wrong.

Silverfish

Okay folks, no medical advice please or attempts at diagnosis.


Thanks.

Taltos

Op just because they found nothing does not mean there is nothing there. Have you sought a 2nd opinion from a specialist in the field?
If though they are correct don't look at this as being back at square one, they have eliminated one potential cause. Again though time for you to push for a specialist diagnosis.

The reason I am pushing for that is for a few yrs my father was battling w pain. They just kept diagnosing angina, when they eventually figured out it was cancer it was too late. So demand those specialists and don't give up.

Hersheys

Hey OP,

If it is any consolation I feel your pain. I've been in and out of hospital so many times with abdominal pain that I've lost track. I've been on many different types of medication for the pain and each time I go to hospital they "diagnose" something different. It's incredibly frustrating as they doctors have no idea what's up with me.

I've even gone down the route of exploratory surgery (laparoscopy) to rule out anything girly - endometreosis, ovarian cysts - and he also had a look at the outside of my bowel to rule out any absysses on the outside. I'm now waiting for an endoscopy and a colonoscopy as nothing has shown up on any CT/ultrasound/x-ray I've had, but I do have other symptoms, which is why the doctors haven't told me that I'm crazy and sent me away - they can see me vomit, they can feel my temperature increasing until I'm delerious, they can see me struggle to move with the pain... they just can't diagnose me.

Stick with it - as other posters have said, get a second opinion - there's no harm in that. Talk to your gp - mine has been brilliant with me for trying all routes and stuff. Plus he understands my pain - I know when it's time to go to hospital, so he'll let me try to avoid it if at all possible (he knows I'm phobic) and makes himself available to I can call him if my symptoms change at all so then he makes the call. Not that I have to go to A&E regularly (I think it's been maybe 6 times in the past 3 years) but he doesn't send me half heartedly.

Darlughda

Hi OP,

Going through surgery is a huge ordeal, which is why many people fear it. Even for an open you up job and close you back up again, its still an incredibley invasive procedure.

Not only does your physical body react to this, it takes its toll emotionally, mentally, and many would say spiritually.
Anaesthesia has different effects on people, and the recovery can bring out stuff in yourself you didn't even know was there. One of things I hate most about surgery is the lack of dignity I feel. I absolutely hate having the catether fitted, and the difficulties going to the toilet days after is horrible. The combination of nausea and constipation is very unpleasant.

Like the other posters and yourself, I went through the pain for years, had initial incorrect diagnosis,this exploratory surgery and eventually the correct diagnosis was found.

Well done on your courage and getting through living with the pain, and the experience of surgery. It does get easier to deal with surgery after your first time. Its hard for other people to understand what you're going through when they have not experienced illness/pain/surgery themselves.

Give yourself time to heal. I always found that I was emotionally vulnerable after surgery, if you are able to, ask family to support you at this time.

LegacyUser

OMG, of course you would feel this way, sounds like it was quite an invasive procedure, and quite traumatic, sometimes doctors forget that they are pulling out of you and its very distressing...

I have a suspected endometreosis which is very painful too, i have to get a camera in my tummy to see if it is, but there is no real cure for it, and it is very upsetting to think you have to have operations for things that may not cure it, im am trying the alternative route as well as i find the kneisologist i am seeing is much more compassionate to talk to then the doctors, he has really helped me.

rathbaner

Search for specialists in your condition in London and get an appointment. A typical consultation with a Harley St specialist will cost about £150, + £80 for the flight to London.
Keep a copy of any prescription to show your own GP when you get back.