Scar tissue from childhood surgery still causing me discomfort as adult?
October 2, 2014 7:33 PM Subscribe
The routine surgery I underwent when I was 10 still has annoying, lingering effects years later. What are my options?
When I was 10-years-old I underwent surgery for an ascended testicle. The procedure was straightforward and I experienced no further complications into adulthood.
I'm 37-years-old now, and the area in my lower pelvis where one of two incisions was made has remained sensitive to touch ever since.
Every so often, there is a dull ache and tugging sensation in the area that is extremely uncomfortable and makes it difficult to sleep, limits range of motion, etc. I've found that flare ups are usually triggered by weight gain (my stomach exerting extra weight on the area), and if I take a long, hot bath, the area is very sensitive and achy, presumably due to the surrounding muscle relaxing.
I've been to several doctors about this over the years whenever it gets bad again, and most have simply offered pain medication or muscle relaxants. Ultrasounds and MRIs have revealed nothing.
Am I correct in assuming that the scar tissue from this surgery 28 years ago is the culprit? Do I have any options (aside from anectodal lifestyle changes) to fix the issue?
When I was 10-years-old I underwent surgery for an ascended testicle. The procedure was straightforward and I experienced no further complications into adulthood.
I'm 37-years-old now, and the area in my lower pelvis where one of two incisions was made has remained sensitive to touch ever since.
Every so often, there is a dull ache and tugging sensation in the area that is extremely uncomfortable and makes it difficult to sleep, limits range of motion, etc. I've found that flare ups are usually triggered by weight gain (my stomach exerting extra weight on the area), and if I take a long, hot bath, the area is very sensitive and achy, presumably due to the surrounding muscle relaxing.
I've been to several doctors about this over the years whenever it gets bad again, and most have simply offered pain medication or muscle relaxants. Ultrasounds and MRIs have revealed nothing.
Am I correct in assuming that the scar tissue from this surgery 28 years ago is the culprit? Do I have any options (aside from anectodal lifestyle changes) to fix the issue?
I have the same problem with some very large scars I have on my abdomen that go all the way down to my pelvis from surgical procedures. I believe it's just nerve damage. Massaging the area helps for me.
posted by sockermom at 8:02 PM on October 2, 2014
posted by sockermom at 8:02 PM on October 2, 2014
You could certainly try visiting a physical therapist with experience in pelvic floor issues. PTs that specialize in this probably treat mostly women that had pregnancy problems so don't be afraid to see one that practices mostly with women. They will be able to identify any muscles that aren't working correctly and evaluate if scars are getting in the way.
posted by littlewater at 8:17 PM on October 2, 2014
posted by littlewater at 8:17 PM on October 2, 2014
I would suggest getting a surgeon (general surgeon is OK, no need to see a plastic surgeon if you don't want to) to look at your scar. There are problems that can pop up years after surgery, such as a retained suture (if nonabsorbable sutures were used at some point; probably very hard to find the records from that long ago and know for sure) or a scar neuroma, among others. No need to rush, these sorts of things are generally not emergencies, but no need to put up with it without having it checked out. It may end up being one of those things that there is no obvious explanation for, but it is worth checking out to see if your symptoms can be helped.
posted by TedW at 9:37 AM on October 3, 2014
posted by TedW at 9:37 AM on October 3, 2014
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posted by Lyn Never at 7:59 PM on October 2, 2014 [1 favorite]