Linda's Story

Ms. Linda Halford, Retired Paralegal Specialist

My

Story

I had adhesions for 7 Years before detection

I have 3 Children

My Birthday is Thursday, October 18, 1945

I live in Jacksonville, Florida USA

In 1976 I had Dow Corning Breast Implants placed in my body. In 1991 they were removed because they had ruptured and the doctor put Saline Implants in. In April 1993, I had a total hysterectomy which was done laparoscopic (sp.) I was hearing a lot of scary things about the saline implants becoming contaminated and leaking. So, In December 1993, Dr. Yu, Plastic Surgeon, persuaded me to have a Tram Flap operation to reconstruct my breasts using my stomach muscles. Dr. Yu told me the only thing I wouldn't be able to do after the Tram Flap, would be sit ups. This surgery took 12 hours. The surgery itself left me bent over double and it took me almost a month to completely straighten up. I suffered the most horrendous pain imaginable. I continued to have terrible pain around my ambilical area. I went back to Dr. Yu about the pain but he could find no reason for it. I also consulted a few other doctors but no one could explain the reason for the excruciating pain I was having. I decided to consult with Dr. Hartramph, Plastic Surgeon, Atlanta, GA, the doctor who developed the Tram Flap procedure. He confirmed that I had a hernia. In January 1995, he fixed the hernia. However, within a few months the pain was back. Dr. Hartramph said it could be scar tissue from the surgery but offered nothing for pain because he didn't believe in pain pills. The pain continued to worsen and I saw most every pain specialist in Jacksonville. FL. In 1996, Dr. Sladek, removed my gallbladder. He was unable to remove it laparoscopic because I had too many adhesions. He told me after the surgery that it was "UNBELIEVABLE" how many adhesions I had. He said he removed a few.

In early 1997, out of desperation, I agreed to an experimental surgery whereby the surgeon goes through the back under the ribs to sever the nerves leading to the pain. Both my lungs had to be collapsed for this surgery. When the doctors learned I was still in pain, they didn't even do a follow-up visit with me. In August 1997, Dr. Sevin, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, told me the reason I was in pain was because I had a hernia. He operated on me using Dura Mater to secure my abdominal wall and placed Interceed in me to prevent further adhesions. Within a few short months the excruciating pain was back. All the doctors tell me I have to learn to live with the pain. I have been on Prozac for depression and have had to go to the emergency room several times because of the pain. I have been on many different pain killers. I believe in the healing power of God and have been prayed for by many. My sister found the Adhesions Website where I located Dr. Reich and Dr. Redan, Scranton, PA. Dr. Reich is the pioneer of Laparoscopic Surgery and a Gynecologist. Dr. Redan is a General Surgeon. These doctors operated on me on April 12, 2001 to remove the massive adhesions in my abdomen.

I am hopeful that I may now be able to finally get relief from the excruciating pain I have had to endure for the past 8 years but it is too soon (April 21, 2001) to know whether the surgery was a success. I will update in a few weeks. Since this pain began after I had the Tram Flap surgery in December 1993, I believe it was not done properly and caused me not only to herniate twice but to develop massive adhesions. This operation should be banned. It is the most horrific surgery one can imagine. If I had known I would have to suffer the rest of my life because of it, I would never have had it. Because of the Tram Flap, I had to retire from my position with the Federal Government after 25 years. I have been unable to lead a normal life and cannot enjoy any activity because of the severe pain in my abdomen.

Ms. Linda Halford