CT exam-multiple dilated, fluid-filled...

Posted by fdixon63 @fdixon63, May 19 9:30am

Took my 70 Y/O husband to ER with severe abdominal pain and vomiting. Normally he can eat anything with no issues. He has had a few of these episodes over the last two years but now they are coming closer together--last one 5-6 weeks ago. Usually when he throws up he feels better and things return to normal. CT report "there are multiple dilated, fluid-filled loops of small bowel throughout the abdomen. Maybe secondary to enteritis." The doctor suggests he see a GI doctor for more testing, etc. Any thoughts or experiences is appreciated.

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He needs a EGD procedure.

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I really do feel your husband's pain and your frustration, cuz I have been doing it for 17 years.
I have not had a n EGD, I have had 2 endoscopies. My test was to find out if I had celiac disease, so the scope had to go into the small intestine. Lucky me, I have celiac disease.
The questions I am asking, are because I have had at least 3 episodes of loops, fluid, gas filled. In relation to my CIC (chronic idiopathic constipation). I am definitely not a Dr., but I can relate to your husband's episodic pains. One of mine landed me in the ED and ICU for 3 days with a nasal-gastric tube shoved up my nose and down my throat to my small intestines. YUCK! Sums up tat experience for me. I am definitely not trying to scare you. You really do need a GI, get a really good one. Mine was great for 15 of my 17 years with him. When he could not fix my CIC, plus other issues, he simply dumped me. I tell you this because even when he was good, he never gave me the whole story.

What did your doctor say about the fluid loops and dilation?
But you mentioned multiple fluid filled loops with dilation, showed on the CT. Yet you also use the word "normal " after vomiting.
Is your husband constipated or other poop issues?‼️
The words you used are CLASSIC features of small bowel obstruction, partial, in the process of forming.
Did the CT scan use contrast? Did it mention fecal load, fecal impaction(s)how many loops?
Redundant flexure(can be called splenic-for left side or hepatic for right side)? This is a 99.9% congenital variant, meaning an extra long large intestine (large colon) that must be crammed into the body and adds more curves for your poop to navigate through, so you can poop it out. I'm 65 5 colonoscopies, hundreds of X-rays, etc and I just learned last year that I have a redundant flexure. It's something to know about, but it's often patients never know they have it.
At 70, I assume he has had at least one super fun colonoscopy, did you get the results, report from radiology and your doctor?
Sorry I got so wordy, but I have first hand knowledge of the pain and that it can range from 0-10 on the pain scale. I wish you all the best success with this. Shelley

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@shelleyw

I really do feel your husband's pain and your frustration, cuz I have been doing it for 17 years.
I have not had a n EGD, I have had 2 endoscopies. My test was to find out if I had celiac disease, so the scope had to go into the small intestine. Lucky me, I have celiac disease.
The questions I am asking, are because I have had at least 3 episodes of loops, fluid, gas filled. In relation to my CIC (chronic idiopathic constipation). I am definitely not a Dr., but I can relate to your husband's episodic pains. One of mine landed me in the ED and ICU for 3 days with a nasal-gastric tube shoved up my nose and down my throat to my small intestines. YUCK! Sums up tat experience for me. I am definitely not trying to scare you. You really do need a GI, get a really good one. Mine was great for 15 of my 17 years with him. When he could not fix my CIC, plus other issues, he simply dumped me. I tell you this because even when he was good, he never gave me the whole story.

What did your doctor say about the fluid loops and dilation?
But you mentioned multiple fluid filled loops with dilation, showed on the CT. Yet you also use the word "normal " after vomiting.
Is your husband constipated or other poop issues?‼️
The words you used are CLASSIC features of small bowel obstruction, partial, in the process of forming.
Did the CT scan use contrast? Did it mention fecal load, fecal impaction(s)how many loops?
Redundant flexure(can be called splenic-for left side or hepatic for right side)? This is a 99.9% congenital variant, meaning an extra long large intestine (large colon) that must be crammed into the body and adds more curves for your poop to navigate through, so you can poop it out. I'm 65 5 colonoscopies, hundreds of X-rays, etc and I just learned last year that I have a redundant flexure. It's something to know about, but it's often patients never know they have it.
At 70, I assume he has had at least one super fun colonoscopy, did you get the results, report from radiology and your doctor?
Sorry I got so wordy, but I have first hand knowledge of the pain and that it can range from 0-10 on the pain scale. I wish you all the best success with this. Shelley

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Wordy is welcomed. You provided so much needed insight to our situation. We see his primary tomorrow and because of your input, have several questions that we did not have previously. I'll get back with you after seeing her. You are deserving to see how this goes. Thank you, thank you. Faye

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I am so glad that I led you to some questions to ask. Possibly write down your questions in a notebook before the appt...then you won't get bullied into not asking questions; and it gives you a place to write down the answers you hopefully get. Another suggestion: be pushy and even embellish ALL the problems. I have found that embellishing has been somewhat helpful in getting the dr. to "feel your pain and symptoms ". Let the doctor believe you got your info for questions from your own reading or a free consultation with a virtual dr appt. These days drs get really narcissistic and arrogant and frequently just tune out, at the mention of the internet.
I really hope you get seen by a good doctor and that they answer your questions. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers....truly you will be on my mind, since I am currently experiencing a new episode of NO 💩 for 3 days, now straining burning diarrhea and cramping.
Faye, I am happy that you will share this with me.
GOOD LUCK 👍 Shelley

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@shelleyw

I am so glad that I led you to some questions to ask. Possibly write down your questions in a notebook before the appt...then you won't get bullied into not asking questions; and it gives you a place to write down the answers you hopefully get. Another suggestion: be pushy and even embellish ALL the problems. I have found that embellishing has been somewhat helpful in getting the dr. to "feel your pain and symptoms ". Let the doctor believe you got your info for questions from your own reading or a free consultation with a virtual dr appt. These days drs get really narcissistic and arrogant and frequently just tune out, at the mention of the internet.
I really hope you get seen by a good doctor and that they answer your questions. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers....truly you will be on my mind, since I am currently experiencing a new episode of NO 💩 for 3 days, now straining burning diarrhea and cramping.
Faye, I am happy that you will share this with me.
GOOD LUCK 👍 Shelley

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Hi Shelley. Got back from my husband's appt. She took lots of time with John and actually did a H pylori (helicobacter pylori) test at the office. Also did more blood work. We should know the results by Thursday. She is also referring him to a GI doc. I'm sorry you're having another episode. Hope all settles down soon. I'm glad you want to "hang" with us through this. I think that's what Mayo connect is all about. I know it "saved" me when I was diagnosed with mycobacterium avium complex and was not getting the proper treatment. Felt I was slowly dying and I may have been. Thanks again Shelley. We'll talk soon. Faye

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Faye, I am so glad your doc spent time with you guys. I'm happy to hang in with you guys. Yes, this Mayo Clinic connects seems like it attracts more serious patients that really want answers.
Did dr give any ideas about what she suspects is going on? How is he feeling today? What is your hubbys name?
So I don't seem too nosy, I will let you tell me what tests, answers, symptoms, etc you guys are doing.
What the heck is mycobacterium avium complex? It sounds yucky and you were in such bad shape. Shelley

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Hi Shelley. The doc did not speculate much about a dx--just did the h pilori test and said she would refer John to a GI doc. John is feeling much better today but he is more tired that usual. I appreciate you're being sensitive about what we relate to you. That is another thing I like about this forum, we don't really know each other so it's OK to get a little more graphic if the situation calls for it. Just for general info, John is 70 and I'm 78. As far as mycobacterium avium complex is concerned, it gets involved so maybe you might want to google it. I don't mind sharing, just so involved. I've learned a lot over the last five years since my diagnosis. Take care and we'll talk again. Faye

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I agree the CT findings are consistent with a partial small bowel obstruction that has resolved on its own. These are often caused by scar tissue (adhesions) from previous abdominal surgery. The scar tissue can be cut and released to prevent future obstructions via a laparoscopic procedure. That might be in young hubbies future. Not fun but better than repeated bowel obstructions.

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@slkanowitz

I agree the CT findings are consistent with a partial small bowel obstruction that has resolved on its own. These are often caused by scar tissue (adhesions) from previous abdominal surgery. The scar tissue can be cut and released to prevent future obstructions via a laparoscopic procedure. That might be in young hubbies future. Not fun but better than repeated bowel obstructions.

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Hi slkanowitz. My husband has had open heart surgery but nothing to do with the lower GI track. We'll be moving forward with a GI doctor, hopefully sooner than later. Good news, he's doing well at the moment. Thanks.

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@fdixon63

Hi Shelley. The doc did not speculate much about a dx--just did the h pilori test and said she would refer John to a GI doc. John is feeling much better today but he is more tired that usual. I appreciate you're being sensitive about what we relate to you. That is another thing I like about this forum, we don't really know each other so it's OK to get a little more graphic if the situation calls for it. Just for general info, John is 70 and I'm 78. As far as mycobacterium avium complex is concerned, it gets involved so maybe you might want to google it. I don't mind sharing, just so involved. I've learned a lot over the last five years since my diagnosis. Take care and we'll talk again. Faye

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Faye, sounds good. So, John gets to be lazy and rest up. He is so lucky to have you. I am here to support, listen, hey you can even vent frustrations. If for any reason you would like to do something less public, maybe we can do emails.
I will be out of commission in about 3 weeks, I am scheduled for my parathyroid surgery and I have to travel, via car, to another state to get the specialist I want. But I am here for now. Enjoy a quiet lazy weekend, I hope. Shelley

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