Bowel obstructions caused by adhesions following abdominal surgery

Posted by Sandi @idnas, Mar 20, 2015

I just joined this site and am looking to see if anyone talks about bowel obstructions caused by adhesions following abdominal surgery. I had successful sugery for colon cancer in 2008. About 6-months later I was hospitalized for 5 days with a bowel obstruction (that did resolve without further surgery). It took several months for my system to get back to "proper working order," but it did and for the past 5-years everything worked normally. Then, out of the blue, I had another bowel obstruction 2-months ago. I was hospitalized for 6-days, but again, no surgery. At this point I can only have bowel movements by taking Miralax and then I have diarrhea. I'm trying to eat a normal diet, just smaller amounts at a time and more frequently. I'm paranoid about another bowel obstruction, and also that my guy will not get back to normal. Has anyone had experience with this?

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Profile picture for ginpene @ginpene05

This is my 5th SBO with hospitalizan in 18 months, due to adhesions. No surgery yet, but am considering Small Passage treatment. Last 3 times happened in the last 4 months. This is getting old. Any idess?

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Thank you so much for sharing her story and experience I appreciate it. I was so scared when I first heard I have sbo but in this group I am learning so much from others. I am so glad the surgery has helped her so far.

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Profile picture for ginpene @ginpene05

This is my 5th SBO with hospitalizan in 18 months, due to adhesions. No surgery yet, but am considering Small Passage treatment. Last 3 times happened in the last 4 months. This is getting old. Any idess?

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Can anyone recommend a good brand of beef broth? I’ve tried multiple brands, including Cambells, but nothing tastes good. When I was in the hospital I had great beef broth and I can’t seem to find it anywhere

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Profile picture for llcc8800 @llcc8800

Can anyone recommend a good brand of beef broth? I’ve tried multiple brands, including Cambells, but nothing tastes good. When I was in the hospital I had great beef broth and I can’t seem to find it anywhere

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I use Swanson I find it to be the best flavored.

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Profile picture for ginpene @ginpene05

This is my 5th SBO with hospitalizan in 18 months, due to adhesions. No surgery yet, but am considering Small Passage treatment. Last 3 times happened in the last 4 months. This is getting old. Any idess?

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Blenders are great for liquid diets. One can make "cream" soups with all sorts of vegetables. One can make smoothies with all sorts of fruits and some vegetables (like spinach). Protein in liquid meals can come from powdered eggs whites, pea protein powder isolate, milk, or whatever you prefer. Loose hot cereals are in the game too. Fiber can come from the pureed produce and ground chia seed. I use plantain flour for my hot cereal and baking, due to food intolerances. And of course, water and other drinks that work for a person are winners, to help keep things moving.

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Profile picture for cindybp @cindybp

My Mom was hospitalized twice in three weeks with SBO and has since managed her diet to avoid further complications. Her self-discipline has been crucial to her success.

Basically she follows a low residue diet. It’s easy to research, but essentially it’s about avoiding raw fruits and vegetables, seeds and nuts. She chews her food very carefully which is extremely important. She has always been a health-conscious cook so beans and vegetables are important to her. You will note that beans are not included on a low residue diet, but she cooks them well and limits them, but she also chews well.

Her gastroenterologist told her to take Miralax every day, but now she takes it in the evening if she doesn’t have a bowel movement.

Prunes, prune juice, and juices with pulp are definitely prohibited on her diet.

I hope her success story helps others to avoid hospitalization and surgery.

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I had about 5 bouts of SBO and ended up having lysis of adhesions surgery in April of 2023. Your mom’s diet is what was recommended for me too. Low fiber-low residue. I take Miralax every day. Like your mom, I’ve just had to adhere to the strict eating. As my surgeon at the Mayo Clinic said, “You’re never going to be a popcorn girl.” No seeds, no popcorn, no nuts, no fresh vegetables, etc. Thank you for your post. It makes me feel less alone. I haven’t had a SBO since surgery but have had a bout of diverticulitis. Other than that, I think the diet is imperative.

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Profile picture for ginpene @ginpene05

This is my 5th SBO with hospitalizan in 18 months, due to adhesions. No surgery yet, but am considering Small Passage treatment. Last 3 times happened in the last 4 months. This is getting old. Any idess?

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Had a small bowl resection years ago. Been to hospital for obstruction twice in last four years and twice "handled" on my own -- that is by suffering thru and inducing vomiting. (Have also been diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia twice as result of the obstructions induced vomiting.)
My question -- am I the only one who endures vomiting including inducing vomiting ( finger down throat) as an alternative to hospital stay for two/three days for SBO and having an NG tube as a corrective? And your thoughts re the "solution"?
Can't say as I've gotten any gastro doctor's endorsement.

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Profile picture for srqbill @srqbill

Had a small bowl resection years ago. Been to hospital for obstruction twice in last four years and twice "handled" on my own -- that is by suffering thru and inducing vomiting. (Have also been diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia twice as result of the obstructions induced vomiting.)
My question -- am I the only one who endures vomiting including inducing vomiting ( finger down throat) as an alternative to hospital stay for two/three days for SBO and having an NG tube as a corrective? And your thoughts re the "solution"?
Can't say as I've gotten any gastro doctor's endorsement.

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After 3 lysis of adhesions (10 inch inches each, not including the original ) …… I stay hydrated, limit gluten…..eat greens & fruits daily. Machines at the gym. Biking is a staple. Occasionally I mess up and find myself in the ER. NG & I.V……..BUT! No more surgery…..there is a DO NOT ENTER sign on the scar.
They said years ago….your disease won’t kill you. But it will die with you….stay well crew…

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Profile picture for shaleenv @shaleenv

Thank you for the response. I tried eating a single scrambled egg last night after just liquids. I've been googling liquid diets and what all I can eat. I appreciate any advice and feedback I can get as I learn to live with this

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I was in hospital for 6 weeks for bowel blockage from previous surgeries, 2 c sections, hernia and adhesions was the problem. They did a removal of blockage by laparoscopic to limit additional problems. Was ok for a year but watching what I eat that is low fiber has given me contipation. Now on Metamucil that has fixed the constipation but at times I can actually feel a lump forming on my right side that feel like food ball. I walk and drink lots of water and it subsides. Any sugggstions, is this the Metamucil ,?
I 80 , fit and no weight problems, suggestion for what to eat that will provide me with constipation relief without Metamucil?

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Profile picture for ginpene @ginpene05

This is my 5th SBO with hospitalizan in 18 months, due to adhesions. No surgery yet, but am considering Small Passage treatment. Last 3 times happened in the last 4 months. This is getting old. Any idess?

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My doctor told me to try miralax which seems to be helping me at the moment but I am still pretty new to this. I meet with him today and am going to ask for a referral to a dietician/nutritionist at the mayo clinic in Phoenix. It's a few hours away from me but I am willing to make the drive for knowledge and help. I will let you know if I learn anything new.
I have read a lot about massaging your stomach as well, people say it seems to help, I've been massaging mine just to get used to doing it and maybe help a little

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Profile picture for srqbill @srqbill

Had a small bowl resection years ago. Been to hospital for obstruction twice in last four years and twice "handled" on my own -- that is by suffering thru and inducing vomiting. (Have also been diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia twice as result of the obstructions induced vomiting.)
My question -- am I the only one who endures vomiting including inducing vomiting ( finger down throat) as an alternative to hospital stay for two/three days for SBO and having an NG tube as a corrective? And your thoughts re the "solution"?
Can't say as I've gotten any gastro doctor's endorsement.

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I have not had to use my finger to induce vomiting during a bowel obstruction attack because when I'm in a full on attack I automatically become nauseous and can't stop vomiting. But fortunately that hasn't happened for years, probably because I can now recognize the early signs and immediately stop eating solid food. But back between 2010-2013 I did nurse myself through multiple obstructions at home by taking stool softeners until I started to pass stool. My last full attack was in 2013 and that one took 16 hours to pass. Important to note that all of my obstructions have only been from strictures and not full blockages. Another absolute necessity when being in a full attack for me is my heating pad. Can't live without it on my abdomen, pretty much 24/7.

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