Chronic small bowel obstruction from adhesions

In January I had my first bout with SBO.It was extremely painful and after a week in the hospital I had exploratory laparoscopic surgery.My adhesions were lysed and I went home 48 hours later.The surgery was practically painless and very easy to recover from.I wish I had done the surgery sooner as the symptoms were so much worse .I can not imagine going through the obstruction so many times.

Hello @ginpene05, and welcome to Connect,

You've been through quite a bit, and of course you must be frustrated with finding no relief!

I'd like you to meet @rssanders @jgirlatlaw @justjane @eddiesrp @jimmymac @ron22 @bonitav @wordnoid @londonmark @idnas @kag13 @loriel59, who have shared their experience with small bowel obstruction (SBO) in the following discussions, and I'm confident that they will return to share some insight with you:

Bowel obstructions caused by adhesions following abdominal surgery: http://mayocl.in/2nhtuhj
bowel obstruction: http://mayocl.in/2nPqSUg
Scar tissue surrounding organs: http://mayocl.in/2o7g2LT

Here is some information from Mayo Clinic as well: http://mayocl.in/2oJyHhJ

@ginpene05, could you tell us a bit more about the cause of these adhesions? are they scar tissue? What do you currently do to help control your symptoms?

Yes, they are scar tissue from previous surgery.They were seen and removed during the laparoscopic surgery.

How long ago was your lap done? Any SOBs since then? ginpene

Hi. My appendix burst when I was 6yr old, and the surgical team left gauze in me, so a 2nd surgery was required. I had tuboovarianplasty at age 30. A laparoscopy at age 50 found tons of adhesions. My 1st SBO was 1 and a half yr ago at age 63, and I am in for my 5th right now!The good surgeons here correctly refuse to operate until I am really bad. So, feeling pretty deesperate, I plan to seek holistic PT treatment at Clear Passage. Anybody else know of them?

Everybody, who uses low residue diet and who doesn't? Anybody think excercise helps? I have obstructed while on strict low residue as well as on regular diet. The GI surgeons here say fiber intake is irrelevant. I'm not sure I agree, and everyone else says to err on the side of caution. After my 4th one I started adding a few well cooked veggies to my diet and found myself back in hospital 4 weeks later. Thanks to everyone. 

I have been having bowel obstructions for almost 4 years. No one could tell me what was going on. I was getting them almost monthly. Worst pain I've ever gone through. At one point I lost 17 lbs. In October 2015 I finally ended up in the emergency room. This is when they finally found the small intestinal obstruction. The thought is that they are caused by abdominal radiation I got back in 2003-2004 for Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.
I sometimes go 3-4 months without an attack, but that is rare. They are part of my life.
The surgeon told me that if I end up back in the hospital, it's NG tube again. If NG doesn't work its emergency surgery.
The problem with surgery is that there is a 60% chance of it creating more adhesions, hence I'd be worse off.
I try to each low fiber even though I am a vegetarian. I cook my veggies. I don't eat any raw. No corn. I peel fruit like apples. Honestly, I feel I never know what helps and what doesn't. It's beyond frustrating and not an easy way to live. I've gotten attacks on vacation (totally bedridden in Paris!). I am in horrible pain for 24-48 hours. Then I'm sick for 4-5 more days. I feel for everyone battling this.

Sure sounds familiar! My first one was during vacation in Florida. Just came home today from 5 days back in hospital. I had surgery 35 yrs. ago to lyse adhesions. My battle plan now is go back to very low residue, even though the surgeon is not a low fiber enthusiast. Sorry you are also miserable. I tell myself it could be worse - heart, respiratory, paralysis. Sudden death! Hang in there. Ginny

Ginny,
Isn't it insane what we have to compare it to in order to feel better! LOL
I've had at least 35 attacks. I try to forget about them during the normal times. I think low fiber helps a bit.
It's worth a try. Remember, whenever you feel one coming on, don't eat. Drink as you can. Once it ends eat broth, juice water etc for 24 hours. Then slowly go back. Good luck! Lori

Mine never respond to clear fluids, always go on to vomiting, so I have to go to ER where they stabilize the pain and vomiting, then admit me for around 5 days. Usually after 3 or 4 days I progress to water then clear fluids, and they discharge me home on a soft diet. I think what I hate most is the trip to the ER, constantly having to stop and get out of the car to vomit on people's front lawns. And figuring that some day it won't respond to the "bowel rest" as they call it, and I'll need surgery. Ah well, as my Mom always said, "Onward and upward, Dear." Hang in there. Ginny