1. < Digestive Health

Chronic small bowel obstruction from adhesions

Posted by ginpene @ginpene05, Apr 6, 2017

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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thull | @thull | Jan 16, 2019
In reply to @loriel59 "Just to share my own story...I started having horrendous attacks in September of 2013. I went..." + (show)
@loriel59

Just to share my own story...I started having horrendous attacks in September of 2013. I went over two years of seeing many GI doctors and no one had an answer (was even told it could be nerves or stress!). Fast forward to November 2015 and I ended up in the hospital because the attack was so severe. They finally caught me "in" an active attack and did a CT scan. The good news was they finally knew it was "small bowel obstruction". The bad news was they told me there wasn't much to be done about it. I had 30+ abdominal radiations back in 2003. After two more years of attacks, hospital stays, NG tubes I was desperate. I was told that if I had a very severe attack that couldn't be fixed with an NG tube I would have to have emergency surgery. The problem was supposedly this could cause more adhesions and hence make me worse. The attacks were coming once a month. I finally decided to see a laparoscopic GI surgeon in NYC. He was affiliated with Mount Sinai. He was amazing**. He asked me "Why hasn't anyone tried to help you?" I broke down. He spent a lot of time talking to me. He felt there was less than 5% chance of developing new adhesions if he could succeed with laparoscopic surgery. He would know more when he actually went in. I agreed to have regular surgery IF when he looked he thought it was the only choice. Bottom line was I really couldn't do worse than I was doing. He successfully did the laparoscopic surgery and removed 4 feet of small intestine and a small amount of large intestine. I had radiation enteritis. This was 7/31/17. I cannot say that recovery was simple, but I have my life back. The trade-off is that have diarrhea most of the time, but that was happening anyway. I now am working with a GI doctor to help me with this. I avoid certain foods and he is trying some different meds to regulate me. I think I just have "short bowel' syndrome. I eat lower fat, higher carb diet. I know alcohol can be a trigger. Each person is different. I'm also a vegetarian /vegan. My diet is probably 60/40. Anyway, I hope this helps anyone who is suffering. **I have to say this particular doctor didn't take insurance. We paid up front and I ended up getting about 60% back from my insurance company as I had a PPO. Worth every cent.

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Glad you were able to get the help you needed. I am 8 days past Deloyer procedure, keeping fingers crossed that any adhesions that may form do not cause any problems. They started this surgery laparoscopically, but adhesions were so bad they had to open me back up. The surgeon spent the first couple of hours cleaning them out before they could start on the actual bowel surgery. Right now on soft, low fiber diet for the next couple of weeks and so far so good. Don't know yet if I will have issues with regular diarrhea yet as my body is still sorting itself out.

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TERESA LOGAN | @quiteachiver75 | Jan 17, 2019
In reply to @loriel59 "Just to share my own story...I started having horrendous attacks in September of 2013. I went..." + (show)
@loriel59

Just to share my own story...I started having horrendous attacks in September of 2013. I went over two years of seeing many GI doctors and no one had an answer (was even told it could be nerves or stress!). Fast forward to November 2015 and I ended up in the hospital because the attack was so severe. They finally caught me "in" an active attack and did a CT scan. The good news was they finally knew it was "small bowel obstruction". The bad news was they told me there wasn't much to be done about it. I had 30+ abdominal radiations back in 2003. After two more years of attacks, hospital stays, NG tubes I was desperate. I was told that if I had a very severe attack that couldn't be fixed with an NG tube I would have to have emergency surgery. The problem was supposedly this could cause more adhesions and hence make me worse. The attacks were coming once a month. I finally decided to see a laparoscopic GI surgeon in NYC. He was affiliated with Mount Sinai. He was amazing**. He asked me "Why hasn't anyone tried to help you?" I broke down. He spent a lot of time talking to me. He felt there was less than 5% chance of developing new adhesions if he could succeed with laparoscopic surgery. He would know more when he actually went in. I agreed to have regular surgery IF when he looked he thought it was the only choice. Bottom line was I really couldn't do worse than I was doing. He successfully did the laparoscopic surgery and removed 4 feet of small intestine and a small amount of large intestine. I had radiation enteritis. This was 7/31/17. I cannot say that recovery was simple, but I have my life back. The trade-off is that have diarrhea most of the time, but that was happening anyway. I now am working with a GI doctor to help me with this. I avoid certain foods and he is trying some different meds to regulate me. I think I just have "short bowel' syndrome. I eat lower fat, higher carb diet. I know alcohol can be a trigger. Each person is different. I'm also a vegetarian /vegan. My diet is probably 60/40. Anyway, I hope this helps anyone who is suffering. **I have to say this particular doctor didn't take insurance. We paid up front and I ended up getting about 60% back from my insurance company as I had a PPO. Worth every cent.

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How wonderful things have improved and getting your life back. Teresa Australia

REPLY
lanikai16 | @lanikai16 | Jan 18, 2019
In reply to @loriel59 "Just to share my own story...I started having horrendous attacks in September of 2013. I went..." + (show)
@loriel59

Just to share my own story...I started having horrendous attacks in September of 2013. I went over two years of seeing many GI doctors and no one had an answer (was even told it could be nerves or stress!). Fast forward to November 2015 and I ended up in the hospital because the attack was so severe. They finally caught me "in" an active attack and did a CT scan. The good news was they finally knew it was "small bowel obstruction". The bad news was they told me there wasn't much to be done about it. I had 30+ abdominal radiations back in 2003. After two more years of attacks, hospital stays, NG tubes I was desperate. I was told that if I had a very severe attack that couldn't be fixed with an NG tube I would have to have emergency surgery. The problem was supposedly this could cause more adhesions and hence make me worse. The attacks were coming once a month. I finally decided to see a laparoscopic GI surgeon in NYC. He was affiliated with Mount Sinai. He was amazing**. He asked me "Why hasn't anyone tried to help you?" I broke down. He spent a lot of time talking to me. He felt there was less than 5% chance of developing new adhesions if he could succeed with laparoscopic surgery. He would know more when he actually went in. I agreed to have regular surgery IF when he looked he thought it was the only choice. Bottom line was I really couldn't do worse than I was doing. He successfully did the laparoscopic surgery and removed 4 feet of small intestine and a small amount of large intestine. I had radiation enteritis. This was 7/31/17. I cannot say that recovery was simple, but I have my life back. The trade-off is that have diarrhea most of the time, but that was happening anyway. I now am working with a GI doctor to help me with this. I avoid certain foods and he is trying some different meds to regulate me. I think I just have "short bowel' syndrome. I eat lower fat, higher carb diet. I know alcohol can be a trigger. Each person is different. I'm also a vegetarian /vegan. My diet is probably 60/40. Anyway, I hope this helps anyone who is suffering. **I have to say this particular doctor didn't take insurance. We paid up front and I ended up getting about 60% back from my insurance company as I had a PPO. Worth every cent.

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Hi Loriel59,

So glad I found your post. My mom frequently suffers from SBO attacks. She was hospitalized for the first time last year but has had attacks for many years. We’re trying to find treatment options. We live in NYC and was wondering if we could have the name of the Mt. Sinai doctor who performed your laparoscopic surgery. We would be more than grateful. Also, how have you been after the surgery? Any more SBO attacks? I’d really appreciate if you could reply! Thanks 🙂

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1 reply
nancybev | @nancybev | Jan 18, 2019
In reply to @lanikai16 "Hi Loriel59, So glad I found your post. My mom frequently suffers from SBO attacks. She..." + (show)
@lanikai16

Hi Loriel59,

So glad I found your post. My mom frequently suffers from SBO attacks. She was hospitalized for the first time last year but has had attacks for many years. We’re trying to find treatment options. We live in NYC and was wondering if we could have the name of the Mt. Sinai doctor who performed your laparoscopic surgery. We would be more than grateful. Also, how have you been after the surgery? Any more SBO attacks? I’d really appreciate if you could reply! Thanks 🙂

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Yes--I'd love to get his name as well. Laparoscopy didn't work in my case, but it would be great to at least get a consultation with and ask some questions of a doctor who really has some expertise on this (even if I have to pay out of pocket--ouch! 🙂 ).

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christinespinel | @christinespinel | Jan 20, 2019

I have been suffering with symptoms year and half Starting with bowel incontinence loose stools vomiting one a week. 30 lbs weight loss due to loss of appetite. Loud bowels sounds constipation not emptying completely Gastro dr. Endoscopy h pylori tests blood test X-ray of abdomen normal except all stool on left side. Started researching and abdominal adhesions causing bowel obstruction sounds right. Ectopic preg hops have shot of methotrexate and released. Days later abdomen filled with blood and surgery to remove tube fertility problems and during csection dr said insides were horrific with adhesions now ten years later don’t know what to do going gyno who said that in a week sorry if so long or wrong place to post feel helpless

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my3taurus | @my3taurus | Feb 5, 2019
In reply to @loriel59 "I have been having bowel obstructions for almost 4 years. No one could tell me what..." + (show)
@loriel59

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.

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I have them at least twice a month . Any advice would be so welcomed. My history is stage 3 rectal cancer diagnosis in 7/13. Radiation and oral chemo therapy. Followed by surgery ( incision from pelvic area to belly button) left with an a bag for 6 months. I also started four months of regular chemo therapy after healing from surgery. Reversal surgery in 6/14. Partial blockages started occurring. Lysis of adhesions surgery in 2/17. I am now worse than I was before surgery. I hate it. I have also had one c section, hysterectomy and my gallbladder removed laparoscopically .

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Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator | @kanaazpereira | Feb 6, 2019

Welcome to Connect, @my3taurus @christinespinel @lanikai16.
I’d like to invite @nonnie @ginpene05 @loriel59 @19630831 @sita @michrn @carlwgordon @sickvick and others to join me in welcoming you all. Here are some other discussions that might also interest you:
– SBO due to Adhesion https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/sbo-due-to-adhesion/
– Lumpy, Dumpy & Grumpy https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/lumpy-dumpy-grumpy/

@christinespinel, are you comfortable sharing more details about your visit to the gynecologist?

@my3taurus, I’d sincerely encourage you to view the Colorectal Cancer group on Connect – https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/colorectal-cancer/
Feel free to join a discussion or start a new discussion, and tag members. For instance, you may wish to post your message in this conversation:
– Colorectal cancer stage 3c: Need positive feedback https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/need-positive-feedback/
– Colon Cancer: Fecal Incontinence and Reversal Surgery https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/post-reversal-surgery/
– Living with colorectal cancer - Meet others & come say hi https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/living-with-colorectal-cancer-meet-others-come-say-hi/

@lanikai16, has your mother’s doctor offered an explanation or treatment suggestions?

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paulapyxis | @paulapyxis | Feb 7, 2019
In reply to @kanaazpereira "Hello @ginpene05, and welcome to Connect, You've been through quite a bit, and of course you..." + (show)
@kanaazpereira

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?

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Hello, I am on this group because my mother who is 81 has had 5 SBO's in the last 3 months which have included 3 extended hospital stays. She has had Rectal cancer and now has an ostomy. This has been such a struggle for her and we continue to look for answers on helping her manage this without hospital stays. I have noticed that several people talk about a low fiber/low residue diet which our first doctor told her was best, but now they are saying that she can eat anything she wants and it will not make a difference. Does this sound right?
We are becoming desperate for answers because of her extensive cancer surgery and 2 large hernias, surgery is not an option at this time because of the risk.

Any guidance or advice would be greatly appreciated!

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2 replies
thull | @thull | Feb 7, 2019
In reply to @paulapyxis "Hello, I am on this group because my mother who is 81 has had 5 SBO's..." + (show)
@paulapyxis

Hello, I am on this group because my mother who is 81 has had 5 SBO's in the last 3 months which have included 3 extended hospital stays. She has had Rectal cancer and now has an ostomy. This has been such a struggle for her and we continue to look for answers on helping her manage this without hospital stays. I have noticed that several people talk about a low fiber/low residue diet which our first doctor told her was best, but now they are saying that she can eat anything she wants and it will not make a difference. Does this sound right?
We are becoming desperate for answers because of her extensive cancer surgery and 2 large hernias, surgery is not an option at this time because of the risk.

Any guidance or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Jump to this post

For me personally, if I was still having the obstructions, I would be afraid of eating something that might get "stuck". As it stands right now for me, even though I do have the all clear to eat normally, I am still playing it safe for the most part. I have tried some non low fiber things, but only in a very small amount to see how I do. The anxiety I would have if I overdid it is just not with it in my opinion.
I hope your mom gets some answers and gets to feeling better!

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1 reply
nancybev | @nancybev | Feb 7, 2019
In reply to @paulapyxis "Hello, I am on this group because my mother who is 81 has had 5 SBO's..." + (show)
@paulapyxis

Hello, I am on this group because my mother who is 81 has had 5 SBO's in the last 3 months which have included 3 extended hospital stays. She has had Rectal cancer and now has an ostomy. This has been such a struggle for her and we continue to look for answers on helping her manage this without hospital stays. I have noticed that several people talk about a low fiber/low residue diet which our first doctor told her was best, but now they are saying that she can eat anything she wants and it will not make a difference. Does this sound right?
We are becoming desperate for answers because of her extensive cancer surgery and 2 large hernias, surgery is not an option at this time because of the risk.

Any guidance or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Jump to this post

@paulapyxis , and everyone who is new here, welcome (and also sorry you have to find yourself here, looking for answers!).
I will second what @thull said about the anxiety not being worth taking the risk of eating "whatever you want." Different people have different issues and reasons for their obstructions (mine are due to adhesions from multiple surgeries a long time ago), so my experience might not necessarily apply.
For myself lately, though, I TRY to imagine that everything I eat will need to pass as quickly as possible through a tube the size of a straw or smaller, as quickly as possible, and yet still be nutritious.
Obviously, if I get caught with an actual obstruction and food behind it in my digestive tract, I'm probably in trouble. But by at least reducing the chances of something big getting stuck, I feel a lot less anxious--and because of this new strategy--I think--I was able to make it through my last obstruction without going to the ER (although in general one should probably go, to be safest), and vomiting only once instead of 5-15 times!
I've also started to stretch and move around/take walks after each meal, especially reaching upwards over my head, arching back, and moving side-to-side. It just seems that this MIGHT have a chance of "ungluing" adhesions when they start to stick together. I'm not sure about that, but it's worth trying (and stretching feels good anyway)!
I also chew everything--even juices--like crazy to get the digestive process going.

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