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?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Digestive Health Support Group.

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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Prayers for you
I hope and pray you get answers and relief from your pain.
It’s horrible to be in so much pain and not get any help or answers.

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Profile picture for amyp304 @amyp304

I am wishing everyone luck and prayers 🙏 for ask your ailments. Mayo Clinic said they can't offer me appointment at this time. My PCP Dr has worked very diligently to help me get appt and for prior approval with insurance to travel out of state for treatment..
But I did get appt @ Cleveland Clinic for the 27th of this month.. I'm hoping and praying that I will finally get some results and maybe some relief to finally be able to have dinner at home with my family and not have to be in pain 10-15 mins after eating and taking up residency in the potty for hours.
I don't know if anyone else has had these kinds of issues and unbearable pain for years and no answers... Just 1 Dr. passing a patient to many other Dr's (9 Gastro Dr's in last 4 yrs) Very Disappointing and depressing, feeling hopeless..!!?!!
But I am not giving up... Hope there is a light at the end of this tunnel for me this time
Take care of yourselves and god Bless

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I admire your tenacity in continuing to find help and answers, @amyp304.

I hope that you get some answers at your appointment in Cleveland later this month. Will you post again after you are seen at Cleveland Clinic?

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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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Went to Cleveland Clinic Jan 27th. ( rental car for week, thinking I would be there few days for testing. Hotels @ $130 per night with valet parking package (3 days))

Gastro Dr did initial consult, spent about 45 mins going over all medical records that were sent week before appt and discussed my health issues and concerns..yadda yadda..
Dr ordered MRE and was scheduled for the next morning, which I was really impressed with the Dr and how quickly they got MRE appt scheduled. Was feeling like finally!! I might get some answers to what is going on inside my body every day pain. After MRE was completed they told me the Dr would/should have results by the end of the day. So back to hotel to rest again.
No return phone call from Dr’s office 😞. I cashed Dr’s office next morning around 10:30ish. I was then informed me my prescription for that my test results were being MAILED by postal mail to my Primary Physician!!?!! I was.. to be honest.. very upset!! Explained to the lady on the phone.. Really!? I just drove over 800 miles one way.. and they weren’t going to have me come back too the office for a follow-up appt for the Dr to know ANYTHING of the results? 😤😡. Filters came off and told her how what I thought about how they just leave a patient just hanging!!?!! Very unprofessional in my opinion. (Then told her “ well.. that’s nice to know just another Dr pushing me away with no help or answers) 😪
According to “MYCHART online. Dr recommend for me to schedule appt with my Urologist due to having Urologist evaluate renal cysts on right kidney (which has been there for years). So now awaiting to see my Urologist, March 10th. Just another hoop to jump thru.. costing me about $2K round trip and watched that little possible light at the end of my 11yr fight with this pain progressing over time.
It is what it is.. but I’m not giving up without a fight.. one day I will bug the crap out enough medical professionals they ONE... just ONE will tell me they can help ease some of this daily pain and server swelling every time I choose to eat
I will update post when I hear anything.. maybe someone else may be going thru same health issues I am and maybe it will help them too.

REPLY
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?

Jump to this post

I totally understand what you went through.
That was exactly how my appointment went with a new gastroenterologist at Mayo.
Good luck with your continued journey to find the answers your seeking.

REPLY
Profile picture for amyp304 @amyp304

Went to Cleveland Clinic Jan 27th. ( rental car for week, thinking I would be there few days for testing. Hotels @ $130 per night with valet parking package (3 days))

Gastro Dr did initial consult, spent about 45 mins going over all medical records that were sent week before appt and discussed my health issues and concerns..yadda yadda..
Dr ordered MRE and was scheduled for the next morning, which I was really impressed with the Dr and how quickly they got MRE appt scheduled. Was feeling like finally!! I might get some answers to what is going on inside my body every day pain. After MRE was completed they told me the Dr would/should have results by the end of the day. So back to hotel to rest again.
No return phone call from Dr’s office 😞. I cashed Dr’s office next morning around 10:30ish. I was then informed me my prescription for that my test results were being MAILED by postal mail to my Primary Physician!!?!! I was.. to be honest.. very upset!! Explained to the lady on the phone.. Really!? I just drove over 800 miles one way.. and they weren’t going to have me come back too the office for a follow-up appt for the Dr to know ANYTHING of the results? 😤😡. Filters came off and told her how what I thought about how they just leave a patient just hanging!!?!! Very unprofessional in my opinion. (Then told her “ well.. that’s nice to know just another Dr pushing me away with no help or answers) 😪
According to “MYCHART online. Dr recommend for me to schedule appt with my Urologist due to having Urologist evaluate renal cysts on right kidney (which has been there for years). So now awaiting to see my Urologist, March 10th. Just another hoop to jump thru.. costing me about $2K round trip and watched that little possible light at the end of my 11yr fight with this pain progressing over time.
It is what it is.. but I’m not giving up without a fight.. one day I will bug the crap out enough medical professionals they ONE... just ONE will tell me they can help ease some of this daily pain and server swelling every time I choose to eat
I will update post when I hear anything.. maybe someone else may be going thru same health issues I am and maybe it will help them too.

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Anyone been diagnosed with Intestinal dysmotility, intestinal pseudo-obstruction?

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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?

Jump to this post

REPLY
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?

Jump to this post

Hello @amyp304

As I looked at the above website that you posted, it appears that you are dealing with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Is this correct?

If so, we do have a discussion group regarding this. Here is the link, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/sibo-diet/?

If you would like to share more, please let us know a little bit about your history with this problem. For example, what are your symptoms, how long ago were you diagnosed, etc.?

I look forward to hearing from you again.

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Profile picture for Teresa, Volunteer Mentor @hopeful33250

Hello @amyp304

As I looked at the above website that you posted, it appears that you are dealing with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Is this correct?

If so, we do have a discussion group regarding this. Here is the link, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/sibo-diet/?

If you would like to share more, please let us know a little bit about your history with this problem. For example, what are your symptoms, how long ago were you diagnosed, etc.?

I look forward to hearing from you again.

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Honestly I don’t know 😩. Idk if any of the 9 diff Dr’s I have seen really know either. I’m really just doing internet research trying to find answers that I can ask them at my next appt. This daily pain and swelling every time I eat or drink is really depressing

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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?

Jump to this post

Please update after your appointment
I totally understand your frustration with doctors and not getting answers.
I am meeting with a new gastroenterologist on Thursday and praying that he can help me with my stomach pain. I do have gastroparesis and The stomach pain everyday wears you down so bad.
Some days I feel like what’s the point in trying to eat because I’m just going to hurt after.
Oh well we have to keep on keeping on to get one doctor to understand what it’s like and figure out some kind of treatment plan.

REPLY
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?

Jump to this post

My Mayo GI doctor prescribed a mild antidepressant, "Mirtazapine" for that... I take 1 just before bed.. It seems to level things.. as no one who does not have a GI problem really does not understand what goes on with us all day long.... You get along better.. I live alone but eat out 1 time most days...to have some social life.. I order appetizers and sandwiches without the bread... I really don't think there is a treatment plan... just a coping methodology...

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