SBO due to Adhesion

Can I ask what your pain feels like with SBO? Im finding I can only eat smoothies and soup right now. When I try and have solid meal the next day I am in horrible pain.
Today have pain under ribs through abdomen but worse in back. Feels like something is pressing on a nerve. The pain makes me nauseous. Took cbd oil twice today with minimal effect.

@michrn , it seems that different people have different experiences with sbo's. What you're describing doesn't sound like what happens to me. When one first starts coming on, I usually get vague "colicky" pain that gradually gets worse as the day goes on. By nighttime it starts to get really bad (I'm still trying to figure out why it always is at its worst overnight), and eventually my stomach distends and gets hard and I start vomiting--usually many times. The pain comes in waves, getting worse and worse over a few awful minutes until it's unbearable, then it stops and I get a little relief for a while until it starts again. Usually by morning it starts to get better. I always know I'm okay again when I can comfortably lie on my stomach again.
I don't recall ever having the pain in my back. That sounds like a detail you should definitely mention to your doctor asap!
Did someone recommend the cbd oil to you? Has it helped in the past?

Hi again, everyone. I've just been online (again) trying to find some ways of treating and/or preventing future sbo's. I just found two research articles that I found strange but intriguing--both mentioned giving patients with sbo's oil (the Iranian study mentioned olive oil and the Chinese one suggested sesame oil) to help resolve the issue more quickly in the hospital. The Iranian one suggested that the oil (150 ml.) be inserted through the NG tube.
Has anyone heard of this? Now I'm wondering if I should perhaps drink a little olive oil if I start to feel that an sbo might be coming on, right in the early stages (well before I start vomiting, which is usually hours later). Maybe it would make the adhesions that are starting to stick together become a little "slippery" and help them loosen again, perhaps along with some stretching and movement?

@nancybev
I have never heard of these studies before. If you found these online could you send the links?

I have read about using 1 tablespoon of olive oil to help with constipation, but nothing else related to olive oil.

Hello @michrn

I am sorry to hear about all the pain you are experiencing. Everyone who deals with disorders will have different symptoms. Perhaps you ought to let your doctor know about the back pain, especially if it is a new symptom.

I had the same or similar test a few years ago. You drink contrast at the imaging place and they scanned me swallowing it, At that time I was also had esophagitis. Then I waited a while in waiting area, then brought back in and they watched it going through the intestines. It reminded me of dark packing peanuts. I can't remember what the name of the test was though. Very interesting to watch!

@thull I think that might be called a Small Bowel Study. It is a lengthy procedure and interesting!

Here is a website that explains this procedure, https://www.cedars-sinai.edu/Patients/Programs-and-Services/Imaging-Center/For-Patients/Exams-by-Procedure/Gastrointestinal-Radiology/Upper-GI-with-Small-Bowel-Exam.aspx

It did take quite a while. I remember they had to give me a second gown to use as a robe while I waited because it was so cold in there. If I have to have it done again, I will bring my robe or a blanket.
I went back to gastro yesterday, and they are scheduling a colonoscopy to see how the reattachment site looks. Also have to go on iron supplement because my levels are too low. Haven't been eating very much meat and can't eat spinach right now while on the low residue diet. She said probably should take a stool softener if the iron binds me up. A liver enzyme was also slightly elevated (my AF) and they think it could be the TPN. Rechecking in 2 months now that I am off of it

@hopeful33250 , I tried to post the links but I guess new members aren't allowed to do that. If you Google "bowel obstruction olive oil sesame oil" you should find both studies right away.

Hi @nancybev,

Here are the published studies you're referring to:

– Therapeutic value of sesame oil in the treatment of adhesive small bowel obstruction
https://www.americanjournalofsurgery.com/article/S0002-9610(09)00376-6/fulltext
– Olive Oil and the Treatment of Adhesive Small Bowel Obstruction
http://colorectalresearch.com/en/articles/20720.html
About posting links, new members can only post links after they have been an active member (3 days or 10 posts). We do this to protect the community from unwanted spammers. Thank you for recommending the articles.