Tips for managing chronic Small Bowel Obstructions
Hey everybody!
I joined this group hoping to find tips for managing recurrent/chronic SBOs. I had a Ladd's procedure at 4 days old which left me with scar tissue.
I started having partial SBOs at 25 but they went misdiagnosed as biliary colic because my anatomy is weird so I presented with RUQ pain mimicking gallbladder issues.
Last year in March I was diagnosed with a closed loop bowel obstruction and had emergency surgery. They found that my intestines were adhered to my liver and gallbladder and the surgeon removed my gallbladder an resected a small portion of my small intestine. That resulted in a 21 day stay in the hospital due to post op complications.
This year in June I had yet another SBO that ultimately resulted in another surgery. My surgeon said it looked like someone had dumped super glue in my abdomen the adhesions were so bad. That surgery resulted in a 26 day hospital stay ( my bowels don't like to wake up post surgery).
I am now following a low fiber/no fiber diet, work out regularly, and drink 124 oz of water daily. I have had at least 2 SBOs since being released which were both managed with an NG. I find that eating any food sets me off and have had to stick to mostly liquids.
Any tips for how to manage this thing??
Jennifer
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Hi Jo. I also struggle with constant nausea. Unfortunately I have been told this is from adhesions and without more surgery, which my surgeon wont do unless emergent, I can only try to reduce it. Small meals, every 2-3 hrs, low sugar, no caffeine, low fiber/no fiber, and TONS of water! I dont have the answers for sure but we are all here to help! What kind of ensure are you drinking?
Thanks for asking, @nancybev 😊 I haven't had it yet. It will probably be scheduled for Feb. or March. I will let you know. Thank you for your continued participation in this discussion group. You offer a wealth of personal experiences which are great!
Got really good news from the surgeon today at my follow up appointment. He said everything looks good and I am free to eat whatever I want. Very exciting, but I am sure I will have some anxiety the first few times I eat something with fiber, or veggies, skin etc. Still have to keep with the high protein Boost to get my weight back up. He doesn't expect me to have any issues with the SB obstructions with all the adhesions they removed or the diverticulitis since that part of my colon is now gone. Just diarrhea will be more common since my bowel is so much shorter. Taco Bell, here I come! Just kidding! lol Hope everybody has a wonderful weekend.
Maybe it's time for the three of us to meet at a McDonalds for a milkshake?
I will get French fries too!
Nice recipe. Will try it soon. How 'bout the other one? Thanks.
@hopeful33250 , I'm totally up for that...as long as someone can be the designated person in charge of keeping me away from the fries! 🙂
Ok, that will have to be me!
@ginpene05 , the other one varies in ingredients, depending on one's tastes and mood and need for calories and fiber. I generally start with a banana and a cup or so (more or less depending on how thick you like your smoothies) of milk (cow or soy or coconut or almond). Then I add some or all of the following, blend it up, and call it a meal! It's pretty tasty...
1/2 avocado (great for calories and creaminess and feeling full, and weirdly tasty in a smoothie)
Plain or vanilla Greek yogurt (with live cultures)--fat-free or full-fat, depending on your needs--roughly 1/4 cup
Tablespoon or so of peanut butter
Tofu (about 1/5th of a cake, plain)--more protein and calcium and texture!
Protein powder of your choice
Vanilla
Handful of fresh spinach (for iron--looks weird, but you really don't taste it)
About 1/4 cup rolled oats
Berries or other fruit (I've been buying bags of frozen fruit so stuff doesn't go bad)
Of course, you can add your own variations!
If you keep everything on hand at home, it takes like 5 minutes to throw together, and it tastes better and is cheaper than Ensure, etc.
By the way, make sure your banana and avocado are nice and ripe--otherwise it doesn't taste nearly as good.