Connect
← Return to Tips for managing chronic Small Bowel Obstructions
Discussion
Tips for managing chronic Small Bowel Obstructions
Digestive Health | Last Active: Sep 27, 2021 | Replies (88)Comment receiving replies
I am currently in the hospital with my 6th SBO. They began 3 years ago and are becoming more frequent. I’ve had all the tests that gastroenterologists do, all the endoscopes and colonoscopies. They think I have some scar tissue from a laparoscopy that I had back in 1980. When I feel an obstruction coming on, it’s like a moving train that I’m unable to stop, and progresses to the point where I’m so violently ill, that I have to get to the hospital to get pain and nausea medication, and of course, the terrible NG tube. My obstructions have resolved on their own in the hospital with their usual protocol, but I have not had any helpful information from the numerous doctors I’ve seen about how to prevent them. It is beyond frustrating and I basically don’t know where to turn to get help with this. Otherwise I am very healthy, but to say that it’s impacting my life is an understatement.
Replies to "I am currently in the hospital with my 6th SBO. They began 3 years ago and..."
Hi, I just came across your post and it is identical to what is going on with me. I just had my 6th SBO/w hospital stay and NG tube. This last one told me it had to do with adhesions, not the 2 hernia's I also have from previous surgery. If you find out how to prevent them, let me know and vice versa. We are looking at Mayo and Cleveland Clinic for possible surgery to fix the hernia's (one could possibly make me have a colostomy bag the rest of my life since it is at the site of a temporary colostomy) and remove the scar tissue/adhesions to see if this helps. I am tired of living life like this - afraid another SBO is around the corner if I eat something decent.
Connect
Mine were caused by adhesions from previous surgeries. (I had 4 this year). The last surgery , 1/07/19, they started to try laparoscopic but when they saw all the adhesions, they switched to open and spent the first 2 hours clearing the adhesions before they could start the actual bowel procedure. Ended up perforating the small bowel during that and had to fix that too. I am now 2 months post surgery and everything seems to be passing through ok so far. The liquid nutrition I have mentioned in previous posts are good, plus the gentle abdominal massage . I wouldn't be surprised if they put you on a low residue diet.
Good luck and feel better!
Also, I hate the NG tube as well, but it does work. Had 4 of those this year too! UGH!