I was hospitalized with partial small bowel obstruction six months ago which was cleared non-surgically. I had laparoscopic lysis six weeks ago for multiple adhesions which were from a hemi-colectomy/appendectomy over twenty years ago. I have had no improvement in symptoms since then. I know that things can get worse but what I want to know is do things ever get better?

I'm hoping for a reason to become more optimistic about my situation.

docm

My brother, who is 88, recently had bowel obstruction surgery. What should his recovery look like? What can he do to prevent this from happening again? Special diet? Physical therapy? I want to share your insights with him. Thank you, Diane

I am new to this discussion and am for the first time feeling somewhat hopeful. I had my first SBO on December 20th and was in the hospital for about 3 days. The doctor said it was most likely due to adhesions from a previous hernia repair I had back in 2011. When I googled it everything was doom and gloom and basically said I am going to die. I had a complete break down panic attack in the e.r. they said it can keep happening and so I am trying to research diets and things I can do to try and prevent it from continuing to happen. My husband died in 2019 from complications of diabetes and I still have 2 teen boys to finish raising so I have to figure out how to live with and through this. Thank you all for sharing your stories and giving me hope that this is not a death sentence

The first two surgeries were removing NETs in her ileum. That was successful. Its now been 8-10 years. There has been no recurrence.

The other part of the first two surgeries was debulking liver tumors. That was successful, but there was recurrence after 18-24 months. My wife had been on Afinitor for 7 years which controlled any growth. In May of this year, some growth was measured in existing tumors. This was followed up in Oct with a bland embolization which helped symptomatically -- much less severe diarrhea and fewer incidents.

The third surgery was lysis of adhesions -- cleaning up adhesions caused by the first two abdominal surgeries. So far this has been successful as my wife no longer suffers from partial bowel blockages. She experienced 30 of them over a period of about 5+ years.

Thank you so much for sharing her story and experience I appreciate it. I was so scared when I first heard I have sbo but in this group I am learning so much from others. I am so glad the surgery has helped her so far.

Can anyone recommend a good brand of beef broth? I’ve tried multiple brands, including Cambells, but nothing tastes good. When I was in the hospital I had great beef broth and I can’t seem to find it anywhere

Blenders are great for liquid diets. One can make "cream" soups with all sorts of vegetables. One can make smoothies with all sorts of fruits and some vegetables (like spinach). Protein in liquid meals can come from powdered eggs whites, pea protein powder isolate, milk, or whatever you prefer. Loose hot cereals are in the game too. Fiber can come from the pureed produce and ground chia seed. I use plantain flour for my hot cereal and baking, due to food intolerances. And of course, water and other drinks that work for a person are winners, to help keep things moving.

Had a small bowl resection years ago. Been to hospital for obstruction twice in last four years and twice "handled" on my own -- that is by suffering thru and inducing vomiting. (Have also been diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia twice as result of the obstructions induced vomiting.)
My question -- am I the only one who endures vomiting including inducing vomiting ( finger down throat) as an alternative to hospital stay for two/three days for SBO and having an NG tube as a corrective? And your thoughts re the "solution"?
Can't say as I've gotten any gastro doctor's endorsement.

My doctor told me to try miralax which seems to be helping me at the moment but I am still pretty new to this. I meet with him today and am going to ask for a referral to a dietician/nutritionist at the mayo clinic in Phoenix. It's a few hours away from me but I am willing to make the drive for knowledge and help. I will let you know if I learn anything new.
I have read a lot about massaging your stomach as well, people say it seems to help, I've been massaging mine just to get used to doing it and maybe help a little

My chronic small bowel obstruction is called pseudo small bowel obstructure by doctors. I was in hospital 3 ti es last year with it. They say the muscles in my small bowel dont always work well to push food through. I am on 2 prescriptions which I think are helping but still had an obstruction while taking them. I take up to 1 cap full of restoralax daily depending on how many or few movements I have. GI doctor told me to eat whatever I want but sometimes wonder about that. They dont seem to have any other options for me.