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Tips for managing chronic Small Bowel Obstructions
Digestive Health | Last Active: Sep 27, 2021 | Replies (187)Comment receiving replies
I'm new to this group, but not to digestive issues, sigh. Twice, in 2012 and 2013, I was hospitalized with an obstructed bowel. It was unpleasant (NG tube), 12 on the pain scale, and frightening. Fortunately, with conservative hospital treatment, I avoided surgery and recovered. The reason for my obstructions was massive adhesions due to 7 abdominal surgeries. This was after a couple of years of all kinds of bloating, diarrhea, bowel incontinence, etc. After much testing and many trips to the ER, I went to the Cleveland Clinic. More tests - but nothing definitive. My GP was my best resource, and we finally decided that I should not eat any fruit, veggies, nuts, seeds, or fiber. I have an interesting diet! But it's okay. He also put me on Miralax every day to keep everything moving. This was 5 years ago, and I have been without any obstructions during that time. I follow my diet. The Miralax does keep things moving - boy, how I love to hear those peristalsis sounds! I have read several studies that indicate that this is not a healthy habit; however, it works for me, and I suspect the researchers have never suffered with an obstructed bowel! Has anyone else been using Miralax in this matter? I appreciate your comments. Regards, Sue
Replies to "I'm new to this group, but not to digestive issues, sigh. Twice, in 2012 and 2013,..."
I have had my gut opened three times. I also have had the tube on 4 occasions. I'm getting ready for laparoscopic surgery to remove scar tissue/ adhesions which they feel is causing the restriction in small bowel. Previously all large colon was removed leaving only 14 inches. So, my question to you is should I put off this additional surgery as long as possible since I'm assuming is going to grow even more scar tissue.?
Hello @heid
We have had a number of members (myself included) who have had adhesions related to digestive tract surgeries. I would like to invite @thull to this conversation. During the past year, she had a specialized surgery at Mayo and I hope she will relate her experience to you.
@heid, when was your last surgery?
Hello @heid
I'm glad that @thull responded about the Deloyer's procedure she had earlier this year. There are also some other discussion groups that you might find interesting on this topic of adhesions and all the problems associated with them.
Just click on the links,
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/chronic-small-bowel-obstruction-from-adhesions/ and
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/tips-for-managing-chronic-small-bowel-obstructions/
You will find many Members here on Connect who deal with the same problems.
Will you post again?
This response is mostly for Ashby1947, and my heart goes out to Thull. Difficult! But my note to Ashby is quite relevent since she described me to a tee. What I am doing is working well and guided by my GI and team at Mayo. I take linzess along with miralax daily. I titrate the miralax from 0 up to 2 doses. If things go wrongly, i put myself on liquid diet. I also am diligent on the positioning and quiet time with coffee in the morning to achieve relaxation of the pelvic floor and autonomic calm. In addition, i always have chicken broth and brothy soup in the cupboard if I run into a slow down or a pain cycle. I am very well versed on what an imminent obstruction feels like. There are various foods I have to look out for, and others I try to infuse into my days. This part is likely an individual thing. I hope this helps.
I just had an exploratory laparoscopic surgery for intestinal adhesions and bowel obstruction. Had never had any surgery in my 84 years. This was a complete shock.
Been using it for about a year. Seems to help but not always. Have been in ER 4 times in the last 3 months for obstructed small intestine. Don’t have a diet prescribed. Need to find a good nutrition person to help.
Have been taking miralax daily off an on for a year. Helps somewhat but not enough. Lately have had 4 small bowel obstruction ER episodes. Don’t really know what to eat . Need a good nutritionist . Any suggestions?
Try smooth Move tea. It has been the best bowel movement
What to eat?
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My wife takes daily fiber supplements and miralax on orders from her GI Doc. It works for her and he said it's safe. I don't put much value on studies. A lot of them are from companies trying to sell things.