recurring abdominal adhesions

Hi @alto and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You'll see that I moved your post to a conversation about adhesions called "Abdominal adhesions: any suggestions for relief". I did this so you could connect with others that have experience with this condition like @virtuous69 and @rashida

What foods have you eliminated so far?

Hi new to this group. There is comfort and peace of mind knowing there are others who suffer from these illusive abdominal adhesions. I’ve had them for years and have had multiple surgeries. At the moment having pain, but more annoying is the distention. Does anyone have any suggestions for relief of bloating. I have eliminated foods from my diet without success. Thank you.

Hello. Also new to the group. Diverticulosis surgery on 9/21/21. Pain on and off over the months of healing. After five spinal decompression sessions to treat bulging discs, my abdominal pains increased and sustained. Then several bouts of diarrhea. Stopped the sessions. Meeting with GI doctor next week. Surgeons office does not want to address. My thinking it’s scar tissue/adhesions. I’m so frustrated and not looking forward to more tests. I was so hopeful my digestive issues were in my rear view. I was wrong.

I also was going to physical therapy with compression for bulging discs. Which I think set off my last flare with adhesions. I also agree with you about the testing aspect, stay hopeful. Good luck with doc.

Hello @foxfire and @rashida

As someone who has had two surgeries of the upper digestive tract, I understand just a little about what you are experiencing. I would also to invite two other members to this discussion, @thull and @astaingegerdm who might be able to offer you some suggestions. You might also find another Connect discussion helpful. Here is the link to that discussion on adhesions and bowel obstructions, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/reoccurring-bowel-obstructions-due-to-adhesions/

I'm wondering if your GI doctors have offered you any suggestions? Have you had pelvic floor therapy (PFT)? I went to PTF and I received a lot of good suggestions for dealing with my symptoms.

Is constipation also a problem?

@hopeful33250 - I used to be constipated till I started taking psyllium fibre (generic Metamucil). I started with 1 teaspoonful and worked up to two tablespoonsful over several weeks. I have had no problem with constipation since - but when I miss a dose, I feel the difference! Psyllium fibre takes a couple of days to take effect when started.

I have had 2 open surgeries The first to remove a liver cyst The second to remove gallbladder followed by a bile duct tear needing to be repaired with rou en y As a result I now have pain and bloating 2 years later . It seems to be scar tissue . Any suggestions for relief from this

Thank you! Easier to say what I do eat. Chicken, tuna, pasta, chopped spinach, bread., protein bars.

@ alto
Spinach can contribute to bloating and so can protein bars. Most protein bars contain some type of nuts or peanuts (peanuts are legumes and not nuts) and also contains some sort of sugar. Sweets can cause bloating .. sugar substitutes can be worse triggers than actual sugar. I also get bloating with dairy products and whey.

I was told after my open abdominal/thoracic surgery that I would belch and pass gas and not bother with anti-gas products .. they won't help.

Because of a swallowing problem … achalasia … I swallow air and that does not help the problem. Swallowing exercises can help … such as those for stroke. I discovered that as I watched my mom recover from a stroke. I did the exercises along with her. The exercises will help even if you have no obvious swallowing problem. Also breathing exercises help .. breathe with your diaphragm. Exercise in general .. like walking .. will help.

Moist heating pad or hot water bottle held on the area may help along with gentle massaging. Lying on your left side can also help with bloating.

None of this is a cure, but are ways to ease the problem.

What to eat … whatever bothers you the least. Everyone is different.

Best wishes,
ZeeGee

I have had 2 open surgeries The first to remove a liver cyst The second to remove gallbladder followed by a bile duct tear needing to be repaired with rou en y As a result I now have pain and bloating 2 years later . It seems to be scar tissue . Any suggestions for relief from this