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Reoccurring Bowel Obstructions due to adhesions
I had pelvic surgery roughly 10yrs ago, in August 2019 I had my first bowel obstruction caused from adhesions. I’m May of 2020 I had my second bowel obstruction due to adhesions, this surgery was much worse. My surgeon tried laparoscopy but had to stop and do a mid line incision because of how dense the adhesions were. She accidentally nicked my intestines which caused a infection, long story short I spent two months in the hospital. Fast forward to January 2021 I had appendicitis and once again another surgeon knowing I had adhesions tried avoiding the area we thought was the worst. But he made several small incisions and nicked my intestines. I ended up with abcsesses and spent almost a month in the hospital very sick.
My question is are their other people going through similar problems? Did anyone ever warn you about the possibility of adhesions when you had your first surgery? Does anyone know about anything that will help stop the recurring bowel obstructions caused by adhesions?
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I appreciate you posting again, @tennisfan. If you read through some of the posts in this discussion group, you will see that many have used abdominal massages to help. There is a post by @thull which describes some of the massage techniques that she has used. Here is a link to her post, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/334661/. @thull has had several surgeries of the sigmoid colon and she knows a lot about adhesions. I hope that she will join you in discussing her experiences with you.
If you have any concerns, you might talk with your doctor first. Have you tried abdominal massage?
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2 ReactionsThe surgeries have taken place over the last fifteen years but I have not had to deal with adhesions until now.
The small bowel obstructions have resolved themselves after four or five days in the hospital with a diet nothing by mouth. Post hospital visit I’m on a low residual diet and avoiding all foods that negatively impact carcinoid tumors.
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2 ReactionsNo I have not tried the massages. I will view the post you suggested.
Thank you.
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1 ReactionI have read that there are certain Yoga positions that can help by stretching the abdomen and the adhesions. I have not tried it yet because I wanted to discuss it with my surgical oncologist first. I have talked to a Yoga instructor and although he had not heard of it being used specifically for this purpose, after explaining the situation further, he also agreed that it could help. Stay tuned.
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1 ReactionHi, I’m so sorry for your struggles right now. I know you’re in pain and scared. I’m so sorry.
I have had two bowel obstructions, last year in 2022 and the year before that. My first surgery was when I was minutes old and I’ve had about 9 or 10 bowel or pelvic obstructions, with my most recent surgery a hysterectomy in 2022 (with HOURS of adhesion removal) and an obstruction a few months after that. I’m just now starting a treatment plan with my doctors, I have multiple specialists since this is taking over my life. I also have scar tissue that was very severe on my ureters (he removed what he could) , which is called “retroperitoneal fibrosis” and can cause urine to back up and cause kidney damage and kidney failure. I’m waiting for my labs to see what’s going on, kidney wise.
I deal with severe abdominal pain at times, I’m sure you can relate. I’m working part time now from full time and the pain can be awful and so hard to deal with.
I just started acupuncture which apparently is supposed to help, although I’m not sure if it’s helpful in the “severe” adhesions case. I also just got a script for an “Alpha-Stim” which is electrical and supposed to help with pain, anxiety, depression and insomnia. We will see if it helps at all. I’m hoping it does. I also use medical marijuana and CBD, both flower and edibles. For me, it’s a lifesaver.
I’ll be praying for you. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do to help you, I’m so sorry that you’re dealing with these bowel obstructions.
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3 ReactionsHi, I had surgery for a bowel obstruction in 2012. This was a partial colectomy with open surgery and my surgeon was able to create an anastomsis. Fast forward almost 12 years later. I have been dealing with chronic abdominal pain and constipation. I have seen many GI Docs and colorectal surgeons. I have tried and failed many CIC meds but am not able to withstand side effects. My current Doc is now telling me that he thinks a colostomy is required. I will do anything to avoid this. He is telling me that Med Mar (THC) can slow down motility. He has prescribed Vibrant which should be FDA approved soon for slow motility. It's not a medication but a vibrating pill which helps the colon move. Hope this info helps someone..
Cost is about $7,000 for one week of therapy. Four hours a day for five days.
I'm sorry to hear about the problems you are having with adhesions. I am in a similar situation with my abdominal adhesions. May I ask how you deal with the daily pain? I haven't found a good solution for that yet.
I would appreciate any advice you can give me as my doctors are of very little help.
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1 ReactionHello, I have never had much success with Doctors helping with my adhesions. I’ve been told adhesions don’t usually hurt, so they don’t believe me.
I do a few things that help me, no the pain doesn’t go away but mentally I deal with the pain better. I have acupuncture done several times a month, I practice breathing exercises( I know when I’m really hurting I hold my breath), I do yoga, I use the CALM app. etc.
to be honest you are the first person that I’ve found who also has adhesion in their belly. Sadly it’s nice that someone understands what I go through on a daily basis.
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1 ReactionThank you!