Not is barbaric I think. I was soo I'll & apparently the surgeon said I had to have it or surgery. Never want another! Yes it did work but I didn't really want surgery as it's risky. Warning signs: well not sure if it's a coincidence but I get hiccups for ages, then I start to panic as it seems to be the sign of something about to happen. Foods: minimal.....minced chicken or beef. Potato or hot chips. Pasta with strained sauces. Rice...plain & drinking Ensure or Sustagen( vitamen supplements) my blockages seem to be every 2 weeks but thinking it can't be what I am eating as there is no bulk! So guessing it maybe just backup, although have constant diarrhea (30 min intervals) 24hrs a day. Thinking my bowel can't be fully emptying even though this is going on. Average 3 to 4 hrs sleep a night & sleep sitting up in a recliner chair. My life for the past 4yrs has been unbearable at times & sometimes it gets too much & I just want to sleep & wake up normal. But NOT going to happen. Wish someone could help me as not sure how much more I can put up living like this.