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LC, Autonomic Dysfunction, and "Bowel Blockage"

Posted by allisonrosenberg @allisonrosenberg, Oct 20, 2023

I've been suffering from Long COVID for 6 months. Yesterday, I was admitted to the hospital for a bowel blockage. Surgery was unable to identify the source or cause of the blockage, and the surgeon was unable to clear the existing block. I'm left where I began, with nothing to do but take laxatives for constipation. As I lie here in the hospital, I'm thinking about the Long COVID connection. Clearly, autonomic dysfunction is central to many people's presentation of Long COVID, and the autonomic nervous system regulates peristalsis of the intestines. Has anybody else had a bowel blockage since developing Long COVID? Any helpful (or encouraging) suggestions?

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blueeyedsenior | @blueeyedsenior | Oct 25, 2023

I haven't had a blockage. However, since my LC began (11 months ago), I have experienced gastroparesis and constipation to the point of being nauseous. I began drinking prune juice every other day and eating 4 or 5 prunes warmed in a little water on the days in between the juice. It's working (sometimes too well) and I adjust my intake accordingly. I also started eating plain greek yogurt with honey, strawberries or blueberries to try to get my GI tract back to normal. It seems to be helping. I have to be very cautious of what I eat.

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2 replies
catz5000 | @catz5000 | Oct 25, 2023

Sorry that you are experiencing this. It must be upsetting and frustrating at the same time. I hope that you don't lose hope and that you continue to try to find things that work for you. I realize that everyone is different and responds differently to different things, however, you may want to ask your doctor about a supplement called slippery elm. It can help with constipation and soothe the colon.

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marcslifer | @marcslifer | Oct 25, 2023
In reply to @blueeyedsenior "I haven't had a blockage. However, since my LC began (11 months ago), I have experienced..." + (show)
@blueeyedsenior

I haven't had a blockage. However, since my LC began (11 months ago), I have experienced gastroparesis and constipation to the point of being nauseous. I began drinking prune juice every other day and eating 4 or 5 prunes warmed in a little water on the days in between the juice. It's working (sometimes too well) and I adjust my intake accordingly. I also started eating plain greek yogurt with honey, strawberries or blueberries to try to get my GI tract back to normal. It seems to be helping. I have to be very cautious of what I eat.

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One caution, I have LC constipation and looked into prune juice. However, I'm on a blood thinner (Eliquis) and found out that prune juice is contraindicated when you're on a blood thinner.

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ritzgerb | @ritzgerb | Oct 26, 2023
In reply to @blueeyedsenior "I haven't had a blockage. However, since my LC began (11 months ago), I have experienced..." + (show)
@blueeyedsenior

I haven't had a blockage. However, since my LC began (11 months ago), I have experienced gastroparesis and constipation to the point of being nauseous. I began drinking prune juice every other day and eating 4 or 5 prunes warmed in a little water on the days in between the juice. It's working (sometimes too well) and I adjust my intake accordingly. I also started eating plain greek yogurt with honey, strawberries or blueberries to try to get my GI tract back to normal. It seems to be helping. I have to be very cautious of what I eat.

Jump to this post

I can totally identify and am doing pretty much what you are...helpful but not the whole answer.

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