Reoccurring Small Bowel (Partial/Full) Blockage and Adhesions

Posted by rmgreen @rmgreen, May 19 1:23pm

Had a small bowel resection 6 years ago and subsequently had two additional blockages requiring surgery plus two partial blockages requiring hospitalization. On top of that both times I had surgery umbilical hernias developed requiring the placement of mesh. Last two partial blockages required hospitalization but resolved themselves with belly rest (NG tube, pain meds, etc). My doctor says my reoccurring blockages are result of adhesions. I have tried to change my diet mainly eliminating red meat (very hard for a steak lover), eating smaller more frequent meals, practicing deep tissue massage when I have flare ups, etc. Seems as if I am troubleshooting my gut at most times. Extremely frustrated. Just mainly trying to do anything I can to stay out of ER / hospital because that is pure torture.

I have seen several discussions on here addressing this issue and I am probably sounding like a broken record but man am I tired of having to deal with these reoccurring issues. Tired of “crying wolf” and getting CTs and going back to doctor to get told same thing. At this point I know I have no choice but to manage it the best I can.

I am very lucky to have a caring sister that is a nurse practitioner to ask the right questions and give me guidance. Going to hospital alone would be a very scary situation which is very unfortunate.

I found this site and thought I’d see if anyone had any additional information. I know there are many others with same condition that most likely are more severe. I have a lot of sympathy for anyone that has to deal with these reoccurring bowel issues. Thanks in advance for anyone’s suggestions.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Digestive Health Support Group.

dlydailyhope | @dlydailyhope | May 20 7:35am

@rmgreen
I am sorry to hear of your suffering. You may want to work with a nutritionist/dietitian to help you with a diet that reduces the chance for complications and pain plus reduce inflammation. You want to make sure get the proper nutrition and may need supplements to support overall health.

1. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15254-abdominal-adhesions
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/intestinal-obstruction/symptoms-causes/syc-20351460

skim3737 | @skim3737 | May 20 2:59pm

I don't know if your doctor suggested it but the diet that you want to follow for strictures from adhesions is the low residue diet. Low to no fiber and anything else that is difficult to digest, such as red meat as you've already eliminated. Raw fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds all are other foods to avoid. I've been dealing with bowel strictures since 2002, had 2 resection surgeries and one exploratory for what turned out to be an adhesion but no further surgeries since that last one in 2013 because more surgeries mean more and worsening adhesions. I know it's difficult to give up foods that you enjoy but at some point those foods that used to look so appetizing and tempting eventually just represent hours and hours of excruciating pain and vomiting. I used to love a good ribeye but haven't had steak in probably 13 years but I don't even miss it because all I can think of when I see steak is absolute torture. There are really helpful food lists and recipe ideas when you Google low residue diet.

skim3737 | @skim3737 | May 20 3:03pm

Also I have found it helpful and at this point necessary to take stool softener (colace) 3 times a day and sometimes a laxative as well, just to make sure that things keep moving in the digestive tract. It's easier to pass BMs when they are soft or liquid versus more firm.