Scar tissue after colon resection causing bowel obstruction

I had a small bowel obstruction three months after my colon resection. I had been undergoing chemo therapy, and had been having constant diarrhea for several weeks. Because of the diarrhea, my oncologist had me stop the Xeloda pills until my next infusion. But the SBO developed four days later.
My husband was out of town and the pain became so severe that I had to call for an ambulance to transport me. It was very scary as I needed to pick my kids up from school and we had no adult to watch them. I never suspected or even knew what an obstruction was. A CT revealed the obstruction and I was hospitalized. The NG tube was inserted (traumatic) and many attempts were made to clear it. The last thing they did was have me drink contrast solution, and as I lay there waiting for the next scan, I knew something was wrong 😑. Started throwing up stool and contrast so they did surgery the next morning. It was caused by severe adhesions that were very thick. I also have an auto immune so that may contribute to my tendency to form adhesions.
It was by far one of the scariest things I went through, and I was scared to eat or leave the house after that. I finally ended up seeing a counselor because I was just so on edge and constantly worried about every piece of food I ate. I’ve never had another one.

@colleenyoung They said most likely scar tissue from my Hartmann's procedure in August which is enhancing my anxiety since, now I am worried that my Small Bowel Obstruction surgery will also result in more scar tissue and a possible obstruction.

I have had 2 hospitalizations post op bowel resection with Small bowel obstruction of transverse colon due to
1. Scar tissue making my anastomosis lumen the size of a straw.
2. Inflammation due to C Diff infection
3. I ate a burger king regular hamburger.
Surgeon did a colonoscopy with balloon to stretch the stricture but it caused microscopic holes where air escaped out of colon into my chest ( No Stool ) and so now trying small meals with a lot of chewing and small amounts of a GI transition diet. Feels hopeless but I keep on searching for a solution. This is no one's fault. It is just the way my body heals. Pray for me this works please.

@positiveps That is good advice and thank you for reminding me. I struggle with the water but if it means keeping me out of another surgery, so be it!

Thank you so much. I have had 2 doctors saying it could happen but not likely and given a 10% chance as a guesstimate. Of course, I only hear the bad but appreciate you responding. I am going to meet with a therapist to help me get thru this!

@darylhd - I had a ileostomy, which has since been reversed. However, before my reversal, I also went to the ER and was admitted with what turned out to be a partial small bowel obstruction. Luckily, it resolved itself on it's own without surgery. At the time, I spoke with the attending physician and he stressed the importance of hydrating because it helps move food through the small bowels. I had gotten the obstruction after not hydrating well (I was on a work trip in the desert) and after eating a lot of vegetables (which are fibrous) without drinking anything with the meal. After that episode, I kept hydrated, made sure that I didn't eat a lot of fibrous vegetables at once, made sure I drank something during the meal, and an another partial bowel obstruction did not occur. Chewing your food well also doesn't hurt. Hope this helps!

@darylhd, I'm so sorry to hear that anxiety has developed through all this. It is understandable with so much going on.

Were they able to determine the cause of the small bowel obstruction that led to your going to ER? Did you talk to your doctor about your worry of another one happening and what the likelihood is or not? It might help calm the anxiety to know the facts specific to you.

@tccormier, if you would like to seek the opinion of Mayo Clinic experts, you can submit a request here: https://mayocl.in/1mtmR63

In August, out of nowhere, I had a emergency Hartmann's procedure and was told that I could have my reversal 3 months later. At 3 months, I had a colonscopy, was good to go for my reversal and that same night, was in the ER with a small bowel obstruction. Had surgery 3 days later. My doctor said we can do the reversal in February but now I have developed severe anxiety worried about another small bowel obstruction and live in fear every day even tho two doctors said that it is possible but not likely. Any help is welcome!

Good morning to everyone who is or has been apart of this discussion. Hoping for some information from @colleenyoung regarding possible GI procedures available to rough Mayo. I’ve had Crohn’s disease for 42 years. One resection due to a trauma accident not Crohn’s. Two anasamosis sites with extensive scar tissue have cause large and small partial obstructions this year. I was originally told I could have the balloon dilation procedure once a month for 4-6 months. After the initial dilation I felt amazing but it only lasted 8 weeks. Then I was told I can’t have the dilation procedure again and i misunderstood what was said. I’ve been researching what other procedures could be performed to open up the structure in the colon at the anastamosis site. My GI doctor requested the medical research articles for this topic. I found a few of strictureplasy specifically in the colon and for Crohn’s disease to which he said it wasn’t for anastamotic sites. I do not believe I need a resection and that there are so many more options to try before this. I’m willing to get new insurance if need be to find a doctor that will help me with this. Any and all responses welcomed.
Kindly
Tara