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Tips for managing chronic Small Bowel Obstructions
Hey everybody!
I joined this group hoping to find tips for managing recurrent/chronic SBOs. I had a Ladd's procedure at 4 days old which left me with scar tissue.
I started having partial SBOs at 25 but they went misdiagnosed as biliary colic because my anatomy is weird so I presented with RUQ pain mimicking gallbladder issues.
Last year in March I was diagnosed with a closed loop bowel obstruction and had emergency surgery. They found that my intestines were adhered to my liver and gallbladder and the surgeon removed my gallbladder an resected a small portion of my small intestine. That resulted in a 21 day stay in the hospital due to post op complications.
This year in June I had yet another SBO that ultimately resulted in another surgery. My surgeon said it looked like someone had dumped super glue in my abdomen the adhesions were so bad. That surgery resulted in a 26 day hospital stay ( my bowels don't like to wake up post surgery).
I am now following a low fiber/no fiber diet, work out regularly, and drink 124 oz of water daily. I have had at least 2 SBOs since being released which were both managed with an NG. I find that eating any food sets me off and have had to stick to mostly liquids.
Any tips for how to manage this thing??
Jennifer
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Due to bowel surgery, I have to follow the same diet. However I cannot loose weight, and have a problem with constipation. I have experienced the horrible ng tube several times, any advice given will be greatly appreciated.
Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, @spudsmom93. It sounds as though you've been through quite a journey with bowel problems. Having an ng tube sounds difficult, and I'm sorry to hear it's been horrible the times you've had that.
I realize your situation may be more unique due to the surgery you've undergone, but here is some information from Mayo Clinic on treatment of constipation that may be useful:
- Constipation https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/constipation/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354259
spudsmom93, you mentioned that you are following the same diet due to bowel surgery. As various types of diets have been mentioned in this discussion, just wanted to confirm which diet you are following? What has your doctor had you do to address the constipation thus far?
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1 ReactionI am following the low fiber diet, and using miralax. It's not the best diet I've been on at times. I miss my veggies.
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1 ReactionMy most recent was air fried asparagus others have been from green beans, tamales, coconut, oranges, pop corn
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1 ReactionLow residue diet. I recently had my 7th bowel obstruction in 3 years. Having lysis of adhesions in 2 weeks. No nuts, seeds, fruit or vegetable skins unless thoroughly cooked. Not very appetizing, but better than an obstruction. I find protein drinks in grocery store. Premier Protein has 30 grams of protein. Good luck.
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2 Reactions@carlan52: I am diabetic & a friend recommended Premier Protein drink to me. It is my only luxury… drinking only a couple sips controls any low blood sugar readings… it is my breakfast everyday and adds the 30 gm protein with only 1 gm sugar. I think it is the best product of this type being sold. I love the Chocolate, but there are many flavors. Best…
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2 ReactionsI have had 3 sbo in the past 3 years. My GI doctors prescribed 2 drugs. Jamp Prucalopride 2mg daily plus Jamp Pyridostigmine 1/3 tablet 3 times a day. Each tablet is 60 mg. I have not had a problem since last October. I also take Restoralax daily.
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