1. < Digestive Health

Tips for managing chronic Small Bowel Obstructions

Posted by jljacoby @jljacoby, Dec 10, 2018

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

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

jljacoby | @jljacoby | Jan 30, 2019
In reply to @jo81 "Hi! My name is Jo. Reading your post reminds me so much of my own issues..." + (show)
@jo81

Hi! My name is Jo. Reading your post reminds me so much of my own issues most of my issues are from chronic intestinal pain and SBO. I’ve had many surgeries throughout my life. I’m 37 now and I’m struggling with keeping weight on and figuring out what I can eat that won’t cause a sbo and put me in the hospital. I drink endure and other supplements and I am very cautious of what I eat which is mainly soft foods and liquids. I struggle daily with nausea and I need advice about different ways to deal with that because I’m having trouble even when I take meds. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

Jump to this post

Hi Jo. I also struggle with constant nausea. Unfortunately I have been told this is from adhesions and without more surgery, which my surgeon wont do unless emergent, I can only try to reduce it. Small meals, every 2-3 hrs, low sugar, no caffeine, low fiber/no fiber, and TONS of water! I dont have the answers for sure but we are all here to help! What kind of ensure are you drinking?

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Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jan 31, 2019
In reply to @nancybev "@hopeful33250 , I also wanted to ask you how the endoscopy went." + (show)
@nancybev

@hopeful33250 , I also wanted to ask you how the endoscopy went.

Jump to this post

Thanks for asking, @nancybev 😊 I haven't had it yet. It will probably be scheduled for Feb. or March. I will let you know. Thank you for your continued participation in this discussion group. You offer a wealth of personal experiences which are great!

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thull | @thull | Jan 31, 2019
In reply to @nancybev "@thull , wow--that does sound "wicked"! I was actually wondering how you were doing just before..." + (show)
@nancybev

@thull , wow--that does sound "wicked"! I was actually wondering how you were doing just before you posted. I'm sorry it turned out to be such a complicated procedure, but I too sm glad you're home and recovering.
Tramadol takes a little getting used to--it really wakes me up when I first take it but once I'm in bed and focused on just relaxing into sleep, it actually helps me sleep better. It's kind of a Jeckyl and Hyde med! But it's good that you won't be on it long, because it is possible to become physically dependent on it long-term.
Feel better soon!

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Got really good news from the surgeon today at my follow up appointment. He said everything looks good and I am free to eat whatever I want. Very exciting, but I am sure I will have some anxiety the first few times I eat something with fiber, or veggies, skin etc. Still have to keep with the high protein Boost to get my weight back up. He doesn't expect me to have any issues with the SB obstructions with all the adhesions they removed or the diverticulitis since that part of my colon is now gone. Just diarrhea will be more common since my bowel is so much shorter. Taco Bell, here I come! Just kidding! lol Hope everybody has a wonderful weekend.

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1 reply
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jan 31, 2019
In reply to @thull "Got really good news from the surgeon today at my follow up appointment. He said everything..." + (show)
@thull

Got really good news from the surgeon today at my follow up appointment. He said everything looks good and I am free to eat whatever I want. Very exciting, but I am sure I will have some anxiety the first few times I eat something with fiber, or veggies, skin etc. Still have to keep with the high protein Boost to get my weight back up. He doesn't expect me to have any issues with the SB obstructions with all the adhesions they removed or the diverticulitis since that part of my colon is now gone. Just diarrhea will be more common since my bowel is so much shorter. Taco Bell, here I come! Just kidding! lol Hope everybody has a wonderful weekend.

Jump to this post

Maybe it's time for the three of us to meet at a McDonalds for a milkshake?

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2 replies
thull | @thull | Jan 31, 2019
In reply to @hopeful33250 "Maybe it's time for the three of us to meet at a McDonalds for a milkshake?" + (show)
@hopeful33250

Maybe it's time for the three of us to meet at a McDonalds for a milkshake?

Jump to this post

I will get French fries too!

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ginpene | @ginpene05 | Feb 1, 2019
In reply to @nancybev "@thull , I am SO sorry to hear what you're dealing with! Please know that my..." + (show)
@nancybev

@thull , I am SO sorry to hear what you're dealing with! Please know that my thoughts will be with you for your upcoming surgery. It must be so frustrating.
I know that for the most part you're on clear liquids right now, but I've been meaning to post a recipe for my go-to homemade super-healthy smoothie, etc. It takes like 5 minutes to throw together, but it has a lot of protein and other nutrients, and it's delicious (it can be tweaked according to people's tastes), and it's cheaper than a lot of the pre-made stuff. It also contains a good amount of calories to help you put on weight (when you're able to drink them).
Another thing I often drink for breakfast is also easy and healthy, and has no fiber to cause issues. It's my own version of Indian lassi. I don't know if your doctor will give you the OK for it yet, but for when you (and others here) can try it:

1/2 cup Greek yogurt (with active cultures--I use Chobani)--I use plain, non-fat (easier to digest), but vanilla would be sweeter and also taste good

1/2 cup coconut, soy, or almond milk--I use the sweetened vanilla kind...cow's milk might be fine, but might be a little harder to digest

A few drops of vanilla

Spices (I use cardamom and turmeric, but nutmeg or cinnamon would be good too) and, if you want it sweeter, honey to taste

2-3 ice cubes

Throw it all in a blender and drink! It goes down easily, but it's a healthy start to the day (with a giant cup of coffee, of course! 🙂 ).

I'll post the other recipe at some point as well, if anyone is interested.

Again, best of luck and warm wishes to you, @thull !

P.S. Happy New Year to everyone!

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Nice recipe. Will try it soon. How 'bout the other one? Thanks.

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1 reply
nancybev | @nancybev | Feb 1, 2019
In reply to @hopeful33250 "Maybe it's time for the three of us to meet at a McDonalds for a milkshake?" + (show)
@hopeful33250

Maybe it's time for the three of us to meet at a McDonalds for a milkshake?

Jump to this post

@hopeful33250 , I'm totally up for that...as long as someone can be the designated person in charge of keeping me away from the fries! 🙂

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Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Feb 1, 2019

Ok, that will have to be me!

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nancybev | @nancybev | Feb 1, 2019
In reply to @ginpene05 "Nice recipe. Will try it soon. How 'bout the other one? Thanks." + (show)
@ginpene05

Nice recipe. Will try it soon. How 'bout the other one? Thanks.

Jump to this post

@ginpene05 , the other one varies in ingredients, depending on one's tastes and mood and need for calories and fiber. I generally start with a banana and a cup or so (more or less depending on how thick you like your smoothies) of milk (cow or soy or coconut or almond). Then I add some or all of the following, blend it up, and call it a meal! It's pretty tasty...

1/2 avocado (great for calories and creaminess and feeling full, and weirdly tasty in a smoothie)

Plain or vanilla Greek yogurt (with live cultures)--fat-free or full-fat, depending on your needs--roughly 1/4 cup

Tablespoon or so of peanut butter

Tofu (about 1/5th of a cake, plain)--more protein and calcium and texture!

Protein powder of your choice

Vanilla

Handful of fresh spinach (for iron--looks weird, but you really don't taste it)

About 1/4 cup rolled oats

Berries or other fruit (I've been buying bags of frozen fruit so stuff doesn't go bad)

Of course, you can add your own variations!

If you keep everything on hand at home, it takes like 5 minutes to throw together, and it tastes better and is cheaper than Ensure, etc.

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nancybev | @nancybev | Feb 1, 2019

By the way, make sure your banana and avocado are nice and ripe--otherwise it doesn't taste nearly as good.

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