How do I know if it's obstructed?

From: Gina (gina@maine.rr.com)
Mon Nov 1 06:00:18 1999


Hi everyone, I am 7 weeks post-op from my 2nd surgery. I was Dx with adhesions a few weeks after the surgery (just from my symptoms, and adhesion-prone history). The pain I had associated with the adhesions is bearable actually, and not as bad as it was when it was Dx'd. I know I have them in my pelvic area and also some reformed adhesions on my upper right abdomen/intestine area (I can feel the pulling and pain in there more than anywhere else, and that's where they removed the adhesions on my last OP).

I have had severe bowel problems since this 2nd surgery. I have been in the ER twice because of no BM, yet alot of pain. Both times I was told I was constipated/impacted and sent home with enema and laxative instructions. Eventually things would move again, but never back to normal and only for a day or 2, then I'd go another week to 10 days with no BM and the pain increased with time.

I don't vomit, but do feel nausea and lessening of appetite as time goes on. I don't get fevers. I just get alot of pain which makes me sweat almost constantly. I do pass gas, sometimes painfully sometimes not.

Am I being a hypochondriac thinking I might have a bowel obstruction high in my upper intestines? I mean this long after surgery my bowels should be working normally again, barring any problems correct? The last time I was in the ER I had an xray done. I hadn't moved bowels in 6 days. The xrays showed stool only in the upper intestines and nothing at all in the lower intestines. Why wasn't it moving down into the lowers? Why didn't they think it was obstructed?

I get alot of pain when I eat, my stomach and chest hurts bad. I have no heartburn yet they think I might have an ulcer because of the pain and nausea with all meals. Every time I eat, it's a struggle not to throw up, for hours after. The pepcid (40 mg a day) seems to help with that, but not always.

Just curious what your opinions are on this? Gina


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