Potential bowel obstruction

[thomas62]

I might possibly have a potential bowel obstruction. Can anybody advise what I should be taking orally to prevent. Many thanks. Gwen Xx

[Flamingobeef18]

When I was having intermittent partial blockages due to an incisional hernia I followed a low residue diet. Which basically eliminated most fibre. There are a few available on the web. For my situation it definitely helped until my hernia was repaired.

However I am not sure that it would prevent a blockage occurring as it would probably depend on the cause of the blockage.

I would suggest you take expert advice before you follow a restrictive diet which may not be suitable for you.

Juliax

[thomas62 in reply to Flamingobeef18]

Hi Flamingobeef18,

Wow that's a quick reply. Thank you. Well after I posted abt my potential bowelproblem:

I was having continual strong stomach cramps and much heavy burping so took 2 Ducosate capsules, drinking a mint tea and water. 15 mins thereafter the stomach cramps started to make me feel hot and sweaty (definitely ikky) and unsteady. As I then tried to control the cramps through controlled breathing, I could feel that was going to throw up, luckily the toilet was nearby and the result was abt. 5 consecutive lots of projectile vomiting. Then, shortly after I felt I needed to go to the toilet properly which I did!! What a relief. This was abt 30 mins ago. The cramps seem now to have eased although my stomach feels tender. I am sipping water. This event has made me very frightened - I had a bowel resection 18 months and have not had any issues until today.

I will see how I go over the next few hours. I hope it doesn't happen again. Gwen Xx

[27-359 in reply to thomas62]

I had a blockage which required surgery, and the hospital kept me nil by mouth for almost a week in the hope that the blockage would clear......it didn't!. Strangely enough, I wasn't given any laxatives or softeners as these can cause issues if the blockage is due to adhesions. I would think that a couple of days without food would text your gut and allow things to settle. Hopefully your block is now clear!

Jenny

[thomas62 in reply to 27-359]

Hi 27-359

Thanks Jenny Much appreciated. Gwen Xx

[Hidden]

Hi Gwen

Have not had obstruction but lots of constipation. Tried various things but prune juice and prunes work best for me.

Best of luck

Janet

[thomas62 in reply to Hidden]

Hi janwen52

Thanks or your reply. I've just had a word with local pharmacist who recommended to see doctor so I am now waiting for a call-back. Hopefully it's just food poisoning!! Best wishes. Gwen Xx

[Hidden in reply to thomas62]

Hi Gwen

Hope it's just a bug that you get over quickly.

Good Luck

Janet

[Artgreen]

That does sound scary but if things have moved in both directions it does sound more like you’ve had a bug. Good idea to get it checked out though. I hope it is ok and do keep us posted.

If you are on a hormone blocker that seems to have interesting effects on the bowel too.

I am trying to figure out what is the best for a sluggish bowel but want to do it as naturally as possible. We are all so different!

Hope you are feeling much better now

Alex

[thomas62 in reply to Artgreen]

Hi Artgreen and everybody,

Just had a call back from doctor. He say's hard to tell whether a bug or bowel blockage and basically the only way to tell is to go A.& E. for bloods/scan. He told me not to take Ducosate in case it's a bug. He said if it was a blockage my symptoms would continue/get worse which they haven't. We agreed that I would leave things until mid-pm and if I was still concerned to take myself to A.& E. Fingers crossed it's just a bug! Best wishes Gwen Xx

[Artgreen in reply to thomas62]

I do hope it disappears now and you feel fine . One thing I used to take before diagnosis when I thought it was IBS or a bug to settle things was silica gel from Boots (I think that’s how it was spelled). It gathered up any nasty bugs on the way through the gut. Tasteless and clear in water.

[Coldethyl]

Hopefully you’ve taken medical advice as a bowel blockage isn’t something to mess with self medicating - I get episodes of partial blockage due to extensive adhesions and manage that with diet and pain meds at home but I’ve been told any vomiting means I must attend a and e as it could mean total blockage and danger of perforated bowel - fingers crossed you are on way to being sorted out x

[ingrid48]

I take myralax, could have different name in Europe but it's a white powder. A full cap in cold glass of water EVERY SINGLE DAY! In the morning, PLUS some PRUNE juice at night or I would have had obstructions several times!

I have head stage4 primary peritoneal carcinoma spreading to other locations..for 8 years!!

The label says

polyethylene osmotic laxative

Which is a gentle bowel movement laxative!

It works wonders!

Ingrid

[TNkit in reply to ingrid48]

What kind of treatment have you had for your peritoneal cancer. I was diagnosed with stage 2 high grade serous peritoneal. Had a 6cm tumor removed and just had my fourth chemo treatment (Carbo/ taxol) see very few posts about peritoneal. Nice to see that you were diagnosed several years ago. Tks

[ingrid48]

Hi

I've been in chemo for 8 years.. Stage 4

Had everything available

I don't even remember all the names

I became platinum allergic went in shock

Gave other chemos then lynparza then Zejula

Now they ran out of regular chemos and a new one which is really a ... very old one

Etoposide..

I’m ok very strong at 71 but I have several pains

Many many days

The only thing they took out was appendix because I had appendicitis.. ! Years ago!

I started with the liquid in tummy they took it out several liters in Jan 2012.. always stage 4

I guess the good Lord will take me when he’s ready...

I know I'm not..

Good luck hon, keep fighting

Ingrid

[LittleSan]

Hi Gwen, how are you now? I've been on the site yet not seen your post u til now. Hope you got sorted and got some good advice on the future management of your condition. Xx