Small bowel blockages

[RESPIRATION]

In the last year I have had multiple ambulance trips because of vomiting resulting from multiple partial bowel bowel blockages. The last time the emergency teams used an NG tube to suck up debris caught on a new partial blockage and I am now on a full fluid diet for the rest of my life. What other treatments have others had in this situation and did they work well? I think I may be facing the end of my life in the near future.

[Springsteen666]

That sounds awful and pretty much where I am currently. I am awaiting a referral to a supportive oncology team as my current gastroenterologist can’t move my appointment forward even though they have been asked 4 times in the last year.

My blockages are currently every 3 weeks and I have stopped going to a&e as they just send me home telling me to speak to my team but they of course won’t speak to me

I asked about a stoma as I am desperate as currently using my annual leave when I have a flare up. Apparently as the damage is in my small intestine it’s not suitable.

Can I ask is the liquid only diet helping at all? I think this might be my only option. I am dreading the thought but can’t go on like this. I have also mysteriously lost almost 3 stones but I put that down to the frequent diarreah that ensues after my blockage clears.

Hope you get more answers as sorry I am pretty much in the same boat

Julie

[RESPIRATION in reply to Springsteen666]

Yes, The full liquid diet does help, but it is far from perfect. I I need to drink throughout the day and never too much at a time or I have gut pain. I would be starving if I did not have advice from a dietitian experienced with this condition. Exercise helps. Sitting is bad, I think if I were to eat any solids at this point I would be back in the ambulance to emerg. immediately. The emergency team have been really helpful but they have said that if (when) I have another blockage they do not recommend surgery. That means death. I am in process of moving to a retirement home, largely to get my affairs in order so my son will not be burdened with the chaos of selling my house etc. I have had my three score and ten and am ready to accept this, but still wonder if there might be some miracle that I don't know about.

[SpaghettiBetty]

Everyone will be different as it really depends on the root cause of the obstructions (strictures, adhesions, ischemia, etc).

I had multiple obstructions and ended up having an emergency resection and a ileostomy. They would do surgery in an emergency, trust me, I’ve been there! I can pretty much eat anything now and don’t have to restrict my diet.

I would seriously urge you seek the advice of a gastroenterologist and/or colorectal surgeon. Ideally one who has expertise in dealing with irradiated bowel. Are you in the UK? The PRDA have a list of late effects clinics that specialise in PRD.

Hope you get some help soon x

[RESPIRATION]

Thanks. I'm not in the UK and think the UK is considerably ahead of us in Canada.