Bowel obstruction

[Icsmith27]

hello

This is my first post I’m a little anxious but really at a point where I need to find someone who understands how awful I feel at the moment 😞

I am 27 usually fit and healthy with a little girl I am a single mum so running here there and everywhere is normality for me. I have suffered with constipation on and off since giving birth 3 year ago but nothing in comparison to what I am experiencing now. 4-5 weeks ago I started getting back pain it was getting more and more severe and started moving to my stomach area with that came not going to the toilet regularly and only being able to pass watery stools I went into hospital desperate for answers and a x ray showed that I have a pseudo obstruction two weeks ago, since that day it feels as if my life has stopped. I am taking 8 sachets of laxatives a day I am on suppositories I am having to give myself enemas every day and twice a week go to have a colonic the gp is now moving me onto Micralax tomorrow and a stomach medication to digest my food quicker which they explained will make me feel poorly for a few days. I am exhausted I am in tears multiple times a day my back is in agony and I still have not been to the toilet I can pass watery stools and I can pass gas which they say is a good thing, The hospitals say they will not intervene until my bowel is completely obstructed which terrifies me, I really do not want to get to that point. Today is the first day my little girl has gone to the beach without with my mum and I feel like a failure and I am desperate for any tips on how to over come this and start living again… will I ever get over this constant pain I am so uncomfortable

[b1b1b1]

I am so sorry and I really feel for you. I guess, in a way, I am lucky because I had a total obstruction, and was in agony. It was diagnosed on the second day and I had surgery which was curative. Would it help if you were to get a second opinion from a gastroenterologist at a different hospital - preferably a major teaching hospital if possible. Have they given you any ideas as to how to make it c lear, or any idea of a timetable for dealing with it? I would ask what is their plan for the future as it seems to me that you cannot go on living this way indefinitely. Please let me know what happens, as I care. You can also PM me if you want. xx

[Icsmith27 in reply to b1b1b1]

Thank you so much for replying! I have seen a private specialist who has prescribed the medication for my stomach and I start that tomorrow so fingers crossed 🤞 tonight I am experiencing completely different types of pains deep in my bum it’s like a pressure and stabbing pains I’m thinking that something may be moving along? I am still lost at how anyone can pass a stool that big and come out of it without some serious damage lol I have to laugh at this point or i will cry. I have a colonic tomorrow so I’m really hoping that gets things moving but it’s been 5 long weeks and I’m really at the point where il give anything a go! If you have any advice I would so appreciate it x

Also I am doing everything possible to prevent surgery that is my biggest fear to be honest I’m just praying I can do this myself x

[b1b1b1 in reply to Icsmith27]

It's very good that you saw the private specialist and I hope the new medication will work. As to surgery, I did not have a choice, as with a total obstruction the small intestine will burst if it is not relieved. My situation was a little different in that I was glad to have the surgery as the pain was unbearable. The surgery actually was fine and I recovered without any problem. Five inches of my small intestine were removed. Good luck with the colonic. The only other thing I can suggest is drinking water and walking or other type of exercise. (check with doctor first). Also, ask what type of food you should be eating if you have not already done so. x

[Icsmith27 in reply to b1b1b1]

I have read so much regarding full bowel obstructions I am so happy that you came out of it all recovering fully they can be so dangerous, thank you I will keep you posted on my progress so far it feels like it’s never ending but today is a new day, I’m trying to be a little more positive as it’s new medication day I will update you on how the colonic etc goes speak soon xxx

[Steyning]

Probiotics might help

[Icsmith27 in reply to Steyning]

I have just been out trying to fine them I tried Holland and barret and no luck unfortunately, any idea where else may stock them? Thank you for replying x

[Kdw1]

Aw no poor you it is awful I found when I was more relied on laxatives they were great at the start then they stopped working I get very bunged up to so I'm taking 2 weetabix everymorn for breakfast though I can't have too much fibre after that or I'll I will end of constipated again 😢 you could try that maybe ease off the laxatives x

[Icsmith27 in reply to Kdw1]

Oh no I am so sorry you are experiencing this also it is awful! I am currently on a liquid diet which is also draining but I will definitely try this as soon as I get some movement down there lol I have another colonic today fingers crossed I get some results I am also starting a medication il let you know how I get on with it apparently it makes the stomach digest food quicker il keep you updated lovely x

[Plumt]

Interesting to read of your problem as I amExperiencing similar symptoms, visited the gp some months ago and they told me to just take pain killers and it would sort itself. Needless to say it had not and has got worse with feeling dizzy, weak legs and extreme pain in back under the left ribs, top of left hip and area of small intestine. Grumbling all the time.

I have spinal stenosis and they attribute the problem to my bowels not getting the correct signals to work. So sorry that you are in the situation that you find yourself in but be thankful that you are under the care of a medical team who seem to be pro active, be a pest and go back for another appointment tell them of your concerns and change in symptoms they can then react.

Do not have any concerns about your abilities as a mum, you sound a lovely thoughtful person who I am sure has a really strong mum / daughter relationship. Look life in the eye and smile

[Icsmith27 in reply to Plumt]

Oh dear I am so sorry you have had some a hard time of it! If I am honest my trip to a&e seemed to push the doctors in the right direction before that I felt ignored but as soon as I had my X-rays and found out it was a obstructed bowel they started treatments also immediately so my experience so far has been very similar my back is in chorionic pain my legs hurt my stomach hurts I’m so weak and fatigued my little girl seems to be taking everything in her stride bless her she’s extremely helpful actually! lol I am here any time you would be to speak about these issues please message me at any moment we can support each other bowel problems seem to be a very lonely place it’s nice to find people who understand how awful this is x

[Plumt in reply to Icsmith27]

Many thanks for your v kind reply Take care

[Pajarorose]

Have you been diagnosed with IBS? If so, you need to begin an elimination diet, like low Fodmap right away to find out what is causing your constipation. Many people with C suffer from gluten or fructan intolerance which is found in whole wheat breads. Try white bread.

[Icsmith27 in reply to Pajarorose]

Thank you for reply! I’m beginning to realise that this is going to be a ongoing thing in my life and it’s time to find the route cause after I have got through this horrible stage I have not been diagnosed with IBS I have however been told by a GP that I have chronic constipation so I think once this is sorted it’s time to start running tests to actually figure this out and ensure it doesn’t strike again x