Pain in the...

Hi Gang... Me again... OK, here's another one for ya... I am almost 4 weeks out... at 2 weeks out I started on soft / pureed foods... they went fine for a while, but then I think I either ate too much, too fast or the wrong stuff... anyway... this past weekend... it was pretty much, put it in and throw it up ... so after seeing my doctor yesterday, he thinks I may have a stricture and has put me back on full liquids (oh joy) for another week... to see if it opens up on it's own or if we have to go in and open it up... NOW... here's my thing... yesterday was only chicken broth, tomato soup, some pudding with my actigal in it and crystal light... today, I have such an intense pain in my lower abdomen... it almost feels like someone has my intestines in a knot... The pain is from the middle to the right hip and all low (below my belly button)... I hate to say it, but it almost feels as if a big ole fart would really help... Warning... gonna get graphic now!! I've had a couple bowel movements in the last week... but they have been really really hard... I mean, you have to sit and wait and wait and wait and then it starts to come... and goes back in... then you finally get it out and it's like Thank you God!! Anybody else got any / all of this going on too???? I'm only down 33 lbs... but hey... what right do I have to say "only" when I've lost that in almost 4 weeks!! Thanks for any help/input/advice my friends... Love & Aloha, Loree

Hi Loree- I'm sorry you're having such a tough time of it! Based on where the pain is at, it sounds more like constipation to me. Worst case scenario maybe a bowel obstruction. It's worth another call to the doctor to describe the pain, just in case that's what it is. For me, the instant cure to constipation is Slim-Fast Protein shakes. It could be the fiber or maybe the sugar alcohol, but whatever it is blasts on through quickly. I'm one day behind you and "only" down 23 or 24 lbs. I'm thrilled with THAT. Hugs, Susan

Hi Loree, I totally understand the "too graphic" section of your post. I found relief by chewing 1-2 phillips soft chews every few days. It is a non stimulant stool softener. Good Luck. Oh, and I'm over 4 weeks out and down about 17lbs. But, I'm not complaining I'm healthy as a horse, plus I feel and look great. Christie

Hey Loree....I had a visit to the ER two days home from the hospital...14 inches of blocked stool with gas from the surgery on top of that and I was in the worse pain of my life...give yourself a fleet enema after that does it's job and your still in pain call your surgeon or go to the ER or both!!! I totally feel for you! Let us know how it goes, Michelle

HI Loree, I had a stricture 2 wks ago (at 5 wks out), all of a sudden couldn't swallow or keep in even water, what did go in came right out. My doc didn't waste any time, went right in and had a endoscopy & they dialated the opening. No pain, lots of good drugs and I didn't even know they were there. Could tell the difference as soon as I "sobered" up. Have been just fine ever since (2 wks now). Best of luck, Pam RNY 5/13/04 -40 lbs