For those who had a bowel obstruction...

How long did it take for your bowels to look normal again? I hope that is not too graphic!!! LOL

I had surgery 7/4/08 for an obstructed bowel, so I am almost 4 weeks post-op and I'm still not back to normal.  I was VERY loose for the first 2 weeks, now a little more normal, but not as regular as before all of this happened.

Hope it helps

Thanks for responding. Are you still having any pain? or do you feel like you have heartburn of if your GERD has returned? If that was an issue for you...

I'm not in any real pain.  Sometimes when I over do it (running around or cleaning the house) I feel pain around my belly button, but if I rest a bit it goes away.  I am very careful not to lift over 10 lbs. because I so don't want a hernia.

The main thing that I am struggling with is lack of energy.  I can't seem to stand for an extended period of time or be active without resting.  Forget about any exercise, I don't even have enough energy to take care of my family.  I am praying that my energy and strength returns before I have to return to work in three weeks (first grade teacher).

Good luck!

I dealt with the Peterson's hernia and subsequent obstruction approx. a couple of years ago.  This was after going through several bouts of unrelenting pain that could "not" be dxed til literally all H E double L broke loose on the last go around.  I literally thought that I was going to die.

Fast forward...  I had to deal with loose bowels for approx. 1-2 weeks afterwards.  The burning inside feeling (surgical site) lasted for 1-2 months and I was very careful NOT to overdo it much like you are doing. 

Unfortunately for me I have had a few incidents over the last couple of months that are making me feel that things are NOT alright in Denmark if you know what I mean.  I am starting to get that strangulated OMG type of pains that last for just a short period of time before they release.  What is scaring me is that I can feel something "slip" inside when it happens.  I am watching it VERY closely.....

Hang tight and I hope that everything works out well for you!

I was just released from the hospital today after having surgery on Friday for bowel obstruction. Glad you asked this question cause my bowels just woke up this morning from surgery but they are not normal yet