Partial small bowel obstruction

Melody, when I was in that car accident it was in the end of March and I had complained about stomach cramping from May up until the obstruction in December.  I live in such a small community that they didnt really check much more than the obvious head injuries.  The night that I absolutely knew I was in trouble started Christmas Eve during dinner.  I had eaten a small dime size peice of fudge and about 30 minutes later I felt like I just wanted to vomit.  I figured it was from the fudge as I am very sugar intollerant (to date) and we sat down to begin dinner...I only got as far as making my plate when the pain started really getting severe, though I still really didnt think much of it again thinking I shouldnt have eaten the fudge.  I wrapped up my plate and we went to my bf grandmothers as we had planned to.  When we got there I could barely walk into the house, I told my boyfriend that perhaps I would just lay down and try to let the feeling pass, the next thing I knew him and his grandmother were standing over me shaking me and asking me if I was okay because I had been sobbing in my sleep.  I hadnt even realized that I had fallen asleep let alone that 6 hours had passed.  Six hours that they were so concerned they wanted to call the ambulance had they not gotten me awake and to the car.  Once I was in the emergency room they did an exray and diagnosed me as constipated.  Sent me home with 2 bottles of mag citrate and a bottle of MOM...geez.  I drank both bottles of mag citrate and 4 doses of MOM with no help/relief, thus 12 hours later I went back to the ER.  This time they admitted me and began treating me with IV fluids and other medications to help someone who would have been constipated...not understanding the arrangement of my new anatomy!  The surgeon on call came in 2 days later and did a scope to see if there was something that he could find and again not knowing anything about what I had done, and I was unable to assist as I was far too ill and by this time on a morphene drip, he referred me back to my surgeon.  I spent a total of 13 days in ICU in which 4 of were following having the obstruction surgically repaired.  My DS surgeon told my sister and daughter who were with me that had I waited another 3 hours to have gotten help I would not have come through it.  There are about 8 days atleast that I only know what I have been told as I was too ill to know what I was going through.  Truelly the scariest time of my life...even more so than the car accident.....

Oh no, sorry!  Are you at Lenox Hill? I was just there yesterday for my follow up appointment.  Let me know how you're doing.

Joanne

Wow Melody, that's scary... I'm sure glad  you're OK.

Since you've had this happen is it more or less likely to happen again?

Kerry

Kerry, I would guess since there was no type of surgical or mechanical intervention, I would be just as likely in the future to have it happen again.  Adhesions from prior abdominal surgeries are responsible for 60% of bowel obstructions.  I suppose they could go in there with a scope and try to dilate the parts that had a greater likelihood of kinking, but even that is no guarantee of no future problems.  We're all at risk, unfortunately.

I got out of the hospital about 6pm yesterday and I am feeling much better today.  Will be on full liquids for a few more days, so that's a little frustrating, but I suppose my system needs a break anyway, haha.

Phew, glad you are resting and healing after 2 days of hell.

Hugs,
Ratkity

Glad you're ok!

Melody,

Thank goodness your obstruction was resolved without further surgery.  Thank you so much for posting about your problem.  I am increasingly alarmed by the number of DSer's who are posting about their medical  problems on the boards and not seeking their Dr.'s care.  We are a "support group" not a medical advice group and sometimes we need to be reminded of this.  I am a vet of nearly 5 years and have incurred several very serious complications that needed immediate medical intervention.

God bless you and I hope your recovery goes well.  Always remember, when in doubt call your Dr.

All the best.

That is so scary to read about.  It's my main fear.  Eek!   Stay well and thanks for posting this type of thing. 

Melody, thanks for the reality check. Sorry you are going through this right now--hang in there, toots!

Nicolle