Hernia / Twisted Bowel
I've had a couple episodes over the past couple weeks that have really scared me and gotten my attention. I thought it was dumping but my last episode wasn't food related. I'd appreciate some insight if anyone has possible experienced anything like this because it has me a little frustrated and scared. I had my gall bladder taken at 4 months post-op so it is not gall bladder related. I've been eating and going to the bathroom with no problems since the first episode and even since the second episode. I have normal BM and don't have any issues at all eating pretty much anything. I'll start at the beginning of the first episode. A couple weeks ago I experienced a new pain in my abdomen after drinking some wine. I've been drinking wine with no problems since I was around 3 months post-op but this wasn't a kind I usually drank. It was a little sweeter than the cab sav that I usually drink. The pain started out as just an uncomfortable cramp and escalated to extreme pain over a 15 minute period. I was having trouble talking and was sweating bullets. The climax of the pain lasted around 5 minutes or so then subsided and went away. I was thinking the entire time that I needed to go to the hospital but I didn't want to ruin my buddy's bachelor party so I just sucked it up and took the pain. Being the dumbass that I am after the pain went away I resumed my drinking and around 15 minutes later it happened again. It didn't last as long the second time around but it was still painful and very uncomfortable. It passed as quickly as it came and I enjoyed my night. I drank and ate with no problems throughout the night and figured that I had a dumping episode that was related to the wine. On Tuesday of this week I started to experience the same pain in my lower right abdomen. It came on slow and steadily increased over a 20 - 30 minute period with the climax of the pain again lasting for around 10 minutes. I once again thought I needed medical attention is was so bad and was sweating huge bullets of prespiration again. It went away as quickly as it came again and I was pretty much good to go the rest of the day. THIS time it was not related to food. I hadn 't eaten or drank anything (with the exception of 3 grapes) in the last 2 hours or so. I called my doctor and they said that my bowel could have possibly twisted and untwisted and that's what caused the pain. They said it was related to the 'spaces' that were present because all the fat is now gone. They said there was a 'fix' and it would be something that could only be done with exploratory surgery. I guess I don't understand why a cat scan or xrays won't work but I'd rather be safe than sorry when it comes to something like this because from what I've read it's nothing to play around with. Has anyone experienced anything like this? I wish I could say it was dumping but I didn't think dumping involved extreme physical pain like I was experiencing.
Keep on top of it!
It really could be just dumping.
For me, dumping comes with fairly extreme cramping pain,
But then it's always followed by diarrhea.
Your’s sounds like a combination of stuff going on.
Did the doc rule out temporary Bowel Obstruction?
Just passing on- a little info About Bowel obstructions.
Have seen the question a couple of times in the last few days, and thought I’d Share.
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What is a bowel obstruction?
A Bowel Obstruction is a partial or complete blockage
In the intestines that prevents their contents from moving forward.
Blockage may occur in the Small intestine (small-bowel obstruction)
Or the Large intestine (colonic obstruction).
In severe cases, a blockage may cut off the bowel's blood supply.
This is called ischemic bowel or bowel strangulation
And requires emergency treatment.
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What causes a bowel obstruction?
A bowel obstruction can be caused by tumors,
Twisting or narrowing of the intestines,
And most often in the case of WLS patients,
The formation of scar tissue (Adhesions);
These are called Mechanical Obstructions.
Obstruction of the bowel can also occur
When the intestines stop moving because of inflammation
Or infection or as a side effect of certain medications.
These non-mechanical obstructions are not addressed in this topic.
Mechanical obstructions in the small intestine
Are most frequently caused by scar tissue formation (adhesions).
Other causes include Hernias, Crohn’s disease, and cancer.
In the large intestine, mechanical obstructions
Are most often caused by cancer. Other causes
Are twisting of the intestine or narrowing that may occur
Because of Diverticulitus or inflammatory bowel disease;
Severe constipation from a hard mass of stool;
And one part of the intestine folding onto
Or sliding over another like a telescope,
Which is called intussusception.
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What are the symptoms?
Crampy abdominal pain, vomiting,
And extreme bloating are the main symptoms of small-bowel obstruction.
If blood supply is cut off (strangulation),
The pain may be severe.
Obstruction of the large intestine also causes
Abdominal pain and bloating.
A partial intestinal blockage may cause occasional diarrhea.
Particularly in it’s early stages.
A complete obstruction will cause constipation
And a lack of gas (flatus) leaving the body. (No Farts=Bad)
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How is a bowel obstruction treated?
Treatment for a partial blockage in either the small or large intestine
Usually begins with supportive care in the hospital.
This type of care focuses on close monitoring
And maintaining comfort while waiting to see
Whether the blockage goes away on its own.
You usually are not allowed to eat or drink.
Fluids usually are given intravenously
To maintain a normal blood pressure and prevent dehydration.
A nasogastric (NG) tube may be placed in the nose
And down into the stomach to remove fluids and gas;
This may relieve pain and pressure.
These and other non-surgical treatments
Are usually tried first for partial obstructions.
Surgery is almost always needed for a Complete obstruction
Of the small or large intestine
Or if blood supply is cut off (strangulation).
Obstructions can recur if the underlying cause is not treated.
(not just for you, but others reading in…..)
Hope having a little more info will help someone out.
Best Wishes- Dx
Capricious; Impulsive, Semi-Predictable 
Oh yeah - been there done that....along with Dave in Japan, I'm one that's been experiencing the abdominal pains too. I posted about it earlier in the week. Recently I've had two ER trips due to excruciating pain - a bit different than what you describe. After another mild episode today, I'm scheduled for surgery Monday for gallbladder removal and hernia repair. As for the hernia or possible hernias, the surgeon won't know for sure what he's dealing with until he get's the scope in there, but my symptoms are classic and expected for someone who's dropped as much weight as I have. So, Monday morning I'll get it all taken care of at one-time...will do the gallbladder first and use the same lap holes to scope and do the hernia repair. Not a biggie - will go in first thing in the morning and be heading home in a matter of hours and back to work the next day. I'm actually looking forward to this so I won't have to worry about it any longer...it's always just been a matter of time. Don't wait around on this - go see your Surgeon. If not taken care of it can develop into a major ordeal...from what I've heard a dead bowel is very painful and very dangerous. Be well. Cards Fan "STEP OFF THE SIDELINES AND GET IN THE GAME!"
