Question:
What can be done about bowel obstructions?

I am 19 months post op revised from VBG to RNY. I was released from my local hospital after 4 days, they say I have a partial bowel obstruction. I am at home now and still in pain, the worst is at night. I am on fluids, had 3 small bought of diarea in hospital, nothing since and have passed only a very small amount of gas once today. Tummy is diatended and the pain has also gone into my back. What can I do and has anyone had this and what happened to them? Desperate to fell better again....    — staceymae (posted on January 15, 2008)

January 14, 2008
Please call your surgeon NOW & let us know how you make out. It's always better to be safe than sorry. You'll be in my prayers. Maybe it's just a small something but if you can feel better sooner it's only going to be for your benefit. Take care of yourself. Keep us posted please.
   — Ambitious

January 14, 2008
So sorry to hear you are having trouble...I can totally relate...I have been dealing with a partial small bowel obstruction for over a year, have had 3 seperate surgeries to ressect the bowel and know first hand that the pain from the obstruction itself can be far worse than the post-op pain! I urge you to please, please, please call your surgeon or go to the hospital...ASAP!! The majority of partial SBO will resolve on their own with rest but I also know that a partial obstruction can become a complete obstruction and that is considered a medical emergency. Most likely your bowel just needs some more time to rest but it's always best to be cautious. Feel free to e-mail me directly if you have any more concerns or simply for some support....You are in my thoughts....Best Wishes and please keep us posted if you can. Denise L [email protected] RNY 3/20/03 - 150lbs
   — denisel

January 15, 2008
Both responsse so far are RIGHT ON!! Call you surgeon and tell them you are still having a lot of pain. An obstruction is not something to take lightly. Best Wishes!
   — MegPeg13

January 15, 2008
i am a nurse and i can relate from that point of view. a partial bowel obstruction can and sometimes will resolve on it's own with lots of rest and fluids- no food, BUT there are many times when they do not resolve and they develop into a full bowel obstruction and that needs attention right away- usually surgery is involved. the bowel movements you are having is good because that means something is moving through, but if the pain gets worse and/or you stop having bowel movements you need to contact your doctor immediately. are you vomitting? if you do start to vomit that is another sure sign that you need to call you doctor right away, because that means things are really blocked and backing up the other way. i have seen patients actually vomit poop- and that is horrible!! good luck and please take this serious....Holly
   — RNlvnCARSON

January 16, 2008
I had a major bowel obstruction about 4 mo. post-RNY and I've related my experience with it several times in answer to others' questions. My obstruction was very painful and life threatening. Contact me directly if you want more info. Better yet, contact your doctor if you've not already done so. This is serious stuff and nothing to be timid about.
   — [Deactivated Member]