The last two being within 1 yr. The pain I go through is incredible. The surgeons and GI doctors I've spoken to all say that there is nothing I can do to avoid another bowel obstruction. There has got to be something that I can do to help prevent future obstructions. Does anyone have any suggestions? I am so worried that this may happen again... the NG tube is the worst! I need to be proactive to make sure I don't get another one... any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Intestinal Obstruction - had 4th bowel obstruction..how can I prevent future bowel obstructions?
Question posted by janicewid on 8 Aug 2012
Last updated on 18 June 2018
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
63 Answers Page 5
Inactive
9 Aug 2012
Have they check for diverticulosis or diverticulitis. The diverticula are tiny pockets in the bowels that can get food in them, get infected and swell up and cause blockages. There is a list of foods not suggests for those with diverticulosis. They include things that have seeds in them, tomatoes, berries, nuts of any kind and other foods. You can look for the list or ask your dr, nd if you do have diverticulitis, you will need antibiotics and this diet to avoid aggravating these pockets. Best of luck, patti
janicewid
9 Aug 2012
My father has diverticulitis... I wonder if that's hereditary??? But, none of the doctors have mentioned it in my situation! I have been very hesitant to eat any fruits or veggies... cuz those are hard to chew well... eating has become a very conscious thing these days... I always think, will this cause an obstruction??? It's so scary and really taking it's toll on me!!!
Thanks for your thoughts!
Inactive
9 Aug 2012
I think the tendency to have it may run in families but also, I think anyone can get it. It can come with age too. If you have a gastroenterologist, this dr should be able to tell if that is causing the blockages. You can look up diverticulitis on Wikipedia.org and it should at least explain it, it may have the list of foods to avoid also. Patti
debtowle
21 Jan 2017
Hello, I feel your pain, it is horrible! My bowel was perforated during a surgery on an overy, as the surgeon didn't see dhe did it or see it after going back in , it took 16 days to be diagnosed, long story here, so to shorten it, I ended up with a colostomy, reversal after 3 months. Thisis was how my obstructions started. 4 years later surgery for obstruction do to scar tissue. 2 years after that , another obstruction, 2 years after that another one, then 3 years and another one. Surgery for it once, ng tubes the others. So the obstructions started back in 98, I thought somehow l was done, till this past August, obstruction again, ng tube for 5 days, hospital for 10. Now l feel it may be happening again, 2 days liquid diet, feels like it's getting better, thought maybe I caught it in time, well time will tell.
I have often wondered if there was something to do to stop it, short of killing yourself, the pain is unbearable!! Anyway, I 've been told by the surgeons , they cant say why you're having the obstructions unless they actually do surgery. So, I wish you the best!! I'm sorry for your pain.
HeadStarter
8 Aug 2012
Hi janice - there has got to be something wrong here that something like exploratory surgery could uncover - like a twisted bowel or blockage somewhere. You haven't mentioned other health issues or complications which could be helpful here. Laura has given you great suggestions, too, because fiber is very important in keeping regular or eating many smaller meals through the day verses two or three. It also is important to NOT eat large meals in the evening for you... while you are active during the day is when you eat for energy and the evening is small, light meals that are easily digested as you wind down from your day and getting ready for sleep. You don't have ciliac disease, do you?
Mary
janicewid
9 Aug 2012
Thanks so much for taking the time to answer... I have a history of surgeries. 4 c-sections, apendectomy, 1 hernia repair with a component separation, 4 surgeries for bowel obstructions. I've been told that the blockages are from scar tissue from all the surgeries. The last two blockages were in the exact same spot and the surgeon told me that if it happens there again, chances are that part of my bowel will have to be removed. I would very much like to avoid that!
I have never been diagnosed with ciliac disease...
Thanks again for your thoughts!
Janice
lherms22
21 July 2014
Well Janice... that'll do it right there! All of those surgeries. I had my first emergency obstruction surgery over this last Christmas. My excess scar tissue (from past surgeries) had tied a knot around my small intestines, creating the obstruction. I was in the hospital for 8 days, and it was horrific. Now my doctor said increasing fiber is always the best thing for your body, but he also said you can't really be 100% sure that will help you avoid an obstruction. I feel your pain very much - although I haven't had nearly as many obstructions as you! I think - for myself, of course, if I were in your shoes, I may not want the bowel anymore, but I think they will tell you what is best long-term. Just remember, the more surgeries you have, the more apt you are for future obstructions. GOOD LUCK!!!
Joyless
20 March 2015
I am just about to leave hospital for the 3rd time after bowel obstruction and this time I didn't have to have NG tube inserted. Thank heavens as along with the dreadful pain this is the worst thing. I am a coeliac, and wondering what this may have to do with obstructions. I have had 2 major surgerys of the lower abdomen. I to am after answers as to what to do to prevent these happening again. I lead a very active life and love to travel. I am beginning to think that I won't be able to wonder to far from a hospital. It has been suggested I have a chat with a laproscopic surgeon. What do u think?
Diskid7
7 July 2015
Janice,
I've had four operable bounced directions, and about 15 or so non-operable but hospitalized obstructions. And the countless kinks I've had with my intestines getting tied in knots are endless. Each time you have a surgery, you open yourself up for more surgeries caused from scar tissue. Also he risk of effecting your lymphatic system is crucial if you have lymphedema as I do as well.
All of my health issues stem from cervical cancer in 1999. The radiation is the root cause. It thinned the lining of all the organs at the site of RT and anything close by. Also cancer within the lymph nodes has wreaked havoc.
So the better you take care of yourself, and the less surgery, the better odds of less obstructions. But sometimes it's inevitable. Take pain meds and avoid the hospital if you can keep your pain below a level 9. I've had an NG tube for 3 weeks, which was better than surgery. Doctors won't operate unless abso necessary. Will do more harm than good.
It's not a good life, but we all have to make the best of the time we have when we feel good if we do have frequent complications. So avoid popcorn is my number 1 no-no. And watch raw foods of any sort. Raw veg can also cause gas that will bloat you and put pressure on your intestines and that will hurt terribly. But gas x will usually turn that around quickly unless you've developed a kink. Take care everyone. Don't mean to be a downer, but my health issues do control my life to a degree. But sometimes I'm strong enough to put the breaks on. And sometimes not. Stay strong!
Di
beckiet50
18 June 2018
June 3rd I had my second attack of SBO since December 14th. I was in hospital in December for 7 days. At that time blockage was infection? Treated with two antibiotics.
June 3rd pain was worse and surgeon suggested exploratory Laparotomy because of my previous attack, and since I have had three previous surgeries on my abdomen. Surgeon suspected scar tissue. Out come was there was some scar tissue which he removed, but did not feel there was enough scar tissue that would have caused my problem?
I am so scared this is going to happen again! I am now recovering from the surgery with a 11 inch incision down my abdomen! If anyone has any suggestion please, please let me know! You sit back and wonder when it is going to happen! Never any warning??
Inactive
8 Aug 2012
Good grief, that's a lot of pain and obstructions. The only suggestions I might have, you've most assuredly heard before. Increase fiber, fruit, lots of water, maybe probiotics. As my father was a surgeon, I learned a long time ago, bowel obstructions are no walk in the park. I hope you find an answer to your problem.
Peace,
Sweet Hippie
janicewid
9 Aug 2012
It's funny you mention "high fiber"... most people I've spoken to have suggested low fiber, peeling fruits, avoiding nuts... I'm so confused!!!
Thanks for taking the time to respond!!!
Inactive
9 Aug 2012
Adhesions are nothing to sneeze at either. They can cause bowel obstructions and since you've had so many surgeries, adhesions on adhesions are a big possibly. I would get a second opinion and an MRI of the abdomen to see what's going on. Just my 5 cents worth.
Laura the Hippie
hmomm18704
21 Dec 2013
Like the rest of you, It seems like an endless battle. Has any one heard of this physical therapy place, that eases bowel obstruction, without drugs or surgeries, I'm wondering how on the up and up it is, I'm thinking if it's for real why does it just come up through the search engine, give me some feedback, their suppose to be all over the United- States, insurance suppose to pay for it, but you get reimbersed from your insurance, I'd be the 1st one there, if it's for real, as I type, , I'm in pain. I'd be more than happy to let anyone check out this site and see what they think sick and tired of being sick too! HELENA
grandmarocks13
30 March 2014
I to am a woman with never ending obstructions. These things suck. I have been in and out of the hospital so many times for these things and everytime i go in i think maybe this time they will do surgery, but nope. My obstructions are always in the same place. I have uncontrolable runs all the time and when things get bad for me i have to hope i can make it to a bathroom in time. Doctors refuse to do surgery because i have been through 32. My colon is getting weak and my depression is high real high. Why cant i get these docs to understand that this needs to be fixed through surgery?. I feel like i have no life. I am divorced and somewhere i would like to get back into dating but until this gets fixed i am too embarrassed to date anyone. This for real has taken over my life in a big way and i dont know how to fix this. Sorry but i am very depressed.Who in their right mind would want to be with someone like me with eembarrassing issues.
sharonbodeen
2 April 2014
Please do not increase your fiber intake. Fiber bulks up inside our gut, and causes increased pressure, gas, and pain. If your gut is "tied up" with adhesions then increasing your fiber increases your misery. I recommend getting a mediport, and having IV fluids whenever you begin to have pain. Staying well hydrated is the best thing that you can do for yourself.
gerimorris
20 Sep 2014
I had surgery 14 yrs ago - ileostomy... last week was my 2nd bowel obstruction in 2 mths... I have been on no meds for 14 yrs and no problems... I have to wonder why all of a sudden I am having these obstructions... :(
Invernessity
29 Sep 2014
Unfortunately, recent studies do show that many people who are recovering from a bowel obstruction (bo), or who face an increased risk for recurrent bowel obstructions (bos), actually do not benefit from a high fiber diet. High fiber has been shown to increase the likelihood that a bo may occur in many patients. The fiber actually swells in the bowel, unlike low fiber foods, and this alone may cause or contribute to an obstruction - particularly if the bowel is kinked or narrowed. I have had more than 50 small bos caused by both adhesions and hernias, in 15 years, following multiple surgeries for Endometriosis. In 2010, my surgeon referred me to a Dietician, who recommended that I follow a low residue diet - which reduces fiber intake. I actually eat no fresh fruits or vegetables, and no nuts, popcorn or other small seeds. And I eat small meals every two to three hours, chewing my food extremely well or pureeing it in a blender.
Since my diet change, I have gone from having a bo every three or four months, on average, to only once or twice a year. More importantly, though, I have not experienced any high-grade bos at all since my diet change. Many Gastroenterologists and Surgeons do not yet know about the benefit of a low residue diet for some patients. So I am spreading the word, and I encourage anyone who has suffered a bo to search “bowel obstruction and low residue diet" online, and discuss this issue with your doctor(s). And I offer my sincere hope, and prayers, to all who have experienced this, and the family and friends who support them.
t-time2
12 Oct 2014
I came here cause I'm dealing with the 2nd one in 6 mon. I eat a very high fiber diet. My search term was "can u eat too much fiber that it causes this". I wonder if meds contribute to it. I am taking meds that act like a diuretic so the water discharges immediately; perhaps I need more water.
t-time2
12 Oct 2014
I came here cause I'm dealing with the 2nd one in 6 mon. I eat a very high fiber diet. My search term was "can u eat too much fiber that it causes this". I wonder if meds contribute to it. I am taking meds that act like a diuretic so the water discharges immediately; perhaps I need more water.
t-time2
12 Oct 2014
I came here cause I'm dealing with the 2nd one in 6 mon. I eat a very high fiber diet. My search term was "can u eat too much fiber that it causes this". I wonder if meds contribute to it. I am taking meds that act like a diuretic so the water discharges immediately; perhaps I need more water.
t-time2
12 Oct 2014
I came here cause I'm dealing with the 2nd one in 6 mon. I eat a very high fiber diet. My search term was "can u eat too much fiber that it causes this". I wonder if meds contribute to it. I am taking meds that act like a diuretic so the water discharges immediately; perhaps I need more water.
vipers5
28 Oct 2014
it doesn't matter what you eat it is the scar tissue wrapping around everything and strangling in there. I would stay with a low fiber low fat diet. I just got out of hospital after my 8th one in 1 yr and a half. when it acts up be ready. found new dr. from Cleveland clinic in ohio, he did laperscopic and got rid of most scar tissue. its a quick fix. it will all come back in time he said. this last one lasted 3 months I will keep you all updated thanks! vipers5
vipers5
5 Nov 2014
well its been 1 week after they cut all my scar tissue out. I used to not have any bowel movements to 3 xs a day. I recommend the laposopic surgery to anyone. my bowel obstructions got to the point where my bowels would twist on greasy an fried foods. I feel great,but who knows future any time you get cut more scar tissue to grow.vipers5
abbyinokc
16 Nov 2014
Adhesions do not show up on X-ray or other tests such as MRI, CT, ultrasound or colonoscopy. That being said, and my gastro doctor knowing I have massive amounts of adhesions all throughout my entire abdominal cavity and pelvis, when doing a colonoscopy, he can see where my colon and small bowel are "kinked" as he refers to it. These places scattered all throughout my colon and small bowel are where the adhesions have "squeezed" my colon and small bowel making them both "partially" obstructed. In easier terms, that would be the places where my bowel movements have difficulty coming through causing extreme pain.
cmiller14094
19 Dec 2014
Oh I know this to well. Just fyi if had gastric bypass try to go back to that gastric professional. I went to lockport hose ER by ambulance,so much pain couldn't walk crawled to door. Any how some symptoms showed up but since had gastric bypass Y procedure done don't vomit. Lockport hospital. did ct scan w contrast saw blockage omitted hernia from any diagnoses w me .admitted 3 days just gave me mineral oil to drink and tons of pain meds just masked that's it . Then came home liquid diet did on my own was scared not knowing why happened and didn't wAnt pain again. Was ok for about 2 1/2 weeks out.
Then last Mon my mom and husband took me to Millard suburban hospital emergency room 18 miles away, when just moderate pain in back no comfort could be found no matter what. I was in ER for severe triple bowel strangulation,wouldn't admit me or do Surg. But was severe enough to not let me go home. MFSH transfered me to ECMC where Surg. Was attending and that was another 10 miles and 18 hrs later. Glad got to ECMC tAken right in for emergency. Surgery. But what happened to medical ethics. Both LKPT and MFSH have none I could of died was so bad or ended up w colostomy bag. I'm 44 lost over 200 lbs 7 years ago . I didn't do all that to die cause some doctors were selfish and didn't wAnt to help. No meds to help and w blockages you can't take them.sorry hammered on but needed to voice my experiences. AND YES OMG THE PAIN IS SO BAD YOU ACTUALLY BEG TO DIE JUST TO MAKE IT STOP ,WORSE THE BIRTH OR ANYTHING EVER FELT. PREVENT IT BEFORE GETS TO THIS POINT.
Pals4life
20 Feb 2015
I've just returned home from my 6th small bowel obstruction and went for the upper GI follow up. * that was enough to cause another blockage, but that's another story. For now I will say that after my 4th obstruction they did remove 8 inches of my small bowel and thankfully, I did not have to have a "bag" as everyone assumes. However, the doctor that time told me that the blockage was caused from adhesions as I'd had 6 stomach surgeries in the past including 4 C-sections, a total hysterectomy and my gal bladder removed. Each time I was admitted thru the ER and each time I had the NG tube except for the 3rd episode which I "refused" it. That was a mistake on my behalf as my stomach was never cleared and I was in constant pain daily.. barely able to function..and 2 wks later I was back in the hospital and that's when they finally did the surgery.
What I've found is that each ER trip I made, the doctor on call would tell me something different or just "guess" at the cause. However after the 4th time when they actually did the surgery, I believed I was "healed" so I ate like a normal human, watching my carbs to keep my weight down.. The topper to all of this is that I have Transverse Myelitis that really complicates things because it causes me to have partial paralysis in my colon /small bowel, causing me to be unable to 'push' my bowels out w/o the assistance of some sort of laxative.. BUT, I'd had the TM for 5 years before the BO started. The only surgery I had after I got TM was the Galbladder, which I complained all the time to the doctors, because I never had stomach pain before the surgery but constant pain on my right side after!!! The GB surgery was laporoscopy (sp). Anyway, after the bowel surgery it lasted 13 months and I got whammed again by another blockage, and that time the doctors said it was not adhesion caused but diverticulitis .. WHAT??? so this time (7th ER route), they said the site of the blockage is where the SURGERY is that repaired the 4th blockage!!
This time I am going to document what I eat..I'm staying on the soft food diet even if I have to grind or puree my chicken or fish. I don't know the answers to any of your BO because honestly, I have dozens of questions myself. I really think the doctors are as perplexed as are we. I'm just grateful for this forum so that we have a platform to compare notes and hopefully be a shoulder for each other. God bless all those that suffer from this and I pray He will open an avenue for these nurses and ER doctors to learn how to properly put the NG tube down.. Maybe they should teach a course of that in Medical and Nurses school. I've asked nurses in our family about it and NO, they do not!!!
dinie
11 March 2015
Sitting in hospital reading all your SBO comments... it's a group none of us wanted to belong to ... but here we are! NG tubes are yuk but I've learned
to ask for the smallest tube
possible which in Australia is a 14. Another trick which one lovely nurse used was to heat the tube in a bowl of really ho
t water first. I didn't need the
spray they use to anaesthetise your throat and nose or need to swallow water... it just went down in one smooth motion. Yay! This is the 7th time I've
been hospitalised... this one the 2nd in one week. Prior to that it was over a year since the last one and I'd reintroduced all foods except kidney and other
beans. Now back to a low fibre diet... for good. My surgeon this time had a big discussion on what to eat, how to cook and how to eat it... chew, chew, chew :-D I have booked a holiday to London in Sept but after these two episodes I'm a little anxious. Will take all my medical notes, eat as instructed and keep my fingers crossed!
jemangel
20 May 2015
Yes! Lots of water - we mostly need 2 liters a day just to get our organs what they need. Most people don't come anywhere near that...
Make sure, everyone - before you let a Dr. talk you into bowel surgery or an NG tube - you try Calm Magnesium, on an every other day basis. it has saved me. IF you are in the ER, ask them for a magnesium drip first - and give it some time. On a wait and see you will be fasted for 24 hours anyway - the magnesium (which they will never tell you is available!) is a lifesaver and it will encourage the bowels to contract and get the muscular action - while the magnesium puts a lot of fluid allowing capabilities into the feces.
Mj88
26 July 2016
Definitely low fiber!!! Peeling fruits, cooking vegetables (the ones you can tolerate) and pureeing them into baby food ...
And not overindulging with any vegetables
Very small frequent meals
If you can tolerate juicing your vegetables? That's even better
There's a great doctor at the ash center in Manhattan dr.lyon who can help you:-)
Joyless
27 July 2016
I have had 2 major abdomen surgeries and over the past 6 years have had 4 blockages. The first one I had eaten a large amount of corn on the cob. The 2nd just a sandwich at lunch time but think I could have been dehydrated. My advice for anyone having blockages is to avoid things that are hard to digest, stay hydrated and take probiotics. I also take a herbal mixture called Iberghast available on line. This herbal mixture seems to help settle the gut.
staciecarter
12 Aug 2016
Yeah... I just had my first bowel obstruction. I saw someone poster to eat high fiber... I was told to avoid high fiber. I am basically on a babies diet. Bland foods oatmeal watered down nothing heavy at all. Chicken noodles just less noodles than normal, pop cycles, eggs, baby rice cereals no broccoli or cauliflower but only cooked veggies, no fruits with skin but applesauce is ok. I hope you haven't had any more issues but I am curious.
suecoff
23 Aug 2016
Finally had surgery last year after 4 bouts within a 6 week period with hospitalization. Adhesions were caused from abdominal surgery for cancer and radiation. I know how miserable you feel, how scary it all is. I hated the gastric nasal tube also. I pray you'll find relief, not give up hope. There is
help out there but each situation is individual.
sooner girl
29 Sep 2016
My mother has experienced at least 10 obstructions due to radiation scarring in her colon. She also has gastroparesis. Her surgeon has said ABSOLUTELY no fiber! Fiber is needed for healthy people, but not people with this issue. Nuts, seeds, beans, and all fiber are culprits that plug the blockage. He said by far, he sees the most obstructions after Christmas due to all the nuts consumed in Christmas candy, cakes, etc. Lots of water, small meals and foods that are easy to digest were recommended. Animals digest fiber... people do not.
DNADOC
21 Nov 2016
Be very careful in taking advice from well-meaning, but ignorant, and ultimately destructive people. High fiber diets are terrible for people with repeated bowel obstruction and could be a cause for them. A LOW-fiber diet is highly recommended in order to prevent repeated bowel obstruction. And be careful with probiotics, as they can actually CAUSE bowel obstructions! Recurrent bowel obstruction can have many causes. Adhesions, diverticuli, bezoars (caused by things like eating your hair), some foods, etc. Best to find a surgeon or physician that is invested in your case to try and get to the bottom of your issue, as it is almost impossible to find a cause on a forum chat. Be your own patient advocate!
coleenpeters
3 Feb 2017
my husband was just released from the hospital after going thru the same ordel. Our wonderful Philipino nurse said to makes sure you walk for 10 minutes after every meal and eliminate or mlnlmize diary and meats. They take the longest to transit out of your body.
sooner girl
14 Feb 2017
I noticed somebody said "fiber"... that is a huge no-no for bowel obstructions, particularly with scar tissue. The surgeon said absolutely no fiber, nuts, popcorn, cabbage... anything stringy or fiberous.
oangelle50
15 Feb 2017
I take senna every single night plus Dulcolax stool softener in the morning. Movantik helped but my insurance won't cover it. I Have IBS with horrible constipation... That combination is the ONLY thing that helps. Too much fiber makes it worse... in my case
nottelling
17 Feb 2017
I have had 3 obstructions in the past year. I hope you find an answer too. One doctor told me a high fiber diet isn't good. I got myself a nutritionist.
sooner girl
6 March 2017
My mom's surgeon said absolutely NO FIBER with a partial small bowel obstruction (adhesions from cancer radiation) She was told no corn, no beans, no cabbage, nuts, etc. Because we are not cows, the fiber doesn't digest and becomes stuck where the adhesions are!!
sooner girl
23 April 2017
No!!! If you have adhesions, fiber is the worst thing you can eat! No nuts, corn, fruit with peelings, broccoli, cabbage, etc. This comes from a surgeon treating my mother for an obstruction.
sooner girl
23 April 2017
No!!! If you have adhesions, fiber is the worst thing you can eat! No nuts, corn, fruit with peelings, broccoli, cabbage, etc. This comes from a surgeon treating my mother for an obstruction.
gaderga
31 Jan 2018
Thank you for your help but i am mentally starting to prepare for the inevitable.
Floyd troy
11 Feb 2018
I've had several small bowel obstruction and three witch landed me 3 nights in the hospital,this has all happened the past 13 months and every time wile I was in prison so I was always hand cuffed and shackled to beds ect.I was in there for drugs and never any violence or other of the sort and I have 4 kids who we are very close to each other... I just got out of prison 12 days ago and want to go to work this week coming up and I'm starting over with nothing... nothing... I'm in their same boat you are and I have no good answers other than I never eat hot tomato style food
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