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Since my reverse ileostomy (for j pouch repair) a few months ago, I have had four partial blockages.  Right now, I am experiencing soul crushing, morale defeating pain.  It's going on Day 4 now and I've had to change my underwear multiple times because liquid is just leaking out of me.  (I know that sounds gross, sorry.)

Could you please tell me how blockages occur?  I am assuming it's something I ate (salsa for the first time since surgery).  But I would like to understand how it happens.  Does the blockage occur in the pouch, and then backs everything up?  Or does the blockage occur elsewhere, like near the stoma because of the excess scar tissue, and the backup starts there?  I guess I am asking what part does it affect that causes a chain reaction?  

Is there ANYTHING I can eat?  Or is it just water, broth, grape juice, etc?  I did have some minor bowel movements, somewhat solid but mostly liquid.  However, not enough to relieve pain.  My stomach is super distended and I am walking hunched over because of the pain and swelling.  At what point does one even consider going to the ER? Also, should I lie on my side until it clears? That's what I did before.  And it seemed to help but not this time around. It is excruciating.  

Would a muscle relaxer help?  Also, my new surgeon, Dr Fleshner, says this is normal and a trip to the ER is not necessary, that I have to wait until it passes. However, if I did end up there, what would they do?  He doesn't want me getting any invasive tests until a few more months have passed because of scar tissue.  I am supposed to see him tomorrow but I don't know if I can even make it to the appointment because I cannot physically move very well, and I fear crapping myself in the Uber.

Please advise.  Thank you!  

Last edited by Californication
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Blockages aren't generally caused by food, though piling food behind them can lead to real misery. Surgically altered bowel can get narrowed, by twisting or kinking around an adhesion, or swelling, or forming scar tissue. Bowel hurts like heck when it's stretched, and it stretches plenty as it contracts to push food, etc. through a closed (or partially closed) pipe. The ER gets involved to deal with or prevent two basic complications: dehydration and bowel rupture. Both are worth avoiding. A partial blockage can make you miserable, but if you are gentle with yourself and stick to liquids neither complication is likely as long as the pressure is getting relieved and fluid is flowing. A complete blockage is a different story, and if it doesn't resolve itself professional help is needed. In both cases solid food is the least important thing to think about.

People have various positions, maneuvers, beverages, and prayers that they use, but time is the common factor. Blockages have been discussed here frequently - here's a post/thread from last year: https://www.j-pouch.org/topic/a...1#491213757277141771

Do some searching and you can find the wisdom of many folks, instead of just the ones on the site today.

Thanks for your answer.  The pressure is not getting relieved.  Today I cannot even pass gas.  The pain comes and goes in intense waves.  I am close to vomiting. It even hurts to drink liquid at times.

How do I know when it has turned into a full blockage?  Also, what are my chances it will turn into a rupture, and what are the signs?  What happens should that happen?

I still have an open wound that won't heal.  My skin was so tight that there was not enough fat to stitch me normally so they left a hole there for skin to grow over.  I do not know what this technique is called but it has not healed.  I wear a new bandage every day.

I do not know if I'm physically well enough to make it to the ER on my own.  Is it unheard of to call an ambulance for this?  Or is this not enough of an emergency?

 

 

If you're not physically well enough to make it to the ER on your own, that's why ambulances exist. Be aware that ambulances are expensive, and ER visits for blockages can be very, very frustrating. If you are still keeping liquids down you're probably not on the verge of bowel rupture, but if you start vomiting or stop peeing then the time has come to get some help.

I've had my j pouch since 2007 and just had my second child last month , 3 days later had an emergency surgery for a bowel obstruction.  Since then I've been on severe pain like described above. I went to the er this week i couldn't take the pain. A ct scan still showed an 8 cm bowel loop and looked just a bad as the ct scan I had done last month before surgery. I'm still having bowel movements so my surgeon doesn't think I have an obstruction but the pain is just too much I feel like something is wrong, I've been in extreme pain since the surgery even my incision still hurts, and also stil has an open hole part.

courtneyjade you need to call your doctor and seek their direction. extreme pain may be sign of an abscess ie an infection post surgically which can happen and must be treated. obstructions are indicated by bloating and lack of bowel movements, often resulting in vomiting ie the peristalsis has nowhere down to go so it comes up, and waves of pain as the peristalsis persists. it is extreme but it is also in waves, from what you are describing I would guess more of an abscess type issue. please contact your doctor as they can help facilitate an ER visit should that be necessary. otherwise as Scott suggested above ER visits can be awfully frustrating.

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