Possible obstruction while pregnant

The keys are staying hydrated and paying attention to the possibility of a complete obstruction, which can get very serious.  It’s rare for an obstruction to require surgery, but everything short of surgery is pretty basic: IV fluids, paying attention to the progress, and sometimes pain medication.

Why not call both doctors for their advice?

Maybe. If the pain is bad I’ll go to the ER.  My GI said I should just go if I ever feel like it’s an obstruction again. I may give them both a call in the am. I’m afraid maybe I’m being too paranoid. But then again, when this has happened before I have waited too long and it’s been excruciating. Such a crap shoot. 

So when I was pregnant, I got the most god awful abdominal pains. I thought they were obstructions and maybe some were but I think most were really severe gas pains. Everything is getting pulled and stretched especially later in pregnancy so I think obstructions and tearing adhesions are more likely but at the same time so is gas and constipation. Seriously, pregnancy and breastfeeding actually made me constipated! I would avoid gassy foods like the plague (broccoli, cabbage, garlic) and try prune juice, grape juice, and a few prunes a day to keep things loose. Simethicone might help as well and I am pretty sure its considered safe. You might want to see your surgeon and make sure you aren't developing a stricture as well. My classic stricture symptom is feeling like I need to go (like constipation and spasms) but not being able to empty my pouch despite the poop being loose. If you have any sort of stricture developing, the firming up of your bowels movements will make it worse. I am not sure how they would decide to treat it but I suspect they would need to scope you and dilate it under anesthesia despite your pregnancy because it has to be dealt with and you need to eat. 

LC thank you so much for your detailed reply. That was really helpful and insightful information. I think I have to chalk it up to gas as well. I feel fine some days and other stretches of days are not so great. I think “normal” is a moving target for me right now. You have a good point about the adhesions and stuff letting up, as things grow and move.

Honestly, I just thought pregnancy would be a easier! I mean given all I’ve been through it’s not bad, but I’ve been sick almost every day, and just uncomfortable. Just keeping my fingers crossed to avoid a obstruction. Can they do an X-ray with the baby, I’d need be? 

I ended up going to Urgent Care (here in the US) and they said they couldn’t help me and to just go straight to the ER. They said the only way they could tell if it was an obstruction would be an ultra sound. Does that sound right? If an obstruction was bad enough would it even cut off blood supply to the baby or cause a miscarriage? I’m a little afraid of that as well, even though it’s an extreme case. Idk what they would even give for pain if it got really bad. So many things to think about. 

Min the meantime I did add juice to my diet. I’m still eating really bland. I know I need to up my protein, but I don’t feel like eating anything besides plain pasta, cereal and crackers. 

I was horribly sick until almost 20 weeks so I know what you mean about feeling like crap. If you need medication to function, ask for it. I was on three different nausea medications for months and I was still sick multiple times per day. My pouch was actually better than it had ever been while I was pregnant probably because I hardly ate anything for months, everything slowed down, increased blood flow, and the natural immune suppression. Your OB can tell you more about diet, but I don't think they worry too much about macronutrients early on. Mine basically told me to eat whatever I could keep down to survive (potato chips, pickles, sour patch kids) and to take my prenatal vitamin. We did have a bit of a growth scare some time in the 2nd trimester so I saw a fetal medicine specialist who put me on a high protein diet but I think it was just a bad measurement on the ultrasound. My daughter ended up perfectly healthy and big (almost 9 pounds). 

A really severe obstruction would be dangerous for both of you because it can damage your bowel. If you have really severe pain that doesn't move or improve you should definitely go to the ER. They would put you on an IV and figure out how to diagnose you without exposing your baby to radiation. I don't think they would do x-rays or a CT scan because of the radiation so that is probably why they said they would use an ultrasound. 

thanks for the advice. I’m now 14 weeks and woke up with a severe stomach ache. Have been staying with liquids most of the day and laying down seems to help. Some sharp painsthat come and go, like the last time I had an obstruction. I’m nervous it’s the same thing again. I’m managing it at home and took Tylenol. I’m not thirsty or hungry. Got sick once this am but I think that’s morning sickness from the pregnancy since it still happens almost daily. I wish I could do more to make things “pass.” 

My stool is yellow liquid- like bile. Kind of what I had back when I had my j pouch. Not sure what that means. Fingers crossed it goes away. Maybe a heating pad might help?

How long do you wait to seek help? I know they can’t give me anything at the hospital and prob only be able to diagnose with ultra sound, which from my previous experiences isn’t very reliable. I’m going to wait it out at home for now. If I can’t wait or catch my breath then I’ll go. Doesn’t help that today’s a holiday in the US. I’m sure the ERs are packed

also try heat on your stomach. sending cyberhugs.