12 years out from original surgery for Jpouch. For the last year I have had small bowel obstruction every 3 months or less. It’s getting harder and harder to get over them. I have had four hospital stays just this year. Afterwards I am sore for about two weeks! I’m starting to get nervous that this will lead to more serious situation.
Any advise would be greatly appreciated,
vergied
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Are you still seeing your J-pouch surgeon? Most of the time the situation you describe is caused by adhesions. In any case, thoughtful discussion with a surgeon could help you think through the pros and cons of trying to fix this problem surgically (“lysis of adhesions”). It’s not a straightforward decision: sometimes the surgery helps, sometimes it doesn’t, and sometimes it makes things worse.
In 2011, I started getting kinks at the adhesion where the stoma was. This was about 7 years after the reconstruction. Then they would come every 2 or 3 years. Within the last 3 years, however, they started happening much more frequently, like every 6 months or more. I started taking psyllium before meals (a heaping teaspoon with 8 oz water) and that seemed to tone my intestines: I could really feel a change. It felt like they had become flaccid (and easier to kink) and the psyllium gave them a gentle workout. I haven't had any of those annoying and painful episodes in the last year and a half since I started the psyllium. I can't be sure it's not a coincidence, of course, but thought I would share anyway.
Thank you both for your responses. The surgeon conversation is coming soon. I was really hoping I could do something to avoid it. I haven’t thought about psyllium. Anything is worth a try at this point.
thanks again
v
Just make sure you get "powdered" psyllium husk if you do try it, the finer ground the better. This has a more soothing effect on the lining, in my experience.
I used to have obstructions every few years in maybe a 12-year period. For the last one, I had to have emergency surgery because my bloodwork indicated ischemia. Once I was opened up, they found that my intestine was twisted. They thought maybe that was my problem all along. It's been 10 years and, knock wood, I haven't had an obstruction since. I wish you the best outcome!
OMG I would do anything to not have an obstruction! I have had so many I lost count! I’m seriously thinking that surgery is the answer.
thank you for sharing and I’m so happy for you!
v
@Vergie posted:OMG I would do anything to not have an obstruction! I have had so many I lost count! I’m seriously thinking that surgery is the answer.
thank you for sharing and I’m so happy for you!v
You are so welcome, and I hope you get relief soon.
