I have just been discharged from the hospital after a very scary week-long complete small bowel obstruction. I went in last Monday with severe abdominal pain and vomiting, the dreaded NG tube was put in, but after 2 days the obstruction didn't resolve. I was 24 weeks pregnant at that point, and after careful consideration by OB-GYN and CR surgeons, surgery was presented as my only option, as my bowel could quickly become necrotic. Of course, surgery at this stage posed huge risks of preterm labor, so I was an emotional mess, but to make a long story short, the baby was monitoried very closely during the surgery, and some small post-surgical contractions were able to be stopped. The baby and I are doing fine now.

During the surgery, my CR surgeon said he was unable to ensure he had freed up the entire bowel since the baby was taking up a lot of my abdomen, so his only option was to give me a temp ileostomy to avoid moving the baby around so much.

I know others here have had obstructions while pregnant, but I wonder what has made my case different requiring such extensive surgery. I trust my surgeon 100% and know he did what was best, but I was wondering if anyone here has had similar experiences. I have never had a blockage before, so I was new to this! Also, although I have had a temp ileostomy before, I am wondering if anyone could share some "helpful hints" on having one during pregnancy. At the very moment, I feel as though I am fighting to stay hydrated, yet scared to eat anything too "binding" for fear of causing another obstruction.

Thanks for any advice,
Dana

Stamina is a wondeful product for staying hydrated without drinking mega fluids.
We get it at the health food store.
The rest I can't help with.

I hope someone can help you. I've always been in the hospital with IV fluids until my obstruction resolved itself. I always refused surgery....but you would have too if you were being treated by the doctors I've had here!! They know nothing about this stuff! Luckily, after a weekin the hospital, my obstructions would go away.

Try having some gatorade to keep your electrolytes balanced. Eat mushy foods...like pudding....maybe some chef boyardi (ravioli..etc...) I'd stay away from veggies and meats for a while. Have a little bit of mashed potatos. Just don't eat much. If you have some pain, continue with the liquids. Drink plenty of liquid and you should be fine.

I hope you feel better soon!

What a nightmare!!!! You sound up beat though.
Did they say your obstruction was caused by food. I had a bowel obstruction that wouldn't resolve but it was because it was caused by adhesions....so of course surgery was the only option. Have plenty to drink on hand. Lots of variety can help. I get sick of drinking water and have lots of gatorade and juices. I like to freeze gatorade for about 3-4 hours and make a slushie so it feels like a little treat. Not as fun in the winter but I love frozen treats.

Thanks for your responses!

I am doing much better, a little less scared to eat different things, and a little more comfortable managing the ostomy with my growing belly!
Marcene, they think my obstruction was caused by adhesions, although the first output from my ostomy was spinach (my last meal before the pain started), so maybe both food and adhesions contributed. I also have FAP/Gardner's syndrome, and according to my surgeon, my body formed "desmoid-like webbing" around my intestines.
So, now I am on the road to recovery, concentrating on gaining the 12 pounds I lost (plus some) and staying hydrated. And some other great news--we have a C-section date of February 7th scheduled! Can't wait!

Thanks again!
Dana

Hi there.
I just read your posting. I had one of my babies while sufferring from UC/crohns. I had my next baby after total colectomy + another adhesion removal surgery, I had an ileostomy with this pregnancy....no problems at all. I was scared about the ileostomy protruding, etc., but I was very lucky (healthiest pregnancy I had). I had another baby post j-pouch surgery and besides pancreatitis and a few other minor difficulties, everything was fine. I delivered all vaginally with no problem. I am pregnant again with my fourth baby and am hoping my jpouch behaves this time too. Good luck and keep positive.