HI Group,
Last week, June 11th I had my second procedure, the take down reversal. Everything seemed fine. i was released on Saturday and ecstatic to be bagless and ready to start new life.
Buy Sunday I had intense pain in the area of incision. On Monday I went to see my surgeon and he said I had partial blockage and swelling.
He advised to enter hospital immediatley which I did. Now its 5 days with no end in sight. I have not been allowed to eat or drink. My doctor is saying perhaps Sunday or Monday I can get out. but this is just unbearable especially mentally since I don't feel sick except for abdominal pain.
Anyone else have complications after surgery?
I really hope it doesn't happen on regular basis, I want to get on with my new life.

I had my second surgery 6 years ago. While I did not have an obstruction, I developed a horrible infection. My stomach swell so bad and stuff was coming out of where the drain tubes had been. I ended up having to have the infection removed with a needle while on ultrasound. I hated being awake for that. They removed over 16 oz of infection. Then a few weeks of 2 different anti-biotics. A few years later I developed a hernia. The stomach muscle really weakens when cut open in the same spot twice. So a 3rd surgery was needed. Another 5 days in the hospital and a huge pc of mesh in my torso. Anything can happen I think. Just listen to your body and the doctors. While I have had my ups and downs, I have not had any hospitalizations since the hernia operation in December 2004.
I wish you the best of luck and keep your chin up.

The longest partial obstruction I had lasted 9 days. Most of mine now take 4 to 5 days. They havn't tried a NG tube yet? That would probably be the next move if it's not resolving with NPO alone...A little secret for you....Walk, and I mean walk! If it's painful, get some pain meds going and walk, walk, walk....
I usually get teased because of all the walking I will do...As long as my pain is under control I will continue to walk...
I hope this resolves for you fast, from this point on!
Ubderstand that some folks have rotten luck...But, if not for my J-pouch I would ahve no luck at all!!
Julie

Hi,
thanks for your support. It helps to know others have had complications. What is an NG tube? Where is it located on your body.
So Julie you have not had to be in the hospital since 2004? Prior to that how many obstructions did you have that made you be in the hospital?
Eric

Eric,

As I indicated in response to the same question you posted in another thread, NG tube = nasogastric tube. Inserted through your nostril, down your throat, and snaked down into your stomach/intestine.

The one they shoved down my throat looked like it was about 1" thick. I have thin nostrils and did not think it would fit. They told me don't worry, it will. Well let me tell you there was no room left there. You have to breathe through your mouth like when you are snorkeling. It's an experience that sucks, totally and completely.

However, it protects your body from the act of vomiting which is not a good thing for your body in the immediate post take down state.

I had 3 blockages pre-takedown and one post-takedown (about 3 weeks after takedown). None in the past 15 plus years.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: DJBHusky,

hey Eric...I have had 3 partials so far this year(o Joy NOT). All of my previous obstructions seem to be related to adhesions except for one...With the one I had eaten popcorn and a salad within a couple of hours(3 or4) and got caught up so to speak. I have had a couple of obstructions every year since 2002. I probably average 3 to 4 partials every year. It's just something I live with.
I have had NG tubes for the entire time of hospitalization except maybe the last day...It is a miserable existence...The only way I can survive that thing is by piling up as much pain medicine as I can and, for me makes it harder for me to walk. Now their plan is to do the NG tube for the first day or so and then have me go NPO...I hope things are resolving for you..
One thing that will happen is that when you go home your gut will still be achy and sore, so you will need to take it easy even after you start to go...
Give us an update!
Julie

Tough stuff. I feel bad you have experienced so many complications. I'm finally going home after six days. Thank god I did not have an NG tube, I'll take somthing anyday up the butt instead down the throat. Wish me luck.
yeah i love salads, but I'll wait. As for popcorn I love that too, but have passed twice when going to movies something that was tough live without. We adapt, that is what I've learned from this whole ordeal.
good advice on taking it easy. I hope I can reply back in a couple of months that is going o.k. I love to read positive posts on this site, but i know alot of those lucky people are busy living and stop coming here as often.