Hi Everyone,
I just got out of the hospital after 4 days of waiting for a blockage to push its way through.
The pain was horrible. I have had this to happen to me twice in the past 3 years and don't want to eat anything else to cause another one. He told me to stay away from leafy greens. I also have chronic pouchitus and take Cipro daily. Anybody else have any problems with any certain food that I need to be aware of? Thanks .
Marie

undercooked broccoli has caused 3 of my 5 obstructions so now I only eat it if it is very very well done and I chew it well. Recently I had some fresh pineapple that caused a very slight obstruction.

My fifth and most serious obstruction was caused by pregnancy, and not at all food related.

I have had blockages occur from eating corn and also from eating apples. I don't eat alot of the fruits and vegetables I used to but am glad to abstain when I think of having a blockage.

Marie,

Have you and your doctor discussed surgery for adhesion removal? If not, you should see what he says.

And yes, I know, I know: many surgeons will tell you they won't do surgery to remove them because "they will just grow back."

As you all well know, nothing with our bodies and with medicine is ever certain. Neither is the statement "they will just grow back." I had laproscopic surgery to remove adhesions (I too was suffering from blockages) and have been doing great - no obstructions to speak of since.

If you find yourself in the hospital that often, and if your surgeon won't do anything about it, my recommendation would be to get a second opinion. My surgery was fairly non-invasive and was very easy to recover from.

Just my two cents.

Steve

I almost ended up in the hospital Friday also…I was laying down in my office attempting to make contortions to help it pass…then I drove home and I was in so much pain half of my face started going numb and I almost passed out on the freeway….very unpleasant, I called my surgeon who told me to take milk of magnesia, and within 45 of drinking that, the obstruction passed.

I did the milk of magnesia once too, painful but it did make the obstruction pass! I didn't realize a doctor would really tell you to do that! Good I didn't hurt myself then! I don't eat oranges anymore, suck on them but don't eat the rest of them, shrimp almost put themselves back together if you don't chew thoroughly also mushrooms! Good luck!

Shrimp is what did it, Tanya. We went over to my mom’s and had some coconut shrimp on Thursday , and then I took some to work for lunch Friday…..I have been obstructed from mushrooms ,cauliflower and broccoli before, but I have never experienced such a painful obstruction as the this one caused by shrimp… I never whined or complained after the surgeries, but Friday I was screaming so loud, people in the cars next to me where staring..

Oh yeah, he recommended milk of magnesia and said to have it handy for these type of scenarios. He said it was better to try and get it out like that than to keep forcing yourself to pass it.

Hmm, interesting. Usually, laxatives are contraindicated if you think you have an obstruction because the purgative effect can make it worse (ever try to force a ring off a swollen finger?- same thing inside-out with a bowel obstruction). I definitely would not take a laxative unless you are certain you are not completely blocked. If you have had x-rays and it is ruled out, then a mild laxative such as MOM should be fine.

You might be better off trying grape juice first.

Jan

My worst one was caused by a tuna sandwich on thick sliced heavy multigrain bread. I just got out of the hospital and was told I could eat anything I want (wasn't true at all)and I was craving that for days. Apples, lobster, corn have caused smaller obstructions. I learned to chew thoroughly although I still catch myself not doing that. Lots of warm tea helped.

Hey Everyone,
Thanks so much for your responces. Its really kinda scary. I find myself thinking everything might do it but pudding and such as that. I just hope they are few and far between. Oh my surgeon is one that says no way unless there is no other option. Thanks again.
Marie

I have problems with Chinese food when the vegetables are crisp tender. So I am very careful. Chew chew chew. If I bring home leftovers when I cook it in the microwave the veggies are a little more mushy. I love vegetables. Never have been a big fruit fan even before the UC diagnosis. I am working on it. The other food I love that just does not work well for me, is oatmeal. Oh well.
Jennifer

MarkJ, shrimp may not have been the cause of your obstruction, but the coconut. Coconut is very fiberous and hard to digest...have you had shrimp in other ways with no issue? Just something to think about.

I have had my pouch for 10 years and just had an obstruction in december. My fault I ate lots of raw nuts. I had several blockage the first year after my pouch but had the adhesions removed. Much better ever since. You can each veggies you just have to make sure they are cooked well done. Good luck.

Keep in mind that food isn't always the culprit. I can eat anything I want with pretty much no problem(pouch is 6yrs old). The worst thing I did was having a salad and popcorn in the same night...Yep, I got caught!
If you think there is a chance that something you eat may hang up in you then make sure you chew your food completely.
Blockages are no fun!
Julie