Hey everyone,
I'm feeling a little down because I just had a blockage that put me in the hospital for two weeks. I'm really scared to eat anything. I thought I was following all the rules, but I must have missed something. If anyone could offer any advise and some words of encouragement it would be greatly appreciated.
Heather

Most times it is not what you eat that causes a blockage. Usually, the intestine gets a little kink or twist...adhesions can be the culprit as well. If you are scared to eat...try some Boost or Ensure and too, you can put food in a blender and make a mush out of it.

I hope things go better for you.

Heather, did your surgeon/DR give an explanation for your blockage? Were any tests done? 2 weeks is a long time in the hospital for a food obstruction. How long have you had your pouch?
Just do your best to follow the dietary guidlines...did they give you any? Chew as well as you can!

My surgeon didn't seemed concerned that it took so long for the blockage to go away. He said one girl came in with a blockage and it only took her 4 days to recover. It was a long 16 days in the hospital though. I had lots of ups and downs. I'm getting fairly depressed because I'm so scared that it will happen again. I think it was more along the line of a kink that just happened. I can't think of anything that I could have eaten that would have caused something like that. I've had my pouch since August 14th. It's fairly new. The takedown is in November. I can't wait!

Hi Heather,
I know it stinks to have a blockage so early, and sometimes there is nothing a person can do to prevent it. I was in your shoes several months ago. I had a blockage 22 days after step one, which lasted about ten days until my docs decided to do step 2 early to fix it. The obstruction was just before my ileostomy. Its understandable to be nervous about eating, just use caution, but most likely it was probably nothing you did wrong. It's no fun, but it happens. The road isn't easy, but that's why j-pouchers are so awesome! Keep looking forward to take-down!
Good luck to you and I hope things get better!
Cheryl

Blockages sometimes happen but don't let it bother you too much. Most likely it wasn't anything you did! It sounds like you just had surgery so you probably still have some swelling inside; things are trying to settle down in there. I had a blockage right after my TD. I thought it was my fault but it was just swelling.
Don't worry too much

This is such a wonderful website. It really helps having someone out there that has experienced the same thing you have. You're right, the road isn't easy. I cry sometimes for no reason feeling sorry for myself. I stop crying once I realize how lucky I am. My brother has chrones disease and isn't able to be cured. It's just hard to think that I'll be okay after a couple of months, but my brother has to suffer with a terrible case of chrones. I think that is what breaks my heart and makes me cry the most.