Hey everyone,

I haven't been on here for a while.(hope everyone's well..) My pouch is now 6 years old and up until last month I've felt like the past couple years have been the best I've ever been.

Last month I ended up with a really bad blockage and had to go into hospital overnight, mainly for the pain relief ( morphine!!!!) until it passed. I had put it down to a strawberry yoghurt I had ate (yes, really... LOTS of fruit in this yoghurt... I'm guessing the seeds clogged together).
I was in a lot of pain for days after it had cleared when I ate any food, so stuck to softer foods until I was better.

Last week I again ended up with a blockage. This time... I'm not sure, but I think it was carelessness when eating an apple (not chewing) and some pasta thing I made with lots of veg/ pepper/tomato skins.

What I'm worried about is the reason I got two blockages in such a short space of time. At both these points I was very stressed and concentrating on work more than what I was putting in my stomach. But I had a follow-up appt at the surgeon's yesterday and the registrar said it could either be:
a) scar tissue (strictures? I don't know..?)
b) a kink in the bowel

and that (a) was obviously worse than (b) i.e. surgery was the only way to fix the scar tissue. I'm just wondering what other people think.

It's just odd that I have nothing like this for 6 years and then in the space of a month I have two episodes. The only thing I can think of is both times I've been really stressed ( I know...health is more important than work :-S) and been eating on the move.

The kink in the bowel thing... the registrar says because there is more room for everything to "move about" this could be why, and because both times it has sorted itself out, it is most likely a kink. but OUCH I don't really know if i believe that or not.

As I said though, apart from these two times I feel like my pouch has improved with age, it'd be a shame if this were to be a sign of things to come..

Any feedback on my loooong post is welcome

Lynsey

Girl, you have got to settle down and relax. I personally believe it is the stress. ANY TIME I stress myself out like you've said, I get a blockage. It was really great when my Dad had his Mitral Valvue in his heart replaced (major surgery) and I was so stressed over the ordeal that I landed in the hospital just as he was leaving. That was rough for my Mom
Now when I feel myself starting to get that way I try to take a yoga class or do something to help get away from it all. The doctor's can tell me it's scar tissue (and I'm sure that helps) but I know it happens when I'm really stressed as you said. I know this wasn't great medcial advice but hopefully it will be of some comfort to you.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Olive Oil,

heh, no actually your advice is good and echoes what all my friends and family say: RELAX!!! but I'm afraid I'm one of these people who feel even edgier when I have nothing to do(!)
I'll look into relaxation techniques

thanks!

Hi Lynsey,

As much as it's nice to see you again, I'm sorry that it's because you've been having problems!

I totally agree with the stress thing, especially in the case of a kink in the gut! It makes sense that it would get worse when you are under stress because you are bound to be all tensed up and I'm pretty convinced that it affects the abdo muscles and that in turn puts pressure on the bowel!

I'm not convinced that the strawberry yoghurt had much to do with it though the apple could have been the culprit (or at least a contributing factor) with your second obstruction.

I really do hope that you don't have this happen again and hope you can find a way to cope with the stress when you feel you're under pressure.

Take care and good luck.

Shell

Thanks Shell,

yeah I know It's pretty bad that I only really come on here at the moment when something's wrong but alas I am ok now so a sensible lifestyle ensues...

heh I dunno, no one's convinced bout my yoghurt theory, I think the stress one is definitely more likely.

Anyways I hope you're well and I'll catch you in the chat room once I figure out how the hell I can get in using this computer(!)

Lynsey

We always want to blame something we ate for obstructions because it is something we have control over. But, actually, food is seldom the reason for an obstruction, particularly food you have been eating without issues for a long time. Unless you have a serious stricture, food should not be the issue. I agree with the kink theory, especially since it worked itself out. The close proximity of the two attacks could well be related, as you may have had residual swelling from the first one that predisposed you to the second.

The fact remains that every one of us can have obstructions due to adhesions that formed within a week or two of our surgery, and it can occur decades after the fact without any hint of previous problems. Unless this becomes a reoccurring issue, surgery is not warranted.

Jan

Hi lynsey!!!!!!! I'm so happy to see you, but I'm sorry about the blockages. I don't have any answers for you, but what Shell and Olive have told you makes sense. I am a worrier too, and I know it's hard to relax, but now you have a good reason to be really careful and try to find an outlet for your stress. I found walking and listening to music really helps me when I'm stressed. Also, when you are stressed, maybe try eating softer foods that will go through you easier.

If it is scar tissue, it's so hard to diagnose. I just had surgery to repair pouch prolapse, and I had alot of scar tissue which really added to my problems. I had so many diagnostic tests, and consultations with GI's and also Dr. Fazio in Cleveland, and no one really suspected that adhesions were the cause of my problems. I really hope your problem is from stress and maybe being a little careless with chewing. Do your best to control your stress level, and concentrate on chewing well and drinking. I really hope this is the last of your blockages.

Again, it's so good to see you, but next time I hope it's good news.

Be well,

janna

Hey Janna and Jan thanks for your repliesI'm sticking to a light diet just now and trying to take it easy whenever possible!

Janna: I posted on you're "im home" post that i was sorry to hear what happened. I hope you are resting lots and letting people run after you!!!

Lynsey