I had my j-pouch surgery in 1999 and I did have some trouble with obstructions not long afterwards, but I've been fine since 2000. The past couple of months, I've been having pain just under my rib cage on the right side that radiates to my back and then down my back. It's not severe pain--it comes and goes. I thought maybe it was a kidney stone since I've had that before and it felt similar or a gallstone so I went to the urologist. I had a CT scan, x-ray and blood work and everything was normal. So now I'm thinking maybe I have a partial obstruction. I'm still going to the bathroom pretty normally, although I feel a bit constipated and have to push to get the stool out at times. Is it possible to have a partial obstruction for 2 months though? Luckily, I have an appointment with my surgeon on Monday, but is a partial obstruction considered something that has to be seen by a doctor right away or is it OK to wait 6 more days?

Interesting that everything came back okay, because it does sound like gall bladder or kidney problems.

Yes, it is fine to wait to see a doctor for a partial obstruction. The rule of thumb on obstructions is to judge them by pain level and vomiting. If you are in so much pain you can't stand it, or if you are vomiting - get to the ER. Otherwise, you can suffer through obstructions (usually) without serious issues.

Thanks ElmerFudd. I was VERY surprised when the tests came back OK because I was convinced I had either gallstones or kidney stones. I'll just wait it out until I see the surgeon and see what he says and take it from there.

Polly, what kind of test did they do for the gallbladder? You dont have to have stones, it might not function properly. You sound like gallbladder attacks. That is how mine started for months, they I got a full blown attack. I did have stones, but I know they have a special test where they inject you to see if the gallbladder is functioning. Good Luck.

I agree with what Suzanne said and I would not put it off too long to find out exactly what is going on with the gallbladder in case it is the gallbladder and it gets worse. I hope it all works out for you and that you'll be feeling alot better in no time.Take care and God Bless.

Thanks for what you said. It prompted me to see my primary doctor today. She said she felt it's a gallbladder problem and people like us are more prone to these types of issues so it's worth investigating further. So I'm going for an ultrasound on Friday. SuzanneL--did you have to have your gallbladder removed?