Can't hold fluids down, yet I can't go either

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Luton Matt

I'm totally at a loss as to what is going on, started yesterday lunchtime feeling pain around stoma scar (I'm a j poucher), that was the last time I ate anything or even felt like it. I've had one glass of fluid around eleven last night but I was throwing it back up...all the while feeling a pain in my lower abdomen. I went to my local A+E, explained the situation, they took X-rays and bloods, examined my belly, listened to normal bowel sounds and PR exam was essentially fine so he sent me home asking that I don't take any codeine or loperamide. The A+E doctors told me to see how it goes.
Thing is I've still not been for a poo (ive never been 24 hours without going in eleven years with a j pouch) and don't feel like eating, I've brought up some more sick too. I had some corn on the cob on Tuesday night during a barbecue (also had chicken)
Thanks guys, this is a great website.

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Luton MattMember

One other thing I've just been to sleep after getting back and have awoke to the pain feeling worse, I can't feel my pouch filling with anything.

7/10/134:14 AM

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beucfreeMember

It sounds blockage to me. May have been caused by corns. Either go back to ER or call your surgeon. I would stay away from the solid food. If possible drink fluid to keep yourself hydrated.

7/10/139:16 AM

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suebearMember

Yes, this sounds like a full obstruction. If it's not resolved head back to the AE.

Sue

7/10/139:48 AM

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Luton MattMember

Okay that's what I think it is.
How would my guts be soft and making normal noises if I have a blockage? That's what confuses me..

7/10/1310:42 AM

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kathy smithMember

I would think you could still be producing gut sounds even with a full blockage. But a soft abdomen is puzzling. Have you had a bowel movement yet? If not, as others have said, it's time to get back to A&E or call your doctor.

Kathy

7/10/1312:01 PM

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liz11Member

definitely sounds like a blockage. generally they can't be seen on an xray. your guts are making noises because stuff is trying to get through but it can't.

You need to get to A&E. demand to see a GI doc or colorectal surgeon when you get there as whoever saw you last time..didn't seem to know what they were doing.

7/10/1312:27 PM

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PluotMember

Is there any way you can go to a... better A&E? Not sure how things work in the UK but it just sounds like you were treated by staff who aren't very familiar with GI issues like this. It does sound almost definitely like a full obstruction. Obviously absolutely nothing solid by mouth until you have a BM.

7/10/1312:28 PM

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Jan DollarModerator, RN, retired

Your belly would be soft if you are vomiting up anything you take in. It sounds like the obstruction is at the stoma site, which is the most common place. It was safe for them to send you home, since your symptoms were not serious at that time and x-rays did not show a dangerous obstruction that would indicate immediate surgery.

That said, if you cannot even keep down clear liquids, you can quickly dehydrate, so medical attention is necessary, if only for IV hydration. Sometimes it can be a long waiting game for this to pass, and hopefully you can avoid an NG tube and/or surgical intervention.

Jan

7/10/131:00 PM

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Luton MattMember

Hi there thank you all for the replays I really appreciate it. Just to update I've been to see my general practitioner who was very helpful and has drawn me up a letter to go to the hospital again with a covering letter explaining my situation. However there was a development while I was there as I finally felt my pouch filling up and I've since been to the toilet! My GP says that if i start to feel better i can ring them up and cancel. i dont quite feel like im out of the woods yet though so i will see how the next two hours goes. Jan what you say sounds plausible as that's where the pressure first eminatad from, and it's also where I feel tender when being examined.
Thanks again guys!

7/10/131:46 PM

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Jan DollarModerator, RN, retired

Oh boy, now the flood gates are open, so watch out!! Whenever I have an obstruction finally let loose, I am on the toilet what seems like every 15 minutes!

Jan

7/10/132:08 PM

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Luton MattMember

Yeah that's about the case right now!! I'm relieved it seems to be clearing, one thing, will I be okay to eat yet? I'm feeling hungry all of a sudden!

7/10/132:42 PM

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Jan DollarModerator, RN, retired

Sure, but keep it simple and light (don't go for the corn on the cob just yet!). Stick to easy to digest things.

Jan

7/10/132:57 PM

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Luton MattMember

Thanks very much Jan. and to all the other comments on here.

7/10/133:04 PM

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Jan DollarModerator, RN, retired

Hey, I finally figured out your signature line!

Yes, I am a Mary Poppins fan too!!

Jan