For the last few days, I've had difficulty going to the bathroom and fully emptying my pouch. I can eat normally and I can go to the bathroom, it's just difficult and doesn't all come out. Today the lower half of my abdomen feels bloated. In July of this year I was in the hospital over night because my intestine prolapsed into my pouch. I don't know if that's starting to happen again because the symptoms are different. I've left two messages for my surgeon's nurse today because he isn't there and haven't received a call back. I'm really trying to avoid the ER. Any advice? It seems that no one is there this week because of the holiday and I'm starting to feel anxious.
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Sounds like it could be a stricture. Your doc would have to determine how high up the stricture is located.
A hegar dilator could be used to break up the stricture, which is no fun. A google search would turn up a vendor for you.
When I have a stricture, any movement while on the throne can help. My standby is leaning left while my right wrist is on my head, and my left hand is on the far right side of the small of my back. Don't ask me how I figured that one out!
I also noticed that chocolate soy milk makes me go quickly after drinking it. So I drink a good bit when a stricture appears.
That prolapse you mentioned sounds intimidating. No experience there.
A hegar dilator could be used to break up the stricture, which is no fun. A google search would turn up a vendor for you.
When I have a stricture, any movement while on the throne can help. My standby is leaning left while my right wrist is on my head, and my left hand is on the far right side of the small of my back. Don't ask me how I figured that one out!
I also noticed that chocolate soy milk makes me go quickly after drinking it. So I drink a good bit when a stricture appears.
That prolapse you mentioned sounds intimidating. No experience there.
Sounds like it could be a partial obstruction if not a stricture.. Either way, if you're having trouble emptying I would switch to a soft solid/liquid diet until the issue resolves or you can see your surgeon.
Do you have a gastroenterologist? If so he/she might 1) not be on vacation, and 2) be able to take a look with a scope. Something has you a bit blocked, whether it's a prolapse, stricture, or perhaps a partial obstruction upstream. In any case the liquids would be prudent, I think.
Thanks everyone. At the ER now. Things got a little worse. I think my intestine prolapsed again. Just scared for what this all may mean.
I'm sorry you're having such a rotten day. Once you get this acute event sorted out I'd suggest scheduling an appointment with your surgeon. If he suggests a procedure to prevent future prolapses, you may have to press him on how many he's done. Experienced people will be quite rare, and you might be better off shopping around for an experienced practitioner. Most of this is premature, though; I'd just start with an appointment.