I have had partial obstruction for 5 days now. I have a J-Pouch. My question to anyone is this: I just started last week eating a few pieces of chewy/hard licorice before bed every night for a few days. I wonder if this blocked me. Prior to colectomy, I could eat this with no problem. What do you think?
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I don’t think the licorice candy caused this. Whether your gut is temporarily narrowed, perhaps from twisting around an adhesion, or permanently narrowed, perhaps from a stricture, almost anything solid can get trapped behind that narrowing (and then get blamed for it). These usually clear up on their own, but 5 days feels like forever, and can be quite risky for dehydration. If you’re not still peeing light-colored fluid a few times per day then you might need an IV to keep you hydrated until this passes. I’m sorry you’re going through this!
Thanks Scott. I am drinking and peeing copious amounts; very clear. I also pass stool and gas; not as much as usual. Behind old stoma is very tender and fluttery. Very bloated progressively through the day. My understanding from seeing my surgeon today is that up to 10 days would still be within the normal realm for the obstruction to clear. He advised me that if BM's cease, get to emerg. He scoped my pouch as well and said it looked good. Fingers crossed this clears. Blanded out my diet and lots of clear fluids, but small amounts at a time or more discomfort. Thank you for your comments. Appreciated.
It’s hard to tell if it’s something you ate or if you have a narrowing somewhere. For example, I know I have a narrowing where my ostomy site was-and that’s where, if I have an obstruction, it usually happens. Tough to say. Usually tougher stuff like nuts cause obstruction, but again, it can be different for everyone.
Thanks for your comments. I am pretty sure I also have a specific narrowed or kinked area behind my old ostomy. That is where it is full and sore. I had an obstruction in the exact spot once before with my ostomy. It took a few days to clear. This is longer and still very distended 6 days along. Wish there was something proactive I could do to help it along. Appreciate your help.
@GEB56 posted:Thanks for your comments. I am pretty sure I also have a specific narrowed or kinked area behind my old ostomy. That is where it is full and sore. I had an obstruction in the exact spot once before with my ostomy. It took a few days to clear. This is longer and still very distended 6 days along. Wish there was something proactive I could do to help it along. Appreciate your help.
Are you doing better???
No Lauren. Terrible. Pain and distention worsening. Much less BM's. Just emailed my surgeon for advice. I live. 1 1/2 hours from the hospital. I am very concerned. This is day 7 of obstruction. Will let you know. Thank you.
@GEB56 posted:No Lauren. Terrible. Pain and distention worsening. Much less BM's. Just emailed my surgeon for advice. I live. 1 1/2 hours from the hospital. I am very concerned. This is day 7 of obstruction. Will let you know. Thank you.
I am so sorry! I hope everything will be okay. And okay let me know. Your welcome!