Hello. Having Problems With Diarrhea

[ColinJ]

Hello everyone,dropped on this forum by chance,since saturday the 08/09/2012 i have had constant diarrehea,hospitalised on the 13/09/2012 with stomach pains,had a NG down my throat and 4 Xrays which showed i had a SBO [Partial] hospital discharged me on the 15/09/2012 and got to attend as an outpatient and have the camera both ends,my question to all you lovely people how long does it take for a partial to clear, any help would be appreciated.

Regards Colin

 

[D Bergy]

I would think that your Diarrhea would have already cleared up, providing you did not have it prior to the procedures.

If it keeps going on your doctor may give you some Cholestrymine to slow things down a bit.

I am having a similar problem, and will also be using the same treatment, if it does not clear up in a couple more weeks.

Good Luck

Dan

 

[ColinJ]

Hi D Bergy. I had a ruptured large colon which was caused by diverticulitis 10 years ago,which resulted to me having a laparectomy to sort me out which is a very painful operation,so this problem at the moment does worry me as to where its going to lead me,i dont feel ill in myself its just this persistance diarrhea,so have you any idea if you have a partial obstruction how long does it take to move on.

Colin

 

[Carrie]

I'm a bit surprised the hospital discharged you with a partial obstruction. I've had a few, and I've remained in hospital until they were cleared, and generally given instructions to keep on a soft foods diet (easy-to-digest foods like mash, soups, etc.) in conjunction with whatever drugs I was given for the inflammation.

You're in a bit of a pickle, really. Taking anything for the diarrhoea could make the obstruction worse.

How quickly the obstruction goes away depends upon the treatment you were given. If you're having problems with the resulting diarrhoea, then I think you need to have a chat with your GI to see what they can do.

 

[Ckt]

Hi colinJ..ivehad several partial bowel obstructions and they seem to cleAr with bowel rest and supportive care like Iv fluids, ng tube, and pain meds because they are so painful! If you can, limit intake to liquids. Mine have usually cleared in a week. Taking immodium/lomotil may not be a great idea right now as it could lead to a complete obstruction. I was also told by my last surgeon to lay off cholestyramine during partial obstructions as he has seen it completely obstruct too.
It may be that liquid is the only thing getting through a narrowing in your bowel whether the narrowing is inflammation or a stricture.try and get in touch with your doctor to let them know you're still having problems even after being in the hospital. Let us know how you do!
I know many have reported an elemental diet really helps during these times. You can get high protein drinks to substitute for food while your belly settles down. In the states I have found a drink called eas low carb shake at Walmart that tastes fairly good,doesn't load you with tons of sugar or carbs. I have a hard time with carbs in general and hate the taste of ensure(blech!!).. Hope that helps!

 

[Carrie]

As Ckt says, perhaps try some liquid supplement drinks. In the UK, you can go to your GP and ask for a prescription for Ensure or Fortisip (I'd ask for Fortisip, personally--several flavours to choose from, and they're generally more palatable). Be sure to explain your situation, and they should be able to give you some for short-term use; in the meantime, get in touch with your gastro to get the obstruction sorted out!