How would I know if I had a bowel/intestinal obstruction?

[michelle222]

Hi everyone. This is kind of an odd question but, how would I know if I had a bowel or intestinal blockage? I have been having abdominal pain lately (which isn't really anything unusual unfortunately except that it's on both sides) and constipation. I generally get constipation instead of the diarrhea aspect of Crohn's. Anyway, I was just reading about bowel obstructions and wondering if I would know if I had one. I took Miralax last night for constipation but it hasn't really worked yet....

Anyway, I'll finish things off by admitting that I am a self-diagnosed hypochondriac (which has definitely gotten worse since I was diagnosed with Crohn's. If anyone has had an obstruction could you tell me what to look for? Would I know if I had one?

 

[tracy3808]

If you think that you may have an obstruction, then you really should contact your specialist, or if the pain is bad go to the ER. An obstruction is not something you should ignore as it can become dangerous.

Good luck. I hope for your sake you do not have an obstruction....

 

[CrohnsChicago]

Intestinal blockages are prevent food and fluids from passing through your system and out of your body. They can be caused by a number of things including inflammation and scarring from Crohn's flares. The only place that can determine if there is in fact a blockage is the hospital.

You say you are a self-diagnosed hypochondriac. Talk to your doctor about your concerns. Don't try to treat the problem yourself without letting your doctor in on what is going on. It is very important to create clear open and honest dialogue with your GI. It is the only way that they are going to be able to properly treat you. They are there to help you to the best of their ability.

Constipation from Crohn's or any medication you are taking is not uncommon, it's just that most people with Crohn's tend to experience diarrhea. However, if you are backed up for more than 48-72 hours, you should head to the ER and get checked out. Any blockage or obstruction is a medical emergency that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. The hospital will be the only resource able to treat you if this is the case.

Here's some info on blockages and symptoms:
http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/tc/bowel-obstruction-topic-overview

Hoping you find relief soon! :hug:

 

[michelle222]

Thanks for responding so quickly. I have been in to see my doctor recently and I told her about the constipation and abdominal pain and she never brought up an obstruction. I'll try not to be too graphic but I have had SOME bowel activity since taking the Miralax but it's been kind of loose and watery (which I know if expected with Miralax). I'll certainly contact my doctor, but I'd like to avoid another visit to the ER if possible (it's not free). I guess my concern is that the symptoms of an obstruction seem fairly similar to my usual Crohn's symptoms so I could potentially be running to the ER all the time. Should I be looking for no bowel activity or could I still have an obstruction if I'm having some loose BM's?

 

[tracy3808]

Those are good questions for your specialist. Crohn's presents itself differently if everybody that if you have a good specialist they will be able to tell you what to look for and when an ER visit is necessary.

About a month ago I went to the ER for severe dehydration after excessive diarrhea and vomiting. Once there they did a CT scan and it showed a narrowing of my intestine that could have formed an obstruction. After 2 weeks in hospital and IV steroids and antibiotics I was able to avoid surgery.

I think that one of the most important things to remember with Crohn's disease is to know your body and know when something is not right and to keep open communication with your specialist. It is always better to ask them extra questions than to push symptoms aside and then have your Crohn's get out of control.