Hello all. Had various problems over the years -- an apparent rupture in 1986 that was not diagnosed definitively until 1989. Had a 'double' resection in 1989 and immediately re-gained weight, energy. Felt great and most days still feel good. In the last 25 years I have had a number of obstructions. Sometimes two weeks apart, sometimes 6-8 months. You never know. Went to ER once. Had the same GI for over 10 years and he proved to be of little help -- located what he suspected was a stricture that is causing my obstructions but offered nothing in the way of treatment. I very recently relocated and this was an opportunity to change health plans and get a new doc.
New GI seemed somewhat more in tune with my condition and I was hopeful. Just had bloodwork and MRI which, he says, indicates stricture that is result or previous surgery as opposed to inflammation. He does not think surgery is indicated, though I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. I skimmed through this forum today and was struck by the number of sufferers (is that what we are?) with obstructions and symptoms like mine, e.g., nothing passes, vomiting, pain so severe I want to cry. I am heartened that I am not alone and that I am not being a wimp - those obstructions are debilitating.
Since surgery does not appear to be an immediate option I am going to pay yet more attention to diet and be more aggressive at first indications of an onset -- will look for something to manage pain and reduce inflammation. Possibly cannabis. Next time I will go immediately to ER and get the NG -- my new doc thinks this is the best short-term response. I am wiling to try anything. I am sure that if I look hard enough there are threads here dealing with diet in general and 'trigger' foods.
Finally, a number or posts indicate that members are anxious about surgery even when it has been recommended. I am tempted to say that if you are wavering on surgery then you must have a mild case. I had a resection and was back at work in five days and running/cycling in six weeks. It made all the difference in the world. I would have surgery tomorrow -- and again next week -- if it would stop these obstructions.
New GI seemed somewhat more in tune with my condition and I was hopeful. Just had bloodwork and MRI which, he says, indicates stricture that is result or previous surgery as opposed to inflammation. He does not think surgery is indicated, though I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. I skimmed through this forum today and was struck by the number of sufferers (is that what we are?) with obstructions and symptoms like mine, e.g., nothing passes, vomiting, pain so severe I want to cry. I am heartened that I am not alone and that I am not being a wimp - those obstructions are debilitating.
Since surgery does not appear to be an immediate option I am going to pay yet more attention to diet and be more aggressive at first indications of an onset -- will look for something to manage pain and reduce inflammation. Possibly cannabis. Next time I will go immediately to ER and get the NG -- my new doc thinks this is the best short-term response. I am wiling to try anything. I am sure that if I look hard enough there are threads here dealing with diet in general and 'trigger' foods.
Finally, a number or posts indicate that members are anxious about surgery even when it has been recommended. I am tempted to say that if you are wavering on surgery then you must have a mild case. I had a resection and was back at work in five days and running/cycling in six weeks. It made all the difference in the world. I would have surgery tomorrow -- and again next week -- if it would stop these obstructions.
