Thank you to everyone who responded to my post.
I guess obstructions are just a "way of life" for a lot of us. I get them about twice a month, and I hate them with a passion! For me, I'm sure it must be a problem with post-surgical scar tissue, but it never helps if I've eaten a significant amount of fiber and roughage either.
You are all so right....obstructions are
very scary, because there's always the lingering thought in the back of your mind...."what if this one becomes completely obstructed?!" I know that they can become serious and potentially fatal rather quickly, so I usually just stop eating/drinking and go straight to bed or the couch to rest until it passes. Occasionally I can just go on a liquid diet without further complications. When I first started experiencing them 14 years ago, I used to be afraid that I would die alone while I was having one...and that was a
VERY SCARY thought and feeling!
Another problem is that I can't afford to go to the E.R. everytime I get an obstruction (like my doctor would like me to). We would be so broke if I did $$$$!!! Besides, I usually beg the doctors/nurses and try to convince them that I really don't need an NG tube anyways! LOL I mean, my reasoning is what can they do at the hospital that I can't do for myself at home (except for surgery if it becomes a complete obstruction or perforates)?
Don't get me wrong, I understand
why they use the NG tubes, and they can be life savers in certain situations; I just
REALLY prefer not to have one unless it's absolutely necessary or I'm having a complete obstruction. I know that when I go to the E.R. at least three things are GOING to happen: #1. I'll be waiting to be seen for HOURS #2. I will be getting an I.V. and #3. They will try to put an N.G. tube in <ugh! thos things hurt going in!>
In answer to Sam's question, The first thing that usually happens to me when an obstruction starts is that I get a really dull headache that progresses into almost a migraine, then I get very bloated, uncomfortable and nauseated, followed by intense waves/spasms of colicky pain in my abdomen that come and go (usually getting worse and worse until I start vomiting [sometimes even vomiting feces] or else I will start geting a lot of diarrhea or worse yet...both!). This usually takes hours to work itself out and by the time it has all passed, I am exhuasted from the pain and feel like someone has been using my stomach as a punching bag. I compare the feeling in my stomach afterwards to that of a wash rag that's been wrung out repeatedly...very sore.
I get them about oncce a fortnight
Sam: What is a fortnight? (every 4 nights??)
I'd love to hear how others here who deal with obstructions on a regular basis handle these disruptive episodes. How do you guys know when to try treat it yourself and when to seek medical attention? I'd love to hear all of your thoughts and idea on this subject.
Anyways, I'm feeling better now. My husband had a wild, spur-of-the moment idea to take us all to Daytona beach this Friday. He called me on his way home from work and was like, "wanna' go to the beach?" I was like...SURE! and then I asked my girls... Needless to say, the vote was unanymous! LOL We spent a couple nights there and it was absolutely beautiful: breezy, warm and sunny and very relaxing! There's nothing like listening to the ocean when you're getting ready to go to sleep at night
We just got back today and now I'm tired again! lol
Thanks again for your thoughts and prayers. I really do appreciate them.
Awww Tami...I knew you hadn't been here a few days... if it makes ya feel any better...lol
Donna: I'm glad you noticed I hadn't been around
Hope you enjoyed your day at the amusement park!
It makes me get phantom pains when I think about it.
Jeff: no phantom pains allowed!!!
j/k
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all of the Moms in our forum!!! I hope everyone has been enjoying their weekend!
*HUGS*