Adhesions symptoms?

I have had long-term (mainly untreated) Crohn's colitis. I've recently had a flare treated with resolution. There is no diarrhea, blood, mucus, etc.

However, I've had increasing abdominal firmness and distention after eating (anything). I've also noticed over the past several months that my abdomen feels "stuck together" and rigid when I twist or turn. My abdomen now is almost entirely firm with a feeling of having done a ton of sit-ups, etc.

Could this be adhesions causing restricted movement of the bowel and possible partial obstruction symptoms? Does anyone else have this "stuck together" / tight feeling in their abdomen that was later found to be caused by adhesions?

I know most adhesions are irreversible without surgery, but has anyone had any resolution of symptoms related to adhesions or scarring with regular medications over time? Thanks! :)

Thanks, Gail. Yes, I suppose bacterial overgrowth is a possibility. I had stool impaction on CT scan in the ascending and transverse colon, which suggests I might have backup into the small bowel.

Would bacterial overgrowth cause a diffuse, hard distention? I don't have a great amount of gas. Another note, the distention and cramping does get worse as the day goes on. My abdomen feels almost normal in the morning. But, the tenseness and rigidity is all the time.

Hi, Sudsmom. I haven't had any surgeries to this point. My guess is that there was some long time occult inflammation around the rectum and sigmoid that spread to the small bowel and perhaps even abdominal wall.

There is no localized pain. It is more like a sheet of rigidity across the abdomen. I'm wondering whether bad constipation could cause this from gas buildup. I only think this versus adhesions is because the tenseness is diffuse throughout the belly (not in one area). Although, I suppose adhesions could cause a partial obstruction that would cause this.

Anyone with more diffuse abdominal rigidity (feeling like an inflammed peritoneum and muscle wall)? I'm hoping it is inflammation that can be treated, but trying to get a sense if adhesions on the outside can present like this blanket of iron across the belly.