Ok - So it has been 4 years since my last resection. (and about that long since I posted...sorry)
I am a 37 year old Male, diagnosed at 23, but had stomach issues since I was 19 - I was resectioned in 2005 for abcess (lost 21 inches), and then had a 4 inch resection in 2008 due to narrowing of the intestinal walls.
Been good for 4 years - On humira - Minor blockage issues that pass in a few hours, but no Emergency room visits in 4 year, so life was good.
about 3 months ago, my Crohns flares a little, and every BM is diarrhea for 3 months
On Monday, I take 2 immodium, and decide to cut my diet to the BRAT diet until I get formed stools again (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast.)
Monday evening, the spasms in my intestine start. I think it is a minor obstruction, but after 5 hours, have to drive myself to the ER due to the pain and the fact it is not going away. They give me Diloted and an antispasmodic, and I am feeling great, I then drink about a liter of Barium, and get a CT done - result, full obstruction. NG tube is placed, and the barium is drained from my stomach into the NG vaccuum
I get admitted, but the doctors tell me to wait it out and it should pass,
So yesterday I wait, Last night, Th NG tube gets yanked, and is hnging out of my stomach, but halfway down my throat, nurse ponders for 6 hours what to do as I agonize...they finally take it out with the caveat that if I get nauseous, it goes back in...and here is the thing,
no nausea, I actually start passing gas, and having Bowel movements (still Diarrhea, the irony of it is a cruel joke). So doctors say, have breakfast, if you throw it up, you are still blocked, if not we send you home.
And so I am at home... one cup of apple juice, 2 hardboiled eggs, and a yougurt later, no pain, no nausea, no spasms - I guess I resolved :)
Long story, but here are my points/Questions
1- I probably do have narrowing at the jejunem which causes the minor blockages every 3-6 months. I want to avoid surgery at all costs. I heard of a balloon endoscopy, where the can stretch a narrow area of the small intestine if it is proximal enough to the stomach - anybody else hear of this or have it done?
2- Has anybody ever obstructed themselve by trying too hard to bind their stool - I feel stupid - Like I should have know that rice, Applesauce and Banana's together builds brick int he stomach. orget the 2 immodiums
3- Every little pain is making me nervous that the obstruction has not resolved (please tell me that it must have passed since I ate 8 hours ago and am not sick yet, and the fact that I am going to the bathroom, and not is spasm pain)
Please feel free to share your stories as well, It helps me knowing that I am not the only one that goes through these things
Please post, love the feedback and insight