Suggest Treatment To Reduce The Recurrence Of The Intestinal Blockage

Posted on Sat, 27 Jan 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 27 Jan 2018 Answered on

Mon, 6 Aug 2018 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a history of bowel obstructions going back to 2008. I had my gallbladder removed in 2005. I have had them numerous times over the past eight years. I’ve had four since May 2017, including a lysis of adhesions last ‘September. I had a previous lysis and small bowel resection in 2014. The last blockage was on January 12 of this year. The blockages have included closed loop and twisted intestine. All blockages have been in the small intestine. The last one required a 911 and paramedic rdsponse. I have been in remote places when some have happened. Each time they seem to be worse, ore pain, vomiting, etc. i watch my diet and get a great deal of exercise, mostly long hikes in the mountains where I reside. They are quite strenuous. Are there any treatments to lessen the recurrence of these blockages? Could extreme exercise or inactivity on long car trip exacerbate the problem? Any medications that might help? Anything I can do to address the problem? Is this likely to become more freaquent? What is the mortality rate?

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (-4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
all queries answered in details as follows.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Warm welcome to HealthcareMagic,
I have evaluated your query thoroughly .

* Recurrent intestinal blockages are notorious clinical conditions.

* Here are sequential guidelines for your queries for the same.

1. No medications work to lessen the recurrence of these blockages.
You have to keep a check on the bowel movements which should be smooth,
regular and avoid getting intestine infections ( by avoiding junk foods,
refrigerated items )

2. Extreme exercises, as well as inactivity on long car trips, can exacerbate the
problem; rather you should keep balance with moderate exercises, keeping
a break in between long car trips.

3. Bulk-forming laxative ( as Ispaghula husk ) are best-recommended molecule to
be taken on a regular basis.

4. Additional lifestyle modifications with deep breathing exercises, YOGA will
give you helping hands.
Boiled water consumption always strongly recommended.
Prefer high fiber diet with organic fresh fruits.
Always avoid excess dairy fat, non-veg, oily, spicy stuff.
Avoid smoking, alcohol if consuming.
Keep your blood sugar, cholesterol, body weight under control.

5. It can be recurrent as there are multiple surgeries done.

6. Mortality comes only in picture when it is not relieved by medical treatment or
there is extensive damage to intestine with systemic problems.

* Take home message:

- Keep always BE POSITIVE attitude as you are a quite tough fighter against all
these odds since years.

Wishing you fine health ahead.
Welcome to any further assistance.

Regards dear
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (46 minutes later)

I have chronic diarrhea and suffer from incontinence. I take cholesteramine (sp) as it is constipating. I still have problems. My diet is good, heart healthy, and I avoid alcohol, never smoked, and do not consume any caffeine but still have diarrhea. I take over the counter Imodium when it gets worse. It’s a fine balance. I do not have have severe enough spinal stenosis but have a cervical subluxation. Is there any other cause or treatment for the incontinence? I have no sensation of a movement coming or any way to hold it.p, except to hope it is not so loose that I can make it to a toilet. I’m socially and physically very active.

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
follow up.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome for follow up.

* Incontinence relates to sphincter problem which can be neurogenic or due to other pathologies.

* Pelvic floor exercises, deep breathing with focus on pelvic muscles can help to
varying extent of incontinence.

* Over the counter Imodium is not recommended on medical grounds.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee