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Another Surgery?

While I don't have diseased intestine, this is the only place that might understand my situation:
I had an emergency surgery when I was 15 for a ruptured appendix. Two years later, another surgery for bowel obstruction from adhesions. Two year later again, another surgery for bowel obstruction from adhesions, for a total of 3 surgeries and a grand total of about 2 feet of small intestine removed. Starting in 2013 I started having bowel obstruction symptoms again. Ended up being stricture at the site of resection. They ended up doing a balloon dilation, but that has only helped temporarily. I have had dilations about 7 times so far. This year, it was suggested I look at surgical options to fix the problem. However, I am SUPER nervous because of all the complications I have already had. However, it seems like no matter what I do, I am going to end up in another surgery. I am not 100% certain I want to do surgery, but it seems inevitable and I am just very nervous about it.

  1. Sorry to hear that you are going through this. I would be nervous too, I think what you are feeling is totally normal. I wish I could give advice but I have not had surgery. I'm sure others from the community will chime in. Wonder if there are other alternative things you can do to help with the stricture? -Elizabeth (team member)

    1. sorry to read you're going through this. I know it's difficult. Surgery will always bring with it the risk of scar tissue and adhesions building up and causing issues. As far as I'm aware, there's nothing that can be done to prevent it, as rubbish as that is! I've had the same problem myself in the past, so I kinda expect it to happen again in the future!
      I think, realistically, you only have two options if you want to have hope for a long term solution, which is surgery or a complete diet overhaul, which might ultimately mean a liquid diet, which isn't fun!
      I wish I had a more positive answer for you!
      ~ Sahara (team member)

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