Liquid diet, partial blockage and appendix inflammation
Hello, I am really suffering at the moment and currently 16 days into an enteral liquid diet following a recent small bowel MRI which showed a partial bowel obstruction. I have a 4cm narrowing and inflammation to the cecal and appendix. I’m 3 weeks into an 8 week course of steroids and whilst my symptom before was tremendous pain under my rib cage, my pains seem to have now moved to lower down in my tummy. I’ve been diagnosed 6 years but never had to go through anything like this and in all honesty, I’m so scared. I am really frightened about having to have surgery and finding it very difficult to mentally deal with not eating solid foods, particularly over Christmas. Has anyone been through anything similar and has any advise or has managed to avoid surgery and the medication and diet has helped?
Oh my goodness! I'm so sorry to read about your obstruction and pain! You are not alone. Many of our patient leaders have written about surgery and others have written about avoiding surgery. Paul Richman wrote an article about the decision of whether to have surgery. Here's the link if you're interested: https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/living/should-you-have-surgery
Here's another article by Jackie Zimmerman who made the decision to have surgery: https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/living/surgery-ulcerative-colitis
Personally, I know surgery is an individual option. I considered having J-Pouch surgery but ultimately decided against it. I made that decision to not have surgery years ago, and that decision has worked out for my body. Everyone's body is different, and every situation is different. As strange as it sounds, you must feel that decision in your gut. Your body will tell you what to do. I'm glad I listened to my body.
Diet, exercise, vitamins, and daily meditation have helped me stay on a better physical path. Again, that's my body. Do your research. Be kind to your body. And you will know what you need to do.
Maybe some other patient leaders will chime in with their personal experience with obstructions. I haven't had an obstruction. I've just dealt with years of ulcerative colitis flares. It took time, but I finally learned how to navigate the flares. If you give yourself GRACE and time to research options, I know you will find the best treatment path.
Thinking of you. Please update us and let us know how you're doing. In the meantime, read some articles and see what has worked for others. Best wishes for the New Year. --Traci (UC-IBD Team Member)Thank you so much for your reply and really helpful links and advice.
I spend so much time reading up so many different things and good to read experiences that others have shared. Wishing you all the best and thank you again
