after effects of surgery for small bowel obstruction caused by endometrial stric

[aingeal]

In September of last year, after several admissions to A/E (over the previous 6months) with severe symptoms of vomiting and really severe abdo pain, I was finally diagnosed with acute bowel obstruction which resulted in surgey to remove 16cm of the distal ileum which turned out to be necrotic. It was caused by an endometrial stricture. I was diagnosed with endo about 10 years ago and aftter all the conventional treatments which were horrific, I used homeopathic treatments which I foound very effective with none of the side effects of the conventional treatments. Now 1 year later, for the  paast 6months I have been having really bad bouts of constipation alternating with bouts of diarrhoea when least expected!. I think its wind and I end up having a bout of really watery diarrhoea.(very embarrasing when I'm at work and have no excuse to leave without embarrasing myself!) Aside from that I have had regular CBC's Se Feritin, B12 & Folate taken since last April, (Over 6 month period) All were decreasing month by month. HB was normal but Se feritin was 14 and B12 & Folate was below normal also, But My doctor only offered me Iron injections which I refused. He felt it was due to heavy periods, which I have had all my life,(Apart from when I was pregnant with my 3 kids!) I am just wondering if it is possible that I am already suffering from SB syndrome(having had only16cm removed) or is it all part of  the evil Endometriosis? Just on a positive note for all those women with endo who are trying to concieve.... I know now from the symptoms I have had since I was a teenager. that Im sure I had endo back then but I went on to have 3 healthy kids from the time I was 26 to 30 yrs of age without any problems and it was'nt until my youngest was 2 that I was finally diagnosed with extensive endo! And att that sttage I had been diagnosed with every possible ailment possible.even psychological deranged! So any of you out there who may suspect thet you might have endo.keep going until you get answers. It took me about 12 years! But now I know.
Thanks for your most informative site!

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Short bowel syndrome occurs when there is less than 200cm of the short bowel left.  It is certainly possible that the symptoms may be due to malabsorption.  Tests examining the fecal fat content can be considered to evaluate for malabsorption - if present, then treatment for any nutritional deficiencies should be considered.

That being said, the chances of short bowel syndrome is less likely in your case.  The small bowel can measure as long as 6 meters, so removing only 16 cm should not lead to short bowel syndrome.

I would consider evaluation for celiac disease (via a blood test) as well as a colonoscopy to further evaluate the diarrhea.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b

[nagle1961]

I HAVE BEEN IN THE HOSPITAL TWO TIMES SO FAR THIS YEAR BECAUSE OF AN OBSTRUCTION, 7 DAYS EACH. YESTERDAY I WENT AND THE DR TOLD ME HE WAS NOT TOO D=SURE IF I HAD ONE, BUT THERE WAS A GOOD CHANCE I WAS STARTING ONE. TODAY I AM IN A LOT OF PAIN AND THE DR. SAYS SINCE I AM PASSING GAS, THERE IS NOT ANYTHING TO WORRY ABOUT. I USE STADOL NOSE SPRAY TO GET THROUGH THE PAIN...IS THERE ANYONE ELSE OUT THERE WITH THESE PROBLEMS. I HAVE A HISTORY FOR 12 SURGERIES, SO WE BELIEVE THE SCAR TISSUE IS DOING IT TO ME... JOANN ECOM

[lorac48]

A related discussion, chronic sbo. was started.

[lorac48]

A related discussion, bowel obtructions was started.