Wwyd? Obstructed bowel

[SillyFood]

I’ve had gastric problems for several years and had several stomach ulcers. For the last few months I keep getting intermittent cramping, stomach bloating and diarrhoea. This has been really bad for the last week but I’ve also had vomiting and watery diarrhoea and unable to keep any food down.

I went to my consultant today and a ct scan showed I have a bowel obstruction. She gave me some laxatives and said 72 hour liquid only diet and to call again on Monday if not shifted. I got home 3 hours ago and have been almost nonstop vomiting to the point I’m setting myself 😭. I’m in so much pain I can’t stand up straight, I have a fever and the cramps are getting so bad it feels like labour.

I’ve called 111 to see if I could get advice but they just said as I’d seen the consultant today I just need to stick out the 72 hours liquid diet before going to hospital. Should I go to hospital? She didn’t mention what to do if symptoms got worse/ I got a fever as she seemed really confident the laxatives would do it. I’m guessing I’ve thrown those up along with everything else though.

I’m so sorry they treated you so badly. Don’t be afraid to go back, you’ll hopefully get a different doctor. I’ve been very stupid and not gone to hospital with some obstructions, Eve when feceal vomiting (I’ve promised myself I’ll no longer put myself at risk and went with my last one). Things I find that help is laying with a fan on my face and hot water bottles resting against me (but I can’t stand ontop of my stomach), baths (again with a fan blowing on my face if possible), laying with my arms above my head when on my back. I find buscapam sometimes will give me a break, it’s not ideal as it can slow the movement a bit but sometimes you just need a break from the cramping to get a couple of hours sleep. As I say don’t be afraid to go back though, I know they treated you badly and going back is scary but this needs sorting. Maybe set a deadline that if this hasn’t moved by X time you’ll seek help. I’m sorry you’re going through this, bowel obstructions are so horrid.

We had to go to A&E 3 times with my DM for this. Fortunately they operated the third time and saved her life but unfortunately it had got to a stage due to the 3 weeks of blockage where they had to remove her large bowel and she has a ileostomy bag now.
A&E is hideous but I was able to stay the last time as she was in such a state and they finally took it seriously. If you have a family or friend who could take you I think it helps.

@SillyFood Don't take solpadeine as they contain codeine which makes you constipated. Try ibuprofen if tolerated. A hot water bottle and drink masses of fluid.

Ibuprofen should not be used where patient has gastro history - paracetamol only or codeine if advised

OP I'm so sorry for what you've experienced. I had a perforation a number of years ago and the treatment I got then wasn't great, but it sounds like things have got considerably worse. Absolutely no excuse for not giving you pain relief, it's horrifying that would happen. Do go back if you need to, I have found A&E can go from utter chaos on Saturday night to caring and civilised on a weekday morning. I think you were extremely unlucky with the timing. Look after yourself, I really hope you have lots of support around you. Do let me know if you want to talk.

How are you today?