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Adhesions on bowel

5 replies

AnSionnachGlic · 21/11/2025 17:19

Ive just had a colonoscopy today, due to abdominal pain, diarrhoea and spasming after eating. The procedure was very uncomfortable, despite sedation and afterwards my consultant said my lower bowel is fused with adhesiions ( have had numerous previous abdominal surgeries). He said the difficulty of the procedure as he had great difficulty getting the scope through the bowel due to adhesiions. He also took biopsies to check for Chrons etc. He explained if we go down surgery root it probably will result in a Stoma. He'll discuss when all results back. I'm really shocked at the possibility of a Stoma....has anyone have had bowel adhesiions that were dealt with conservatively?

OP posts:
Tibby99 · 21/11/2025 17:38

That's a massive shock for you, I'm sorry. You need time to process it.

I live with abdominal adhesions due to previous surgeries, have had some dealt with surgically and continue to live with conservative (dietary) management for the remaining ones.

The dietary changes I've made are far from ideal, affecting my overall health.

They're very tricky, I would say that if the surgeon thinks you need surgery then conservative management isn't feasible. I've yet to meet a surgeon who is keen to put me through surgery for adhesions, it can be risky because they can make it difficult for surgeons not to nick the bowel and every surgery introduces the risk of more adhesions.

If your surgeon struggled to get the scope through then it really does sound like there's a chunk of bowel which needs to come out. I'm sorry, it's really tough. Have you had a stoma before? Flowers

AnSionnachGlic · 21/11/2025 21:04

Thank you so much for your reply. No ....never had a Stoma.....I've never had any bowel issues except some discomfort, increased diarrhea and spasms after eating over last few months. That is why I was referred to the consultant to rule out anything sinister. I was still woozy when he spoke to me today but I don't think he said I definitely need surgery, but he mentioned if surgery a Stoma would be required. He said we'd talk again when he has all biopsies back. It only hit me later when the sedation wore off.

OP posts:
Tibby99 · 22/11/2025 13:33

Ah OK. The initial brief when in recovery can be a bit worrying, the doctors haven't finished their analysis yet and just give you their initial findings.

Although hard, I know, the trick is not to let worry get the better of you. Instead, make a note of all your questions so that you can ensure they're all covered off when you have your follow up appointment.

One of the things the NHS still gets right in this country is stoma care, there's lots of support so if you do find yourself facing a stoma you will be well supported. There are also some brilliant influencers who have really broken down stigma and demonstrate how people live well with full lives with a stoma. They're not only life saving but life-giving for so many.

You'll find support groups on Facebook too.

Do you know much about adhesions? Apologies if you already have a good idea about them but if not: they're 'sticky'. Ever pulled blue tack thinly between your fingers so it gets webby? My understanding is they're kind of like that. It's the web-like behaviour of them that attaches to organs and ties them in knots/pulls on them.

Have you been given advice for managing the spasms? Peppermint tea is excellent for helping with gas pain, buscopan is great for spasms but in your case I think you should check with your doctor before taking it.

Crohns is treatable, so if the biopsies show it then it may be treating the crohns settles everything down enough that the adhesions can be left.

I'd hesitate to give you any additional advice because it's can be a complex area of medicine and when it comes to bowels every patient is different and what works for one won't for another. Peppermint tea is very safe, I'd really not be comfortable suggesting anything else at this point.

You might find eating smaller portions (little and often, dont starve yourself!) helps if youre finding large meals cause discomfort.

Pay attention to your body and if you notice anything you eat that seems to make symptoms worse, you could avoid it but you should really wait until you speak to your doctor again before following any anecdotal advice.

With diarrhoea, keep on top of hydration. I'd be wary of medicine like immodium unless your doctor gives it the ok, but you could avoid dehydrating drinks like alcohol and coffee. If you're feeling thirsty a lot when having diarrhoea then it might be worth taking some diarolyte.

Lucozade sport is also recommended by pretty much every gastro consultant I've ever seen.

AnSionnachGlic · 23/11/2025 12:52

That's interesting about the adhesiions. The consultant said every time he tried to move the scope through the colan, it kept being sucked back by the adhesiions! I really appreciate your replies...I'm still trying to wrap my head around it all. I'm afraid I can't even contemplate a Stoma so hopefully it will not come to that. Hopefully it will not be too long before I get results of the biopsies. Thank you again!

OP posts:
Eatinghurts · 24/11/2025 05:03

edible grade mint esential oil in hot water is incredible for gut spasoms. Heat may help. May bre worth avoiding high fiber things like popcorn, sweet corn peas beans.

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