Colon blockage (graphic & long)

Hey there.

I have called my bariatric surgeons and hopefully, I will receive a call back today, but I want to run this past you all, especially those that have medical knowledge.

I HAVE researched this on-line, but I do not know how it may or may not be different for a bariatric patient.

I have been thinking for the past 10-14 days that I had a bladder infection.  I finally got to the doctor for this on Tuesday afternoon.  My urine shows no bacteria and is negative in all other areas except for a trace amount of blood.  The (new) PCP said he knew "just what the problem is" and continued the exam.  I told him that I have been fighting cold symptoms for 2 weeks.  After the exam, he said that I had stool stuck in the left side of my colon and that the soft stool I have been having is squeezing past this hard stuff.

He said that the fix was pretty easy-----Mirilax and Metamucil.  He says I should see a noticeable improvement within 2 days and should be clear within a couple of weeks.  I am fine with this, as my 4 year old granddaughter has just gone through the same thing and I know the "drill".  I leave his office about 6 pm.

Me and the kids went to a movie, and I had some popcorn.  Now, all this time, except for the UTI and cold symptoms, I have been feeling fine.

About 12:30 pm Tuesday night, I woke up and had to run to the bathroom.  Long story (a little) short, I spent the next 7 hours with water for stools.  I even slept on the pot and the bathroom floor for the 10 minutes in between bouts.  I also wanted to vomit, but since my RNY, I don't seem to be able to, so I tried the finger in the throat....nothing.  I felt miserable.  By 10 am or so, it had slowed down, but I continued to void liquid until after 1:00 pm.  I never even started the Mirilax/Metamucil!

At about 10, I decided to call the doctor and let him know what was happening.  I spoke to a nurse who said it sounded coincidentally like I picked up a norovirus (stomach flu) and to treat the symptoms and she would inform the doctor.

At 2:00 pm, the nurse called back to say the doctor wanted me to come in for an x-ray of the abdomen.  Even after 12 hours of watery stool, not only do I have stool in the left side of my colon, but the WHOLE colon is full and the rectum is full to about the diameter of a coffee can!  I was afraid he was going to send me to the hospital, but he said to stick to the Mirilax/Metamucil and it will dissolve and I won't have to  "make the hospital system richer with unnecessary tests and procedures which will result in the same outcome".  So, I go home and start the regimen. 

I got a decent night's sleep last night, but this morning, I realize that the bariatric docs might have an opinion on this.  At the least, I think they should be notified.  So, I call up there and the girl who answered the phone was clueless.  I asked to speak to a nurse, but she said the nurse was in a meeting and "do you want to make an appointment?"  I again tried to explain to her that I just want an OPINION and to let them know what is happening.  She said that she would tell "someone" and that I should get a call back "sometime".  Maybe even this morning.  UUUUGGGGGHHHHHH!

So, does anyone know if "wait and see with conservative treatment" applies?

Dawn, Since I have no medical background, I wouldn't want to advise you on something like this. But, as your friend, I am really sorry you are having this issue. Maybe you should follow what you were told, at least for a few days, and see if it gets better. If not, then you can go see someone else.

Hugs,
LISA

I would get a second opinion.  Taking Metamucil just doesn't seem like enough.  If you are impacted you won't get rid of anything with just Metamucil.  I would call a Gastroenterologist.  I am sorry you have to deal with this.  This sounds painful.  Get better soon

My neice who has Crohns (non WLS patient) just was in the hospital with a blockage. They did not do surgery on her and the doctors at this point are taking a conservative approach and are watching her to see if it passes. With Crohns it is common to get blockages and this is her second one that she has had.

My bariatric nurse called back and said that the primary doctor is MOSTLY correct.  The bariatric nurse says that Metamucil is not optimal for us since we can not drink it fast enough (it became like a very thick pudding and I had to keep adding water).  They want me to do a more aggressive "clean out" by using the Mirilax (full dose, not just 1 Tbs) then 5 hours later Milk of Magnesia and keep switching them back and forth.  She says something should begin to move by this evening.  If no movement by tomorrow, noonish, I am to call them back for the next step.

I agreed with Crystal as being THAT conservative (for a bariatric patient, especially one with absorption issues) did not seem like it would be enough.

Thanks all for the support and if I have to be the guinea pig so we all learn......I guess there are worse things.

Dawn, please let me know what or how this turns out...I have had the same issues for some time now...Not to sound grosas, but I swear I have felt like I gave birth...Its so impacted that it hurts so bad...I do try and take MOM every other week or so because I think sometimes some of my weight issuse are a backed up colon..I too have bouts where it just fluids coming through then the next day si pain full that it might take 2 hours going in and out of the potty just to get some relief...so please keep me update I would really like to know how this turns out! You can PM me through FB>>>

Karen

Dawn

  Hugs.  I cannot begin to think of how miserable you must feel at this point.  I am so sorry that you are having to go through this right now.  I am glad that the bariatric nurse got back to you and that you are treating this more aggressively.  I hope that this new treatment plan works overnight!  .   I think at this point, taking the x prep would be a dream vacation considering what you are going through.  

Try to keep getting those fluids in and get some rest as well.  Good thoughts and mojo are being sent your way.  

I hope this problem resolves itself quickly and that everything comes out ok.  (sorry, I could not resist  )