what does an obstruction feel like?

[caramia]

My CT in December showed thickening of my ileum, not sure if it's inflammation or scar tissue.  I'm on prednisone in case it's inflammation, but I'm still feeling super constipated... even though I'm going to the bathroom.  So, what does an obstruction feel like?  I know I'm not there, but I'd like to know what to look for   I guess... when should I be worried? 

I don't know if it's the prednisone or constipation, but I can barely get my pants buttoned today (my hands are too swollen for my rings to fit & my face/neck is swollen too... I'm blaming those on the prednisone).  It hurts to sit up, like there's too much pressure from inside my lower abdomen to bend like that.  And I'm stuck at work because my boss is totally not understanding.  I've taken 2 doses of miralax, 2 tsp of benefiber, and drank a mug of coffee.  Plus prunes last night.

Any suggestions, advice, etc?  Does this even sound like the beginning of an obstruction?  Or something else? tacom, I thought you had an obstruction, right?

[tacom]

caramia
Unfortunately I don't know what a confirmed obstruction feels like because I never went to the hospital until my intestine completely perforated.

When we did the CT (after emergency surgery) my doctor explained that I had been having multiple obstructions for quite a while that were partially resolving on their own.

Looking back, I *think* those were the times I would vomit multiple times and also feel the urge to have a BM but it either didn't happen or it would be very small/pellet like. But I know other people can have other symptoms.

What I learned from my experience is to not be a hero. If you feel something is wrong, please get checked out. You don't want an emergency situation on your hands for something that can be pretty easily managed medically.

Please keep us updated. Hope it's nothing!

[tacom]

caramia, how do you feel?

[caramia]

Jan 19, 2014 21:12:07 GMT -5 tacom said:

caramia, how do you feel?

Thanks for asking- I'm mostly ok now. I called my GI & she said it didn't sound like an obstruction/blockage because I wasn't have any nausea or vomiting. I can go in for an abdominal X-ray if I want, but I've been feeling good enough with laxatives, stool softeners, fiber, and safe foods. I'll follow up with the 2nd GI tomorrow though.

[tacom]

Glad you're communicating with your docs and keeping a watchful eye. feel better.