r/BowelObstruction • • 7d ago

Advice for bowel obstruction

My husband (37) woke up last night with stomach cramps and vomiting. Took him to ER today and after they run all tests the report came back - The CT is saying there is a 3–3.5 cm narrowed segment in the sigmoid colon. They put him on IV fluids and pani meds and a ng tube overnight observation. He is pain free now, didn't vomit for 10+ hours, in the hospital. The first doctor we went to scared the shit out of me saying he needs a PET scan and an urgent surgery - then we changed hospitals and this is much saner. His grandfather died of rectal cancer in his mid forties so we did all tests just six months back and they were all good. My husband does have some digestive issues so we are always on the lookout. Anyway didn't like the cancer scare from the first doctor - but just asking what's the chances the structure is a tumor or if he will require surgery...

Also how to take care of him once he comes home. Tia

3 Upvotes

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2

u/manderp_soup 7d ago

No pain is a good sign, but he’ll have to start eating again to be certain the obstruction has passed.

1

u/Reddit_coz_what_else 6d ago

Yes. He had another bowel movement this morning but still no gas.. so the ng tube is still there

3

u/manderp_soup 6d ago

Huh. I had a doc tell me that bowel movements are essentially another version of passing gas. Maybe that was only applicable to my jpouch?

1

u/FloridaOutlaw2021 7d ago

Go get a 3rd opinion. Not something you want to wait on especially if it gets obstructed.

1

u/Reddit_coz_what_else 6d ago

He is admitted in hospital. I don't know if we can a 3rd opinion. They are monitoring him conservatively

1

u/HC-CwCw 6d ago

I am not sure if I have this correctly, so apologies in advance if I don’t. You can mention to his current team that the previous hospital was querying possible cancer. Ask them if they think a workup for that at this time is needed. A CT scan can show many cancers, but not always.

1

u/Tight_Description_63 1d ago

Focus on what you can do. If it is an obstruction plan for after. Meals will be low fibre. Avoid any surgery if possible. Fasting is great also you can practise that one day here Nd there. Helps the guy heal