Reassurance needed - Bowel Disorders Message Board

GaryDR · 07-28-2006, 01:56 AM

I am resting up in Tokyo having had emergency resection surgery for a twisted and perforated small bowel two weeks ago today (I have had Crohns since 1983). I was discharged from hospital five days ago, but I have started to get stomach cramps - not pain, but a bit like stomach ache. I am due to return home to China tomorrow, but I am now a little paranoid. Is this ache usual? Am I expecting too much that I should be 'OK' only two weeks after a mjor op? Will it settle down? I have seen some other postings which say 4-6 weeks before normality returns. Maybe I am worrying about nothing. I don't want to get sick in China - the hospitals in Japan are fantastic, but they are utterly horrible in China (dirty, noisy, depressing places). If this continues I may head back to the UK to be checked by my own Dr. I had a resection in 1998, but can't remember the post-op symptoms.

I am on a low fat, low fibre, high protein diet - regular bowel movements, though very soft and very frequent (especially after meals).
I hope that you will tell me I am paranoid and needn't worry too much ... please ...

MrsQueeZ · 07-28-2006, 03:59 PM

Gary-I am no expert, but I at least have had a large colon resection. I think 2 weeks is rather early to know just exactly how you are going to feel. What a dilemma for you though, not knowing if you should leave the country or not!! For most of us, it is a matter of, "should I call and go in?" Is there any way you could stay long enough to see your doctor for some reassurance? They always say to listen to your body, and in your case, that must be doubly important!! I think the peace of mind would do you good before leaving, and the nervousness about it all is going to also add to the upset, I'm sure! Best of luck!

Renata

daisy01 · 07-29-2006, 02:10 AM

Hiya gary, i am from the uk

just wondering if the pain is sharp or niggling? do you have a temperature or not? Any discharge from the wound site?

I had an abcess at the internal resection site 11 days post op and it felt like I was being stabbed with a hot knife.
before heading home to china maybe you should see a doc just to check that you dont have a wound infection.

if you dont have any of the above, then maybe its your body just telling you that you are overdoing it a little and that you need to rest more.
best wishes
daisy

GaryDR · 07-29-2006, 07:40 AM

Dear Daisy and Renata

Many thanks for replying. The pain is like a cramp in the stomach and then after a few seconds I get pain in the bowel. I am getting discharge, but the Dr in Tokyo said this is normal and will continue for another week or so. Eating helps to relieve the pain a little, but the cramps soon come back.

I am back in China now having flown 'home' from Tokyo today. My wife and I have decided to return to Nottingham to get checked out by my own Drs there as soon as possible this week. We will stay there throughout August since the University here in China is closed for the summer (well, there are no students here at least). What's worst for me is that my wife is suffering too ... she sees me in pain, but also she is having to deal with all day to day things, practical arrangements etc. For her sanity and my health I need this sorted.

Thanks to you both

Gary