Re: How to Detect Intestinal Obstruction.....

From: Millie (milliem@citlink.net)
Sat Mar 3 19:08:20 2001


Dear Helen, Thank you so much. You're an angel! Helen, do you know the best way to obtain all of your medical records from your physician for yourself? I'm trying to get the complete set of records. If I request everything, in writing, do they have to send it to me? Thank you for all of the info you have given to all of us. Millie

>----- Original Message -----
From: "Helen Dynda" <olddad66@runestone.net> To: "Multiple recipients of list ADHESIONS" <adhesions@mail.medispecialty.com> Sent: Saturday, March 03, 2001 8:01 PM Subject: How to Detect Intestinal Obstruction.....

> [] How to Detect Intestinal Obstruction...Intestinal obstruction is a
> serious surgical emergency. If neglected, it can lead to strangulation
and > gangrene of bowel that can be fatal. Identifying intestinal obstruction
and > seeking early medical attention is therefore critical.
>
> a.. Abdominal pain is a common feature. The pain is often central
abdominal > and colicky -- that it, it waxes and wanes in severity.
>
> b.. Vomiting is another constant feature in intestinal obstruction.
>
> c.. In upper intestinal obstruction, the vomiting is bilious, green or
> yellow, bitter or sour tasting.
>
> d.. Vomiting usually follows abdominal pain.
>
> e.. After a few hours, obstipation occurs. The patient does not pass
either > flatus or stools.
>
> f.. Distension of the abdomen is another characteristic feature. It is
more > pronounced in distal bowel obstruction and progressively increases over
> time.
>
> g.. Temperature is usually normal unless complications set in.
>
> h.. Persons who have had prior abdominal surgery are at higher risk
because > of scarring from the first surgery.
>
> i.. Hernias are another frequent cause of intestinal obstruction and all
> patients with hernias should be on guard against the onset of these
> symptoms.
>
> j.. If the obstruction remains unrelieved, pain increases in severity and
> becomes constant .
>
> k.. Complications like strangulation ( loss of blood supply to intestine )
> or perforation of the intestine should be suspected when this happens.
>
> l.. Other signs of complications are the change to a more foul smelling
> feculent vomitus, high fever and sharp localization of abdominal pain.
>
> m.. An abdominal x-ray examination will often clinch the diagnosis
revealing > dilated loops of intestines with multiple air-fluid levels.
>
> n.. Emergency resuscitation measures must be instituted and early surgery
is > often indicated.
>
> ~ ~ ~ ~
>
> [] Tips:
>
> a.. Early diagnosis prevents many complications.
>
> b.. High risk patients should be on guard against symptoms of obstruction.
>
> c.. When in doubt, seek medical attention.
>
> ~ ~ ~ ~
>
> [ NOTE: I did not include the Url because it was so terribly long.]
>


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