OpenHealth Q&A

Navigating Life with Recurring Adult Intussusception: My Journey

Hello! I’m a 27-year-old woman who leads an active lifestyle, and I’ve had a challenging medical journey with two previous episodes of intussusception, both occurring at the age of 24. Over the past weekend, I suspect that I may have faced a third episode, a full three years after my last surgical intervention. Interestingly, I do not suffer from IBS, Crohn’s disease, or any other known gastrointestinal issues aside from being lactose intolerant. Neither do my parents have such conditions. During my first intussusception, the medical team could not determine the underlying cause, which resulted in my being rushed to surgery. The doctors expressed that it was the first case they had encountered in an adult, but, miraculously, the bowel obstruction resolved itself during the procedure. Just three months later, I endured a second incident—thankfully shortly after returning from a month-long trip in Indonesia, where I had largely adhered to a vegetarian diet. This period involved much physical activity, including swimming and hiking. I underwent another operation; however, similarly to the first, the medical staff were unable to identify a clear reason for the condition. At this second hospital, they also noted the rarity of seeing such a case in adults. Recently, I began to feel familiar symptoms again. It all kicked off with an intense sensation as if I needed to have a significant bowel movement. Given that I had been consuming a high-fiber diet that week, it wasn’t entirely unexpected. While trying to use the restroom, I sensed a strange movement, akin to my bowels scraping against my intestines. I couldn’t help but think, “Oh no,” mistaking the internal ache for an actual dragging sensation (sounds bizarre, I know!). I discussed this sensation with my partner, explaining how it felt as though I had been scraped internally, which was strange compared to my previous experiences. Throughout the day, any attempt at hydration resulted in excruciating cramps, along with pain during breakfast or even simple bending motions. My appetite had completely vanished, and I felt pain just standing still. I used the same technique my doctors had employed, applying pressure to my abdomen to localize the discomfort, which was closely aligned with my past surgical site. Instead of rushing to the emergency room, I opted to wait and see if the issue would resolve itself like it did before (note: this is generally not advisable). My decision was influenced by how the doctors handled the earlier episodes. I recalled that during my first intussusception, I had to halt eating, drink a significant amount of contrast material to cleanse my system, and remain still. Yet, this time around, I wouldn’t have access to strong painkillers like fentanyl, morphine, or oxycodone. Settling on the couch with a heating pad, taking ibuprofen, and hoping for the best was my strategy. I was still able to have bowel movements—similar to my previous occurrences—which gave me some reassurance that a complete blockage was unlikely and that circulation was probably intact (but again, this is not a reliable measurement). However, the persistent feeling of urgency without anything actually present was a stark reminder of my past episodes. Once again, please don’t rely on my approach for assessing severity. I told myself that if my symptoms didn’t improve by Sunday, I would go to the ER. I recognized the risk of waiting, but with graduate school on the horizon and a gap in my insurance coverage looming, having surgery wasn’t a feasible option for me. Fortunately, the situation did improve. In the following days, I felt sore, reminiscent of post-workout muscle pain, yet the cramping had subsided, and my appetite returned. I was again able to eat and drink without any trouble, and my bowel movements were normal. Despite the relief, I am apprehensive about the potential for recurrence. If a substantial bowel movement can trigger this condition, I need to monitor my fiber consumption more carefully moving forward. I share my experience in hopes it provides some insight to others grappling with similar issues without clear answers and suggests the value of identifying patterns in their experiences. Moreover, I’m also left pondering—if diet isn’t the sole factor, what causes these episodes? Why do they persist even after surgical intervention? If anyone has insights, I would appreciate your thoughts!

Answers (1)

7/27/2025, 11:20:46 PM

OpenHealth AI

Thank you for sharing your journey with recurring intussusception. It’s understandable to feel apprehensive given your experiences, especially with the history of surgical interventions and uncertainty regarding the underlying causes. Here’s a concise overview of your situation and some targeted advice.

Key Considerations:

1. Understanding Intussusception: Intussusception occurs when a part of the intestine telescopes into another section, potentially leading to obstruction. In adults, it can be less common than in children and often comes with varied causes that may not always be identifiable.

2. Your Symptoms and Monitoring: Your described symptoms, particularly the abdominal pain and urgency, are concerning, especially given your history. While improvement is a good sign, monitoring for recurrence and understanding potential triggers is important.

Next Steps:

1. Track Your Symptoms: Consider keeping a detailed diary noting your food intake, bowel habits, and any symptoms. This can help identify potential patterns or triggers related to your diet or activities.

2. Fiber Management: Since you suspect that substantial bowel movements might trigger episodes, you may want to balance your fiber intake carefully. While fiber is beneficial for digestive health, introduce it gradually and monitor how your body responds. If you feel discomfort after increasing fiber, consider moderating your intake.

3. Stay Hydrated and Manage Pain: Continue to maintain hydration, as it can aid digestion. Applying heat or taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen can help relieve cramping. Avoid significant dietary changes without gradual adjustments.

4. Check in with Healthcare Providers: Although your symptoms have improved, ongoing communication with your healthcare team is crucial, especially if episodes recur. Schedule a follow-up to discuss your concerns about potential recurrence and explore any further diagnostic options or dietary assessments, even if surgery isn’t necessary at this moment.

5. Plan for Emergencies: Given your history, develop a plan for when to seek immediate medical help. Establish criteria for emergency visits, such as severe abdominal pain that doesn’t subside, inability to pass stools, or persistent nausea/vomiting.

Reassurance and Reflection:

It’s normal to feel anxious about the possibility of recurrence, especially given your medical history. Trust your instincts: if something feels off, don’t hesitate to seek help. Your proactive monitoring, understanding of your body, and adjustments in daily habits can significantly aid in managing your health. You’re navigating a complex condition, and your experiences can help others as well as you seek clarity on your symptoms and triggers.

If you have more questions or want to discuss further, feel free to reach out!