Topic Explanation
The forum topic is about a person who had a Hartmann colostomy in 2010 and underwent ileostomy and rectum removal in 2020. They are experiencing concerns and complications post-surgery, including pressure in the belly, pelvic, bladder, and backend, and are seeking advice on symptoms of obstruction and the effectiveness of CT scans and bladder scans in detecting issues.

Advice and Insights
- A CT scan should show whatever is going on and can help detect symptoms of obstruction.
- Symptoms of an obstruction include no output, pain and/or pressure in the abdomen.
- Seeking immediate medical attention is crucial if experiencing symptoms of obstruction.
- Trying to clear a blockage by drinking real (not sugar-free) Coke, lying down, applying gentle pressure around the stoma, using a heating pad, or walking around may help dislodge something.
- It's important to find a gastroenterologist who can refer to another rectal surgeon for answers and relief from pain.
- Getting checked out can alleviate anxiety caused by uncertainty and being in limbo.
- Small bowel obstructions can cause severe pain and pressure, and it's essential to seek medical attention if experiencing issues.
- Using a wide neoprene belt to hold a vibrator tight to the abdomen at the first hint of symptoms can help reduce the number of episodes that progress to vomiting in cases of frequent small bowel obstructions.
- CT scans can be used to check for blockages, and bladder tests are easy and painless, providing valuable information about bladder function.
- Learning to self-cath is a simple and effective method for managing bladder issues.