Intestinal obstruction

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Preparing for your appointment

By Mayo Clinic staff

Emergency medical care is required to treat intestinal obstruction. As a result, you may not have much time to prepare for your appointment. If you have time before your appointment, make a list of your signs and symptoms so that you can better answer your doctor's questions.

What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, including:

  • When did you first begin experiencing abdominal pain or other symptoms?
  • Did your symptoms come on all of a sudden or have you had symptoms like these before?
  • Is your pain continuous?
  • Have you experienced nausea, vomiting, fever, blood in your stool, diarrhea or constipation?
  • Have you had surgery on your abdomen?
  • Have you had radiation to your abdomen?

What you can do in the meantime
Seek medical attention immediately. Avoid pain medications and stop eating until you're able to see a doctor.

DS00823

Sept. 19, 2008

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