I was in a similar situation yesterday. Stomach pain, throwing up from my toes --> bowel obstruction. Go to the ER and I am suddenly surrounded by fledgling surgeons looking for practice and moolah. Said nose tube, surgery - I said nooooooo, I want to wait this out. Gave me morphine and Zophran, always entertaining. IV saline worked its magic. Nature took its course; they looked disappointed. (This all was within a 24 hour period.) Five days is a different thing, of course. Wishing Catturd all the best!