Had my RYGB in the summer of 2000. Over the years, I have lived quite happily w/my altered anatomy. However, starting this past summer (6.18) all of that changed......
During my 1st pregnancy, in 2011, I experieneced some serious tummy troubles; everything from aching to dry heaving, & bowel troubles. Had an upper Endoscopy where my Gastro Doc located a llttle ulcer in my little tummy. "No prob," I thought. " I'll just add Prilosec to my daily medication list!"
So, for roughly the next 7 years, any tummy troubles, both above & below the belt, I attributted to my ulcer acting up. Wow, was I WRONG!!
This June, I was rushed to the ER with THE WORST ab pain I had ever experienced - I was peeing a dark orange/brown & pooping a white-ish color!! (Looking back, I had felt like **** for a few months, but since that had become my norm, didn't seek any help for it.)
After many agonizing tests, I was diagnosed septic due to a bile duct obstruction and excessive CBD dialation. Was transferred to Cleveland Clinic for addition tests & medical intervention.
Due to the fact that I still have my gallbladder, most Dr's/Surgeons assumed I had gall stones - a kind of "go-to" for GB patients. But oh how wrong they were......
It has taken almost 3 months, 100+ Dr's, numerous hospital stays, & every cancer screen/imaging available for them to discover that my gallbladder is just fine. My bile isn't flowing on it's own due to a problem w/my Sphincter of Is Oddi. I'm now scheduled for a sphincectomy
The reason I'm sharing is that w/our altered GB anatomy, standard abdominal & endoscopic tests & procedures are almost impossible to be conducted. Had my anatomy been unaltered, they could've located & treated my issue back during my 1st hospital stay. Wud've saved SO much time, energy & $$$$!!
This problem has really opened my eyes to the true long term effects of not only our surgery, but the complications it causes in diagnosing & treating any other medical issues that we may have for the rest of our lives!!
Every procedure/surgery I've had & will have, has been adapted to fit my anatomy's needs. Not to mention, finding a Dr/Surgeon who knows how to perform these extra risky procedures.
If u've had, or have anything similar, plz lemme know. Very curious to see how ur situation panned out.
Thanx!😄