TXShannon

My temp is up to 99.7. Should I be concerned? I'm post-op day 4.

Just thought I'd post an update. As I wrote last week, I was rushed back into emergency surgery after being home from my VSG on 9 August. I had bled into my abdomen, causing extreme pain and low blood counts. Two transfusions and a week later, and I'm doing much better. I'm still in the hospital, but if all goes according to plan, I get to go home tomorrow. The culprit for my post-op bleed was a too-high dose of Lovenox (blood thinner). I have a genetic blood clotting disorder and a history of near-fatal pulmonary embolism, so my hematologist took a very aggressive approach to anticoagulation post-surgery. Obviously, it was too aggressive. I've been on a lower dose for about 5 days, and all seems stable. I still have to transition to my regular blood thinner (Coumadin), but I'm hopeful I can do that at home. In spite of all of this, I have no regrets about this surgery. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Thanks for the support!

They will always do a clotting test before surgery. And I was fine on that day. It was when they put me back on anticoagulants two days later that things went bad. But they also had to "over sew" my staple line, so I think it was a combination of things. Do NOT let my story discourage you. Complications are rare, and the benefits of the surgery far outweigh the risks!

Today seems to be a much better day. I had to have a blood transfusion last night, which definitely helped with my fatigue. I kind of knew my surgery would be risky. I have a genetic blood clotting disorder, and I take a blood thinner daily. In preparation for the surgery, I had to switch to a shorter-acting medication so that I wouldn't bleed as much during the surgery. But my hematologist started me back on the thinners on day 2 post op. Apparently, that's what caused the massive internal bleeding. So, when they do start the thinners again, I'll be hospitalized just in case I start to bleed again. It's all very tricky because I had a massive PE (blood clots in my lungs) in 2013. Without the anticoagulants, I could clot. With them, I could bleed. As it is, I feel much better today than I did on Monday or Tuesday. Hopefully, the worst is behind me. Thanks for all your well wishes and prayers. They meant a lot.

After a day of incredible pain, I called my surgeon. He told me told me to go to the ER, where I would have a CT scan to look for leaks. Sure enough, there was over 1.5 liters of blood in my abdomen. After another surgery, I'm resting in my hospital room, proving once again that Murphy's Law is still alive and well for me!

I'm doing better today. You just never think you'll be the 1% with a bleed! I still can't believe how much blood they found. I have already had 1 transfusion, and I hope that's enough! Thanks for all the warm wishes and prayers. It means a lot to me! ❤️

Thank you!

You're right. I took a nice nap, which seems to have helped a lot. Are you on any pain meds? I have Tylenol 3 (codeine), and it definitely helps take the edge off the pain. But I'm having all of the same symptoms. You hang in there, too!

I had my sleeve done the same day (9 August). And I'm having the same experience regarding the swollen incision on the right and the gurgling when drinking. I seem to be having more pain than you, but I've still got a lot of trapped air. I know walking is the best for that, but it is just too hot here in south Texas. Also still no BM, so I'm sure that's not helping. Any advice?