nurses-got a question for ya.

Norma · July 4, 2009

I am allergic to Protonix which I was given after having an abcess in my colon removed (diveriticulitious-sp?) which my doctor stated was from the Metaformin causing Constipation and diarrhea. Anyway, my question is -why does Dr Aceves give you Nexium and if I have allergy to Protonix (severe hives and itching), will I be allergic to Nexium?

Second ?-pain-I have a very high tolerance to pain, i.e., I had abcess the size of a baseball without knowing it till I literally passed out when I twisted to get out of at the car. I noticed passing out, went to doctor and mentioned that I thought I had pinched something in stomach-doctor touched stomach, found the outer wall to be hard and had me get a CAT scan or MRI-can't remember which. Lab calls doctor who calls me and says get thyself to ER ASAP and I am driving down highway arguing that "I'm sure I'll be fine; it doesn't really hurt-how can it be serious?". Long story to say-How do you know if you have complications if you don't feel pain? I mean, I am totally confident in Dr. Aceves and his team, hospital, etc. But, things do happen and I can not rely on pain to tell me that something is wrong.

WASaBubbleButt · July 4, 2009

I am allergic to Protonix which I was given after having an abcess in my colon removed (diveriticulitious-sp?) which my doctor stated was from the Metaformin causing Constipation and diarrhea. Anyway, my question is -why does Dr Aceves give you Nexium and if I have allergy to Protonix (severe hives and itching), will I be allergic to Nexium?

Second ?-pain-I have a very high tolerance to pain, i.e., I had abcess the size of a baseball without knowing it till I literally passed out when I twisted to get out of at the car. I noticed passing out, went to doctor and mentioned that I thought I had pinched something in stomach-doctor touched stomach, found the outer wall to be hard and had me get a CAT scan or MRI-can't remember which. Lab calls doctor who calls me and says get thyself to ER ASAP and I am driving down highway arguing that "I'm sure I'll be fine; it doesn't really hurt-how can it be serious?". Long story to say-How do you know if you have complications if you don't feel pain? I mean, I am totally confident in Dr. Aceves and his team, hospital, etc. But, things do happen and I can not rely on pain to tell me that something is wrong.

Yes, I am pretty sure you could be allergic to Nexium if you are allergic to Protonix. Dr. Aceves uses Nexium mups because it dissolves in juice. Regular Nexium does not. Linda, a poster here is an RPh and she could give you more info.

A leak is the big concern with a sleeve and if you had a leak pain is not the only symptom, a high fever is the other. You will want to check your temperature a couple of times a day after surgery. A low grade fever is normal after surgery, anything over 100.5 and I'd be calling the doc's office.

Elisabethsew · July 4, 2009

I agree with WasA. Leaks can cause infection and the first thing that happens with infection is your heart rate (pulse) goes up. You can buy a wrist B/P machine that gives you a reading of your B/P and HR. Nausea can be another symptom as well as lethargy, weakness, and fever. You can have one or two symptoms and be fine but a group of symptoms at the same time is a cause for concern. The best way to prevent complications is to follow the post-op diet and instructions.

Ask your MD for alternatives to Protonix such as Aciphex, Tagamet, Pepcid, and Zantac. Some of these you can buy over the counter but if you buy it this way, you need to double the dose to have it equal Rx strength.

i1Linda · July 5, 2009

I agree with Elisabeth, I would talk to your Dr. about alternatives to Protonix & Nexium. If you are allergic to one, you are possibly allergic to the entire class of proton pump inhibitors. An H2 Histamine Blocker would be your best best, Pepcid, Zantac & Tagamet. Pepcid AC does make a 20mg EasyChew over the counter. All of these can be found with a prescription on a $4 generic program. You might need to pay more to get the Chewable/Liquid at first, but once you can swallow a pill, I would switched to the generic RX to save some money.