Complications (Previous Post and Update)

[momoftwo 0]

Previous Post:

I was sleeved last Wed in Tijuanna Mexico, and the day after surgery, I was having so much pain they were not sure what was going on so they decided to take me under again for another surgery to see what was going on, turns out I had a leak and low hemoglobin so I had a blood transfusion. Well leak was fixed and then I ended up getting liquid in my lungs, which there is not much to do for that, I am finding it so tough to sit, lye down, just bending over to pick up something takes alot of effort out of me.

1 week after Surgery:

Well Im not out of the complications yet, seems they keep getting more and more. I went to Dr today in home town who sent me for xray, ultrasound, blood work and ECG. I am still having troubles with breathing, my blood pressure is still very high and now my incisions are oozing very badly and I have an infection. I also found out I have a collapsed lung with liquid inside, that is why breathing is so difficult, I have low pottassium. I really did not expect to be so sick after surgery like this, and have all these complications, the Dr I am seeing back home says you just never know what the Dr in another country do while in surgery, and plus travel so quickly after on a plane also causes problems too. Im a bit scared and hoping they can help me with what I need now.

I never saw anyone having complications on this site before, if you did please tell me your story Thanks

[Stacie 1]

I had pretty severe complications as well. I stayed away from this site for a while after that. It was a very dark time for me. I had surgery locally (WI) and developed a leak after two weeks. I mentioned it in your other post, so I won't go into too many details here, but please ask me any questions you have, I am glad to share.

I also had a collapsed lung. I had a lot of pain for quite a while. But my leak did not heal for a long time either. Hopefully you will have excellent care now that you are home. Are you seeing a bariatric surgeon? I would definitely try to do that. I would also suggest you have them do a upper GI test with barium, or gastrograffin to be safe. That will be the best way to see what your stomach looks like now, double check for a leak, etc

It sounds like you have alot going on, but you are only one week out of surgery, so hopefully everything will get resolved quickly and you will be on your way with your new life!

[LapGyrl 11]

I'm sorry you are having such a tough time post-op . I really hope you get better and have a great journey with the sleeve.

[Tiffykins 673]

I had complications, and know it's scary. I wrote out my issues in your previous post. Just hang in there, and please know we're all thinking of you.

[pumpkin07 32]

I know someone that did have complications, and his biggest issue was getting a bariatric surgeon at home to see him. That is really important that you do this right away, find the best doctor in your area the fastest you can get to him/her. Time is really of the essence and you really need your surgery looked at by a specialist so they can see what went wrong.

I am sure you are scared. Try to go to best doctors, best hospitals - try to focus on that. When things are serious, it is critical to be in the best hands b/c it will make everything so much easier for you.

[BlackBerryJuice 349]

Ouch, it hurt just to read your post! I hope you heal quickly.

[DogBone 1]

I?m also 1 week out today and going fine, already working and driving.

I did not know a leak could show 2 weeks before.

My prayers are with you. I know in the end everything will work just fine for you.

[mp8btpc 33]

I am so sorry you are going through this. I know this has to be really tough. I hope you find a doctor in your area that can get this taken care of and that your body starts to heal. Best wishes.

[Stacie 1]

How are you doing now? I have been thinking about you so much! I wish you the very best recovery. take care and give us an update when you are feeling up to it.

[kbl 3]

so sorry to hear that you are having some issues. i hope your weight loss journey gets turned around and you have a good report to post. i will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. kelly

[YOLANDA240 13]

Previous Post:

I was sleeved last Wed in Tijuanna Mexico, and the day after surgery, I was having so much pain they were not sure what was going on so they decided to take me under again for another surgery to see what was going on, turns out I had a leak and low hemoglobin so I had a blood transfusion. Well leak was fixed and then I ended up getting liquid in my lungs, which there is not much to do for that, I am finding it so tough to sit, lye down, just bending over to pick up something takes alot of effort out of me.

1 week after Surgery:

Well Im not out of the complications yet, seems they keep getting more and more. I went to Dr today in home town who sent me for xray, ultrasound, blood work and ECG. I am still having troubles with breathing, my blood pressure is still very high and now my incisions are oozing very badly and I have an infection. I also found out I have a collapsed lung with liquid inside, that is why breathing is so difficult, I have low pottassium. I really did not expect to be so sick after surgery like this, and have all these complications, the Dr I am seeing back home says you just never know what the Dr in another country do while in surgery, and plus travel so quickly after on a plane also causes problems too. Im a bit scared and hoping they can help me with what I need now.

I never saw anyone having complications on this site before, if you did please tell me your story Thanks

Sorry about the complications I hope you find the help you need to get well soon:crying:

[pcindy 8]

I'm glad you have a conscientious doctor here in your town who is taking your follow-up seriously and helping you to get the care you need. You will need to work VERY hard on deep-breathing exercises (NOTHING is more important to reinflate and strengthen your lungs) and I'm sure they have you on stong antibiotics. Use that incentive spirometer!

I agree with Stacie about getting a repeat barium swallow. Also, ask your doc about getting an EGD (endoscopy). You definately want to be referred to a GI doctor for your follow-up care, as well as a pulmonologist.

Continue to trust your intuition and go to the ER IMMEDIATELY if you have a new or increased fever, worsening in the discharge from the sites that is either increased, purulent (pus), smelly. Also if you see an increase in swelling or redness, or an increase in pain. Ditto for being unable to keep down fluids, vomiting, new-onset of pain, etc... Also, if you just feel like something is worse or wrong, but you can't quite put your finger on it- go to the ER. Be very vigilent. Complications happen and people get through them. Just be an assertive advocate for yourself and try to have someone you trust keep a close eye on you too. Best of luck and hang in there.

Edited September 3, 2010 by pcindy

[a.walker 2]

I'm so sorry you're still not well. I was hoping your update was that your complications are improving, so I'm sad to see you're still ill. Like pcindy said, it's important that you be your own advocate. If something continues to give you problems, make sure it gets taken care of quickly. The breathing exercises are so important, too.

I can't imagine how frustrating and scary this all is for you. I'm praying for you that things will start to improve soon, and that when all is said and done, you won't have to regret having surgery. Keep us updated!

[breezy 8]

That just sucks rocks. Who was your doctor in Mexico and the clinic?

[Aplus 0]

I'm so sorry to hear you are not doing as well as expected, but my prayers are with you and have faith, you will come out of this tough spot soon and all will be well !!