cwalker 12 Posted April 6, 2011 Since surgery I have dealt with pain in my chest, the PA (he works with my surgeon) I saw figured it was heartburn. So I was switched to Nexium and told to add in Zantac if it didn't help. For the first week the pain wasnt so bad, I had the occasional sharp pain. Then on Saturday the pain started to increase, it got worse Sunday, then Monday even worse. Monday I are a gogurt and it hurt, I drank Water, it hurt. Everything did. Hubby got worried, came home and sent me to the ER. Because the pain is in the middle of my chest and radiates to the left under the left breast, they did an ekg and chest xray. Then I sat in pain in the waiting room for 4 hours. Once I was finally called back, labs were done and looked funky. Surgeons came to check on me and ordered a ct. Took me hours and lots of pain to drink the contrast but I got it down. At 3am I was admitted to the hospital and receiving pain meds around the clock. I needed lots of fluids and potassium again, started receiving nausea meds and heartburn meds by iv as well. My labs are still of so they are monitoring things and may need more tests. I had a scope done yesterday and sure enough I have a stricture and a hiatal hernia. They stretched the part of the sleeve and will watch the hernia, will start seeing gi to make sure I don't need another scope . One doctor suggested that I may consider converting to rny. No thanks! My throat is super sore from the scope too. Still getting meds quite a bit and back on Clear liquids. If I tolerate it better, they will advance my diet sand once I can handle that I can go home. At least now I don't feel like a big baby. So if anyone is feeling like something is wrong, trust your body and get checked out. Thank goodness you went on in to ER. Hope you feel better soon and sending prayers and healing thoughts your way! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AwesomeSleeve 5 Posted April 7, 2011 Glad you're doing better. My thoughts are with you and wishing you a speedy recovery. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sasicas 194 Posted April 7, 2011 Thanks everyone for the support. I gained another night here because I stil can't eat and drink without the same pain. The doctors said it might just be because ballooning the area aggrevated the area. Ugh. The hernia confuses me too. My surgeon said if I had one he would fix it in surgery. He never mentioned it. He is on leave so I should see him when he gets back to figure out what to do next. I'm just worn out physically and emotionally. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sasicas 194 Posted April 9, 2011 So I'm still here. I still have the same pain. I had to do a leak test and swallow study yesterday. The swallow study was awful! Horrible, horrible test. The barium was bad enough but they made me swallow these little things like poprocks. You swallow 10 times to try to get it all down. horrible! I was gagging terribly. It hurt so bad. I was crying and finally threw up before they could finish. On that test they saw that things are emptying too slow and my esophagus was too narrow and they said my sleeve all together is too narrow. And instead of being shaped like a banana, its got a part in it that makes it more like an "L". They again suggested surgery, either trying to fix the L or converting to RNY. My surgeon will be back Monday so I will wait to discuss it with him. I'm tired of this all, of not eating, drinking, not being with my family most of all. I'm tired of the meds and feeling so crummy. I just want my old stomach back. I feel defeated. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Free2B 8 Posted April 9, 2011 Oh, my heart goes out to you! I wish we could take away your pain and disappointment. Please know that many people are thinking of you and hoping for a resolution as soon as possible. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lila21 36 Posted April 9, 2011 Oh, I'm so sorry to hear this, and so sorry to hear that you have to wait until Monday to get some resolution. I do know that someone here had a problem with slow emptying, but I'm not sure how they fixed it. I am sending you big hugs, and I hope your family takes good care of you until you can see your surgeon! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sasicas 194 Posted April 9, 2011 Thanks for the support. This whole thing had taken such a toll on me. I miss being home with my family so bad. My kids are little and don't understand why I'm here. Listening to them today asking questions just tore me up inside. My poor nurses have to keep dealing with my break downs. I'm so home sick. I know people never expect a complication to happen to them and I sure never expected it. I know there is nothing I can do to change the past but boy do I wish I had walked away on surgery date and refused to go through with it. I feel so defeated, I know I'm supposed to stay positive but its so hard to do that right now after almost a week in the hospital Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KellyL 173 Posted April 9, 2011 I'm so sorry you're going thru this! I would be having a breakdown too! I am shocked and surprised to hear of your problems. Sounds like the L shape of your sleeve may be causing the slow emptying and you also probably have a lot of swelling in it making it worse. I hope it improves very soon for you. I know it's hard being away from your family sweeitie but the most important thing right now is them keeping you hydrated. We're here for you!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MelissaAnd 3 Posted April 9, 2011 I am so sorry that you are having problems and I am sending positive thoughts and prayers your way! Hopefully, when your doctor returns, you will get the answers that you need to feel better! I know how hard it is to be away from your family. My procedure was done 130 miles away from home. I missed my kids so much as I was gone for a week from them. Amazingly, my absence from home made them appreciate me more. I wish you the very best and I hope it helps bring comfort to know that you have lots of support from all of us on here! Don't give up! Keep a positive mind and keep your spirits up! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MICHELLE LEE 19 Posted April 9, 2011 Sending hugs and praye.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KimCappellaro 0 Posted April 10, 2011 Wishing you a speedy recovery! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KimCappellaro 0 Posted April 10, 2011 I had many complications and hospital stays...... I know what you mean. My surgery was in Nov. I had a leak among other things and I am still using my feeding tube! I am getting better but was not expecting any complications. It will get better with time. I just got cleared to have 2 Popsicles a day and 1 bottled Water by mouth everything else thru the tube. I hook up to an iv and it takes 11 hours for 5 cans of nutrition (1200 calories) to run during the evening and night time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wishes 125 Posted April 10, 2011 Oh wow, I am so sorry. I hope everything works out better soon, and that your surgeon will help you figure things out. Please keep us posted and take care of yourself. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NJMOMof2 17 Posted April 11, 2011 I am heartbroken for you....You should not have to feel this way. Be sure to ask the surgeon WHY you have an "L" shaped pouch? Did he use a bougie to guide him when he dissected the stomach??? If you are not comfortable with your care, ask for a new doctor. I pray for you and hope this all works out and you are back to your self and with your family (((HUGS))) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
swizzly 901 Posted April 11, 2011 My friend here who had VSG had a similar complication, where the sleeve sort of doubled up like that. Hers resolved on its own after a few days, but she was very miserable with it. I'm SO sorry you're going through this. Best wishes for a very speedy recovery. Hugs. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites