Frustrated and at a loss.

[paigeelaine 5]

I have been snooping the forums for what seems like forever now, and have now come to realize that it is time to tell my story. My name is Paige and I am 19 at 5'7". I started this journey in July at 262 lbs and am now at 219 lbs. 10 weeks post op.

Okay, here is a quick rundown of what has been going on. I'll try to keep it as short as possible (no promises). I was sleeved December 21, 2012. The surgery went smooth. I was in a bit of pain afterwards but that was to be expected. The first two weeks were a breeze for me. I was able to get all my Protein and fluids in while keeping my pain at bay. At two and a half weeks everything came to a screeching halt. I started having really bad pain in the upper left part of my abdomen and was vomiting up everything that I put in my mouth. I called my surgeon immediately and he ordered a CT scan with contrast (Jan 15). Everything came back normal. No leak and no infection. He gave me a prescription for more zofran and some reglan.

A week later I was still struggling to keep anything down. I went back to my surgeon and he ordered another barium swallow (Jan 28). This one was horrible. I was gagging the whole time and the consistency was just awful. It took a few days to get the results back, but once again everything came back normal. Then he referred me to a GI doctor.

I went and saw a GI doctor (Feb. 4) and he wanted to to a EGD ASAP to make sure that there wasn't a stricture. I had my EGD the following day (Feb 5). There was no stricture that he could see. He said that my esophagus and stomach were wide enough for a semi to go through. He also did a biopsy to check for H. Pylori. That came back negative.

After he talked with my mom he decided to order an ultrasound of my gallbladder and a HIDA scan. My mom had her gallbladder removed and when she was having attacks her pain was on her left side, so it was worth a shot. I had these test done (Feb. 13). But surprise, surprise, they were normal. At this point the doctors are at a loss, and I am beyond frustrated. They doctors are also worried about me becoming dehydrated. My GI doctor advised me that If I started to become lightheaded and that if I stopped peeing it was time to get to the hospital for fluids.

Sure enough the following Saturday (Feb. 16) I ended up in the hospital for 5 days. While I was in the hospital I had another barium swallow. This time we finally got answers! Turns out my stomach isn't emptying properly, gastroparesis. They explained it to me that since 80% of my stomach was removed the nerves have to re-grow to get the stomach muscle to work again. In some people it can take many months for the nerves to function properly. There is also a very small possibility that my stomach will never function the same again.

Also, the head of the bariatric department at the hospital looked over my surgery notes and all the tests I had done to make sure that the other doctors hadn't missed anything. He agreed with the diagnosis of gastroparesis and their treatment plan.

While I was in the hospital they started my on reglan, again, and dexilant. I started to see some results. I was actually able to keep down half a cup of yogurt. After I was released from the hospital I had a few good days. But on Tuesday the vomiting, pain, and constant nausea came back again.

I just got back home from seeing my GI doctor and surgeon. They both agreed that the next step in my treatment is to have a EGD done where they inject the valve where my stomach and small intestine meet with Botox. The Botox will help relax the valve so it isn't as tightly closed shut. This will hopefully help the flow of things. I'll have this done on Tuesday. I pray that this is the answer because my surgeon said that if this doesn't help then the next step is exploratory surgery to check for scar tissue or a twist in the stomach that the x-rays missed.

Now I'm Lortab to try and manage the pain. Dexilant to make sure that excess stomach acid isn't causing all the trouble. Phenergan for the nausea and vomiting. Reglan to try and jump start the motility of my stomach.

I'm just at a loss right now, and extremely discouraged. I know I should be thankful that it isn't a more serious complication, but I find it so hard to be positive. I have been in constant pain for the past 8 weeks. Not to mention the nausea and vomiting. Has anyone else had a similar experience?

Thanks for taking the time to read this,

Paige

[PdxMan 4,292]

I am sorry to hear of your complications.

I am one that had no issues post, except maybe I delayed my progression to the next stages just because I was overly cautious and scared of how my stomach might react to re-introducing foods.

I will definately be keeping you in my thoughts and following your story.

[zoekids 120]

Oh, I am sorry you are having problems. Now that they know hopefully they will resolve soon

[Tawnie 99]

Dear lord! I am so sorry to hear this. Is there anything we can do to support you? This sounds like a one in a million result.

You are sounding very positive dispite your experience

[Takingcontrol 467]

I hope this helps & your get back on track! Sorry that you have gone thru so much, I really can't relate because I too was one of the lucky ones who have had no issues other then I'm a "slow" loser! I know it must really suck to go from being so excited & ready to begin your new life..to all this turmoil! Good luck!

[paigeelaine 5]

I am sorry to hear of your complications.

I am one that had no issues post, except maybe I delayed my progression to the next stages just because I was overly cautious and scared of how my stomach might react to re-introducing foods.

I will definately be keeping you in my thoughts and following your story.

Thank you for your thoughts and congrats on your success. I'll be sure to keep everyone updated.

[paigeelaine 5]

Oh, I am sorry you are having problems. Now that they know hopefully they will resolve soon

Hopefully Tuesday will be the answer to my prayers. Thanks for your reply

[paigeelaine 5]

Dear lord! I am so sorry to hear this. Is there anything we can do to support you? This sounds like a one in a million result.

You are sounding very positive dispite your experience

Some positive thoughts would be nice. My GI doctor said that he has seen 6 other sleeve patients with the same symptoms. These patients from various surgeons.He has done this procedure on 3 of these patients with success in 2. Hopefully this procedure will help, my fingers are crossed.

[Oliver's Mom 258]

so sorry . Will keep you in my thoughts. Keep us posted we all care.

[notime 340]

I'm thinking of you and hoping the procedure takes care of the problem. Hang in there, we are with you. Please let us know how things are going.

[paigeelaine 5]

so sorry . Will keep you in my thoughts. Keep us posted we all care.

Thanks and will do.

[jobyro 9]

So sorry to read this. You've been through so much. Lets hope you'll feel better than ever soon. Keep us posted.

[paigeelaine 5]

I'm thinking of you and hoping the procedure takes care of the problem. Hang in there' date=' we are with you. Please let us know how things are going.[/quote']

Thanks you for the support. It really means a lot I will make sure to keep everyone updated.

[clk 3,519]

I'm so sorry about your complications. It sounds like pure misery and I hope that you'll have relief from all of this soon.

Perhaps cross posting this over in the complications forum will help more people see it. You aren't alone in having complications and I hope that someone out there that has overcome them can give you some reassurance and hope that this will pass for you, too.

Best of luck and do keep us updated. Every bit of info out there helps people researching or struggling with a similar situation.

~Cheri

[Misty_eyes 79]

Hi Paige,

I am so sorry to hear about your complication, it must have been very tough being in pain and not knowing why and where the pain is coming from. I am glad that they found the problem, and wish you well on the procedure. I will keep you in my prayer for speedy recovery. Thanks for sharing your experience because this information might be helpful to someone out there who is having the same issues. Get well soon and keep us posted.