Sleeve revision to gastric bypass tomorrow

[No game 14,437]

Thanks Laura...I know' date=' but I don't feel that strong enough to fight anymore...last night was a rough night with lots of tears so it might have contributed to my rant this morning but I really do feel like I chose to give myself a life threatening instead of life prolonging procedure...twice! And it makes me feel sorry for my children and my husband for having to go thru all of this with me, even though they're very very supportive! Just really ready for some answers, and some relief.[/quote']

I would feel the same way. As wife's and mothers we never do anything for ourselves. And to finally do something for self just to have it turn out so wrong? The guilt I would feel...

But they are strong and they will be strong and support you in your time of need just as you have always done for them..

I too am waiting and praying for you to find some relief.

[No game 14,437]

By the way' date=' Laura, how are you, sweetie? Are you well? Haven't been keeping up as much as I should have. Your profile pic is great! [/quote']

Thank you,

I'm hanging in there.. The cold weather has put a bit of melancholy into my days. But I'm trying to beat it

Edited November 3, 2013 by laura-ven

[Lisa's Hope 421]

Lisa....wow...I don't know what to say. I never had the two tests you mentioned, nor do I even know what they are but I'm going to google them right after I get done typing this.

You didn't mention what you were taking for your GERD or how often, but I take dexilant 60 mg twice a day. I did that before the bypass revision and I still do...why? I'm not sure because the reflux is absolutely gone....which is the ONLY good thing I can say about having the revision done.

My current status is that I just was released from the hospital on Thursday night late from a two day stay where they tested me for just about everything that has to do with my sleeve/bypass. You see, I'm still having severe abdomen pain, I'm still dry heaving for about an hour a night x 3-4 nights per week. Along with some other complications such as passing out cold and elevated liver counts on my blood work. Also I might mention that I was at my drs goal weight of 145 when I went in for the bypass and 5 pounds from my goal weight of 140. I was down to 125 when I went in to the hospital for a routine EGD on this past Wednesday. They kept me overnight and gave me a banana bag full of potassium and other Vitamins, lots of other bolus fluids and I was npo for my entire stay until the very end where they wanted to see if I could handle full liquids. They also tried to stick an NG feeding tube down my nose which promptly came out because they never could get it exactly where they wanted it and never taped it down, how aggravating! And they decided they didn't want me to have a picc line feeding tube because of the risks of that so they just told me to try and get 4 Protein shakes down a day...wth? I have severe abdominal pain people!!!!! You haven't found the source!

Anyway, I have been going to a cardiac dr per my pcp's advice because of the passing out. He diagnosed me with vasovagal syncope. My blood pressure drops dramatically (I'm lucking if it hits 95/65 on a regular basis) and my heart races, I feel flush, and then I just pass out cold...I probably feel that way at least once a day. They did a 24 hour heart monitor and a 24 hour urine output test which I have yet to get the results on either. Stress test scheduled for Tuesday.

My elevated liver tests have my drs on high alert because I don't drink and they make me look like I've been an alcoholic for a very long time...so I have an appt scheduled with a liver specialist on Monday (tomorrow). And I'm hoping since he's a GI dr that he can also do what my surgeon had failed to do and diagnose my severe abdominal pain and dry heaving bouts.

So, for someone who really didn't know what to say, I sure said a lot, didn't i? I don't know how to tell you to proceed, because if I could go back in time, I would never have had either procedure...I'm a 47 year old malnutritioned adult who weighs way under what she should, looks absolutely horrible, hair falling out ghost of the woman she once was, unable to work, function on a daily basis, and has to depend on others for help driving and holding me up when I feel faint. If it weren't for my husband I don't know what I'd do. He's even had to get FMLA papers for work because he's missed so much time to be with me at the hospital.

Please please proceed with caution...I don't know you but I care about you and I worry about your decision but I understand completely your pain. Please keep me posted I will be right here for you every step of the way and whenever you need to talk.

BLESS YOU!! I'm so sorry you are going through all of this! It must be hell! I feel for you and I will pray for you believe me!

I am on prilosec twice a day, carafate, Tramadol, and hyoscyamine for the spasms. I'm so surprised you didn't have these test I mentioned. The first one monitors the acid in the stomach and motility of the esophagus for 24 hours. Since we have severe bile reflux it can cause the spasms of the esophagus. The other test, Manometry measures the level of pressure in the esophagus. This is the one I'm scared to do because they do have to put an NG tube in and I'm terrified. When my surgeon mentioned me having the bypass to get rid of this GERD, I cried. I DO NOT want it. I don't think I will proceed. I too would not have this surgery if I could go back. I've lost 128 pounds but sometimes I don't think it was worth it. My issues are not near the severity of yours. I just feel for you so much. I know that you may think that your experience may be for nothing but you are helping people by sharing your experience. I can't imagine going through what you do on a daily basis.

Thank you for sharing and know that I am praying for you. I am a Christian and I believe in the power of healing through Christ. Not ashamed of my Jesus! Sorry to be preaching..lol It is just that my heart goes out to you.

I'm not sure I will even proceed with the Manometry. I will do the EDG but the other as I said scares me. I'm going to continue to take the meds I'm on now and live my life as best as I can. I can't work because of the spasms and I have disc herniations as well but I've been out of work since this surgery.

God bless you!! Thank you again. Keep your head up and don't give up!!! Oh, my liver enzymes are elevated all the time as well and they always ask if I drink. I do not.

Please let us know how you are doing.

[Chellemetime 299]

I have also been following this thread and I just wanted to say that you are constantly in my prayers. I can't imagine having this procedure and it being so life altering in such a negative way. I'm so sorry your going through all of the things you've written about and will continue to pray for you.

Sent from my iPhone using VST

[nailsbyniki 120]

I have also been following this thread and I just wanted to say that you are constantly in my prayers. I can't imagine having this procedure and it being so life altering in such a negative way. I'm so sorry your going through all of the things you've written about and will continue to pray for you. Sent from my iPhone using VST

If that was for me, thank you so much! I feel like my life wasn't just "altered" but now it's been threatened. I'm truly scared now.

I thought I'd give you all an update on what my liver/GI Dr said yesterday at my appt with him. He said first of all that I may be just like this for the rest of my life if they can't find anything else. First of all, not only did I alter my anatomy once but I went ahead and did it twice. And my body may be rejecting the new anatomy right now. He says I may recover over time but how long it takes is unknown and what my body will go thru between now and then is also unknown...he also said a permanent feeding tube is not out of the question. (cries)

In the meantime he's ordered 3 more tests. The first is more lab work concerning my liver...which he doesn't think is a problem, he says all bypass patients see fluctuating numbers when it comes to their livers.

The second is an ultrasound (which no one else has ever done) and it will show my entire abdomen, not just the upper part which concerned my surgeon...it will also show the arteries in my abdomen that can, if twisted or moved or misshaped in any way cause vomiting and severe pain. They are usually protected by a layer of fat that has disappeared in people like me who have lost too much weight.

The third is a test where I swallow a capsule that has a camera in it and takes thousands of pics as it travels thru. Two things can happen: it can pass like normal and they can get the images they want and see if there are any ulcers in my intestinal tract or it could get stuck which means immediate surgery but they would know exactly where it is and why it got stuck and that would also give them the answers they need.

I just hope that one or all of these tests lead to some sort of answer to what may be causing my problems and that it wasn't just my vanity that led me and my poor family who's stood by me every step of the way down this path...as you can tell I'm feeling great remorse and guilt right about now.

Niki

[Lisa's Hope 421]

If that was for me, thank you so much! I feel like my life wasn't just "altered" but now it's been threatened. I'm truly scared now.

I thought I'd give you all an update on what my liver/GI Dr said yesterday at my appt with him. He said first of all that I may be just like this for the rest of my life if they can't find anything else. First of all, not only did I alter my anatomy once but I went ahead and did it twice. And my body may be rejecting the new anatomy right now. He says I may recover over time but how long it takes is unknown and what my body will go thru between now and then is also unknown...he also said a permanent feeding tube is not out of the question. (cries)

In the meantime he's ordered 3 more tests. The first is more lab work concerning my liver...which he doesn't think is a problem, he says all bypass patients see fluctuating numbers when it comes to their livers.

The second is an ultrasound (which no one else has ever done) and it will show my entire abdomen, not just the upper part which concerned my surgeon...it will also show the arteries in my abdomen that can, if twisted or moved or misshaped in any way cause vomiting and severe pain. They are usually protected by a layer of fat that has disappeared in people like me who have lost too much weight.

The third is a test where I swallow a capsule that has a camera in it and takes thousands of pics as it travels thru. Two things can happen: it can pass like normal and they can get the images they want and see if there are any ulcers in my intestinal tract or it could get stuck which means immediate surgery but they would know exactly where it is and why it got stuck and that would also give them the answers they need.

I just hope that one or all of these tests lead to some sort of answer to what may be causing my problems and that it wasn't just my vanity that led me and my poor family who's stood by me every step of the way down this path...as you can tell I'm feeling great remorse and guilt right about now.

Niki

Niki, I know you are so scared and so tired of going through all of this.

I am so happy though you have a Dr that is going to do these test on you to find out what is causing your pain in your tummy. I will pray you find some answers!!

I to am having the Capsule EDG. I go Monday to do this and on Wed to have the Manometry. I am not worried at all about the EDG but the Manometry is another story. I'm not fond of the thought of someone putting a tube in my nose down my throat. UGH.. I know they do this to measure pressure in the esophagus and stomach. Like I said before I've been having issues with GERD and esophageal spasms.

I think the EDG is such a good idea for you to have. They will be able to see if have twisting of your intestines and so much more. I pray you do not have to have more surgery but that they can find out what is going on with you and you can get better. I just said a prayer for you!!

Please let us know what the test tell you.

Edited November 5, 2013 by Lisa's Hope

[nailsbyniki 120]

Niki' date=' I know you are so scared and so tired of going through all of this. I am so happy though you have a Dr that is going to do these test on you to find out what is causing your pain in your tummy. I will pray you find some answers!! I to am having the Capsule EDG. I go Monday to do this and on Wed to have the Manometry. I am not worried at all about the EDG but the Manometry is another story. I'm not fond of the thought of someone putting a tube in my nose down my throat. UGH.. I know they do this to measure pressure in the esophagus and stomach. Like I said before I've been having issues with GERD and esophageal spasms. I think the EDG is such a good idea for you to have. They will be able to see if have twisting of your intestines and so much more. I pray you do not have to have more surgery but that they can find out what is going on with you and you can get better. I just said a prayer for you!! Please let us know what the test tell you.[/quote']

I had to have the nasal gastric tube placed last week while I was in the hospital as they were going to use it for feeding but since they didn't get it in the right place it slipped out. All I can tell you about that awful experience is that it is extremely uncomfortable but it helps if you learn to breathe a lot thru your nose and just concentrate on that while it's happening...that and swallowing...the more you swallow, the faster they get it in....so breathe thru your nose and swallow lots! And remember, I am right there with you sweets! Take care and know that this will help get you answers too!

[Chellemetime 299]

Niki, yes that was for you. Lisa, the same for you. I've been reading both of your posts on here and praying for you both. Please keep updating. I just know our Lord is going to turn things around for both of you.

Sent from my iPhone using VST

[nailsbyniki 120]

Hi all...well that permanent feeding tube is just looming around the corner...I've lost 3 more pounds this week...that i couldn't afford to lose! I'm now at 124. The dr asked me to put on 10 pounds not lose 3...I just pray i don't lose anymore or that awful feeding tube will be for real...

The liver bloodwork came back clean. Waiting now on the abdomen ultrasound with doppler study results, should get them Monday. And still waiting for insurance to approve the capsule camera test, hopefully will hear about that this week. Just hope i don't need to go to the hospital in between now and then. Feeling really weak and yucky.

[No game 14,437]

Niki,

I wasn't able to reply to your second pm last night but I did get it. I'm thinking of you today, and I hope you get the approval soon for the latest test. Please update me about the feeding tube. I'm hoping it gives you some strength back and aids your body in healing.

[magtart 603]

Sending prayers and healing thoughts to both of you!

[Wags 549]

Niki, I am so profoundly sorry for all you have suffered. Please do not give up hope. You are too special and your family loves and needs you. Thank you for continuing to share updates with us. I pray that you will find relief soon.

[nailsbyniki 120]

Niki, I am so profoundly sorry for all you have suffered. Please do not give up hope. You are too special and your family loves and needs you. Thank you for continuing to share updates with us. I pray that you will find relief soon.

Thank you sooooo much...I really appreciate this. I am so scared for myself and my family. I see my surgeon tomorrow for a follow up and hope to get results from my liver/GI doctor too.

[Lisa's Hope 421]

Thank you sooooo much...I really appreciate this. I am so scared for myself and my family. I see my surgeon tomorrow for a follow up and hope to get results from my liver/GI doctor too.

Niki,

Please let us know how you are. I backed out of having the Capsule EGD. I heard to many bad stories and I didn't want to do it. The one I was having is different than the one you are scheduled for. Mine was a normal EGD and they go down and clip this capsule to the esophagus and it falls off in 7 days and it causes alot of pain unlike the one you just swallow. I would do it if I could just swallow the pill. I know I have GERD really badly and I don't need that test to tell me. I am is so much pain from the spasms that I didn't want to risk this getting stuck. I'm not sure if my surgeon will drop me because of this or not but if he does, I will find someone else. I'm thinking of having my PCP to refer me to a Gastroenteroligist and I will tell him the same that I'm not having these test but I will have a normal Endoscopic procedure for him to look. I just had the endoscope a month ago and found out I have gastritis, and bile reflux so this test was just for nothing if you ask me.

I'm still so very scare to face the RNY. I don't want this surgery.

I think about you daily and pray that things get better for you! Please keep us informed.

[Wags 549]

Hi Niki, what did you hear about your ultrasound/Doppler study and your liver/GI? I hope it is good news. Sending prayers your way.

Hugs! Linda