Recent Stomach Flu

[kimsomnia 1]

Hi,

Recently I had the stomach flu, on December 31, 2013 and I was vomiting but nothing was coming up, only going through the motions but it was pretty violent and tiring and horrible. As soon as this began I took anti-emetics to prevent myself from vomiting and it helped. The reason that I am posting is because I have been having a chest pain smack dab in the middle of my chest that radiates to my arm and actually numbs up my arm and makes it tingly. I did an all liquid diet for about 3 days after being sick, then did mushies and I am now on solid. I am wondering if anyone has experienced anything like this. I am able to eat restricted as I did before, no issues keeping liquids and foods down. No pain in my stomach or bloating or anything like that. Just this sharp angina like pain in the middle of my chest. I should state that I am 24 years old and have stayed pretty healthy and active compared to how I was before just this annoying sharpness five fingers down from my collarbone.

Has anyone experience anything like this before? I am trying to get as much info as I can before I have to make the appt for my bariatric surgeon because I switched insurance and my band is no longer covered by my insurance, so everything is out of pocket and pricey. I am thinking of going to my primary but I want to get some input from fellow banders on this.

[parisshel 1,892]

Perhaps a slip with the band now pressing on a nerve? In any case, make your appointment and get seen now. This clearly needs to be checked out.

Feel better soon.

[kll724 3,055]

Yes, true vomiting can cause a slip.After being sick, I ended up dehydrated and slipped. It is important to see your bariatirc surgeon,ASAP!!! Best wishes, hard way to start the new year. Karen..aka..kll724

[Leepers 1,195]

It is probably band related, but I would call your doc immediately. Those are all signs of a heart attack. I know you're young, but I work in a Cath Lab and we've seen plenty of young people come through our doors. No need to be alarmed. Just call to be sure.

[lisacaron 5,075]

I agree with Leepers! Don't take any chances, get to your PCP ASAP! If it is band related they will be able to advise or at least to rule out cardiac related issues.

You could also go to the hospital that your surgeon belongs to where they know how to treat a bariatric issue and they will be able to determine what is going on.

Let me tell you my friend from my own personal experience being young does not mean that could not be your heart Leepers is 100% right. I had an attack at 17 after extreme circumstance, so PLEASE do NOT wait to get to a Dr.

[kimsomnia 1]

I just made an appointment with my Primary Doctor. Hopefully he can tell me what is going on. My bariatric hospital was hours away and I am trying to not see my bariatric doctor yet because I have to pay out of pocket for them to do anything. And my primary although is not a bariatric doctor doesn't cost anything to see. Hopefully I get answers. Thank you all for the advice.

[lisacaron 5,075]

Excellent! Let us know how you are feeling!!

[kimsomnia 1]

Hello everyone,

I am doing an update. I ended up going to Urgent Care on a Thursday, he ruled out my heart. He said it was my band being to tight and that I needed to immediately see my bariatric surgeon which I did that same day. My bariatric surgeon was a little baffled because I was not showing the typical signs of a lap band slip, I could eat and drink and no trouble with that even with my restriction. But as a precaution he emptied out my band and told me to get and upper GI if I did not feel better by the next day. So It is Friday and I start having worse pain, I call every provider that does Upper GI's with contract and the earliest I could schedule was over a week away. I scheduled it and decided to wait. So now it is Saturday, I did not sleep at all and the pain actually got worse, I went to the ER and they checked me in right away, they ran all these tests and ruled out anything to do with my heart, the ER physician actually thought it was a muscle that I may have pulled but then I told him that I saw my bariatric physician and that he gave me an order for an Upper GI with Contrast, he walked out made a few calls and came back and said he was going to do the upper GI with contract. I got the Upper GI with Contrast done, everything was normal, he said my band looked fine and no hiatal hernials or anything. He determined I did have a tear and a chest strain from the vomitting and gave me pain killers. Then told me to see my bariatric doc as a follow up. Here I am today, the pain went away, still have a little ache when I do strenous exercise but nothing major.

Here is where it gets interesting....I went to my bariatric surgeons yesterday. I have two, I saw a different one than the one that unfilled me, but still one of my surgeon. I gave them the CD with the XRAYS he looked them over, walks into my room and tells me I have a slip. I died a little inside. i started asking questions and he took me over to the XRAYS and showed me. This is where I am confused and consider maybe getting another opinion. He showed me all the scans with the contrast illuminating my stomach and I could see my band, he said those were all normal no signs of a slip. Then he showed me ONE slide that did not have contrast, I could not even see my stomach and he said your band is supposed to sit 45 degrees and here it is not, your stomach could be above it. We go back to the room and I am confused because I am showing no symptoms, every other slide points to me not having a slip except that one which did not even show my stomach. I am confused, beyond belief. He is going to talk to the radiologist. maybe get another upper GI.. He even offered me to have surgery to fix it TODAY. I keep thinking to myself that maybe he just wants money since my change of insurance doesn't cover lapbands. Anyways he is going to call me in a week to discuss.

Anyone ever hear of a slip like this or anything like this happening?

Sorry this was so long. It is the only place I can talk about this.

[Lady VS 1,147]

Wow!! That is strange. I haven't heard of this but hopefully someone will chime in. I'm just glad to know you were finally checked out. Personally, I would get a second opinion. Good luck.