Through hell and back, With death knocking at my door

[hotpink_bubbles 0]

Well all, i have been through hell and back the past 5 days, and im still goin through it. I had my Lap-Band surgery on March 13th. A week after that i was back in the hospital for dehydration. Then this past sunday morning i woke up with the WORST pain ive ever felt in my life. It started just below my boob on the right side of my body and went all the way down to my hip. Everytime i would breathe it would feel like someone was stabbing me repeatedly with a knife. Needless to say, later that night after all day of that pain, my parents decided it was best to take me to the ER. So i go into the ER, and they tell me they are going to give me a cat scan and then i can go hope. So i waitab out an hour, go in for the cat scan, they do it of my abdomen, and i go back to the ER room. An hour or so later the doctor comes in and says that i have to be admitted, that it appears i have a small blood clot in my right lung, that they just barely caught on the cat scan and that i would need another cat scan the next day. So i get admitted go to a room, the next morning bright and early, i go in for another cat scan this time its of my chest. Not even an hour later the doctor comes in and says casey you have a LARGE blood clot in your right lung and they immediately moved me to ICU for 48hours. So lonnng story short, I have a large blood clot in my right lung, im on coumadin for they dont kow how long, I was in ICU for 2 days, and in the hospital for a total of 5. I have to see a blood specialist and have my blood drawn 3 times a week. Im in stable, yet critical condition at the same time. This ontop of Lap-Band surgery, and the whole break up with my boyfriend thing, has really thrown me for a loop. Im scared to shut my eyes and go to sleep, im afraid i might die, I just dont know what to do. Im so scared its not even funny. Should i regret having the surgery, should i move on, i dont know. Im so confused and scared. Anyways, thats whats been going on with me. Ineed to try to go get some sleep now. I dont know how that will be possible but i have to try. Talk to you all later.

~Hotpink~

[chocolate_snaps 3]

Im so sorry to here how sucky things have been for you lately.

I certainly understand where you are coming from. A while ago I had "double" Pneumonia, to the point where my lungs were each hours from collapsing and I was literally dying. There were several times where I feared that I would drown in my sleep because my breathing was so impossible. There was even a night where I was absolutely sure that I would not wake up. Needless to say by the grace I survived and so will you.

I hope that this sickness passes quickly and that you recover 150%. I hope you feel better soon.

[waterlily1072 5]

I am sorry to hear of your medical problems. You have no choice other than to move on from where you are. There is no room for regret, just follow doctor's orders and press on. We are here for you whenever you need us. You have definitely had it rough these last couple of weeks but soon it will be better So chin up.

Hoping you are better soon

[kyethra 0]

Do what the docs tell you to do. Get a second opinion if it will make you feel any better. I know you feel horrible now, but it could be a lot lot worse. And I imagine your chances for a full recovery are excellent. So take it easy and try not to think about it too much-- i know that is easier said that done. But trust me, it doesn't matter why or what if. You have to move on. Asking those questions too many times in your head will just make a person more depressed because they are circle questions. It doesn't matter if the band was the right choice because you have it now. What only matters is what the next right choice is. Get some movies, read some books, etc. Think of when it is all past you.

[louise162 0]

I'm so sorry to hear about your complications. You are in the right place and will be well looked after. Something like this is bound to make you aware of your own mortality; it's only natural. You will recover from this and go on to benefit from the surgery. Now I've recovered from my complication (no where near as serious as yours; I had a huge hiatal hernia that had to be repaired) I don't regret it for a second. Take care of yourself and I hope you feel better soon.

[annieM 2]

You poor thing! Don't blame your band for your complications though, probably any surgery would have put you at the same risk. Have yourself tested for clotting disorders so you will know if you will need to stay on blood thinners. (DO NOT take the pill, ever) My sister has a clotting disorder, as does her daughter and both live healthy active lives. They just need the blood thinners and tests to monitor them.

You can get through this! You have your band now. As you get better and start to lose weight life will be soooo good.

[knotsunuf 0]

you are going to be fine. you have not made a mistake. Patience is needed with your body, your weight-loss and your personal relationships. take a deep breath, sit back and relax and thank God you are alive. You have sooooo much to look forward to. You are going to SKINNY !!!!!!!

Blood clots after surgery are not uncommon. Take the coumadin. Follow-up with the physcians and all will be well.

They should have explained to you before surgery the risk of blood clots.

Don't be afraid to sleep. Once you are dx. with a blood clot and are getting treatment death doesn't usually occur.

[Doula Lea 0]

Blood Clots are an altogether not uncommon side effect of any surgery or debilitating condition. Thankfully, you took the necessary steps to care for yourself by seeking out medical attention. Is the clot in an area where it could be surgically removed or are your docs focusing on medication to try and control it? With meds your main concern (although not as much of a concern as a pulmonary embolism to be sure!) is that the blood thinners are typically NSAIDS which can cause GI problems for most people without a band and are generally not recommended for those folks with a band. Are you still in ICU?

If I am too nosey please just ignore my message. I am a nursing student and this is very interesting to me...

Take care and keep your chin up. You sought out medical attention and because of that you will be just fine.

[knotsunuf 0]

Coumadin is not considered a Nasids it should not be taken with Nasids such as Celebrex, Voltran, Motrin. Advil, Aleve, Naprosyn, Feldene, etc. These medications are also discouraged with any gastic surgery due to increase risk of ulcers from the drugs. Coumadin is relatively save. You need to check your blood levels frquently when first starting the med. I have been taking coumadin for years re to a heart disorder. I do take Motrin on occasion. Everything in moderation is the key. Too bad I don't do this with food. Unfortuantely I love food.

[knotsunuf 0]

Sorry forgot to give a website that may be helpful to you. www.drugs.com

[DynamoMini 1]

So sorry for your distress. I know this will pass you are young and vital. A whole life to look forward to. I also know the blow you took looking at your own mortality. Use it as a tool to improve and believe in yourself. You are uniquely wonderful Best wishes for a rapid recovery, remember through each trial you suffer there is something to learn. And last but not least - life just sucks sometimes.

[paladin 0]

Bless your little heart. I can't imagine facing so many challenges at one time. You will get through this by focusing on you and following your doctors orders. This will look like a hiccup in the larger picture of life. Remember, God always puts you at the perfect place at the perfect time. You are going to be fine!!

Also, doing research such as posting here for feedback is a great tool for healing. I am like a sponge and want to gather input from those who've been there as well as the experts. Read and learn as much as you can about blood clots. In addition, follow the band rules. Before you know it, you will be the shining example others turn to in their time of need. Keep you chin up & stay strong!! Also, keep up posted on how your doing. You have a great network here at LBT.

[Kat817 19]

My DH was on Coumadin for many months this last year, following a blood clot in his ileac artery. He developed the clot, following a test they were doing prior to scheduling his open heart surgery to repair/replace his mitral valve. He took the coumadin for 8 weeks, went off for a few days, had his surgery, and resumed the coumadin for several more months. He had his PT checked every week minimally, and they adjusted his dosage to keep him at a therapuetic level.

I think this may have been a blessing in disguise! At least the surgery you had when it was found to be a problem, was minor as far as surgeries go! Now you know to have yourself tested, and find out if you have issues with clotting, or if you have a c reactive issue. Then you can be properly monitored, especially if you ever have to have a BIG operation of some sort.

Now, while you are dealing with all of this, your healing time with the band is slowly passing---by the time you are back to normal with the clot, you will be almost back to normal with the band, and ready to GO!!!!

I know it is scary---but you know about it, and know if you begin hurting, what to do. It is much better than being in the dark over a problem!

You are showing yourself and everyone around you how strong you are---good for you. Hang in there---you, and the band are going to be going strong very soon!!!!

(((hugs)))

Kat

[mnkbrly 0]

I am sorry that you are going through so much, But just keep your spirits up! There is no turning back now and thank God they found the blood clots. With the coumadin it will be okay! GEt your blood checked as they say, it is very important! Will be praying for you! Kim

[Barbara12375 0]

Hi HotPink,

I sure hope today finds you feeling better. You've had a scary time of it lately.

You've gotten lots of good advice from your doctors and from your friends here on this website now just allow your body to heal.

I am a firm believer in Positive Mental Attitude and the Law of Attraction. While you're resting and healing, try to keep good thoughts going on in your head. Picture yourself as you will be in six months, one year, two years, etc. You are a young and vibrant person with your whole life ahead of you. Don't allow "what-ifs" and "why me's" into your mind. Thoughts Become Things and you need only good and positive thoughts rushing around in that pretty head right now.

Please let us all hear from you as soon as you feel well enough to post. We are thinking, praying and sending all kinds of positive vibes your way.

We love you.