How do I know what's normal?

[tiffdmill 26]

Hi everyone, looking for some advice. I was sleeved on 9/3 and have had a pretty uneventful recovery. Took one dose of meds after leaving hospital and each has been progressively better. Able to get fluids/protein down easily and walk up to a couple miles. My preop was this past Thursday morning and everything was fine. However, since Thursday night, I haven't felt the best. I began having what felt like gas pains in the middle of my stomach and right shoulder. It kept me up most of the night and I couldn't seem to find relief. For some of the day Friday it seemed to feel more tolerable but as the night went on, the discomfort became progressively worse. Walking did not help. I ended up taking my prescription pain meds to get some relief and sleep. However, when the med cycle is up, the discomfort returns. It is most uncomfortable in the center of my stomach, top of abdomen/base of sternum. Since Thursday I've tried only drinking my food (no creamed soups/puddings) and it seems to be more difficult to get my fluids in. I'm not in a stabbing type of pain but incredible discomfort. I don't know if this is a normal part of the healing process or if I should be alarmed. Anyone have a similar experience?

[papoose 48]

You should call your Dr. just to make sure nothing is going on. I was sleeved on 9/3 also. Every so often I feel a little pain. But nothing too serious. My only problem I just feel exhausted. I am up and driving. On Tues I went for my post operation Visit to Dr. And was cleared to have puréed foods for two weeks. I am having a problem drinking my fluids and Protein Drinks. I think it just takes a lot of time to heal. So just take it easy. Good luck.

[tiffdmill 26]

I just called. Wasn't extremely helpful. Basically he said he wasn't sure what to tell me but I could go to hospital if I felt I needed to.

[BitterSweet* 835]

Glad you called your doctor. Try taking something for acid and see if that helps. If you're already on a PPI, take another one or a different one. If that doesn't help, I'd get checked out. Hope you feel better soon.

[amazon 579]

I had stomach pains post-op (4 or 5 days out). They were pretty bad, and kept me from sleeping, etc. The pain would go right through my back.

The Dr. brought me in, and did another ESD. Discovered acid reflux. So my omeprazol was increased to 2 x a day. That took care of it. I also kept Tums on hand if I needed them. Have taken Tums a couple of times, more so right after the PPI increase. That was 3 weeks ago, and now I don't have any issues.

But be persistent! That kind of pain isn't "normal" IMO.

Hope you have it resolved very soon.

[tiffdmill 26]

Thanks everyone. Planning to go to the ER today. The discomfort hasn't gone away and I certainly don't feel as good as I was feeling a week ago. I sort of wonder if it's gallbladder related - of course I start checking my symptoms online in the middle of the night when I couldn't sleep. I just want to get back to that "feeling better each day" pace I had previously.

[nonnax2 30]

Keep us posted! Wishing you well

[tiffdmill 26]

CT scan, another barium swallow test and more blood work. Nothing concerning, which is good, but I just don't know what the issue is. Hopefully, I'll start to feel better.

[BitterSweet* 835]

EGD, ultrasound of your gallbladder?

[tiffdmill 26]

None of those tests.

[BitterSweet* 835]

An EGD would be helpful. It could be something as simple as an ulcer in your stomach. An ultrasound can rule out your gallbladder as the source of your pain. Sometimes the gallbladder can cause referred pain before attacks start. I really hope they get this figured out soon. Sorry you're going through so much. =(

[tiffdmill 26]

Thanks @@BitterSweet*! Good news is that I'm feeling better today. I hope it continues. If I have another spell, going to ER and asking they check all of that out.

[BitterSweet* 835]

Yay! So glad to hear that you're feeling better! =)

[angierue 214]

I haven't had the surgery yet but reading your initial post, my first thought was to wonder if you still had your gallbladder. It reminded me a lot of what I felt when my flared up. And my surgeon said it's very common to need it removed not too long after getting sleeved.

Glad you're feeling better today but if it starts again, demand the ultrasound.