25+ years post surgery - complications

[ilv2teach 0]

Hi, I am 25+ Years post surgery but have developed some unusual symptoms that have returned with bigger difficulties. Recently developed extremely low Iron (2). Having a blood transfusion in a day or two. Extereme amount of pain in stomach and left shoulder. Wondering if you can have ‘gallbladder attacks’ even if it has been removed (2000). This pain has occurred intermittently over the past 10 years; however, it has become chronic over the past year. Have tried various pain meds: tramadol, dilaudid, ibuprofen, tordal, with little to no comfort. I have tried massage, physio (still have full range of motion), been checked for heart issues, many different tests and X-rays. Is it possible to have gallstones in remaining ducts? Have any others experienced this type of pain. I do have a high pain threshold but it has been increasing to a 10 level where I have asked someone to stab my shoulder because it might relieve the pain(mostly out of frustration). I will be getting a ct scan on Wednesday of Thisbe week after waiting two months for this appointment. Are there any other tests I should be requesting from my doctor?

Edited July 9, 2018 by ilv2teach

[James Marusek 5,244]

It is important to put a 2 hour separation between the Vitamins that contain Iron and those that contain Calcium. So in my case I found that what works best for me is to take the iron supplements just before bedtime. I put my vitamins in a weekly pill container. I have one container for the morning and one for the night. And I use a very small glass bowl for my calcium supplements. I put my calciums in the bowl in the morning and take them throughout the day. If I am up and about I put my calciums in a ziplock bag and carry them with me. I was told "If you are taking iron supplements, it must be ferrous sulfate for the best absorption".

It is a little hard to believe that the pain you are experiencing is due to surgery from 25 years ago.

[Dr-Patient 830]

How old are you? Have you had a colonoscopy?

You're on a lot of medicines; some of which cause bleeding. You might have a small, slow internal bleed. The blood can irritate the lining of your abdomen and may cause the shoulder pain, and of course, the low blood count.

It seems that you need a thorough workup. What you're describing may not be related to your wls surgery, but, with the passage of life, is due to some other medical condition: ulcer, perforation; small bleed, cancer, hemorrhagic cyst; a pancreatic lesion; other.

Get the CT scan, for sure; hope it's of your abdomen and pelvis. Full battery of blood tests and a good exam. An MRI might be indicated, as is a colonoscopy, and possibly an upper endoscopy (looking down your esophagus and further, as far as possible).

You're doing the right thing to check on it. Hang in there.