Early one year post op appointment oh the pain

[Darktowerdream 420]

I had started this post and abandoned it out of, I don’t know, fear? Of putting it out there? Or maybe just knowing it is too long and wordy. And I thought should I try again? I came back to try again and to my surprise it was still there. So I will bore anyone whom decides to read it to tears. And add in some new information.

My surgery was April 29th 2019, I also had my gallbladder removed due to chronic inflammation. I guess nothing was quite normal due to lifelong chronic illness. I had two other pelvic surgeries before and after my RNY. It’s likely my surgery and subsequent pneumonia shortly after ended up revealing a existing condition that was slowly but steadily getting worse. My chronic conditions muddies the waters when it comes to any possible issues with my RNY.

I had an early one year follow up at Cleveland Clinic, at nine months. There are four follow up appointments but they got smashed closer together due to some issues along the way. It’s confusing sometimes and exhausting. I’m working hard at it, I am grateful for the tool this offered me that I would not have had otherwise to combat metabolic disorders and inability to exercise. Even though recovery was complicated and revealed a lot of issues and some things have gotten worse along the way.

On my second follow up the doctor wanted a Upper GI fluoroscopy and endoscopy for stricture, it was severe stricture so I doubt one dilation was enough. And didn’t abate the symptoms.

By the third follow up I was needing to deal with my gastroenterologist wanting to do a colonoscopy that was postponed from before my surgery. It had been scheduled but then my gastric bypass surgery ended up scheduled first. My bariatric surgeon said that my gastroenterologist could do the endoscopy since I was having the colonoscopy. I won’t repeat the story. But I was pissed since it was never discussed that he would do a dilation. Only check the status of the stricture and ulcers. If possible dilation were on the table it should have been discussed.

I followed up with the gastroenterologist physician assistant. She glazed over all the problems with the procedure. Downplayed my symptoms like dark sticky stool (sorry tmi) which indicates blood. And other issues. And continued pain. I brought up sharp stabbing pain and spasms in my chest on the left side under my rib area, and some crushing pain, was suggested to see a cardiologist even though she didn’t think it was anything to worry about (still waiting to get an appointment) I do need to do this no matter what due to other issues anyway. she stopped the proton pump inhibitor medication since according to the dr. there were no ulcers and it contradicts my medication for muscle spasms (makes it not work) and I need that. Just carafate as needed.

at this early one year appointment he called me a star patient (no one has ever said that about me before) and was surprised at how much weight I’d lost in nine months. He asked if I was still losing and how fast. I still need to lose a few lbs for my height he seemed to imply I should stop. (Was he concerned? I couldn’t tell, I can’t read people) But yet I never got to see my nutritionist even though I was supposed to. The appointment was muddled and confused even though I gave him my written notes with questions he didn’t answer some of them. And I was too exhausted from the long wait (my surgeon wasn’t available to see me personally)

I brought up the endoscopy, the pain. That I cannot take proton pump inhibitors. Discussed concerns about the remnant stomach. My history of ulcers in that portion of stomach and small intestine. He referred me to see another gastroenterologist in the hospital and then have a different kind of test/ procedure called a double balloon enteroscopy. Has anyone here had a procedure like this? I’m a little upset that they expect me to see the new doctor first before they will schedule the enteroscopy leaving me in pain. And it’s very difficult to travel to the clinic .

i wanted to discuss another issue and get referral for a neurologist in Cleveland clinic but he didn’t acknowledge that at all.

i asked the nurse and asked him about referral for plastic surgery for skin removal and any possible coverage if there are skin issues involved. They implied that my insurance would cover it in Florida due to skin issues.

well I did find out that A. I’d have to go through the process of seeing another gastroenterologist prior to having this double balloon enteroscopy. It’s hard traveling to Cleveland Clinic. And
B. They lied about the plastic surgeon at Cleveland Clinic. They accept no insurance at all. My thighs are so bad that just trying to shave my legs and I have to catch 22 if I don’t it’s irritates my skin. But I shaved my legs and my thighs especially the one leg was downright bloody. The skin is just so horrendous.

has anyone used BariatricPal MX Hospital and used their financing? I am getting close to goal (the doctor thinks I’m at goal probably) and want to start looking into the possibility of thigh skin removal, Tummy Tuck at the least ... I’m grateful to finally have lost weight but being bony as heck in some areas and all the loose skin and chub in some areas especially where my skin is bloody raw just doesn’t feel good at all. And I wonder if the tummy tuck would help my core strength whereas I cannot strengthen it through exercise? (Due to my chronic illness)

on a side note. Someone important to my mother went to see my surgeon regarding gastric bypass surgery. My surgeon is such a great guy. So I referred her boyfriend to him he needs to lose weight for knee replacement surgery and his health. I just worry her boyfriend will not be serious about it. It upsets me when people have the opportunity and choice to get healthy and they make the choice not to do it. He has diabetes, high blood pressure and needs knee replacement surgery. He could be healthy if he made the choice to do it. I have never had the choice. Even surgery can’t fix me. It helped give me a tool to fight my weight but can’t cure lifelong chronic illness and disability. He tends to question and judge what I eat or don’t eat or what I do. But my situation is very different than the norm.

I want to be supportive but I see him making terrible food choices and not being willing to change even small habits. Like eating a lot of bad carbs. I’ve been there myself in the past. So,I, not judgmental. A sugar carb addict will find lots of reasons to justify what they eat. But also needs to admit the addiction and break free of it. I just wonder, Do I try to help, or do I step aside and not get involved?

I just went to my pcp for throat pain and need thyroid ultrasound and tests. And at some point need to address some issues. Like inability to drink without dysphasia of liquids. I know it’s neurological but have no diagnosis. My pcp thinks even with a diagnosis nothing can be done. But as it gets worse I can barely drink enough Water ...

ive rambled enough and I’m hoping my long message is not a mistake. If you have read this far. Thank you. Any opinion/advice on the skin removal surgery is appreciated (Mexico) as well as the double balloon enteroscopy.

[Nermada 149]

I'm sorry, you are going through all of this !❤

While I have no advice to offer, I just wanted to give you a virtual hug and I hope things start looking up for you soon.

Life can be so overwhelming sometimes, hang in there.

Much love and best wishes!

[lisafrommassachusetts 319]

Wow! How overwhelming this must all be. No wonder you describe yourself as exhausted. Good luck as you move forward.

[AJ Tylo 1,399]

You got this it will get better - I wish you all the best in health as you go thru this hell and misery! Stay strong and reach out anytime if you just want to chat

[ms.sss 15,561]

@Darktowerdream : I have read many of your posts on this forum, and I feel for you. I'm sorry you have to deal with all this crap. You do read like you have calm (if not totally happy) demeanor about your predicaments, and this is a good thing. Going through dark days/months/years is tough, and going through it with a level attitude makes it at least a little better *hugs*

I cannot comment much on the medical diagnosis side of things, but I do hope you get some answers with your upcoming appts when they get scheduled.

As for the plastics though, even if the Cleveland Clinic doesn't take your insurance, are you able to find another facility that will? Your skin symptoms sound like the exact type of thing that would qualify you for insurance. Can you call your insurance company and get some guidance on this matter?

Edited February 20, 2020 by ms.sss

[Darktowerdream 420]

On 2/20/2020 at 9:34 AM, ms.sss said:

@Darktowerdream : I have read many of your posts on this forum, and I feel for you. I'm sorry you have to deal with all this crap. You do read like you have calm (if not totally happy) demeanor about your predicaments, and this is a good thing. Going through dark days/months/years is tough, and going through it with a level attitude makes it at least a little better *hugs*

I cannot comment much on the medical diagnosis side of things, but I do hope you get some answers with your upcoming appts when they get scheduled.

As for the plastics though, even if the Cleveland Clinic doesn't take your insurance, are you able to find another facility that will? Your skin symptoms sound like the exact type of thing that would qualify you for insurance. Can you call your insurance company and get some guidance on this matter?

I meant to answer earlier than this but just am not feeling well at all. I saw my PCP and she did the CBC the bariatric appointment needed plus thyroid levels.
I have the thyroid/neck ultrasound tomorrow.

I'm not scheduled to even see the gastroenterologist until March 12 which means more waiting for the actual test. No one has called yet about the CBC results. My levels are off.

All of a sudden my T4 thyroid level is low ...

it’s so hard to find local doctors that accept my insurance since I’m on a *** special needs plan. And any specialist has to be on my doctors panel. Or I can’t see them even if they do take my insurance. Plus don’t they need to specialize in weight loss surgery skin removal?

I thought of asking my PCP for a referral but she tries to play devil’s advocate instead of being my doctor. She was very judgmental about my surgery when issues came up afterward. I still don’t regret having it. I knew that it meant putting pressure on my chronic illness, even making it worse, but it was my last hope of having the tools needed to lose weight.

Funny you say my demeanor is calm and even happy, thank you. I try. The last thing my sister said before she cut me out of her life is she thinks I live life too negative. I didn’t think I did, not sure about the elusive unicorn called happy but it’s more about living life exactly for what it is in the moment you are in and taken it one step at a time.

i am not quite in the best place at the moment, and it’s not even my health getting me down. I went with my mom and her boyfriend to a celebration of life memorial for a friend who passed recently and on the way back we saw An Egyptian goose By a lake with chicks. My mom asked me to get out to take a picture with her phone. It was then I spotted a smaller chick laying lethargic on the sidewalk. Poor thing didn’t look alive but was. I tried to put him near the mom but he couldn’t move to walk and she rejected him. We took him home and called for help. To come take him. I carried him home on a small towel but he was so weak, he let out little chirps every so often when I talked to him. I got him to drink a little Water. But his head kept rolling back and I knew he was too sick. But he was fighting so hard to live. We took him inside, I got him to drink a little more water and he chirped to me, but just when I tried to get some nutrition in him. Suddenly the life left him and I took him down to bury him under a favorite tree. Not the first time I’ve had to bury a baby bird. But they are all precious to me.