Ulcers 3 Months Post Surgery

[FarmGirlKate 8]

I wanted to share my experience of what happened 3 months post op with everyone so that they're aware as well! I had Gastric Bypass on October 15th and everything went amazingly well. Flew thru post-op without a hitch- diet was on track with where it needed to be, and I had even started back at the gym (all with the Dr.'s approval!) I had passed every post operative appointment up to that point. On December 12th (almost 3 months exactly after surgery) I was in the office eating lunch with my co-workers and after just a couple bites of food I felt what seemed to be dumping syndrome coming on but coming on a lotttttt quicker than it had ever before. As I got up from the table to head to the bathroom, the world started spinning and I had to grab onto the wall before I could finish my mad dash to the bathroom.

Once I got in there, I never even managed to flip the lights on before I passed out on the floor. From what my coworkers said I was in there for about 30 minutes was their best guess. I don't remember much just that I woke up to find myself throwing up. Once I turned the lights on all I could see was bright red blood all over the floor. I managed to get up and open the door and flag a co-worker down before passing out again.

Long story short- my body was going into hemorrhagic shock from an ulcer that had formed on one of the surgical connections which ate through the incision and finally broke through an artery. I was rushed to the hospital via ambulance, and you know something is realllllly wrong when they get you right into the ER and within 20 minutes you've seen a doctor, surgeon, they have a game plan and you're being wheeled into an emergency endoscopy. During the endoscopy they found the ulcerated site and cauterized the bleeding artery and placed 4 to 5 stitures to help close the hole. This whole ordeal landed me in the ICU for several days... not the type of vacation I wanted 2 weeks before the Christmas holiday but alas... I was stuck. I've been placed on 80mg of anti-acids as well as another stomach-coating medication with endoscopies scheduled for 6 months post fix and then yearly from there on out.

Looking back there were signs... I should have clued in on. But most importantly listen to your body- if something isn't sitting right go to your doctor. I will forever remember waking up in recovery with the surgeon coming in and looking me dead in the eye and telling me I was one lucky lady to be alive... If I had gone another 30 minutes or so in the condition I was- I wouldn't be here today.