Update NOT GAS but INFECTION just out of hospital

kizzie · July 3, 2008

Yesterday I posted that I had developed pain under my lower shoulder and in my back. I am two weeks post op with NO previous 'gas' pains from the surgery. I had severe chills and felt rotten and aching. I went to the hospital to have my stitches removed as scheduled. By the time I got there my temp was 39C/102F.. My surgeon was on holiday but I was seen by his superior who did an ultra sound and cat scan. He found liquid in in the diaphragm/stomach region. They admitted me straight away and put me on intravenous antibiotics and paracetamol.

I honestly felt like I was dying last night. The pain in my back was horrendous. I could hardly move. I didn't sleep even with a sleep aid. Worst night of my surgery so far.

This morning, my fever had subsided. My surgeon came in from his vacation to check me over himself. He said my band is perfect and that 'sometimes' these complications can arise. He said it was also very lucky I got myself to the hospital when I did. I had actually thought I may have just picked up a bug from the children I teach.

I have to monitor my temperature closely and my pulse. Pulse is still fast but fever is down so am improving.

Just a bit of advice. Really listen to your body. Ask for advice here but the best person to tell you if all is ok is your doctor.

I am home now with a cocktail of drugs. I also have breathing physio to do as well to strengthen my diaphragm. I have the rest of the week off of work 'doctors orders' so will rest and take it easy.

OH was my first day on mushies yesterday! I MISSED IT!.. so I had some pureed mashed potatoes today. YUM. made me feel a lot better.

thanks to those for their support yesterday.

Kizzie

Edited July 3, 2008 by kizzie
typo

armywife4life · July 3, 2008

wow girl glad you are okay!!

kei1170 · July 3, 2008

Yea, glad you're okay - how scary for you! Am glad you listened to more than just the post replies and went to see your doctor.

God speed@

NY2LAGirl · July 3, 2008

This is the perfect example of while it's ok to trade stories and advice but the doctor is always the final answer you should seek!!

Kizzie so glad you are going to be ok now enjoy those mushies you have earned them!

Mrs J.J · July 3, 2008

It is really important to be in tune with your body after the banding. My surgeon kept reminding me that if I was vomiting or had high temps of 39 to get to a hospital pronto.

I find it strange at the moment to be in tune with my body because so much is busy changing. The nausea, the odd pain here and there. I am trying not to be paranoid, but it´s like I don´t know if I am nauseaus or hungry.

I´m so glad that you are okay now.

Sending you speedy recovery vibes!

kizzie · July 3, 2008

Thanks you guys! I am SO relieved now. I still have the back pain where the liquid is situated but I know now that I will be ok. I dread to think what could have happened.

I personally believe that we need an element of paranoia. We need to be thinking of all the problems that could happen. That is why I love this board so much. Hearing what other people have gone through and knowing what to look out for. It really helps. And heck if you do have gas at least you know it is gas and NOT a liquid build up and infection!..

Better safe than sorry.. Would hate to depart with my beloved band having just met and lost 18 pounds!

Going to try and sleep now. Rattling with antibiotics

OH! NY2LAGIRL... I had real mashed potatoes with a little butter and milk with a tablespoon of melted cheese on top. and some minced chicken in gravy.. I ate about 1 1/2 cups and felt in heaven with every savoured bite!!!...bliss.

kizzie · July 3, 2008

Mrs JJ .. your first few days are hard as your stomach is really swollen. I had no appetite for a few days and felt a bit of nausea. Just keep sipping those liquids. As long as you are hydrated you will soon know when to eat something else.. I would alternate broth with tea then fruit juice.. just had what I fancied at the time. I think, as long as you are getting fluids you will be fine.

take care and rest up!.. paranoia is a good thing!!... I was totally yesterday and I believe it saved me from goodness knows what!!