Question:
Staple line rupture and now ULCERS???? Why? What's next?
2.5 yr po RNY. You all know I've been posting questions about my staple line rupture and now here comes another complication ULCERS! I just had my EGD yesterday and 2 ulcers were noted at the beginning of the pouch, no wonder I've had so much nausea, vomitting and pain. I don't drink alcohol/caffine, smoke, or eat greasy spicy foods. I don't understand how or why these ulcers have developed, I didn't have them a year ago. Doc prescribe Carafate & Protonix. I'm having surgery Dec. 17 for a complete gastric transection and so afraid these ulcers will cause problems in the future like erosion of the pouch and leakage. Can a person live without a stomach? Forgive me for being a little paranoid, I just keep thinking what's next. Any comments appreciated. — Barbara M. (posted on November 22, 2003)
November 21, 2003
Because you have being revised to a transected pouch, I wouldn't be to
concerned with forming ulcers and causing a leak. If the ulcer were to get
so bad that it ate thru your stomach to cause a leak...you would know LONG
before that happened. The pain and blood alone would clue you in. As for
why you developed them...many many reasons, you never really know which
one, or what combination of reasons caused you to develop them. You are
using maybe a 4th of your stomach....lets look at the worse case
scenerio...ulcers develop in your pouch...they are so bad that they have to
remove them. You have all this other stomach just sitting in there waiting
to be used. Now the reality of it.....It's rare that ulcers have to be
surgicaly removed, it happens (believe me) but its not all that common.
And for it to happen over and over again is even more rare. One day at a
time...I take prevacid every day and will for the rest of my life. This is
because I do not want to ever develop another ulcer. Maybe this is
something you should discuss with your surgeon. Also ask if he will be
cutting the vegas(sp?) nerve. Mine did, apparently that is what caused you
stomach to over produce acid, therefor reducing the risk of recurrent
ulcers. That is my understanding, I could be wrong. Becky 10/01~265/135
— RebeccaP
November 21, 2003
If you've had the staple line disrupt then the stomach acid will come into
your pouch that way causing the ulcers. If you are to be transected then I
would think that would eliminate most (if not all) chances of the stomach
acid leaking or eroding anything in the future. And yes, you can live
without a stomach. Some have to for reasons other than having this surgery
done by choice. I know two people, personally, that have no stomach; one
due to cancer and one from ulcers. Hope this helps. I think you will be
fine, good luck! Pam
— Pambylah
November 22, 2003
Although I did have SLD and had it fixed, I was fortunate not to develop an
ulcer. Most of these are marginal ulcers and they do heal if treated and
taken care of...my twin sister has one and she has learned that 1. You
must have something in the pouch (even a slice of bread) or the acid causes
pain. 2. Not to use any asprin even baby asprin or ibuprofen and to be
very careful using supplements that are not "pouch friendly". Be
very careful using antioxidants capsules. I recommend the Isotonix
antioxidants that are a powder that you add water to. I like taking
antioxidants because of anti-aging properties so I use these. Michelle
Curran can advise on ulcers. I think she has more knowledge than the so
called "pros". She has been there/done that. She advised me
early on about medications "tell your physician to prescribe all
medications to you as IF you had an ulcer already". That way we are
safe in protecting our fragile pouches. God bless you Barbara. I know
what you are going through and if I can help, just e mail me. This is a
difficult time but you will get through it and it will be good again. I
know it seems overwhelming right now but remember that you have already
come a long way and God didn't put you in this if He can't get you through
it. Blessings to you,
— Mylou52
November 22, 2003
Ulcers are just sores in your stomach. Get as much info as you can from the
internet about them. Did the Dr. test you for H. Poloric? It grows in the
lining of your stomach. Antibiotics cure it. Once the sore heals, it is
healed. Although you will be more suceptable to getting other ulcers. Make
sure you take acid reducing meds, no acid forming foods,or drinks, and
monitor your health. Catch signs before they get out of hand. Hopefully you
are already taking something for anxiety, Worring will cause acid also.
Good Luck, and try to relax --
— CohenHeart
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