Problems

My name is Lucille I had my open gastric bypass on 3/24/04. 7 days after being released from the hospital I had a fever. I had a leak in the pouch that developed into a gastro fistula (pouch-rement). North Shore LIJ Interventive radiology had attempted to use a sealent(crazy glue) to close the fistula 2X without success. I was worried when my pig tail drain fell out (in the shower) The doctor said he was going to attempt to remove the drain anyway to see if the area around the fistula had sealed itself off. Since that time (7-10 days) I have had no fever however I constantly feel severe nausea, depression and anxiety.. I have been told by my doctor that I can live with this fistula. To help reduce this fistula they have attempted to diolate the anastimosis to allow more food to pass into the pouch and reduce the pressure on the leak,this has been attempted 3X. I'm on some med's now to help me with the nausea & anxiety. If someone out there can understand what I'm going through or has had this happen to them please write back I can sure use some encouragement...

It sounds like you have had a really rough time! I don't know anything about the specific issues you are facing, but would it be worth it to you to get a 2nd opinion? Your doctor may be the best in the world and his advice might be right on, but when I hear someone struggling with a problem and the doctor is saying "Live with it", I am always inclined to encourage another opinion. Maybe someone else will think of a solution that the first doctor did not. I'm so sorry to hear that you are having to deal with this!! Joy