Nothing so simple as an ulcer...

Well, I had my Upper GI this morning... actually, they did it twice. The first time they found nothing wrong, until the last x-ray. Then they noticed that the barium pill they had given me earlier was still at the top of my pouch. The head of radiology joined the party and redid the Upper GI focusing on that spot. They found a bump on the top of my pouch that pills (and perhaps food) are getting caught in. In order to wash out the pills I need to lay on my stomach and drink water, then stand up so they won't go back in. Hopefully when I talk to my surgeon (he'll get the report later today) he'll have a better solution. Until then every time I take pills (or feel like something is stuck) I need to do my little laying down water trick... this could be interesting when I'm not at home!! Carolyn

Oh Carolyn I am so sorry. I have never heard of this one before. My goodness how are you going to find somewhere to lie down to take a pill when not at home? Visions of you lying on some yucky bathroom floor are not good. Hopefully your surgeon will have a simple fix that is not too invasive. And actually this might even be preferable to having an ulcer. Aren't ulcers more harmful to our pouches? I am sending good thoughts your way that there is an easy fix for your problem. Michelle

Yeah, leave it to me to have a "unique" problem. It probably is preferable, unless I have to have surgery to fix the problem. We'll see when my surgeon gets back to me which might not be until Monday since he's been in surgery all afternoon. Thanks for the response and the kind thoughts! Carolyn

Well, I wish you luck and speed in getting this situation sorted out. It sounds uncomfortable at the very least. Good thing they decided to go back in for another look. Take care of yourself and DON"T be lying on any yucky floors. Lori

Carolyn I am so sorry to hear what you are going through,my thoughts and prayers are with you,please let us updated!! Hang in there everything will be fine,just a little "bump" in the road! Nanc

My surgeon just called me this morning and he disagrees with the radiologist. He thinks the pills falling into the bump is NOT a problem because they'll work their way out on their own. He thinks the problem is that the opening between the pouch and the intestine is pretty small which would be another reason for my rapid weight loss. Deciding whether or not to fix it is tricky. On one hand we have the pain, on the other hand if they open it I may gain weight. Right now he wants me to drink lots of water and milk and see if I can manage the burning that way. If not, he's going to do the scope thing down my throat and get a better look. Oh joy! Carolyn

Always something... Prayers your way for guidance to the surgeon and for strength as you deal with this.