Complications and more complications!!

I had open RNY surgery in 1997,revision for stapleline failure in 2000,another revision for stapleline failure Aug 2003 where the dr actually seperated my pouch and stomach so no more stapleline,not to mention the fact that when my dr had me open he accidentally cut the left lobe of my liver,had to have emergency surgery since he sewed me up(knowing he cut my liver,have medical records as proof) I was bleeding internally. Then was sent home after 2 weeks w/drain tubes,which he took out a week later,got major infection back to the hospital again! Then found out(because I insisted on upper gi & i was throwing up all the food I put in my mouth and even some liquids) that I had an esophogeal fistula. The gastroenterologist told me he had never seen anything like it in all his yrs practicing,it is a hole right where the esophagu****s my pouch,and if you know anything about anatomy the left lobe of the liver(remember which my surgeon cut!!) sits right next to where the hole is. I asked the gastro dr could the hole have been caused by suregeon cutting left lobe of liver and maybe also piercing esophagus in the process.....he said he couldn't say yes or no to that question,but could be likely(these 2 dr's are colleagues after all,ya know!) Was put back into the hospital for 2 weeks and left w/feeding tube in me which I had to put liquid crap(food/formula like stuff) and it had to pump all day and all night(not to mention I pulled around an iv pole behind me, that's where the bag of crap hung from). Did I mention I couldn't work during all of this,actually was off work for a little over 8 months!!!! I couldn't have anything by mouth for about 3 months,just the crap thru feeding tube. Also, did I mention when I came out of the hospital,the day before Christmas(only because I begged my dr,told him really I was going to be home for x-mas not in some hospital) not only did I go home with the feeding tube but I now had a lovely hole in the center of my chest which was an actual tunnel all the way down to the hole(esophogeal fistula) in my esophagus/top of my pouch!! Once he had me off the feeding tube and back on liquids/food everything I put in my mouth came oozing,sometimes gurgling/shooting out of this hole in my chest!!! Oh yeah,also if the food/liquid doesn't come out the hole,no worry I throw it up instead...and I mean everything I put in my mouth comes out one way or the other!!(I throw up usually 8 or 9 times a day,on a good day!!) Now,on July 7,2004 went in for my dr to try,& I do say try,to fix the esophogeal fistula . He and gastro dr i mentioned earlier,gastro dr with an EGD scope,and surgeon from the outside thru my lovely chest hole and went in & they each shot this stuff kinda like glue(not really glue but a fibrous tissue made from human and cows,forgot real name of it)...so that each shot this stuff into the fistula,or what I like to refer to as my tunnel. I had nothing by mouth from 7/7/04 until 7/10/04 when my surgeon decided to have me try clear liquids(which aren't really all clear??)anyway and see how I tolerated them,if I could get them down and keep down he would send me home! Yeah on 7/10/04 that morning got my tray of chicken broth,orange jello,grape popsicle and tea. I drank half the broth and 2 bites of popsicle and jello. When my dr came in to discharge me & change my dressing over my hole,low and behold the dressing had purple and orange liquid and was pretty soaked!! He said looks like it didn't work Sherry,but at least we tried !! So here I sit @ 128 lbs and still losing(unfortunately) very depressed and I have no energy most of the time. I try to eat but everything comes up or out the hole !! I totally regret ever having this surgery!!!!!!!!!!!!! I would rather be 313lbs anyday than to be where I am now,and no quality of life!!! My dr can't figure out why I keep throwing up and can't fix my hole either,so..hum...where does that leave me? Needless to say when off all that time from work I tried to find/get another dr but none will take me because of what has already been done to me and that l am a "liability" now. Funny isn't it,sometimes you have to be careful what you wish for!! The real kicker is that I didn't have any health problems at all back when my journey started in 1997 other than just being fat,and no insurance so I paid for surgery out of my pocket(3 yrs worth of payments..pd off surgery just 2 months before 1st stapleline failure)...go figure,huh!

Im sorry that you have had so many problems Sherry. You are in my Prayers DI~

I ditto what Di said, I'm so sorry for all your problems. You are in my prayers Gerri

Wow! That is what honestly comes to my mind first. Secondly, let me encourage you to not give up. There has got to be a doctor out there somewhere with some moxi who will have the courage to treat you. I am sorry that you have not had a positive experience. I will keep you in my prayers. Sincerely, Alison New York

Sherry, as I face my upcoming surgery on 8/18/04, and after reading what has happened to you, I am now having some concerns. I have worked so hard to have my surgery approved and have jumped through hoops to see the various docs, psychologists, have all kinds of tests, etc. that were necessary. I went through the appeals process, begged and pleaded for this surgery and have always had this fear in the back of my head. I know complications can happen, but my poor girl, you've had them all. I wish the best for you and pray you recover from all your problems. Nancy

Dear Little Sherry, I hope God will Bless you for your patience and endurance through everything you have been through. I also hope God will bring the right Doc into your life. My Thought and Prayers are with you Sherry. I'm waiting on Insurance approval and am speachless at all the complications you have had. I know we all run the risk of these complications. It scares me horrible. Hang in there Sherry. Something good has to break for you soon. Sending Good thoughts, wishes and prayers, Mary Salmon Waiting on ins approval