mother-in-law in the hospital

my mother in law and i both had our RNY's about 3 years ago (we didnt do it together) she had great success and she is pretty good about the "rules" (as compared to some others ive interacted with) the only thing she wasnt good about was vitamins (she said it was a financial issue). anyways, she went to the ER the on saturday for an inflamed/infected spider bite on her arm. they started antibiotics sunday night and had to switch a few times. as of monday, she started coughing up blood. now, the hospital is talking about inserting a tube and possibly opening her up to take a look. im not sure what scans theyve done (ie: ct, mri, ultrasound). i know im woefully uninformed as to whats been going on and what may be coming up.  i guess what im looking for are ideas of what could be causing the blood in her cough, from a RYN patient's perspective. keeping in mind, of course, the fact thats she's over 3 years out so it shouldnt be something like an incision rupturing.  we're both worried about her, she hasnt been a poster child for a healthly lifestyle, but setting all judgement aside, any ideas of what direction we might want to look? thanks in advance, and please... no unkind words or lectures about her lack of vitamins and poor choices in the past. thanks!!

Hi Mirandalynn, I'm sorry about your mother-in-law's problems. The blod could be an ulcer. Make sure they don't do a blind scope on her. Please keep us updated.

what is a "blind scope" ? they are aware of her previous surgery, but awareness doesnt always equate to being able to competently treat...

Is her RNY surgeon involved in the process?  I'd make sure of that.  Could be a bleeding ulcer if she didn't take and antacid post surgery.  Mine insists you take it daily for a month after surgery to avoid ulcers. Otherwise I don't know.  Wishing her a speedy recovery and you some peace of mind. Hugs, ---jan---

im pretty sure her surgeon is not part of it at this point due to insurance changes/affiliations. i think an ulcer might be a good place to start as well due to some of her dietary indescretions.

I would want some bariatric doctor involved, but I'm over cautious. :) I hope this gets resolved quickly and easily. ---jan---

Well, I will give you my spin on this. The question is coughing up or vomiting up.  That would be the distinction I look at.  If she is vomiting up blood I would think an ulcer it is not improbable to have an ulcer at 3 years out. IF she has not had the best lfiestyle in terms of what she eats or drinks or meds that she may take could also be the reason for the bleeding.  Please beleive me when I say I am not passing any judgement as the only one that she has to face essentially is herself if her lifestyle was not very good. I wish her well and you and your husband no stress through this. Liz

No judgement here either, I just want your mil to get well. Prayers go out to her, you and all the family.

I dont have any ideas of what could be causing this but I ust wanted to say I am sending my best of wishes to your mother in law...I hope she is feeling better soon.

I don't have any ideas on what it could be, but PLEASE make sure she gets on vitamins and supplements right away!!! Vitamins are VITAL to us postop!!! I know of a friend of someone on the mainboard that was in a coma because she couldn't afford her vitamins!!! WE MUST TAKE THEM for the rest of our lives!!! Believe me, I know all about not being able to afford things, but we as post WLS can't afford to NOT take our vitamins!!! It could mean paying with our health and lives and we did this to get healthier and live longer!!!  No judgements or critiscism, just VERY concerned!!! I will keep your MIL in my prayers and your whole family as well. I hope they figure out this soon and she is feeling better!!!  keep us posted and big hugs to you sweetie!!!     God bless you,  Becky