Seeking Some Major Support and Advice :)

Hello all, I am one of those bad post-ops who never updated her profile. Not for lack of caring, but probably out of frustration that things have not gone as smoothly as I had hoped for. Quick summary: I have thyroid cancer: 3 surgeries since 2001 I had my gallbladder out July 2000 Benign liver tumor October 2000 My Lap RNY May 2004 Started 273 now about 145 Great until about 8 mths out. Since: ruptured ovarian cysts developed an ulcer and 5 mm gastrogastric fistula developed an allergic reaction to narcotics suspect for sphincter of oddi disorder developed horrible abdominal spasms/Pain right sided especially upper quadrant Lower pelvic pain rt side bright red rectal bleeding I have had every test under the sun: Ct scans, MRI's, endoscopes, colonoscopies, MRCP's, PET scans, ultrasounds, sonograms and on and on and on and on and ON!!! I just got news today after going to see a new gastric bypass surgeon that I seeked out for a second opinion thanks to Towanda Dr. Neil Floch. This was my second visit w/him. He is fantastic. I am not going to bash my original GB surgeon, but let me say that I feel disappointed and I guess somewhat betrayed. When you think the world of someone and have so much confidence that you put their life in your hands, I guess those are big shoes to fill. I am not saying he did anything wrong, but I am the type of person who needs reassurance and a compassionate ear. I feel when things started to go wrong, all that went out the window. Today I took my mom along for support to see Dr. Floch, and got the news that he wants to go in and do a complete open RNY revision. Basically like having the gastric bypass all over again, but with a 7 inch incision. I am a mess, but at this point I think it is my only chance for figuring out what is wrong and fixing it. Dr. Floch certainly seems like a straight shooter and made me no promises. He really thinks open is the only way to literally inspect every organ etc. He will fix the fistula, that is the one KNOWN thing I have. Based on my latest symptoms and films. (Landed myself in the ER again last week doubled over in pain) he is suspicious of s/t called an internal hernia. Not your old traditional hernia and it is not detected about 95% of the time by any type of imaging. I believe it has s/t to do with the small bowel etc. One thing that he did find that no other radiologist ever mentioned is that my small bowel is for some reason going and sticking towards the right side of my body. It should freely float sort of all over. Interesting finding at least to me b/c my pain has always been on the right side for a year now. Again, he cannot say for certain that this is something, but a piece of info to go off of. I am so scared and dreading to have to do this. I worry about things going wrong, or worse..I think about my son and how miserable our existence has been over this last year with me feeling sick all of the time. As my mom said, you are a tough kid. You beat cancer 3 times and this all has to mean something. If there is even a shot of getting "my life" back again, I think this is the only way. He is talking about doing it as soon as next week! Not much time to think about things, but with my nerves, it may be the best way. It would be a minimum of 4-7 hour surgery. Again, major problem being the fact that I cannot have narcotics. He said he could give me an epidural, but again, those are narcotics. I have to make up my mind and he is going to call me tonight or tomorrow with the date. I am just so torn. Seven is my favorite and lucky number. This will be 7 surgeries in 6 years so maybe this will be the one that fixes me! I'll keep you posted. I am in like slow motion and have a lot of work to do over the next few days. Again, I just worry about how my son will handle this, his father is a wreck and my poor folks. I can't even put into words what they are going through. I will be at Norwalk hospital, My 20 year old brother was just dx w/ the same thyroid cancer as me and will be having his thyroid cancer surgery the following week at Yale. It just isn't fair what some families have to endure. My parents are seriously some amazing people! If anyone can offer any words of wisdom or support at this time I would be most appreciative. Even though I am not a great profiler, I read of all your stories and think of you all often. Thanks in advance and thanks Towanda for being such a great supporter and friend. This all has to be for something! Thanks again, Jaime Toth

Hi Jaime... Towanda (my buddy) gave you great advice and I'm so glad you went to see Dr. Floch. All three surgeons are fabulous and you made the right choice with FCB!! The staff is wonderful and the surgeons are kind, compassionate and caring. Dr. Ehrlich did my bypass but Dr. Floch looked in on me while I was in the hospital too. You're really going to love this group!! Best of luck to you and keep us posted!! Kim K.

Oh.. kiddo... take a deep breath... cleansing breath... take as many as you need... I would wholeheartedly put my life in Dr. Neil Floch's hands any day of the week. HE not only is a great surgeon, dedicated to his profession, but is a caring and compassionate man. A great combo in my book. You will not only find some support and friends, now that you are joining the FCB "family", but as an added bonus... full support from all of us on the CT message board. Put one foot in front of the other and take it one day at a time and you will find yourself soon recovering and healing. You now have new possibility and hope that you will be free of this constant pain and soon be able to live our life as you were meant to... to play with your little man, Dev. I am here if you need me, being only an email away anytime. Thanks for trusting my judgement and bravo to you for being brave enough to seek Dr. Floch's advise in the midst of such uncertainty. Hugs... T.

Hi Jamie - I can't so much offer the words of wisdom but I can offer prayers for you to discover the best path to get you off this terrible merry go round of pain you are on. Although you haven't said you've decided to go with the surgery yet, it sounds to me that you have made up your made pretty much to go ahead with it. I can only tell you my gut instinct is kicking in for you and is behind you 100% to go for it. I wish you the best of luck! Best Regards, Tammy Count Down: 14 days!

((((((( Jaime ))))))))) wanted to give you a great big hug. I don't personally know Dr. Floch but I have heard so many wonderful things about him..I'm sure you are in good hands. You and your entire family have been thru so much..especially lately....Hang in there girl...better days are coming for you and your brother. Is Dr. Udelsman doing the TT on your brother at Yale? He did my TT at Yale and was excellent. You will both be in my thoughts and prayers. I will never forget how warm and welcoming you were to me when I met you the first time at the Thyca support group that you run. You are such a beautiful woman Jaime and you do so much for so many...I wish you nothing but brighter, painfree days ahead with Dr. Floch!! You have many many friends in your corner sending warm loving thoughts your way! Love, Angie

Hello Jaime, I wanted to say how much I admire you for all you have been through and how much you have endured. I know you will be fine, god will watch over you and keep you safe. Your a strong person and you seem to know what is right for you. Towanda is a wonderful person from all the support she has given me on this site, she is the best for advice. Your in good hands with this Dr. from what I have heard about him. I know you will get through this and you will be even stronger from it. Your in my thoughts and my prayers and I wish you all the best in your life. We will all be pulling for you here at the OH Family and when your better we hope to see more of you on the boards and maybe meet you in the near future. GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU SAFE!!!!!!! Hugs KimC

Jamie, My heart goes out to you. As Towanda has told you, and you are sure to find out again, you have put yourself in excellent hands. I am such a big fan of the Floch's and Dr. Ehrlich. I think you'd be hard pressed to find a team as professional and as personal as they are. You don't see that combination that often. Please know that the brother/sisterhood that IS Fairfield County Bariatrics is here for you, your family, your son, whatever we can do to help you through this time, PLEASE ASK!! We are a tight family that really cares for and about each other. This WILL be the surgery that helps you regain the control of your life that you have temporarily lost. I wish you all the best of God's blessings and the courage and strength to get you through this. Good Luck and God Bless, Bob

Jaime, I am so sorry to hear of all the trouble you have been through. You sound like a real fighter and I hope that Dr Floch can help you get to a better place with your health. Hang in there, sending prayers your way, terri

Hi Your mom is right about you ! You are strong person ! You went through so much and I am praying this last surgery will make your life more easier and enjoy your life as freedom then you can join our next event party this year. I hope your angel will let us know how do you make out next week because all of us will thinking of you and would like to know how you make out after surgery. I can tell from other people who know your doctor and you are in excellent hands with him God bless you! Kathy K

Hi Jamie, For such a young person you have gone through so much. You have definatley been put on earth for a reason. You may not know what it is yet, but in time you will. Everyone has a purpose in life. God needs you to do a job for him. You seem to have it together pretty good. You know the pros and cons. You have had many surgeries and I am sure can handle it nicely. You just need to focus on the reason you need this. For your son! He is your life and future. And you will be pain free. Seven is my lucky number also. I am sure with all the support and prayers from this site and the support from your family, you will do great!! There are some things in life we don't want to do, but we know we have to. This must be one of those things. I am sure you will be fine. Only you can make the decesion. My prayers are with you in what ever you decide. Hugs, Sarah