additional health issue

Anyone heard of a health condition caused by gastric bypass of a mass growing inside the brain that causes numbness first in the legs and then in the arms.  My problems started in my legs and have advanced to my arms.  I have had xrays from head to toe, an EMG checking for nerve damage, which I have, bloodwork and will be going for MRI's of the brain and spine in two weeks.  The neurologist is testing me for MS, a possible stroke or this health condition that he says is common to gastric bypass patients.  I can't seem to find anything about it on the internet.    I would appreciate any help you can give me on this because after the tests next week I have to wait til the beginning of October for a followup appointment. 

Also....could you keep me in prayer about this.  I am really scared. 

Hi Rose,

Sorry you are going through this difficult time.  I read about people having a lot of success with intravenous iron to get
their levels back to normal.  Not sure about the protein, I stuggle with that also.

Take care,
Judy 

Hi Judy

Thanks for responding.  My family doctor says we will try to get insurance approval for iron shots if I can't get the levels up within the next few months.  

Dr Irgau told me to stop the protein supplements (drinks and bars) and just have real protein (steak, chicken etc) thinking that maybe my body wasn't absorbing the supplemental protein. 

Was thinking of adding beans to my diet to see if it might help.  

Hugs

Rose 

Rose, where did you hear about  masses in the brain??  I had slight tingling in my thighs and hands about 3 months after RNY surgery, but it did go away within 6 months. Are you by any chance on Lipitor or Zocur for cholesterol?  They can cause achy arms and legs. My primary Dr switched me to Crestor, but I no longer have high cholesterol, thank God. No meds. Just my multi-vitamins, b12 and calcium.  I still drink 1 protein drink aday, but get my protein from beef, chicken, pork and fish.

Have you done regular blood work to check all your levels? I have blood work no less than 3 times a year. That way if the levels are off they can catch it quickly. If you have good B12 levels you shouldn't have any nerve damage. I also had a baseline bone density test done to keep an eye on any calcium deficiency. I still see the Dr's at PMRI, the nutritionist and Dr Irgau no less than once a year.

What is the name of the common health condition the neurologist is talking about??

Keeping you in my prayers. Please keep the info coming. ((HUGS)) Elissa

Hi Elisa

I am on no meds.  Just multi vitamin, vitamin C, 1000 mg of iron, b complex, calcium with d, potassium and magnessium.  I have blood work 3 - 4 times a year, see my family doctor a couple times a year, and Dr. Irgau once a year.    

My B12 levels are high.  My iron levels and protein levels have been low for over a year.  I am eating about 100 mg of protein a day.  Dr Peters told me to stop the protein supplements and just eat steak.....and I have been doing that so much that there sould be a beef shortage in Delaware.  Plus I gained 25 pounds eating all the beef.

The neurologist floored me when he said about the possible brain mass.  I couldn't find anything about it on WebMD.  Anothe friend of mine who had the gastric bypass surgery before me thought my symptons sound more like MS to her.  The neurologist is also checking for MS or possible stroke.  

I have the MRI on my brain and spine on Monday afternoon.  The bone density test next Saturday.  Then I will see the neurologist  in mid October for the results.  

And to think this all started when I dropped a big bottle of shampoo on my ankle.  I thought for certain that I was going to hear that I had broken the ankle and since I didn't get it looked at when it happened, it started to heal in the wrong way.  I thought worse case scenerio would be that they would be breaking my ankle and resetting in in surgery.  

I still have the numbing on my right side.  It also is affecting my left side, but the right side is more prominent.  I do have nerve damage in my right leg and foot.      

The neurologist had a name for the brain mass.....but of course, I can't remember it.  I went numb after he mentioned it.  The doctor who did the EMS test for nerve damage also noted the gastric bypass surgery. 

I am trying to not think about it.  It is too overwhelming for me. 

I really appreciate the prayers.  ((HUGS))  Rose