Hello Everyone! - Still Miserable

I would seek a second opinion from another DS surgeon and let an unbiased, fresh set of eyes look at me.  Keep persevering and keep us posted!

 I would ask to be put on something other than Pepcid, that stuff is worthless.  Look into Nexium, Protonix, something that ONLY comes as a script.  I agree with Steve, back off the Carafate (and TUMS for that matter) and try to find a proper PPI that works for you.

Also, are you on Urso?  I'd ask to be on that for a few months too.  It helps treat & prevent gallstones, which can still be an issue, even without a gallbladder.

Have they checked your labs recently?  What did your WBC, Amylase and Lipase look like?  Have they done a CT w/contrast (oral and IV) of your abdomen recently?  Anything show on it?

As for the rumble guts, do you think it is from what you are eating, nausea, or hunger?  

Are you able to keep fluids down?  If not, have you been checked for a stricture or obstruction?  What about protein shakes?  Oh, and for God sake, stay home from work!  You're gonna kill yourself hun...

Edited to correct acid blocker...

P.S.  You may have to try several PPI's.  What works for one may not work for another.  Nexium, for example does nothing for me, never has.  Aciphex works for many, just find one that works. 

The one you are taking, Pepcid is not a PPI....

Have you had an EGD? Maybe you need an esophageal dialation? Nexium is my H2 blocker of choice. You can take 2 per day if you need to. About 15% of people who have their gallbladder out still make gall stones and gall crystals (me included). I take one Urso in the AM and 2 at bedtime (it's an enzyme) and haven't had anymore problems. Find yourself a good GI doctor.

gonna hook up with a good GI VERY soon....I will also try a PPI instead of or in addition to the H2 blocker, although it has always kept my acid at bay.....when I had my hernia repair, my surgeon did an EGD and said everything was "wide open"...but my trust in him has wavered.....i am thinking the sludge in the biliary tree or a touch of cholangitis may be the problem, so I will ask my GI about a possible ERCP or to at least try som Ursodiol to see if it helps.  Thanks everyone for all the responses and support

Dustin, I'm glad you are going to see a GI guy - not only for upper endo, but they also know a lot about the liver.
    Unfortunately, you will not be able to have a standard ERCP, as the duodenum has been divided above the entry of the common bile duct into the duodenum. That's one of the few disadvantages of the DS (true for RNY also). But maybe the GI guy can suggest some alternative, and certainly your LFT's could be checked again, and amylase and lipase as well.

There are obviously many, many people here who care about you. Don't be a stranger!

Larra

Yes, that is true. You cannot get to the bile duct through the esophagus. That was one of the problems when I was in the hospital. They did do a CT scan. There is a way to get to the biliary duct, but that involves inserting a needle through your side. A bit risky since it is so close to the liver. The doctors in the hospital were disagreeing about whether to try the test or not. The specialist who was going to have to administer the test was not keen to do it at all. I guess he won the argument as they eventually discharged me without doing the test at all. Fortunately, I have had very little problem with it since.

I'm so sorry you are going through all this!
     I agree with everyone else that a PPI might help a lot. Pepcis did absolutely nothing for me, but prilosec made a world of difference. I also think, after so many months of struggling, that an upper endo would be a good idea to rule out a stricture - yes, the body does heal itself, but it doesn't always get everything right. Could your pcp refer you to a GI guy, since the surgeon doesn't seem to be taking the lead?
     Also, I would be careful about the TUMS, even though your kidney stones are oxylate. Ican never remember the exact explanation, but calcium carbonate can contribute to oxylate stones, which calcium citrate doesn't. Yes, I know you aren't taking the TUMS for the calcium, but still.

Larra

I don't have answers for you, but I'm very sorry you're going through this. 

Dustin, I am so sorry to hear you are still having so many issues. I agree with others: time to get a 2nd opinion from another DS surgeon, even if it means travel.

You don't have to live this way.