I am soooo sick

I am three weeks shy of a year from surgery and I still can't eat.  I have had a gastric emptying study, an EGD, and an upper GI series.  I have tried every anti nausea and anti diarrhea drug possible.  I was given three liters of fluid on Sept. 9, and a week later put on TPN feeding through a picc line.  After ten days I got sepsis and spent five days in the hospital. The TPN was discontinued.   For the past ten days I have had IV antibiotics through a midline that I administer myself.  Yesterday I went to the Infectious Disease doctor's office for a four hour infusion of potassium.  I just tried to eat salmon with crab stuffing and steamed squash and threw it up.  I have thrown up three times since I came from the hospital ten days ago.  I am trying to eat even though I feel nauseous and that is obviously not working.  I have a horrible bitter taste in my mouth from the antibiotics and a dry mouth from who knows what.  Since I found out about the potassium problem I have been eating bananas and oranges and that goes pretty much OK.  I had a peanut butter and banana sandwich on white bread  with a glass of milk last night and that did good.  I think I will eat that every meal.  I had a good outlook even through the TPN and hospital stay but am beginning to get a bit down.  I am going to call the surgeon again on Monday.  He said if necessary he could go back in to see what could be done.  I don't relish the thought of another surgery and hospital stay.  Plus, he is not an in network doctor for my insurance and I am not thrilled at the thought of the $. 

If anyone has advice I would love to have it.  If not, please swing a chicken or something!

Sorry your having complications.... Have you thought of getting a second opinion? Just make sure you know all your options...

Sending positive vibes your way


CC

Thanks for your concern CC.  Dr. Smith did my surgery and I am trying to get an appointment with Dr. Maynard.  His receptionist said he would not see me because he did not do my surgery.  I asked her to talk directly with Dr. Maynard but have not hear back.  I posted on the DS board and someone suggested I email Dr. Husted which I did.  No answer there either.  I am not giving up on the second opinion.   Unfortunately the DS is not widely known and there are only those two surgeons in Atlanta who do it.

Do you think revising your switch and just leaving the sleeve would help?  Have you posted on the DS board for advice from the veterans?

I am so sorry you are going through this. I know you're happy to be thinner, but the weight loss is a bitter sweet victory when you add up the costs in how your quality of life has changed.

I was dehydrated for about a week, and I just wanted to die, because I was so weak. I can't imagine going through complications a whole year!   I battled with my emotions because I was excited to be dropping the pounds. I had increased mobility, but didn't have the energy to get out and enjoy my shrinking body.


I wish you could just wake up tomorrow and everything would be normal!!!
 

Are you still doing the yucky protein shakes? You need to get in all the nutrition you can. Are your labs ok?


As far as the second opinion, I would try for the most experienced Dr I could afford.  Have you contacted Dr. Voellinger in Charlotte?

I love Dr. Houston, but he is not experienced w/ DS, and I wouldn't trust him with a revision with all your complications.    Dr. Husted had some issues with his office and cancelled all his surgeries for a minute, but I think he may be up and running again???  What about Dr. Inman in KY?  I hear she is good.   Also Dr. Sudan is doing DS in Raleigh NC.

Dr. Maynard only does open surgries. Are you sure he has the skill to do a complicated revision?    He would be working behind 2 previous surgeries. That takes someone with a lot of skill.

Hi LaShelle and thanks for the suggestions.  I am not necessarily wanting Dr. Maynard to do the surgery, just an opinion.  I was thinking about contacting Dr. Sudan.  My brother lives in Raliegh so that would be convenient.  I am not familiar with Dr. Inman.  Is Dr. Voellinger the one who did your surgery? 

My gastro doc has recommended I have the surgery reversed.  Of course II would have the sleeve but at least I would absorb what I could get down and I think that would stop the diarrhea.  I wish something could be done without surgery since it seems my last surgery started a domino effect with my medical problems.  I also think the fact that my Nissan wrap was taken apart during the DS surgery may have something to do with all this.  Thanks again.

Dr. Houston did my Ds, but he is a new DS surgeon.  You need someone more skilled for your situation I think.


I wanted Dr. Voellinger, but switched because of a slow paperwork process.  Read my blog...

Dr. Voellinger is more skilled than Dr. Houston and would be better able to handle a risky surgery.  Dr. Houston is still learning about the DS. I was one of the patients in his DS guinea pig stage. He has dome 1000's of rny and band, and is a highly skilled respected wls surgeon, but just ventured into DS in 2009.  None of his DS patients have had complications, but you don't want to risk this to someone less qualified than you can access.

Dr. Sudan would be even better.  I would try him, since you have family close to there.  He was very skilled in Nebraska and recently moved to NC.

Hang in there...I know it's been rough for you. 

Cpcampbell

Highest Weight = 206 lbs.
Surgery Weight = 185.6 lbs.
Current Weight = 122 lbs.
Goal Weight = 130 lbs. (5'1") 

You poor thing! I hope u feel better soon!!! Sorry to hear about all the problems u are having.

I hope you find a reason and a fix for your problems.  I will be thinking about you.  Sorry your journey has been so difficult.
Linda

I am so sorry that you are feeling like poop!!  I hope things get better for you very soon!  Thoughts and prayers comming your way for a speedy recovery!!  Big Hug!
Ginger