constantly sick and dehydrated
hi all
i am new to this forum, and wanted to see if anyone else was having these kinds of problems. I am constantly dizzy, weak, tired, have tingling in my arms and legs, and often get a horrible pain in my lower right side for no reason at all. I am also constantly dehydrated and have been admitted to the hospital 3 times since having surgery. They keep saying my vitamines are low so they keep giving me vitamin IV's and fluids, keep me for two days and then send me home. I have also been to the ER just for fluids several times. Tests i have had so far:
2 endoscapys- one of which was needed to stretch a stricture
3 swallow studys (2 gastrographin 1 barium)
1 CT scan with barium and injectable dye
all of these came up with nothing. Pouch is fine, no blockage or anything.
I was having horrible nausea, but that seems to have subsided, they gave me some meds for it but i only take them when i have a sudden nausea onset.
Have have been eating 3 times a day, as much as I can. Usually tuna fish, refried beans, eggs, ground beef- as much protein as I can fit in. I have also been drinking about half a bottle of isopure. I cant tolerate the shakes anymore, they make me sick. I only drink half the bottle of isopure, because it tastes nasty, but i can get it down at least. I also drink a 32 oz bottle of poweraid zero because thats what the hospital told me to drink, as I can no longer tolerate plain water. I would put my liquid intake at this point around 50-60oz a day.
when I told the hospital this, they couldnt understand how it was even possible for me to get so dehydrated so quickly.
pills I take every day:
2 chewable Multivitamines
3 chewable calcium plus D
1 1000mg vit D tab
1 400 mg mag oxide
1 100 mg B1
1 omezaprole in AM
4 Sucralfate (before each meal and before bed)
1 4mg zofran as needed for nausea
1 2mg dilauded as needed for pain (which I rarely take because it doesnt do a whole lot anyway)
Ive talked to my Surgeon, and he says it is not an acute surgical problem... tried talking to my PCP but she just sent me back to the hospital and once I was there her office told me she has no say over anything they do there.
the last time I was at the hospital, I was there for two days when the doctor that she was discharging me. when i told her I was still in alot of bain and feeling weak, she said that since they had given me vitamines and rehydrated it was no longer medically necessary for me to be there, and that was how she was going to file to my insurance, but i was more than welcome to stay if I wanted to pay out of pocket.
this was the same doctor who (against the reccommendation of the nurse practitioner) decided it was not necessary to bo an aborbtion study- I dont really know what this is but thats not the point, because malabsorbtion is common in GBP patients and my issues would eventually resolve themselves.
meanwhile I have not been able to go to work in two weeks, am out of vacation time, and am no longer getting paid.
what am I supposed to do???
i am new to this forum, and wanted to see if anyone else was having these kinds of problems. I am constantly dizzy, weak, tired, have tingling in my arms and legs, and often get a horrible pain in my lower right side for no reason at all. I am also constantly dehydrated and have been admitted to the hospital 3 times since having surgery. They keep saying my vitamines are low so they keep giving me vitamin IV's and fluids, keep me for two days and then send me home. I have also been to the ER just for fluids several times. Tests i have had so far:
2 endoscapys- one of which was needed to stretch a stricture
3 swallow studys (2 gastrographin 1 barium)
1 CT scan with barium and injectable dye
all of these came up with nothing. Pouch is fine, no blockage or anything.
I was having horrible nausea, but that seems to have subsided, they gave me some meds for it but i only take them when i have a sudden nausea onset.
Have have been eating 3 times a day, as much as I can. Usually tuna fish, refried beans, eggs, ground beef- as much protein as I can fit in. I have also been drinking about half a bottle of isopure. I cant tolerate the shakes anymore, they make me sick. I only drink half the bottle of isopure, because it tastes nasty, but i can get it down at least. I also drink a 32 oz bottle of poweraid zero because thats what the hospital told me to drink, as I can no longer tolerate plain water. I would put my liquid intake at this point around 50-60oz a day.
when I told the hospital this, they couldnt understand how it was even possible for me to get so dehydrated so quickly.
pills I take every day:
2 chewable Multivitamines
3 chewable calcium plus D
1 1000mg vit D tab
1 400 mg mag oxide
1 100 mg B1
1 omezaprole in AM
4 Sucralfate (before each meal and before bed)
1 4mg zofran as needed for nausea
1 2mg dilauded as needed for pain (which I rarely take because it doesnt do a whole lot anyway)
Ive talked to my Surgeon, and he says it is not an acute surgical problem... tried talking to my PCP but she just sent me back to the hospital and once I was there her office told me she has no say over anything they do there.
the last time I was at the hospital, I was there for two days when the doctor that she was discharging me. when i told her I was still in alot of bain and feeling weak, she said that since they had given me vitamines and rehydrated it was no longer medically necessary for me to be there, and that was how she was going to file to my insurance, but i was more than welcome to stay if I wanted to pay out of pocket.
this was the same doctor who (against the reccommendation of the nurse practitioner) decided it was not necessary to bo an aborbtion study- I dont really know what this is but thats not the point, because malabsorbtion is common in GBP patients and my issues would eventually resolve themselves.
meanwhile I have not been able to go to work in two weeks, am out of vacation time, and am no longer getting paid.
what am I supposed to do???
I'm concerned that you don't seem to be taking B12. Lack of B12 can cause a lot of neurological problems, and since you are having tingling, I'm alarmed.
How long ago did you have surgery?
dizzy/weak/tired can be dehydration and/or low blood pressure (and I'm sure many other things). Are you on blood pressure meds?
Can you possibly drink more water/crystal light? A lot of people don't tolerate plain water well, but you can add any sugar free mix you want to it for taste.
Your surgeon should be VERY concerned about your vitamin deficiency and dehydration.
How long ago did you have surgery?
dizzy/weak/tired can be dehydration and/or low blood pressure (and I'm sure many other things). Are you on blood pressure meds?
Can you possibly drink more water/crystal light? A lot of people don't tolerate plain water well, but you can add any sugar free mix you want to it for taste.
Your surgeon should be VERY concerned about your vitamin deficiency and dehydration.
Read my blog, BARIATHLETE I run because I can.
First 5K race October 4, 2009 (34.59) PR 5/22/11 (27:26)
First 5 Mile: January 1, 2011 (50:30)
First 10K: July 4, 2010 (1:03.26) New PR 4/10/11 (1:01.14)
First 10 Mile: April 11, 2010 (1:46.15)
First 1/2 marathon: June 13, 2010 (2:22.21) PR: 5/1/11 (2:17.30)
First Marathon: October 16, 2011: 5:47:20
Goofy Challenge: January 7-8, 2012
If you think you can, you can. If you think you can't, you're right. - Mary Kay Ash
First 5K race October 4, 2009 (34.59) PR 5/22/11 (27:26)
First 5 Mile: January 1, 2011 (50:30)
First 10K: July 4, 2010 (1:03.26) New PR 4/10/11 (1:01.14)
First 10 Mile: April 11, 2010 (1:46.15)
First 1/2 marathon: June 13, 2010 (2:22.21) PR: 5/1/11 (2:17.30)
First Marathon: October 16, 2011: 5:47:20
Goofy Challenge: January 7-8, 2012
If you think you can, you can. If you think you can't, you're right. - Mary Kay Ash
Hi sue- thanks for the reply.
my B-12 is one of the few vitaimins the doctor told me was fine- not sure if i really beleive them at this point. I am a little over 2 months post op (may 17) and have been having issues since about 3 weeks. that was my first hospitalization for nausea.
I have been trying to drink a bit more, but it is hard. its like I dont have enough time in the day to do it with all the waiting before and after. It takes my pouch at least 45 min to an hour after eating for me to feel like i can drink again. If I try to do it sooner I feel sick. I was drinking crystal light, but they told me at the hospital to switch to the poweraide to help with the dehydration. I feel so lost.... :(
at one point they tried to tell me I was dumping, and I was like "on what?!" I am still basically eating protein only foods (as mentioned above) If I am dumping constantly on these, I am going to be sick for the rest of my life!
My surgeon is really nice, and very knowledgeable about everything regarding the surgery itself. I know he understands how frustrated I am getting, and is concerned, but he told me straight out he has never had a patient have these kinds of complications. I thought my PCP would help, maybe refer me to some kind of specialist, but nope. I started turning to these support boards because i am starting to feel like no one else cares...
my B-12 is one of the few vitaimins the doctor told me was fine- not sure if i really beleive them at this point. I am a little over 2 months post op (may 17) and have been having issues since about 3 weeks. that was my first hospitalization for nausea.
I have been trying to drink a bit more, but it is hard. its like I dont have enough time in the day to do it with all the waiting before and after. It takes my pouch at least 45 min to an hour after eating for me to feel like i can drink again. If I try to do it sooner I feel sick. I was drinking crystal light, but they told me at the hospital to switch to the poweraide to help with the dehydration. I feel so lost.... :(
at one point they tried to tell me I was dumping, and I was like "on what?!" I am still basically eating protein only foods (as mentioned above) If I am dumping constantly on these, I am going to be sick for the rest of my life!
My surgeon is really nice, and very knowledgeable about everything regarding the surgery itself. I know he understands how frustrated I am getting, and is concerned, but he told me straight out he has never had a patient have these kinds of complications. I thought my PCP would help, maybe refer me to some kind of specialist, but nope. I started turning to these support boards because i am starting to feel like no one else cares...
I don't know if we can help, but we can certainly CARE!
I know someone who went through a lot of nausea after her surgery, no matter what she did. It sucked, but she DID get better. It just took time, and it felt like forever while she was dealing with it. I hope that yours resolves sooner than later.
If you are 2 months out, I doubt you'd be having b-12 deficiency symptoms so soon, but check to find out if you should be taking it...because I've not heard of any surgeon not requiring b12 supplements.
I wish I knew more that would help you. I'll keep thinking, and you might consider posting your story on the RNY board... it's a bigger audience, so more people might be able to relate.
I know someone who went through a lot of nausea after her surgery, no matter what she did. It sucked, but she DID get better. It just took time, and it felt like forever while she was dealing with it. I hope that yours resolves sooner than later.
If you are 2 months out, I doubt you'd be having b-12 deficiency symptoms so soon, but check to find out if you should be taking it...because I've not heard of any surgeon not requiring b12 supplements.
I wish I knew more that would help you. I'll keep thinking, and you might consider posting your story on the RNY board... it's a bigger audience, so more people might be able to relate.
Read my blog, BARIATHLETE I run because I can.
First 5K race October 4, 2009 (34.59) PR 5/22/11 (27:26)
First 5 Mile: January 1, 2011 (50:30)
First 10K: July 4, 2010 (1:03.26) New PR 4/10/11 (1:01.14)
First 10 Mile: April 11, 2010 (1:46.15)
First 1/2 marathon: June 13, 2010 (2:22.21) PR: 5/1/11 (2:17.30)
First Marathon: October 16, 2011: 5:47:20
Goofy Challenge: January 7-8, 2012
If you think you can, you can. If you think you can't, you're right. - Mary Kay Ash
First 5K race October 4, 2009 (34.59) PR 5/22/11 (27:26)
First 5 Mile: January 1, 2011 (50:30)
First 10K: July 4, 2010 (1:03.26) New PR 4/10/11 (1:01.14)
First 10 Mile: April 11, 2010 (1:46.15)
First 1/2 marathon: June 13, 2010 (2:22.21) PR: 5/1/11 (2:17.30)
First Marathon: October 16, 2011: 5:47:20
Goofy Challenge: January 7-8, 2012
If you think you can, you can. If you think you can't, you're right. - Mary Kay Ash
Sue took the words right out of my mouth - I was wondering about the B12! When you say "my B-12 is one of the few vitaimins the doctor told me was fine" do you mean he said your levels are fine or it is fine not to take it? I only ask because I didn't see B12 listed under the vitamins you take.
I hope you start to feel better soon - looks like you've had so much testing done .. I hope they can find out what is going on soon for you!! We are here if you need us!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kate
I hope you start to feel better soon - looks like you've had so much testing done .. I hope they can find out what is going on soon for you!! We are here if you need us!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kate
*Kate*
HW: 286 SW: 253 CW: 167 GW: 150 
HW: 286 SW: 253 CW: 167 GW: 150 
Hang in there...
My wife went through exactly what your going through...and to some extent still has a little bit of a problem with nausea and occational vomitting...
Have you tried a saltine when nauseous? you can have like 5 a day...sometimes a small amount of carb with your meal...teaspoon mashed potatos...Thats what my wife did (sugguested by nutritionist) sometimes the high protein makes people nauseous...if the powerade isnt sitting well...switch to WHATEVER you can tolerate...more important to get the fluids than the elecrolytes...maybe your stricture isnt completely resolved either? Did they mention an ulcer when they looked? HANG IN THERE...keep persevering...IT WILL GET BETTER
Julie
My wife went through exactly what your going through...and to some extent still has a little bit of a problem with nausea and occational vomitting...
Have you tried a saltine when nauseous? you can have like 5 a day...sometimes a small amount of carb with your meal...teaspoon mashed potatos...Thats what my wife did (sugguested by nutritionist) sometimes the high protein makes people nauseous...if the powerade isnt sitting well...switch to WHATEVER you can tolerate...more important to get the fluids than the elecrolytes...maybe your stricture isnt completely resolved either? Did they mention an ulcer when they looked? HANG IN THERE...keep persevering...IT WILL GET BETTER
Julie
thanks for the replies all!
My surgeon is still in hungary at the moment, but his nurse practitioner talked to me yesterday and thinks I seem to be having absorbtion issues above and beyond what is normal. When he gets back they are going to try and set me up at the infusion clinic and have me start going at least once a week to get vitamines and fluids via IV, to see if that helps. They also want me to see the dietician again, but I couldnt get an appt until the end of september... sure I can wait 2 months- no problem. sheeesh.
started to feel sick again today and i knew it was dehydration, left work early- called my PCP and told them I was going to the urgant care clinic instead of the ER. they tested me, I was dehydrated (no kidding, i am pretty sure i know what it feels like by now LOL) and they gave me 2 bags of fluid. Now I feel good enough that i can hopefully make it to work tomorrow!
so basically, escaping with a $20 clinic copay rather than the $100 ER copay was a win for me today!
if none of this helps, my PCP is sending me to a bariatric specialist. I guess he specializes in post op complications, he may be able to help more....
My surgeon is still in hungary at the moment, but his nurse practitioner talked to me yesterday and thinks I seem to be having absorbtion issues above and beyond what is normal. When he gets back they are going to try and set me up at the infusion clinic and have me start going at least once a week to get vitamines and fluids via IV, to see if that helps. They also want me to see the dietician again, but I couldnt get an appt until the end of september... sure I can wait 2 months- no problem. sheeesh.
started to feel sick again today and i knew it was dehydration, left work early- called my PCP and told them I was going to the urgant care clinic instead of the ER. they tested me, I was dehydrated (no kidding, i am pretty sure i know what it feels like by now LOL) and they gave me 2 bags of fluid. Now I feel good enough that i can hopefully make it to work tomorrow!
so basically, escaping with a $20 clinic copay rather than the $100 ER copay was a win for me today!
if none of this helps, my PCP is sending me to a bariatric specialist. I guess he specializes in post op complications, he may be able to help more....
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