HELP please, Dr C. or someone!!!

I am really struggling with all of this still. I had my surgery 10/21/2005, and have had complications ever since. In April I had my gall bladder out, and was diagnosed with malnutrition. A PICC line was put in my arm, and I went on TPN infusions to get my levels back up. Two weeks ago they stopped my TPN, to see if I could do okay on my own. I am NOT doing okay. My levels have dropped drastically in the 2 weeks. I have tried so hard to get in my protein, through protein drinks, because I still have issues with eating solid food. Well, I was told that the protein that I am eating is being used up because I am not taking in enough calories in a day, so I thought that I was doing good, and I am not. How on earth can I get in enough protein and calories so that I do not have to go back on the TPN infusion? I am never hungry, and just can not seem to get in enough of anything to help. Dr C., you have e-mailed me several times before. I sure hope that you can help me with this!!!!

Lois, If you were my patient I would take you to the OR and laparoscopically put in a G tube. This way you can supplement your calories as needed just by putting some ensure in the tube. It's better than TPN. I'd be happy to see you if you want - 877.442.2263 Dr. C

Dr C., what is a G tube? I am assuming that it is a feeding tube inserted right into the stomach. How would this affect my life? Would I be able to shower, swim, get in a hot tub? Of course right now with the PICC line in I am limited in what I can do, but I can sit in the hot tub with my arm out of the water, and the same with the swimming pool. How long would I need to have this tube? Would I be able to go back to work? I am seriously considering coming to see you. Thank you for replying.

Lois I just wanted to say I'm sorry for what you been through and hope things get better real soon Good luck Michael

Michael: Thanks for your support. I too hope that I get better soon. I have missed so much work, and really need to get better so that I can work again. Thanks again, Lois

Lois, Here's a good site to look at: http://www.shands.org/health/surgeries/100125.html You can do anything with a G tube that you can with a PICC line, and then some. It's there for as long as you need it, then you take it out. C

Thanks for the site information. I looked up G tube earlier, but did not see the site that you referred me to. Whcih would you perform, the PEG tube? Thanks again, Lois

oh my gosh lois, i thought you were ok since i haven't heard from you. i feel so bad. i am tottally unhappy with the barix. what happened to you and how i've been treated also. i'm not anywhere like you, but i need some help and they keep blowing me off.i went ther last fri. to get my labs read having trouble. my surgeon left, so dr. vig is supposed to see me. i get dr. bates. and somewhere from hello and what's wrong i get a lecture about i need ashrink. nothing wrong with it, if you need one. and she didn't even tell me all my labd weren't there. my sister did my blood work for me at her hospital. she called to see how it went. she knows they've been giving me the run around.she said well, a couple of your labs weren't back yet i had to send them to utah. so you will need to call on tues. i even gave them an extra day and called wed. no call back. i called today no call back. i am having problems. what happened to we will take care of you everystep of the way, no worries.can we switch? i think you should go see dr. curry. he has written to you(lucky) and wants to help. what other choices do you have? i could have come to visit you while i was so close. honey, i wish things were better. you have my e-mail if you want to talk or cry. e-mail and i'll give my phone or you give me yours and i'll call you. take care. i really, really am sad that i had no idea you still weren't right. gentle hugs honey, kath b.

Hi Lois, I was just reading on the main messageboard a post from KathieInHawaii about her problems not being able to absorb her proteins etc. She was eventually diagnosed with a thiamine deficiency. You can read her post under the title " Please read this if you are 1 year or more". Of course this could not be the problem you have, but I thought it was interesting.