Some news about me...

Yesterday, I was supposed to see Dr Atlas, Martine had made me an appointment because Dr Denis was in surgery. I waited 3 hours, and Dr Atlas didn't come , he had an emergency. Martine made some blood tests and another c.difficile test. I was supposed to return to see Dr Atlas today, but Martine called me this morning and told me Dr Atlas doesn't want to see me, if I still have a problem next week, try to make an appointment with Dr Denis... My blood tests are normal and I don't have C.Difficile, so everything should be ok!!!  But I still have 5-6 diarrhea a day and heartburn, and I am still unable to eat and I drink only a little, even gatorade now gives me reflux...  Take maalox and pepto-bismol they said... I feel like they don't know why  I am like that or they don't believe me..., or now the surgery is done, they don't care... They said that diarrhea and heartburn and reflux are because I have too much acid... I figured that, but now what ??? I tried gaviscon, maalox, pepto-bismol, and still the same...
Today I had 1/2 cup of juice diluted with water, and 1/2 inch of mashed banana. I had a miso soup for lunch 1/4 cup ( broth only)... That's it, and I had so much burning in the oesophagus and in the stomach... and now in the throat. Last  night, I was awake 3 times by reflux... Instead of getting better everyday and eating a little bit more, I eat and drink less and less...  they don't want to make other test because I am early on they said...

So I guess I'll have to live with it and continue to try foods, drinks and medications by myself...

I am lucky that I had a good nutrition before ( but too much!) so my labs are still good even with not eating for 4 weeks!  I will try to take some multivit, even if they give me heartburn ( everything does!!!) Proteins, I still cannot do it. At first I was taking bullets, but now they make me so nauseated...

You can say the surgery was succesful, I am not hungry and nothing seems to taste good!!!

In a more positive note, my family doctor made a prescription for an adjustable CPAP, and my insurance paid 80%, so I got it yesterday. Didn't sleep good yesterday, guess I have to get used to it...

Nothing planned for the weekend, kids will go to the movies with dad, and I guess I will check the Olympics...

Have a nice weekend!!!

Diane

Hi Diane,

So sorry to hear about what you are gong through. I've been reading enough on another site to know that it does get better. Yes sometimes a little slowly but our bodies are all different and you will see that it will all be a distant memory very soon

It seems that in the USA they prescribe quite specific things for symptoms like yours. Try going to this site and do a search on "heartburn" and scroll down the posts,you'll get lots of info that maybe for some reason we are not getting in Quebec. The site is actually a wealth of information and I find it very helpful. Alot of times, unfortunately, we need to find the answers ourselves.

www.verticalsleevetalk.com

I hope that you are feeling alot better very soon, Diane.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the Olympics...Go Canada Go...!!!

Hi Diane!

Sorry about what you a going through!

As far as diarrhea end upset stomach are concerned, I dont't think  Pepto-bismol is realy effective against those problems. Gaviscon is much more effective against reflux, and for hyperacidity, Maalox is a better choice. Maybe you should check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if you have any contraindicatiions to use Zantac or Pepcid AC...Those products really block gastric acid production, and are OTC.

I have been using a CPAP for the last 6 years and it took me about 1 week to get used to it. My sleep is so much better then it used to that I wouldn't think about not using it  now. Keep trying...You'll get hooked!

Hope you'll get better soon!

Joel

Thank you for your suggestions, I have already tried gaviscon, will try maalox...

As for the cpap, I have one for 8 years that I loved, it helped me sleep so well. But since surgery, the pressure is too high and I needed to diminish, but as my cpap is so old, I decided to change it to a self adjusting pressure, so I wouldn't have to adjust it everytime I lose some weight. I have difficulty with it because I am use to have air in the mask when I put it, and now, it starts so low I don't feel anything, I get the impression that I have difficulty breathing. But last night was better, so I am sure I will get used to it.

Have a nice weekend.

Diane

Hi Everyone,

Diane I just responded to your email, but I am not surprised by the lack of follow up care. I had read before surgery on ratemydoctor.com that Dr. Atlas frequently cancelled apts. If you're uncomfortable, and this will seem drastic and maybe people will be upset with me, but in my notes from Martine it said if I had complications to present myself at the ER of Sacre Coeur Hospital. I think you should be a little more comfortable by now and you shouldn't have to suffer like this on end because you can't get a DR. to see you.

Everyone heels differently and at different rates depending on any number of factors but I believe you Diane, I think you're uncomfortable and something needs to be checked.

Please keep me posted on how you're doing. Meanwhile physically I"m ok but emotionally I'm all over the place, YUCK! Also I see Dr. Atlas next week for my first follow up apt since surgery and am super stressed that I haven't lost more weight

Diane, I am so sorry that you are still in pain and I am a little peeved with the lack of followup care. I would go with BigJoe'S suggestion ans take zantac. A prescription dose is 150mg and they are sold over the counter at 75mg. You can also buy the noname variety it is all the same product. I had Nexium on hand so that is what I used. I would even try and see your family doc and see what he thinks. He could call the surgeon's office and may get an answer. I don't find this normal and with a much smaller pouch you'll end up having ulcers if this isn't regulated. Plus you need to eat something. Try a soy based protein powder with your diluted juice. That was the only thing that didn't make me nauseated. Definately get the Zantac while waiting on the doc's take it once a day. You can even add Malox with that if you need something extra. Your pharmacist will be able to let you know if you have counterindications to taking them. Keep us posted me friend....sending you hugs