sleeve- delayed emptying and reflux

Hi all.  I usually post to sleeve board but friend there suggested I try here. 

 PLEASE tell me if you've had anything like this happen to you.

Started Monday 4am woke up sharp chest pain.  Went to ER, they ruled out cardiac, sent me home without any GI tests,  Called PCP Monday afternoon and he ordered upper GI series for this morning.  My surgeon is out of the country and no covering surgeon.

Had upper GI this morning with rudest radiologist I've ever met.  Puked all over.  My stomach looks huge- I saw it on the screen.  Tech asked if I was diabetic (NOT) and said it looks like not-sleeved stomach.  Radiologist asked her to wait a few minutes and take more pics.
PCP who ordered test (stat) never called me back.

Went to bariatric nurse bc surgeon is on vacation.  She pulled report up in computer.  Delayed emptying and reflux is what it showed.  No leak.  She called surgeon with me sitting there and he said Tums and clear to full liquids then follow up with him in 2 weeks.

They are thinking this is gastritis inflammation and swelling from steak I ate Sunday (and subsequent throwing up).  I also made bad choice and ate fried onions with the steak.  I would think onions would be long gone.  Steak I have done ok with before but this wasn't very tender. 

I am feeling anxious about the whole thing but no one else seems alarmed.  Tried to work after upper GI and threw up.  So have missed 2 days of work already.

I have never experienced any difficulties, but I will be 19 months out next Tuesday.

Hope you feel better soon!

I am 8 months out and I too have never had an experience like this.  It seems strange to me that just eating a piece of steak and onion ring.  I would suspect there is some other underlying condition and would suggest a second opinion.

Hope you get the answers you are looking for!

mary

Okay... I did not have a Sleeve... I had RYGB, but I can give you a little info on Delayed emptying.  (LOL.... I SEEM TO BE AN EXPERT WHEN IT COMES TO THAT.)  Sometimes when you eat something and it upsets your pouch/sleeve, you need to let it recover.  If you keep putting solid foods in, you will never get over the nausea.  That is why you were told to be on clear liquids.  Unfortunately, this this is the best way know if that was the problem or not. I think it is CRAZY that he doesn't have another covering surgeon.  Don't worry about it for the time being though.  I get sick EVERY TIME I have an upper GI.  The barium makes me nauseous.  If you are still having the problems when you back in two weeks, ask him about Reglan.  It is a nausea medicine, but it helps with delayed emptying.  Good luck and hang in there.

-Kim T

Thanks guys.  Here's my update:  I saw my PCP's partner today and he put me on Reglan.  He said inflammation cannot cause delayed emptying but delayed emptying can cause inflammation.  He pointed to where I hurt and said "you may even have an ulcer".  So what causes delayed emptying?  He doesn't know and thinks maybe my surgeon should do an endoscopy.  I don't see surgeon for 2 weeks.  I started Reglan and haven't thrown up again but it still hurts.  He also prescriped a PPI that is combined with sodium bicarbonate.  Is that baking soda?  Because insurance isn't paying for this new fancy pill that is omeprazole + bicarb.  I continue clear liquids and trying to not think about how this week I've been told a different story by every doctor and feel like I'm being treated as a problem bc of sleeve. 

I tried to send you a PM, but couldn't.  I have a month's worth of zegerid (the omeprazole + bicarb) that I am not using.  It is the powder, so it is in individually sealed packets.  You are welcome to them.

mary