Intussusception Diagnosis

Hello fellow OH family,

So.... the title... what in the world is this? Well if anyone has been following, I went to a surgeon for a revision surgery. He stated that because my insurance has an exclusion, he would not be able to assist me in the appeal process. It so happens that he is leaving that office on June 15th (this was in March). I believed that he did not want to deal with it because he was leaving anyway. Not sure.

About 2 weeks ago, he called me, stating that he thinks the exclusion can be appealed because he found something from the upper GI test. He stated that I have an intussescetion in my stomach where surgery was performed (Intussusception is a medical condition in which a part of the intestine folds into the section next to i*****pically involves the small bowel and less commonly the large bowel. Symptoms include abdominal pain which may come and go, vomiting, abdominal bloating, and bloody stool). He also stated that this could affect my appetite (his exact words were "there is no way that you could regulate your appetite. Its like your stomach has healed on top of itself). He described my stomach to me as healing in the shape of an "S" instead of healing in the shape of a banana. He did not see it on the scope because when I had the EGD, I was laying on my side for quite some time. He stated that it is possible that he straightened it our when the camera stint went in.

Some of the symptoms that I experience does line up with this diagnosis. I have tried to reach out to my original surgeon's office, and even my PCP over the years, but I was mainly told that I needed to use self-control and that my eating habits was purely my fault. In addition, I was kinda made to feel like I was just paranoid when I complained about chest pains, or told my throat was sore and that is why i vomit bloody mucus (even though I only vomited one time). I was even told that my abdominal pain was due to my previous surgery and previous C-section, and that there was no need for further testing. And the most Ludacris explanation--- that I was having phantom baby movements!

A part of me is happy that I got this diagnosis! However, I cannot find this diagnosis in previous sleeve patients, only RNY (I was sleeved in 2012). Another part of me is wondering if this surgeon is looking out for my best interest. Another part of me is saying who cares! I can get approved!

So many mixed emotions! Has anyone ever heard of this? After a sleeve? I am not sure how it has been 6 years and no one has noticed. However, I have been reaching out with complaints and they were not taken seriously. And then another part of me is concerned with the surgeon.... He is switching to a new office, and they offered me an extremely quick appointment date. Is he in search of new patients? Is he just trying to build his clientele???? HOWEVER, He did refer me to another surgeon outside of his office. I asked him if there was a reason why I could not stick with his old office. He did not say if I should or shouldn't, but he did mention that this is a complication, not a regular surgery, and he only refers to the best. Is there bad blood with his old office? Was he fired? I'm not sure who to trust or how to feel, mainly because I tend to overthink things.

I'm not sure what to think. My appointment is June 20. Let's see how this goes.

Intussusception can happen to anyone, post op RNY or "a normie" (someone who did not have any surgery- WLS or any other surgery). I know a few peopel who did not have any WLS who deal with that.

problem with diagnosis is that Intussusception can come and go, so the test needs to be done when this is active. Otherwise it is very difficult to diagnose.

O wow! Thanks for that insight. I didn't know that. That makes me feel a bit relieved. With the people who did deal with it, was it painful for them? Did it require surgery?

With the people who did deal with it, was it painful for them? Did it require surgery?

painful - yes. Very. One needed surgery. The other one decided to wait. her resolved in complete remission so far.

Thanks for your opinion and perspectives.

Kay,

I had heard of this happening, but was not familiar with the medical diagnosis name.

My gut feeling is: if you like this surgeon, and are comfortable with, and trust his ability, stick with him. He will need to build clients who are happy with him, one at a time...A good physican, a caring one, is to be cherished. Often they go back and re-visit old cases when things do not line up with previous- searching for the answers. In your case, he found something to account for your symptoms, you had reported...and had been previously ignored.

Many times medical practices go thru changes because of personality, or differences of opinions in methods, or financial ties that must be broken. I understand it is pretty painful as in a divorce.. His "non-answer,said plenty, he did not bad mouth the old clinic partners. It sounds like, he does not think the others at that clinic have the skill to correct effectively. It takes a truly great surgeon to correct another 's mistakes...or correct "weird" complications. Yours will not be a routine surgery., but will require skill.

Your answer was great! This makes some of my concerns lessen. I am still concerned, but it has decreased like 1000%. You have stated some very valid points. Instead of being overwhelmed with fear, I should take a more positive attitude and show some gratitude that someone found what I was complaining about. Thanks for your kind and wise words

hi I had surgery run in 2002 starting gaining back four years ago.Now they have ordered me to have scope done and I'm scared.Does it hurt?

Hi Antionette! I've had so many scopes I've lost count. Not a single one of them hurt. You'll be sedated a bit and won't even remember what happened when it's all over. =)

Ok thanks alot.I feel better now.