My sister is so sick!

My sister had surgery 11 months ago and is still in the hospital.She started having complications right after the surgery with vomiting,she was then operated on again and put in a medically induced coma for about six weeks,i thought we were gonna lose her.She has had a big hole in her stomach for the past ten months,they finally went to close her up and then four days later found another leak.I think at this point she is in so much pain and is so tired.I think she is giving up.I talk to a friend of mine on the phone the other day and he said they are doing bowel transplants now.Does anyone know anything about this or who to get in touch with.Her condition is critical but stable and she is in alot of pain.I lost count how many surgeries she has had.any advice would help

oh i forgot to say that her doctor is great and very good at taking care of her.

I'm so sorry to hear about your sister's troubles. I had complications and a second surgery, but have come a long way from those bad days. I wish I had an answer for you as to what to do. I would say that asking for professional advice from a doctor schooled in the bariatric or gastro-intestinal area would be your best bet. I didn't notice where you're from, but do some research on this site -- I believe there is an area where you can ask a doctor questions. I think you need to talk to doctors who are very, very experienced in this type of work. May God be with you and your sister. She's still here & she's fighting. That shows a great spirit!!! Kathy

My friend had surgery and was also in a coma (not medically induced). She is now in long term care, in a wheelchair, cannot speak, respond, nor does she have any muscle control. She had the surgery in September, and was relatively healthy and beautiful before then. Did I mention she is in her early 30s?

I am SO sorry to hear about your sister. To answer your question, they do do bowel and intestine transplants now. I work at the Transplant Center at Fairview University Medical Center, and we do them at our facility. It is a VERY complicated transplant, and is much newer than kidney, pancreas, heart, etc. They do not do very many of them at all, as they are so risky, complicated and new. Email me if you would like some more information, I can get you the 800 telephone number & or the website so you can do some research. God bless you and your family. I will be praying for your sister.

Holy moley, what a trial and tribulation. I will pray for your sister. Wonder about the hole in her somach not healing. Is it due to infection or diabetes? I believe strongly in using specialists and having a team on difficult cases. Infection specialist doctors are an excellent resource. I would be reticent to use the same surgeon over and over. Perhaps she needs an antidepressant and counseling or a visit from a pastor. A long hospital stay is psychologically difficult. Could she go on a car ride to see scenery? If it is a matter of an infection, people can be at home on iv antibiotics through a central line. Let's all continue to lift this person up in prayer. My husband was given pain meds in a suppository to boost the usual post op stuff and it helped a lot. Does she get liquid vitamins? ---wife of member

It's been a while since this post & I was just wondering how your sister was doing?

Hi Shannon, Sorry to hear about your sister. How is she doing now

SO, SO sorry about your sister!!! Have you at all considered changing doctor's or getting some other opinions?? Stay strong and take care Regards Alice