Is It Possible?

Does anyone know if it's possible to develope a stricture 18 months after surgery? My original bypass was in August 2002. I developed an ulcer and it perforated and a 'redo' was done in July 2003. I have NEVER felt right since then...I've been hospitalized several times with them finding "nothing" basically. In the past week, I throw up everything I eat. If I do manage to force something to stay down, within hours it literally feels like I'm in labor with no relief between contractions. I contacted the surgeon, *****ferred me to my gastroenterologist, *****ferred me back to my surgeon.....I'm living on protein drinks and water right now, but am still loosing too much weight. I need suggestions. As an aside, my surgeon told me last month when I was in that if my ulcer needed additional surgical intervention, it would have to be with another doctor, as "HE" doesn't do revisions or repairs anymore....I'm starting to feel pretty poorly and need some advice as I don't know who or where to turn now. Best, Lori McLaughlin

I think it's time to start looking for a doctor who is willing to help you. I am going through many of the same things, only I am only 4 weeks post op. Best of Luck to you. Dawn Ward

Hi Dawn-- So goes the never ending saga of the "post bypass patient". Most doctors don't want to touch you with a 10 foot poll because your anatomy has been "altered". I'm not even sure if I should be looking for another surgeon, another gastroenterologist or what. If you read my profile, you'll see that this has been a never-ending nightmare that I'm uncertain will ever end. I DON'T want a reversal, as that is about the only option my surgeon offered me....even then, he indicated it wouldn't take care of the ulcer, which is probably what is my problem right now. Best, Lori McLaughlin

BTW, I just read your profile, and it sounds like you need to be dilated. I would THINK the surgeon would look into that being as you are only 4 weeks post-op. I would insist if you are admitted that he does so. He works for you at least right now, and if he refuses, a gastroenterologist can do a scope and see if the problem is a closed stoma. Best, Lori

HEY LORI IM SORRY TO SEE THAT YOU ARE STARTING TO HAVE PROBLEMS,DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR GALLBLADDER?AND IF YOU DO,HAVE THEY DONE A ULTRASOUND OF IT OR A HYDA SCAN?I KNOW FOR SOME OF US GBS PATIENS OUR GALLBLADDERES CAN TEND TO ACT UP AFTER A WHILE,AND I KNOW SOME PEOPLE HAVE A HARD TIME TOLLERATING FOOD WHEN THEIR GALLBLADDER IS NOT OPERATING RIGHT,I KNOW IT DOES FEEL LIKE LABOR OR CONTRACTIONS WHEN YOU ARE HAVING A GALLBLADDER ATTACK,PLEASE KEEP ME POSTED IF THEY FIND OUT WHAT'S GOING ON. TAKE CARE EBONY

Lori - My heart goes out to you. If you still have your gall bladder - do NOT allow the surgeon to do a Hida scan on you - until you get a high quality ultrasound done. Generallly an ultra sound - the is high quality - will determine if you have "sludge" or gall stones. The Hida scan involves injecting your body with a radioactive dye...I personally refused to allow them to do that to me - the ultrasound they did showed clearly that I had sludge - and iwas not going to have my body injected with a radioactive dyd that they are required by law to keep in a secure facility! Anne

Hi Ebony and Ann-- No, my gallbladder was removed with my first surgery. I also had a hiatal hernia repaired at the same time. This has been two years of hell. When I called my gastroenterologist Monday, they referred me back to my surgeon *****ferred me to a pain clinic. Now, I don't have anyone that can help. I was healthier BEFORE the surgery than after..... Best, Lori

I thought of you yesterday as there was a post from a Texas Support group that I belong to (NOT on this website) about a woman who was 5 years out and she developed a stricture and a perforation...So - apparently you can get a stricture after years of time. I am also wondering if you might have a twisted bowel - which I know happens after surgery sometimes... I wonder if you went to the pain clinic - if they might be able to give you some referrals to other doctors? I am thinking of you. Anne