Again...

For those of you who have taken a gander at my profile, you know that I had some complications after surgery, namely a drain infection which spread across my abdomen, and landed me in the hospital for four days. When I came home, I was on augmentin for a week, and have felt great for the past two weeks. Not anymore. I had a small localized pain in my left side beginning on Tuesday night, which has now spread across my abdomen, reaching all the way toward my belly button. This is the same type of pain that I felt the second time I was in the hospital, however much worse at this point. I went to my pcp today and she called my surgeon personally to make me an appointment for tomorrow morning since I refused the ER. It seems that whenever I am within a mile of a hospital, I end up there for a few days...I am not doing that again unless ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY. However, my surgeon is at some bariatric conference in Holland and won't be back for another two weeks, so I have to see someone who knows nothing about me. Anyway, my white count came out elevated today, so my Dr. wrote me a script for augmentin just to get started on before i see the surgeon tomorrow. I don't know what to do...all I keep thinking is that had I just never gone to such extreems as surgery then I would be fine right now. I had no co-morbidities, and honestly, not much weight to lose. Will this ever get any better? It just seems like one complication after another that sets me back again. I am already a month out today, this shouldn't be happening. It affects every aspect of my life greatly as I feel like I am never going to get better...one thing after another...

Hi Diane, With a HIGH white blood count it would seem that you do have another infection. Pain esp on the LEFT side is not so uncommon in the first few weeks after surgery. Are you keeping with the diet plan? Drinking water with meals can cause pain, and make you bloat. Adding some foods to fast can also cause pain and even a blockage. I had pain for quite some time BUT I ALSO HAD ulcers and constrictuers ( a lot of vomiting) Well I hope that by now you are with the MD and will be having your questions answered. It is also good to get to know other MD in that office just in case of emergancies like this. Do you have a support group with your WLS program? Or a RN Coordinater? The one with my program is great and we can call her at any time with questions. GOOD LUCK Lisa

Hi Diane, Take heart, it will get better. I had RNY on April 4 and spent 6 days in the hospital initially, went home for two weeks, then was in the hospital again for 2 more weeks. I had abscesses in the two drains that came from my stomach, blood clots in one leg, and was malnourished. I had drains for 8 weeks total and my incision came open. I am STILL dressing a small hole in that incision. Every week I think it will be my last, but it continues. I was MUCH improved after 2 months. Most people recover much faster, but it did take that long for me. You will feel better as well.