An Update

The last thing I wrote here was several weeks ago about bleeding.  This is what followed for anyone interested.  I actually had a hard time getting in to see an MD but pushed myself to the front of the line and was able to see my PCP and the following day the APRN to my GI guy who was out of state.  It was Friday 10/22 and the APRN decided that since I was obviously actively bleeding (black tarry stool) it would be difficult to manage me outpatient over the weekend so she told me to go to the ED and be admitted which I did.  The next day was Saturday and one of the GI MD's did an endoscope on me, and somehow perforated an ulcer which was in the old remnant stomach from my gastric stapling from 1982.  This required emergency surgery and the surgeon on call who was already there did an exploratory laparotomy on me (I feel blessed to have had this surgeon because he was fabulous and a Top Doc in my town I found out later).  He fixed the ulcer with mesh and I was sent to ICU on a vent and then slowly progressed to a regular floor.  He said he tried to remove my band but couldn't so he unfilled it and I believe it is hacked up in my abdomen.  I spent 15 days in the hospital and am slowly trying to get my strength back.  I ended up with pneumonia which is finally resolving and I feel very blessed to be alive.  The surgeon told me that I did really well and that many people have died from what I went through.

It is interesting to me that the band played NO part of this maybe other than the night coughing and reflux I would get by eating too close to bedtime.  I was looking into the DS, but after this I have decided to conquer this the best I can without a tool.  I believe if I had been a better bandster I know I would have had better than 40 lbs lost, but it is what it is and I am grateful for that.  I have had an opportunity to  examine my life and it has been eye opening.

Just thought you might enjoy this update.

Sue

Wow, Sue, what a nightmare.  I'm glad you are on the road to recovery finally!

Katie

I'm glad you posted - some of us have been very worried. I'm sorry that you had to go through this but very glad you are alive. Rest and heal up -

Good luck!

Oh my goodness!!  So sorry to hear that you have been going through this!!  I am very glad that you will be fine.  Stick around for support!!

OMGosh!  How awful for you!  I'm glad you are ok and on the mend.  Go easy and be gentle with yourself.

Lyn.

Sue,
I'm so terribly sorry for your troubles!  Please know that I am praying for your continued healing and that you will be at peace with your decision to not have another WL proceedure.  However, you must know that you are always welcome here anytime you need positive support and encouragement!  You'll always be one of us!

Please keep us posted.  I want to know what they're going to do with your band.  Will they leave it there or remove it?

Best~
Lisa O.

 
Ohmigod, Sue!! I am so glad to see you posting!! Everyone was asking about you after your last few posts. 

While I'm sorry that you had to go through all that, I am so happy to hear that you are mending and doing better!!!!

Many thanks to all of you for your concern!  The surgeon did indicate to me that at some point the band would have to come out as it may be a source of infection, but I have no idea when.  I tend to come here as the band forum (I think) is a very supportive and closely bonded froup where I have found mostly support and very little bashing.  Having been on the other boards from time to time (you know which one) my comfort level is here with you.  I will continue to come here as I have made friends here.

Thank you all for your good wishes!

Sue

P.S. My surgeon was so excellent that he actually called and spoke to my band surgeon and asked for his opinion on how to proceed with my care while I was in step down from ICU.

Wow, Sue-

What a crazy ordeal!! I'm glad you had a great surgeon to fix your ulcer. Hopefully your band won't cause any issues or anything after this.

I've always enjoyed following your posts, so hopefully you will still be here and involved!


Hang in there!

Oh my gosh... what a thing to have to go through... how scary!! I'm glad you are now on the mend and doing well. I wish you a speedy recovery!