First complication -- 2+ years out

Last weekend, while on vacation in Ohio, I started to have chest pain -- ran from mid chest up through my left shoulder --- upwards through my neck and downwards through my left arm.

I had nausea, sweating (in the air conditioned room) and it scared me.

Off we went to Urgent Care -- they called an ambulance and I was whisked over to the ER.

After several EKG's and a few rounds of bloodwork, I was cleared of an immediate cardiac issue and allowed to be released.

I continued to have discomfort in my chest -- so got home and followed up with my PCP.
She did a physical and suggested a gastro check and a follow up Treadmill EKG.

I had an EGD on Wednesday and was diagnosed with
LA Grade D reflux esophagitis (the worst grade)
Haital Hernia  (had one repaired during my Band procedure)
Gastric Ulcers (biopsied)

Now, I have never considered myself as someone with Reflux -- I have had occasional heartburn (maybe 3 or 4 episodes per YEAR) -- so to be diagnosed with the highest level of reflux really surprised me.

I have had alot of 'excessive burping' the last few weeks --- I just ignored that -- not realizing that it is a symptom of reflux esophagitis.

The GI doc said that my band is properly placed and intact -- no signs of erosion or slippage.
The hernia is small and does not need intervention at this time.
I have no issues with eating -- not getting stuck or sliming or PB'ing.

I am on an acid reducer, waiting for the biopsies to come back -- the suspicion is that I have H.Pylori --- and that can be treated with antibiotics.

After 3 days on the acid reducer (Dexilant), I can feel a difference already --- much less discomfort.
I am also back to very basic 'bandster eating' --- tiny bites chewed well and completely swallowed before I try another bite.
Small, frequent meals -- about 200 calories at a time 6x a day.

I have lost 4 pounds in about 10 days (most of that vacation) ---

I have the treadmill EKG tomorrow morning (precautionary only) and am going to see my bariatric surgeon to review the pictures of the EGD and get his opinion on the hernia.

Grateful that my band seems to be fine -- and so grateful that medication is working already to make me feel better.

Goodness, Kath, so sorry you have had to go through all of this, and while on vacation on top of that!  Do you feel that it's all band related?  Being a relative newbie (6 1/2 months) a lot of this info is new to me.  I often follow your posts, because you are upbeat and give sound advice.  But I'm beginning to be concerned that some of the nay sayers that warn about eventual complications with the band may be correct.  I so hope this works out for you with as little intrusion into your life as possible.  Thoughts and prayers are with you!

Thanks, Debbie -- I am trying to stay upbeat.  I am encouraged by the report that my band shows no signs of erosion or slippage.

My husband has had GERD for years -- and I suspect that perhaps I contracted H-Pylori from him (bacteria that causes ulcers).  I should have the results from the biopsy in a few days and will go on an anti-biotic if that is the case.

 I am so sorry to hear this!  I hope you continue to improve and get better.  I will keep you in my prayers for a complete recovery.  

Oh you poor thing! A big hug from England!

Hope it is all sorted soon for you. If it is h pylori, I assume it is not band related? Or is it?

Keep us up to date!

Kate

Thanks, Kate.
H-Pylori would not be band related -- more likely a 'gift' from my husband - or picked up from who knows where --- the reading I have done indicate that it is very prevalent.

H-Pylori would explain the pain, the reflux, the ulcers, etc.  And Anti-biotics should knock it out pretty quickly.

I am sorry you are going through this.

I really hate to say this but it sounds very familiar to what so many other bandsters have suffered at about 2-3 years out. Especially that left shoulder pain and the heart burn. This is what began the revision process for many other bandsters. I hope I'm wrong but it sounds oh so familiar to me.

Thank you for your comments.  I am concerned that the scenario seems all too familiar, too.

I am going to see my bariatric surgeon this week for a consult -- to go over the pictures from the EGD and discuss the results.

I don't want to get on the 'unfill - re-full' roller coaster if I don't need to ---- but I want to be very safe.

The shoulder pain is gone now -- and the mid-chest pain is already MUCH improved in the 3 days that I have been on the acid-reducer (and eating more carefully).  Hopefully I will be pain-free in a matter of days.

Kath,
Please be careful with this situation. Once that Vagus nerve system gets irritated, it really tends to get more and more irritated with greater frequency until you have nerve damage. It's no fun at all.

I take Dexilant, as well, and find it very helpful with my gastric issues. It's very expensive but it works, at least.

Just be careful if that left shoulder pain occurs more frequently, OK? You don't want it to become permanent. None of my tests showed problems, but my diaphragm and the Vagus nerves were being damaged all along. It doesn't tend to show up in tests, unfortunately.

Hope you keep feeling better.