If it's not one thing it's another!

Had my one month post op yesterday. Since I didn't have any other symptoms other than nausea I was told it probably wasn't a stricture or anything like that and no other tests were needed. I was asked if I had any pain, but I told them no because I wasn't. After I went home the pain started. My pelvic area started hurting bad. Sharp cramping pain! Thought I was starting my period, but no. The pain was worse than menstrual cramps. Tylenol didn't touch it. Hydrocodone helped a bit, but wore off quickly.

So now I'm in so much pain, running a fever and vomiting. Called the triage line for my surgeons office this morning and left a message for them to call me back. Waited a couple hours just for them to tell me I needed to contact my pcp. So I did and got into see them. Some blood and bacteria were found in my urine. Being treated for a uti now, but they aren't really sure that's what I have. They said it could be kidney stones or an ovarian cyst. It's just miserable. I was also told I was dehydrated which of course didn't surprise me. I was cleared for solid foods as well, but I have no appetite for them. Still just eating soup and I literally have to force that down. I'm wondering if I'll ever feel normal again.

Has anyone else had severe pain like this? I just don't know how much longer I can go on like this. Feeling horrible!

You're only one month post op after a major surgery. Pain as severe as you are describing is a medical emergency. You need to pack up and head to the ER. Pain that you can't manage at home is a sign something is very wrong. Especially if you have tried narcotics and not gotten sufficient relief. That is some scary pain and it's likely to mean you've got something serious going on.

They'll identify it in the ER right away and get started on treating what they find. They'll also give you stronger pain meds - the kind you can't get at home.

Hospitals are no fun. I hate them. But pain that bad needs to be urgently addressed. Like right now.

To answer your other question, yes, I've had pain like that postop many times. It always requires a hospital visit when it gets that out of control. Don't give up. I can say with 99.9% certainty that you absolutely will feel normal again. And that it's probably right around the corner. Just get into the hospital. IMMEDIATELY. Call 911 if you need an ambulance. Do whatever you have to do but get to a place where you'll get help and they'll be able to keep you there until you're on the mend.

Your pain will only get worse if the treatment plan they gave you is based on an incorrect diagnosis.

Good luck. Please keep us posted whenever you're up to it. You're going to be just fine but you need more intensive medical attention right now in order to get there.

I agree - it sounds like you should be going to urgent care or the ER. Where the cause of the pain can be discovered.

Thanks for the advice! It has been a rough few days!

Got my lab results back and had a stat ct today.

What I know so far:

Have blood and bacteria in my urine indicating a uti. I do NOT have any kidney stones (thank goodness!). There seems to be no complications from my surgery. I am dehydrated. My iron and vitamin d were low. My white blood cell count was elevated. I have an enlarged uterus and lymph nodes in that area. I am to follow up with an ultrasound on March 5th which was the soonest they could get me in and also follow up with my obgyn. Still having pain, but is manegable with the hydrocodone right now as long as I take it around the clock. Although I'm almost out of it. I have also started my period which is the first one since after surgery and it has been the most painful and heaviest one ever. So I'm sure that's contributing to the pain. I'm just glad it sounds like it's nothing too serious. The nausea comes and goes....but comes more than goes. Hopefully all this gets better soon so I can get back to a regular routine! I'm trying to eat and drink more than I have been, but right now my go to things are crushed ice, water and watermelon. I can normally keep those down no problem. Other foods and drinks it's a 50/50 gamble.

Glad you were able to get in and be seen. Hopefully you'll turn the corner quickly and this will fast become just a memory.

Be careful with the watermelon. It's all sugar and it can make you sick. In your case it's obviously fine since your doc is aware.

Whatever it takes, I hope you get over this early bumpiest part of the road soon.

Take care. =)

Thanks! Yeah, even though my doc ok'd the watermelon I don't want to over do it. I'm in the ER wow getting pumped full of fluids and pain meds so hopefully that will help as well. It's been a long night. Been here about 4 hours now.

I have to say that I'm actually relieved that you ended up in the ER. Sometimes our self-talk tells us that we are fine and we don't want to bother anyone. Really glad you got to the hospital.

Also, on the watermelon, I was pretty sure you were following post op instructions. Unfortunately it seems like every WLS doc everywhere issues their own particular stage (s) of advancing our diets in this early out-ish period. It can become very confusing because honestly the instructions seem to span the gamut. Many people are cleared for solids as they leave the hospital. Then there are those like mine - I didn't get cleared until week 9. You can imagine how much confusion this generates for early postops.

Kind of similar to the pre-op plans. Some have a "liver cleansing" long time (weeks!) with only protein shakes and veggies. Others don't have any pre-op requirements and just have you stop eating and or drinking 12 hours before it's "go-time".

Hope to hear you are home and doing better!

Yes, it's definitely all very confusing!

Well I'm home now and doing much better pain wise. Trying to ween myself off of the hydrocodone. I'm still very nauseous though. I'm constantly gagging and dry heaving every time I try to eat or drink something. I didn't even get to finish all my IV fluids because they needed the room I was in. The ER was packed last night and had to wait over 2 hours just to be seen. I just wish I could get rid of this nausea! It really is miserable! Trying to figure out how I will make it through work tomorrow. Missed too much already. Have an ultrasound next week and I'm to follow up with my GYN.