Update

Well, this is not a whole lot of information, because I really do not have much yet. I finally got the results from all the blood and urine tests that they ran yesterday at Vanderbilt and everything, let me repeat everything, was normal. They said all of my vitamins and protein, liver, and kidney functions are all normal, therefore I appear to be completely healthy. The big exception is the swelling and that is why they got a team to research my case and they are all puzzled. The only thing that they can think that it might be a "RARE" vitamin and/or mineral deficiency like thiamine. I am suppose to have a copy of the test results sent to me via e-mail, but I have not received them yet to forward to Dr. Spaw. He wants me to talk to Dr. Spaw and see if he wants to investigate further or if he wants Vanderbilt to do the further testing. I hope that Dr. Spaw wants to handle the situation and I am waiting on a call from him now, however for now, I have an appointment being scheduled in the Acute Medicine Clinic at Vanderbilt, because this doctor did not want to take a chance that Dr. Spaw not be able to see me (it was after hours when he spoke to me), because he wants action to be taken immediately and not wait until Monday since tomorrow is Friday. Yesterday, at Dr. Spaw's office, they run this computer print out with your BMI and other information, it also measures the amount of water in your body by pounds. I had my last one done on March 29, 2007 and it showed I had 77 pounds of water and yesterday it showed that I had 94 pounds of water, which is a 17 pound difference in one month. I have noticed that my weight has not gone down in the past month, I just thought it was a plateau because my body had found a past weight it was familiar with, who knows maybe once all the water goes away, I will be 17 pounds lighter I am trying to keep a positive attitude, because I feel better than I have in years, except for all the swelling, numbness, and tingling, therefore nothing could be wrong. RIGHT!!!! I appreciate all your support and prayers and please forgive me for not responding on the board as much lately, I am trying to get all my assignments completed and this first week of classes has been a challenge. Love yall all and I will continue to keep you posted!! Shelia

Oh, Honey, I completely understand about school...I'm in the middle of finals. My first week for the summer doesn't start until the first week of June. I am so upset that you are dealing with this crap but thank God that you went to the doc. Actually, thiamine deficiency is VERY common in gastric bypass patients. Not to scare you, just to let you know, a woman in Great Britain died recently from an overall B-vitamin deficiency. BUT...she was a year out and had refused to take her vitamins as directed...but it is an education on how important our vitamins are, especially the B-vitamin group. Take care of yourself and keep us posted on what is going on! You are in my prayers!

Thanks Kym, The funny thing is that I take all of my vitamins like clockwork and I actually take the Bariatric Advantage ones. I sure hope that it is something that can be easily corrected, I will soon know!!! Shelia

Did they ask you what you had for supper? Do you think it was an allergic reaction?? Ok maybe a stuipd question. But it was on my mind. Let us know, keep us informed as we worry about you!Esp with the thiamine. thats quite serious.

Melinda, That was one of the questions I asked, but because it was not all over and just in my feet, legs and ankles, they said it could not be an allergic reaction. I will keep you posted. You are also in my prayers!! Shelia

Shelia I am so sorry to hear about all your problems. Please keep everyone informed. Lee Lee

HMMM! You're a puzzle. Prayers that they figure this out. HUGGS! Beth B. in TN

Shelia, I am glad that you are medically on top of this situation. I hope they soon find out what is causing this and can get it corrected. I will keep you in my prayers and hope for a speedy recovery. Hopefully you can have a good weekend and take care of yourself. Darlene

Honey, You are in my prayers. I think about you often (especially when I am assessing a pt who has swollen feet - sorry!) Keep us up to date.

Hey Shelia! I'm gald your results came back "normal". I really hope they find an answer as to the swelling and what caused it. You take care!