Stumped the surgeon

Hi all~ I'm fairly quiet on here but wanted to get your input on my week. Tuesday morning I woke with a pain radiating around my ribcage. It was increased when I took a few sips of coffee and became severe after a couple of hours. At that point my PCP and NP from surgeon's office told me to go to the ER. I had pain medicine, x-rays, lab work, and a ct scan. The CT showed telescoping intestines (however they didn't do a second review). At this point my hospital said they couldn't handle a gastric bypass post-op. They started the transfer process to St Mary's. I was transported to St. Mary's by midnight and Dr Bautista ordered labs, x-rays, and ct the following morning. Everything (all tests) was normal..... except I was still in severe pain. The pain was so bad .. I piled 4 pillows in front of me and leaned over them to rest. Thursday I had an endoscopy and that was clear. Dr Alubasy (spelling??) said my pouch was beautiful and had no signs of adhesions, ulcers, or leaks. I was NPO from Tuesday morning until Thursday night when I tried a popsicle and beef broth. I couldn't finish the broth because the pain became so horrible. Friday morning I had an ultrasound of my gallbladder and other important organs (it didn't hurt as much as it did pre-op) and guess what... It was all clear. Friday afternoon Dr Bautista went in with the scope and everything looked great even my reproductive system. Dr Bautista said it was ungratifying because he was unable to find a diagnosis. Saturday morning I was given clear liquids and it didn't hurt.. so I tried a few bites (my pouch shrank) of tuna salad, cottage cheese, and fruit and it didn't hurt. The on call surgeon released me yesterday afternoon.. But I'm left with no diagnosis and fear of the pain returning. I don't know what to tell friends and family. My sister thinks it could be stress causing the pain and I will talk to my pcp about that on Tuesday. Has this happend to anyone else??

Hi Sassy Red, Go**** sounds like you had a really rough time! That is so frustrating for you, I am sure. From what I have read here, it sounds like many post op WLS patients often get mystery pains, and I am sorry that you are experiencing them. I sure hope the doctors figure out what is causing you such problems and that your pain doesn't return. Best wishes for your continued success on your weight loss. It appears from your profile that you are doing very well! Take Care, RockinRobin

Thanks Robin~

Yo, Sassy, one! Sorry you had to go through so very much and ultimately that nothing wrong could be found. How frustrating. I've had my share of strange and unknown pains. I thought my one issue was something akin to a condition called costchondritis (inflammation of rib cartlilage that can cause side and chest pains and even severe pain). I thought maybe my mineral deficiency (selenium) was contributing to it. It got better once I supplemented but it shows up now and again. Not as bad as before and not everyday but enough to remind me it isn't gone for good. I had chest pains every day for a month in June. Had a full cardiac workup after going to the ER. Nothing. Ends up it was esophageal spasms from swallowing my vitamin supplements and once the spasms started... the esophagus would stay ticked off and every bite I took sent pain. I switched vitamins to capsules which I take with hot tea to help 'em dissolve. I chew my iron now (they aren't a chewable brand per se but they have no taste and can be chewed) with a chewable vitamin C. And anything else... I cut into quarters and take with warm liquid. No chest pains. The body can do such weird things post-op. Pains should always be evaluated but what a "pain" that is. LOL! Good luck to you, Kathy

Have them check you with a swallow study for esophageal spasms. That is what my pain was from even water hurt. It feels like a "charly horse" in your chest and goes around to the back.

The pain isn't immediately after I swallow but once my food gets in my GI tract. It gets rough about 45 minutes out and is horrid 3 hours out. I've been OK today. I want to eat carefully to avoid the pain but if broth can cause pain .. I'm just SOL... my pouch has seriously shrunk though. I will be off this plateau in no time... If my brain can just slow down to the pouch's pace.

I know this was uncomfortable AND frightening. Dr. Bautista is going to be my surgeon. How did you feel about the way he handled your problem? Hope you continue to improve. Kim

Dr Bautista is and has always been wonderful. He was frustrated not to find a cause of the pain. I also see Jeanine one of the NPs for follow ups and she is to the point and caring. Good luck KIM!

Sorry to hear you had such a hard time. I too had every test known to man since March. Sept 1 my gastro at UVA finally gave me a Hydrogen Breath Test and diagnosed me w/ Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth. I had taken antibiotics in March and April w/ temporary relief. I finished the last antibiotic last week and am better for now and hoping it does not come back. I had alot of the pain in the ribcage as well as in other places. It would come and go some. It comes from a build up of good bacteria in our new altered system. I am also making sure I eat yogurt and take some probiotics in the mean times in hope that it wont return. Shannon

Shannon, Gah! I can't imagine how they finally found that cause. I'm glad they were able to help you. My "pain" is gone for now. I'm just tender from the exploratory lap. Thank goodness I have great insurance! I don't want to see these bills. Heather