Valuable Lesson: Don't let doctors dismiss your pain!

Have you had a whole set of labs for vitamin deficiency?  I'm thinking B1 (thiamine), B12, folate, Vitamin D -- you can have permanent nerve damage from vitamin deficiency!  Signs will demonstrate themselves in the extremities and then all over b/c your CNS is dying / backfiring, etc. from deficiency. I'd think they'd have done this but I'm amazed at what doctor's don't THINK of with post-op bariatric patients. If you haven't had a full work up, have one ASAP. Bring in the labs you want done. Michelle (Vitalady) has a listing with the codes, etc. that you should have checked.  You can get it from her or I'm sure she'd let me pass on her copy.  PM me!

Thanks V.  I did have blood work done recently and everything was fine.  I did not show to be deficient in anything.

Check out my profile -- I think there is information there however scattered that will be of benefit to you.   As for the labs, normal ranges are not necessarily a normal range for YOU!  What was your B12 level?  What was Thiamine level?  If your B12 is under 1000, start treating that immediately.  I read a lot that people are in the normal B12 range but they have classic symptoms of B12 deficiency!!!!!   YIKES!!!!   I was SEVERELY anemic (PA) from B12 deficiency but my B12 level was 424 which is in range.  We have since learned that I need to be at least over 800 and I'm better over 1000.  Also, supplementing with high dosages of VItamin C can affect the number showing on the B12 lab level and b/c Vit C is included in just about every supplement I take, I take a lot of Vitamin C.  Other vitamins and medications can affect lab results so it's crucial to know these things along with finding out what YOUR levels should be!  What is your supplementation regimine? This stuff scares me half to death.  I shouldn't be here really.  I'm very fortunate though I fear that I am still not "out of the woods."   God help us all!

Bridget,   I am so sorry. It sounds like you have been to hell and back. I am glad you are on the path to good health. Thanks for sharing your story.

Hi, I am glad you are doing better. You have to keep trying until someone listens to you. When I had my band slip, I was in terrible pain. It went on all day. My fluid was taken out of my band and I had xrays to find out where my band was. Finally I couldn't take it anymore. I called my surgeon and he admitted me to the hospital. I was dehydrated. The blood flow was cut off to my esophagus. If it was another 24 hours before I got into surgery, I would have perforated my esophagus. I am doing great now. I have had no problems since. You just have to be the squeaky wheel that needs the oil. Mona

I haven't posted here in a long time (I am almost 4 years post op) but your posting was extremely important!! My friend Patricia DIED 2 mos ago because of an undiagnosed bowel obstruction (She was also almost 4 years post rny).  She had terrible stomach pains diagnosed at the hospital as food poisoning six mos b4 her death.  Six mos later she again. developed severe pains one evening and was dead 12 hours later from a bowel obstruction.  The doctor covering for her weight loss surgeon (who was out of town) told her to drink some warm tea nad sea if the pain subsides.  No one at the ER (large major hsopital with obesity surgery wing) diagnosed the problem...did not show on cat scan....until exploratory surgery while she was on life support...and then it was 2 late to save her. It seems we are prone to a type of internal hernia in the "Peterson space" that can become strangulated  and cause death.  It kis rare.  Only way to absolutely diagnose it is through surgery and it does not seem to matter if you are several years out.  They used to think it only happened in the first few years but are now finding people 4+ years out with this problem. We must be aggressive in seeking treatment for all stomach pains. Please all of you with this terrible pain talk to your surgeon and ask about this type of internal hernia.

Hi,  I am sooo sorry for your loss. It is very sad. I will be taking this information to my DR. You may want to repost this info so more people see it. being on the second page of this post, I almost missed it. This is extremely valuable information that everyone needs to know.  This info could maybe save someone elses life. Take care and thank you.

Hi Pam As you can see it is 3:30am.  I am experencing similar pain over the last 2 days. Here is my story maybe you can help me.  I went out on Wed night and ate 4 ck wings and leaf spinach. Upon arriving home I started to experience gas like pains. The pains continued all night long. The next day I felt a little better just thought the leaf spinach agree with. Thursday night comes and the pain was worse I felt like I was going to die.  My husband wanted to take me to the hosp but I didn't want to go just incase it was gas only. Plus I do not have any health ins at this time.  I stayed home from work friday and felt alittle better until night time came.. The pain comes and goes. As soon as i try to lay down it hurts really bad.  I am afraid to eat anything. Just been drinking water and my protein shakes.  Haven't been able to go #2 since Wed night.  Please help....  Sorry about my spelling but my stomach is killing me...

Christine, I just got your message.  I'm certainly not a doctor. But what you describe worries me.  If this is still going on since Wednesday, and here it is Saturday - it's not  just a simple case of gas.   Having said that: Important questions to ask yourself: Have you been able to pass any gas or stool at all during this time? Are you in pain that keeps you from normal activities?  **IF YOU ANSWERED YES TO THE ABOVE TWO QUESTIONS - GO TO THE ER** Things you will need to tell your doctor/ER staff: -  That you have had gastric bypass surgery and when -  Your gastric bypass surgeons name and phone number - tell them to consult him -  Description of your pain:  where it is, whether it is constant or comes and goes like labor pains, intensity -  Does the pain worsen upon eating (or in your case, after drinking)??  -  ANY changes in your stool (color, frequency, diameter, loose or firm, whether or not it contains mucus, whether or not it contains anything that looks like red jelly, whether or not it is black, etc) -  Allergies to medications -  NSAID and Sugar restrictions -  Any medications you are taking, including vitamins ** you may want to write all of these answers on a card or paper and give it to your husband, because these questions come up over and over again - this way, if you are unable to answer these questions due to pain medications or unconciousnes - he can answer for you** Gosh that's all I can think of at the moment - I'm trying not to waste too much time writing the message - so I can hurry up and get it to you..... I know you are worried about not having insurance and believe me, I understand that completely.  However, your life is more important.  If you are awake at 3:30 in the morning and the pain is kiling you - I think you need to go to the ER.   The single most important test you can have with these symptoms is the abdominal CT with contrast.  KEEP in mind, however, while this is the best test for showing bowel obstructions and abnormalities - VERY often, internal hernia's and adhesions do not show up when they in fact DO exsist!  THIS is why it is VERY important to include your gastric bypass surgeon.  If they can't get a hold of your gastric bypass surgeon - have them get another one in there or at the VERY least get a gastroenterologist that is very familiar with gastric bypass anatomy. I hope you are feeling better by the time you get this and that everything is okay.  BUT if you are still dealing with this pain - please go to the ER.  Don't take a gamble with your life. (((((((hugs))))))) Pam

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU..............After passing out with abdominal pain for the third time, with veins so closed down, it took stick after stick to start an IV, and them shrugging their shoulders as to what might be causing it,  a colleague in my office researched this site and passed the information on to me (she's as thin as a rake, but has seen this happen to me 2 out of the 3 times). I have to tell you, eah time became worse and I honestly though I was going to die this last time - and I'M A NURSE!!  I am usually able to 'diagnose' myself better than any doctor can, but this had me beat.  The first time was combined with a hypoglycemic episode, so I thought it was that - but the two time following, my blood sugar has been fine - despite, the bloating, pain, nausea, sweating and dizziness. The ER docs couldn'e tell me what it was or how to prevent it -and now I couldn't either, so I was TERRIFIED of what might happen if this occurred when I was out in public (God is SOOOO good, all three times I've actually been in a hospital environment and taken immediately to ER). Armed with yours and others stories and with the information therein - I went to my new doctor (I 'fired' the last one, who 'shrugged' his shoulders...).  He really listened and has sent an urgent referral to our Bariatric specialist in South Bay  - plus given me some medication that actually seems to help (Belladona!!!!!), as I have constant low grade discomfort after eating now, but I HAVE HOPE. I had my surgery in 2000, and except for occasional hypo espisodes and maintaining the weight loss, have had few problems - but this "kicked my BUTT".  Really - I can't thank you all enough for sharing your stories - and my office mate for finding you for me. One thing I would like to share with you all, is the only way I manage to fight the demon of food compulsion is by attending Overeaters Anonymous, it is an incredible program - has a website which lists meetings etc.  My first time in it in 1992 I lost 90 lbs and thought I'd GOT IT after 5 years and left. By 2000 I was 220lbs again and went for surgey, as I STILL thought I could handle the emotional stuff and my food addiction alone, now I had the knowledge.  I lost 57 lbs (163), maintained it for a year or so before gradually grazing back to 175, starting 'dieting' until I was 187 and for the last 6 months been back in OA - HALLELUJAH, I'm loving life, myself and others again.