Update on me...

Just thought I'd share a more complete picture of what's been going on with me, health wise.  I've posted snippets in various posts about Dr's appts, but thought I'd put it all together in 1 post.  This isn't to get any kind of sympathy... just to pass on what I'm going through 3 years out from RNY surgery.

I have been having some pouch irritation and pain.  I feel "yucky" and nauseated, but never throw up.  Just an overall general "I don't feel good" feeling.  Typically happens after I eat or drink something - but not all the time. I can't pinpoint it to any one food or drink.   I've had a few episodes of extreme - feel like I've been stabbed in the gut - feeling.  I did identify that happening after I drank something that was very acidic - and I even had food in my tummy.  3rd time, I couldn't relate it to anything. 

Along with the above, I have been clearing my throat a LOT - almost constantly on some days and have a lump in my throat that doesn't go away.  This has been going on for the better part of a year.  I notice it more when I drink cold drinks (the lump part).  The clearing part happens regardless if I've eaten or not. 

I have developed Reactive Hypoglycemia that now seems to happen whenever it feels like it.  2 nights ago I had 2 bites of banana bread... and that did it to me.  I'm becoming more and more sensitive to simple carbs... sugar doesn't seem to bother me as much anymore, but I don't pu**** 

So - I decided to make an appointment with my new PCP.  We discussed my symptoms and what was going on (sans the RH).  He referred me to a Gastroenterologist, and after my appointment with him, he said he wanted to do an endoscopy.  The endoscopy happened last Friday.  I had another follow-up appointment with my PCP yesterday, but he hadn't received the results back.  I also had a bacterial test yesterday where I had to blow into bags every 20 minutes - that is testing bacterial growth in my intestines.  Of course the Endo Dr talked while I was in my anesthesia fog and I don't remember much of what he said - even though I did ask for my pouch and stoma size... he said stoma was about 1/2".  Not sure if that's big or not, but it equates to 12.7mm.  And I do remember hearing "things looked good"... not sure what context that was in...  Tom didn't understand a word the Doc said.. not surprised.  But, when I had my consult with the Endo Doc, he did think it was reflux.  AND, you can have reflux without feeling the symptoms. 

HollyKim indicated she has the same issues as me - exactly.  Neither of us have our gallbladders and she is refluxing bile.  I did share this with my Dr and we both agreed to wait until we get the results back from the Endo Doc before changing any treatment.  Right now I'm just taking my Prevacid I've been taking since surgery, and he wants me to take it twice a day now.  No change to my symptoms. 

More conversation with the PCP indicated I needed to start documenting my RH episodes.  I do have a meter and never figured out how to use it, so last night I messed with it for quite awhile before I got it to work.  If anyone has had an RH episode, all you want to do is "get out of it"... I don't know if I'll be too patient with running for the meter, taking a blood sample, testing it THEN getting my peanut butter or OJ, but know its necessary to get a record of the occurrences.  I've passed out from a RH episode before, so I'm reluctant to let it go untreated for very long. 

I'm not looking forward to being on meds for the rest of my life, as that is how reflux is treated...

I want my pyloric valve back!  That would take care of my issues....

So we wait for the Endo Doc's report - then go from there. 

 I'm sorry you are having so many problems with reflux.  I have had severe GERD since I was 23 and very skinny.  I've been taking a PPI since then.  It's not too bad.  The meds aren't terrible and they work pretty good.  Personally, Prevacid doesn't touch my reflux.  Protonix works and so does Nexium.  Pretty much nothing else does.  If you don't get relief on one med don't be afraid to ask for a different one.  I hope you feel better soon.

Thanks Tonya!  Yes, I think we know I'll be put on something else, but waiting for now to see what the Gastro doc says and recommends.  I'm not in constant pain, but its a big inconvenience at times. 

Thanks for the Update Jody.  I've been wondering about you all morning.  Keep documenting and searching and I'm sure someone will be able to find out what's wrong.

Prayers and (((HUGS)))

Jody, I agree with Tonya about the meds.  DH has terrible reflux and the only one that works for him is the Protonix.  We have to get approval every six months from the insurance company for them to pay for 2 a day.  Nexium made him sick ant Prilosec and Prevacid didn't work for him at all.

I took Protonix years ago and I can't remember for what, but DO remember the insurance company giving me grief over it.  That's ok - its something I'll deal with when we get to that.

Also, my PCP wants to make sure that my vitamins aren't causing me issues... he understands that I HAVE to take them but wants to rule it out.  So there may be a week where I don't take any, then start introducing them back in slowly and monitoring it to see if there is one in particular that is giving me grief.    I don't think its it, but understand the need to rule things out. 

Gllad to have the update. will be interested to see what the gastro says. if it is partly bile,the treatment is not bad. one carafate tab 3 times a day. they r cheap and likely covered by every insurance plan.

That just feeling icky all the time is a bummer. I hated it. I couldn't stand to eat but my body was MAKING me need to eat .it was terrible.

Yep - I can definitely relate!

It won't be long and the results will be back - then we'll go forward!
 

Hope you feel better soon.

Jody, hope you can get it all figured out soon.  DH had to have an endoscope because he had the feeling something was hung in his throat and he has reflux(no WLS).  They put him on omeprazole, the generic for prilosec and his has improved tremendously.  Maybe if they change your medicine it will help like the others said.  Have you tried the Carafate?  That is some very powerful stuff and helped me really quickly.  If I eat too much tomato products mine gets upset.

I hated the finger sticking before WLS when I was borderline diabetes(and on medicine).

Good luck and keep us posted.

Linda