Ulcer & Inflamed Intestines

Hello everyone,

I haven't been here in forever as I get too caught up in life and the lives of my children.

Up until my 3.5 week stall, I was doing really well.  Things have sort of gone down hill since the stall.  I started losing again, but then I started getting pain that I contributed to severe gas that was trapped.  The first time it happened was week before last... three days where I thought I was going to die.  Then it went away.  Then last week, it started on Tuesday and by Thursday in addition to the pain (and the rumbling tummy and belching) I felt nauseated.  Finally, Thursday night I asked my fiance to take me to the ER.  At the ER I had to drink contrast and they did a CT Scan.  This hospital not being familiar with the surgery I had done said the CT Scan showed abnormalties near the staple line (which they thought was an abcess) and had me transferred by ambulance (wouldn't let Rick drive me) to Arnot where I had my sugery done at 3 in the morning.  Friday morning, Dr. Rahman did an endoscopy and I have a huge ulcer in my new pouch.  He asked if I had started smoking or drinking or eating chocolate.  I answered no to all three.  I guess he biopsied the ucler to see if it was bacteria related.  Anyway, he started me on two antibiotics and two ulcer medications.  He also said that what was apparent in the CT Scan performed by my local hospital was not an abcess, rather inflamation and he wanted to do an upper GI to rule out blockage.  That was done on Saturday and there was no blockage, just swelling.  Dr. Rahman has placed me back on the Phase 2 diet (full liquids) for two weeks along with these antibiotics and scheduled a follow-up appointment with him on the 29th.  He said if I am still having pain, he may have to "go back in".  I'm not sure what he thinks he may find, but I guess time will tell.  I still have discomfort, I liken it to being kicked in the stomach, but it isn't the breath stealing pain from earlier in the week.

Anyone else experience anything like this?  My surgery was March 29th.

No... can't say that i had anything like that... just had a stricture that made me not be able to swallow my pills and was tossing whatever I ate. (but that was very early out from my surgery- month 2) 
 .... just want to wish you well... I hope the antibotics help settle things down for you and you get feeling better SOON!!!

Knock on wood I haven't had a stricture... did they have to reoperate for that?

The antibotics have helped I guess because the pain has subsided completely now, but everything goes straight through me!  I called my doctor's office yesterday and they said it is the Cipro and Flagyl that is giving me the runs.  Oh goodie, and I have another week of it to take!!

I'm so sorry you had to go through this.  The interesting part to me is the chocolate question!  I certainly understand the drinking and smoking.  I'm so glad the pain has backed off but always make sure to call your doc when you start to feel badly.  I've heard many stories where post-ops just don't feel like they should "bother" their doc.  Well that's what they are paid for!  Bless your heart...I feel so badly for you that you had to go through that pain.  Please keep us posted ok? 
hugs, Y

Thanks, Yvonne!  Yeah, the chocolate question threw me too but I'm thinking maybe caffeine?  He could have said coffee though... ~lil shrug~

I am wondering
Did your doctor test for H. Pylori bacteria prior to surgery?

 I honestly don't know.  I know he did an endoscopy.  I will have to ask when I go back to see him a week from today.  I do know that he did a biopsy on the marginal ulcer I have now.  I just really want answers because I have followed my surgeon's directions to a T.  I make sure I get all of my protein in every day.  Drink the correct amount of fluid.  Been exercising 4 days a week.  Didn't advance on my diet before I was directed to.  ~shaking my head~  And I haven't smoked, drank or had chocolate!  ~laughing~

I am VERY impressed with that question!!  For those that don't know that is very important but it can only be remedied before surgery.  Way to go girl!
hugs, Y

They completed a blood test first on me like 3 months ago checking for the H.Pyloryi bacteria antibodies.  This bacteria lives deep in the lining of the stomach.  It is believed that they are the primary cause fof most ulcers.  

I tested positive for the antibody.  So in May the Doctor gave me a ****tail of three antibiotics to take four times a day along with pepto bismal for 15 days.  The timing and process for when and how to take the antibiotics is very specific - and detailed.  Apparently this bacteria is tough to kill.

Then last week they gave me a breath test - you drink something wait 15 minutes - then they test your breath.  Apparently if you have the bacteria in your stomach they give off some kind of gas when you ingest something.  Mine luckily came back negative.  If not my surgery would have been postponed until after I completed the complicated regiment of antibiotics. 

So...  I am wondering if you need the ****tail of several antibiotics along with the pepto ...?