Upset Tummy

 Hello Yvonne, and everyone :)

I have had an upset tummy for over two weeks now....15 days.  When I last posted (in a different place).  Mr. Dr's office (the PA actually), had told me that I could have a possible stricture or maybe something I ate didn't agree with me, and that the burping problem was from swallowing too much air (my symptoms were burping, pain where my pouch is located, churning stomach that actually makes a ton of noise, an upset stomach, and sometimes, a lower stomach ache).  This occured after 4 weeks of no problems at all (surgery was RNY on 8/15/11)., and I had just added soft foods, with new foods being pineapple and beef a few days before having the tummy trouble. In addition, she added Acti-Gall (to prevent gallstones) and Vit B12 a few days before I got sick. Her advice was to go back to liquids for a week and see if that cleared it up.  I have not thrown up or had diahrrea.  A week later, my symptoms were the same.....lliterally even my gummy vitamins and water bother me.  I went in to the Dr. and only the PA was available.  This time, with the same exact symptoms she said she didn't think it was a stricture, as I'm not throwing up.  She thinks it's either lactose intolerance or possibly an ulcer.  She prescribed an antacid and something to coat my stomach to make it feel better and told me to stay on clear liquids.  That was 6 days ago, and my symptoms are the same.  I'm having a tough time mentally right now, as feeling sick for this long is getting to me.  I have not been able to get all of my protein down at all...maybe a drink a day.....so probably about 30 grams...the protein drinks just turn my stomach right now.  I've been feeling like 7 up would make me feel better, but I know I'm not supposed to have carbonation.  I've also thought something like soda crackers might help (yet I know that carbs are not a good food choice)....I'm starting to wonder if I'm not feeling good from not eating..like if I just had something solid in my stomach it might feel better.....not sure if I should try that or not.  I'm also a bit low on energy....I'm guessing from taking only about 90 calories each day, maybe 200 on a good day.  The good news is that I am getting in my water :)

If anyone has experienced anything like this, I'd love to hear how it worked out for you :).

I wish each of you the best!

 Ok, a quick new update.  I just spoke with the PA again, and told her I have the same symptoms, except the pain around my pouch is going away.  Now she says I should try pureed foods again, and some saltine crackers and some ginger, and that possibly this sick feeling in my stomach is my new "normal" that some people feel that way forever after surgery (I'm praying this isn't the case!)

Bless your heart.  I want you to be in their face at the doc's.  OK, maybe you do have a stricture that liquids go through but not anything solid.  Since she said crackers were OK you can get diet 7-up and put it in ice and let it sit a bit so the carbonation goes down. Go very very slow.  I'm sure you aren't feeling good from so few calories.  Don't feel bad about parking yourself in the doc's office.  This isn't right and you are getting in so few calories that I think you need to tell them.  Are you drinking anything with milk?  I've heard of ulcers and strictures but clearly they need to help you.  Have they discussed doing an EGD so they can look in your stomach?  That would give you an immediate answer.  Be tough with them and insist on some help.

I'm so sorry it's been a couple of days.  I have a harder time getting back to the group and I have to get better!  The reason about the carbonation is long but it's not about blowing up your pouch.  Your stomach is open on both ends so that wouldn't happen.  Sometimes you really have to be your own advocate.  Please let me know sweetie.
Hugs, Y

 Thanks, Yvonne :),  I met with both the Dr.and the P.A., and got some new info:

1) No, nauseated, should not be my new " normal"
2) No, it's not lactose intolerance (or I'd feel better after stopping milk)
3) Some people do go through a period of nausea...could be caused by the stomach getting irritated, and then not eating for so long can make you feel bad, but it is temporary
4) She doesn't think it's anything serious, but does understand and agree that something must be done
5) Doesn't think an upper GI is necessary right now

Here were here recommendations:
1) Gave me anti-nausea med
2) Gave me a new med to coat my stomach 
3) I need to push through and get protein in (suggested pudding with protein in it)
4) Said I was Vitamin D and B deficient, suggested I take supplements
5) Is concerned that I'm losing weight too quickly, losing muscle....(again, gotta get the protein in) (I've been losing about 5 lbs per week for the last three weeks)
6) Wants to see me back in a week to re-evaluate

She was great, very understanding, very encouraging.   I am feeling better .....not totally better, tummy wise, but better.  Energy is still low, but I've got a ways to go on getting all the protein in.

Thank you so much for the wonderful advice!

Lori

 Oh and one more thing she did:  She said to stop taking the Acti-gal (supposed to keep you from getting gall stones).   (possibly that's the culprit?)

 Yvonne, I forgot to ask....what is the real deal with carbonation?  Thanks!

 A quick update this morning....and GOOD NEWS!  I'm on day 3 of feeling better...not fabulous, but MUCH better.  For two days now, I've gotten all of my protein in.  Thank you, Jesus!!!!!    I don't know why that is.....the only thing I've done differently is started taking my Calcium Citrate and Vitamin D in a fluid instead of gummies.  Perhaps is just coincidental.   At any rate, I'm so grateful, and hope this means this phase is on it's way out!!!!