Question:
Transient severe stomach cramps?

I'm really worried. I'm going to contact my surgeon about this; but I need to know if anyone else has had this happen or something similar? I'm just over 8 years post-op (12/08/02) with a Divided RNY. I went past my goal weight from 364 down to 156. I was able to keep this off for almost three years. I had an interstitial hernia repair exactly two years after surgery. During the time it took KP to get to the surgery, I became addicted to pain meds. I went through detox in April 05. By Sept of 05, I was up to 190 pounds, which I was able to maintain (ten pounds give or take) until my daughter's death (03/03/07). I once again ended-up on pain meds. I weighed about 230 when I went through detox again, last May. Now, I weigh nearly 300 pounds (285 last week); and I've been having transient spasms since last June. These are SEVERE, Sharp, Sudden, and painful (like being punched in the stomach, without warning). Each time it happens, I blow-up my tummy, hold my breath, stretch, and pray. I keep telling my husband that one day, this is going to hit and he'll need to call 911; because, I know that one day, it won't go away. Is that true? Is this something I need to be concerned about? Do have a legitimate reason for a revision; or have I totally blown it? Lisa    — Lisa P. (posted on February 3, 2009)

February 3, 2009
Lisa, You are dealing with major life crisis issues. You need to go to doctor and let them know what you are going through and have them determine what is the best course of action at this time. Stop waiting because it does sound serious. Don't wait until it is necessary for your husband or whomever else is around you has to call 911. I will pray for your safe recovery and put you in God's hands, Good Luck and God Bless, vinnigirl, retired RN
   — vinnigirl

February 3, 2009
Lisa, my heart goes out to you. Call your doctor and let them know about the abdominal pains immediately, you have been through so much and do not need to ignore this until it renders you completely helpless or in an emergent situation. I am so sorry for your loss, are you seeing a therapist or going to any support groups? There's a great one for grieving parents called Compassionate Friends. I have not had my surgery yet, so I don't know much about revision, but I think right now, the number on the scale should be the least of your concerns. I do not think you have "blown it" in any way, do not give up on yourself! We friends here at OH will never give up on you darlin'... keep your chin up, I will be praying for you.
   — Clumsybarbie

February 3, 2009
Lisa, I am concerned. Get yourself to the doc ASAP. I am 3 years out and alsostruggle with regain but I am more worried about your pain because it is not normal. Hang in there. You've really had it tough and my heart goes out to you.
   — cathmeister

February 3, 2009
Thank you everyone for your kind words. Amber was 16. I do miss her. I attend NA, although I'm in the Integrated Pain Management program (I'm not so sure about addiction anymore) but I have a loving sponsor. I'm also in Kaiser's CDRP aftercare program. They are so great! They accept you as you are if the dependency was from pain or addiction. I've received better support from them than I ever did from psychiatry. But, this pain struck me after the opiates left my system. The first time scared my husband and I to death! I figured it had to be from the drugs. I left a message with my primary care doctor last night. Knowing what I've read here on OH, he's going to call today. I'm pretty sure his reaction will be the same as yours. Has anyone else had this type of abdominal spasm before? What was the cause? It hits without warning and feels like a kick in the gut (and, that's what it looks like to an observer as I suddenly double over in pain.) I distend my tummy and it subsides. It's like a Charlie Horse in my intestines. Lisa
   — Lisa P.

February 5, 2009
Well I also have had stomach cramps. My doctor put me on meds. Said it was acid reflex or ulser. They said to stop taking the meds after 6 months see it the pain came back. It did so the doctor said to start using them again. They did not know why i am gaining so much wt back. I did get a infection in my toes they put me on meds for that it is painfull for me to walk. I had a scope done he said no acid reflux. Unsure about a ulser. I would need a xray for that. So I went to the dcotor and they said he was unsure about a xray. (see me hitting my head now) Me myself I think I don't eat enought I only eat about a cup of food for a meal three times a day. No sugar, no pop no bread. Now I have this real bad rash that comes and goes. of Course the day I went to the doctor he did not see a rask all over only on my back. I told him it was the same kind - he said it looked like dry skin. my e-mail is [email protected] would like suggestions
   — joehager

February 18, 2009
Well, it's been a terrible couple of weeks. Last Monday evening I ate too much cereal and had explosive vomiting. As I was knelt over the toilet seat, heaving, I experienced another attack of what can only be described as intestinal spasms. These feel like a sudden kick in the stomach, only relieved by distending my stomach. Needless to say, this is difficult to do while you're trying to puke. I woke up the next morning with a stabbing pain about a half inch to the left of my belly button. By last night, it hurt just to breathe. When I laid on my tummy it felt like I was on top of a small melon or fairly large orange. I finally went to the ER this afternoon. All of the labs were normal; and other than some stomach rotation, which the doctor said is normal??? the CT was also normal. So, WHY do I still hurt? And, why does it feel like Alien is trying to claw his way out of my tummy? The ER doc said I probably pulled something. What do you think? I can't believe this is nothing.
   — Lisa P.

March 13, 2009
Lisa, I am three years post-op and am past my goal weight at present (I haven't had the kinds of heartbreak and life challenges you have and my heart goes out to you). I too have intermittent terrible lower abdomen cramping but I think they may be less frequent than yours. They seem to come from out of the blue about every six months or so, but when they do, it's horrible! I break out in a cold sweat and feel like I'm going to pass out. Having a BM doesn't help; the pushing seems to make it worse. The last attack I had was just a few weeks ago. I had eaten at IHOP and had a few bites of a sweet pancake and the other food was probably too greasy (I'm unaccustomed to eating greasy foods anymore). That's the only thing I can think of that might have brought it on. Anyway, I had gone to a gastroenterologist about a year ago for an ulcer and I told him about the cramps and he prescribed medication; the brand name is Levsin/SL. It's a little pill that you put under your tongue when you start cramping. I've only used them once and that was quite awhile ago; I think they helped some but it took a little while to work. I'm wondering if you may need to see a gastroenterologist if you haven't already; it seems like what you have is much more severe than mine. I don't know if you're a praying woman, but I'll keep you in my prayers. Shannon
   — skileysc