Question:
Blind loop syndrome

Has anyone had or know about blind loop syndrome. I am almost four years post-op and in the last 4 months I have been hospitalized six times with either a partial bowel obstruction, intussception of the small bowel or complications from colitis. I think the Dr.'s are finally on the right track when after 4 months he thinks I have blind loop syndrome but after week of antibiotics I am not feeling better. My bowels will literally partially obstruct on a daily basis causing agonizing pain and the colitis causes me to suffer with a painful dermatitis, dehydration and joint pain and swelling. I have also ben fighting a MRSA (antibiotic resistant staph) that keeps recurring despite the antibiotics and I've been unable to keep a PICC line in place for the IV antibiotics that I need because I've had 4 deep vein blood clots from the lines. I'm sorry to ramble but I've spent more time in the hospital over the last four months than I've spent at home and I can't go on like this any longer. I'm beginning to think of a reversal because I'm so sick. They are trying to get me to keep in enough fluids that I don't have to be fed IV nutrition because I keep clotting. Any words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated...I had the surgery to improve my quality of life and get healthy but I feel that if something doesn't change soon I may not make it through this. I'm feeling desperate. Thanks....Denise    — denisel (posted on March 3, 2007)

March 3, 2007
Denise, I am very sorry to say I know nothing about this syndrome. I am very moved to hear of your suffering and amd holding you in my heart and prayers. I wish you peace and ease, and hope that you will find health and comfort and relief from this ordeal. with very best wishes, Jane C
   — Jane C.

March 3, 2007
Have you been seeing the same doctor/surgeon throught your ordeal? My suggestion is to seek a 2nd opinion from someone else who is independent of your current doctor or his medical associates and organization. After four months "THINKS" you have blind loop syndrome? This is, in my mind ABOMINABLE. I'm especially concerned about the deep vein clots you mentioned. And you're being treated with antibiotics without a notion on your doctors part as to what specific bacteria is involved? My dear, *PLEASE* get yourself seen by another doctor/medical group, preferably one that specializes in the problems you are having. This should NOT be happening to you without better diagnosis and treatment (surgery?) for such an extended period.
   — [Deactivated Member]

March 3, 2007
Denise... I did a yahoo search on 'blind loop syndrome' and came up with about 280,000 hits... lots of info out there on it.. suggest that you get to reading and maybe there are suggestions in there, that could help the doc's. nothing wrong with going to the doc prepared with some recognized journel articles in your possession... good luck.. sounds like you have been to hell and not quite back yet... my prayers are with you.. Kari
   — Kari_K

March 4, 2007
1st, my heart goes out 2 u, I've been where you are and its scary. I was misdiagnosed and treated for blind loop syndrome. I spent an entire year of nights lying on a cold bathroom floor, where on dr.'s instruction, when obstructing...can't get food down, can't get gas out...use enema, which was daily. Sometomes they'd stay in there for hours b4 finally freeing up blockage. I complained that both my parents were diabetics, and something wasn't right. Correct diagnosis: Nesidioblastosis (Insulinoma) Following Roux-en-y Bypass. It is a basically benign tumor of the pancreas that produces 2 much insulin, and no matter what or how often I ate, I stayed in this hypoglycemic state, or my blood sugar sky-rocketed to 345 then dropped to 34. It didn't REALLY get any consideration until I was found unconscious twice. With proper medication, the gastric problems disappeared, so did my extreme low B/P. Please have them start checking your blood sugar if in hospital (every 2 hrs if under 100/every 4 hrs if over 100); and get a meter of your own to use at home. Also, following my surgery I was dx with thyroid prob., so have that checked too. Bless you and good luck,and please don't give up...I almost did, but went thru 5 endocrinologists until I found ONE that was familiar with insulinoma following gastric bypass. There is an article in New Eng Journal of Medicine. If you can't find it, let me know and I'll try and help you. Yours, Jo Ann [email protected]
   — PedalSteelGirl

March 4, 2007
Hi Denise. I read some of your answers, and is sounds like you have been given some good advice. I won't add to that, but agree that a second opinion and being your own best advocate is the answer here. Get on line, there is a lot of research you can be doing for yourself, ask questions and don't give up. I am so sorry for your difficult time, but don't give up. Sometimes you have to think outside the box to get an answer. Hope you take some of the advice that others have given you. Take care, Patricia P
   — Patricia P

March 4, 2007
Thank you all so much for your insight and suggestions. I will take advantage of all that has been offered to me. It is interesting though that through all of this I have been having dangerously low blood sugar levels...I assumed this was a side effect of my malabsorption rather than the cause of it. I will definately check deeper into this as well as the other suggestions given. Thanks again for all of your support, suggestions and well wishes. Denise (original poster)
   — denisel