Question:
After 4 weeks my DH's stomach is not emptying.

He's been in the hospital for a week with an NG tube. The tube came out Sunday and yesterday he was x-rayed 3 times and the dyed drink is not moving. When they scoped him a week ago there was not a blockage. If it's not a stricture, and just the stomach not starting up again, what can be done? Is 4 weeks extremely long? Could it still start up? Has anyone else had this? What's the upshot? I had this last July without any of these problems. I'm worried sick. Thanks for your help.    — Sunny S. (posted on June 17, 2003)

June 17, 2003
Hi. Hugs. This is pretty scarey. I'm praying for you and your DH. Did you have RNY? If you had RNY, the stomach doesn't "start up" again at all. It is simply a matter of eating and drinking... you don't have a typical stomach any more. Things generally just slide through slowly. Is he able to void his bladder and bowels? If not, it could be a blockage further down the works, perhaps where they reconnected the original outlet of the stomach to the restructured intestine. The upshot? If it is that spot, the worst case scenario is having to go back in laproscopically and redoing that new connection. It could simply be scar tissue build up, too... If he scars easily, his inner scar tissue can be huge and press on stuff, hence a blockage. Keep your chin up and keep it together. You will both get through this. Four weeks out is not a long time when it comes to blockages. THey can occure at any time after the surgery... even five years out or longer! Email me, and I'll try to explain this better, if you want! Again, hugs and prayers. It will all work out in the long run.
   — Sharon M. B.

June 17, 2003
I don't have an answer for you, but wanted you to know I would keep you both in my thoughts that things get better soon!
   — [Deactivated Member]

June 18, 2003
Original poster. We both had the BPD. Bowels are not working. Bladder is now that he has had an IV in for a week. They've sent him home with a central line and still being fed that way. He's still to take nothing by mouth. Monday we go back for the dye and x-ray thing. I appreciate your help.
   — Sunny S.

June 18, 2003
Maybe the docs are just being conservative and using "tincture of time", hoping things will get started up again on their own. It sounds like gastroparesis and some diabetics are plagued by this sometimes. I think there are some medications that may help, but they may be holding off on these because of the recent surgery. I hope things get better soon - keep us posted!
   — koogy

June 18, 2003
I had the same problem, gastroparesis. The stomach remains paralysed, and just takes time for the nerve supply to return to normal. It was very distressing both for me and my husband who cleaned up after I vomitted all the fluids I had taken in for the day. After 3 weeks it settled and I have only vomitted once in the past 12 weeks. Things should start to settle down for him. Good Luck.
   — Jane M.