Question:
I have a terrific pain in my side lately.

This pain is under my ribs and I have been vomiting alot lately due to problems. My husband said something about women having a floating rib and that's what it feels like. Maybe I bruised it? This is what it feels like...like a huge bruise but it's concerning me. Is there really something such as this and if not, what the heck could this be? I just seem to have awoken with it this morning.    — Barbara H. (posted on March 30, 2002)

March 30, 2002
How far post op are you? Is the pain right or left side? I would call your surgeon asap and ask for his/her opinion. My surgeon advised that if I didn't feel progressively better or felt progressively worse to give him a call. Take good care. -Kim
   — KimBo36

March 30, 2002
Kim I didn't want to give you the impression that I am newly postop. I am 3 years postop and thanks for caring.
   — Barbara H.

March 30, 2002
You should call your surgeon immediately. One of the rare complications of WLS is a blockage to the non-functioning limb of the bowel that transports bile and pancreatic fluids. If that becomes blocked, it doesn't show on an X-ray and the typical symptoms of bowel blockage don't apply. Pain and sometimes extreme nausea are the only clues. The closure can come from adhesions (scar tissue) or twisted bowel, but it can become life-threatening. So, get thee to the doctor!
   — merri B.

April 1, 2002
Many years ago my spleen became inflamed from toxins in my body after child birth (toxic shock) the first symptom was pain under my ribs like I bruised my ribs.. My spleen had become inflamed and had enlarged to the point of rupture.. Also I have read where the liver can cause same symptoms, however, most generally other symptoms follow like jaundice, diarrhea and fever.. Barbara please see your doctor asap to rule out any serious problem.. Please feel free to write me any time.
   — Victoria B.

April 11, 2002
Have a surgeon do a cat scan and look at the junction point of your surgery at the intestine. Tell him to look for any signs of an intussception or telescoping of the small intestine. This can cause the section of intestine to die and will require surgery to reverse it. Get checked immediately.
   — Peter S.