Question:
How do YOU or how did YOU detect a serious problem before Doc?

I am pre-op and am so scared that I will not be able to detect an underlying problem after surgery. How can you or how did you know that something wasn't right? Leak, obstruction, blood clot, etc. Any comments would be great, and really ease my mind! Thanks!    — Tiffany A. (posted on August 27, 2003)

August 27, 2003
It's like if you feel like you are coming down with the flu. You know something is wrong, and your mind starts working to try define the symptoms. After surgery, you know there may be some incisional pain. But if there is increased pain, that can be a sign of a problem. If you have nausea, vomiting, or pain in places you shouldn't have pain - like a leg - you know that is not right. You will know when something is wrong. As an example, my husband was ready to go back to work after lap RNY. On Friday, he started having some stomach pain and was able to eat less. On Saturday, he started having dry heaves. On Sunday, the dry heaves were worse, and we called the MD on call and got some medication ordered. On Monday (the day he was supposed to go back to work) we called the surgeon. He wound up having an endoscopy and had a small ulcer. It healed up quickly with medication. At any rate, you will be able to know when something is wrong.
   — koogy