Question:
Bacteria growth/infection where stomach was stapled off?

I am 2 1/2 years postop and have been having problems w/gas and diarreah for about 4 months now. I had an emergency appendectomy in November, and a colonoscopy in December. The doc thinks that the area where my stomach was stapled off and the part of my intestine that's not being used have accumulated bacteria, which led to infection. She thinks that caused the problems w/my appendix and the gas and diarreah. (sometimes it's not diarreah, it's just loose and very frequent bowel movements, mostly in the a.m. and sometimes in the middle of the night) I was given 2 weeks of amoxicillin and it seemed to clear up for a few weeks. Now the symptoms are starting to return, so I was put back on amoxicillin. I requested that they do a stool sample to make sure that the infection they suspect is actually the problem, so I will be taking care of that in the next day or so. Has anyone had this type of infection, and if so, did it take awhile to clear up? I'm starting to get concerned. I appreciate any responses - thanks!!    — Wendy H. (posted on January 13, 2005)

January 13, 2005
Hmmmmmmmmmm. A number of things about that theory sound odd to me, but what the heck do I know. In your shoes, I'd take this question to the Yahoo Grads list. There are lots of long-term posties there who've had lots of weird experiences, and, more important, many are smart folks who aren't afraid to test medical theories. If you don't get an answer here, try: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Graduate-OSSG
   — Suzy C.

January 13, 2005
While bacterial overgrowth or some infection is possible, I'm much more inclined to look for horses, rather than zebras. When I have those symptoms, it's because I'm eating too many carbs . . . sugars, or bread things, or milk, or sugar alcohols. Is there a chance that this is all it is for you? Good luck . . .
   — RWH G.

January 14, 2005
First, you need a blood culture and sensitivity. This will show what type of infection and what med it will take to kill it. I am a nurse and this is what needs to be done. This will tell if it truly is a bacteria or infection. Let us hear from you.
   — debi327

January 14, 2005
I would respectfully disagree with the previous poster, a blood culture would show if you had bacteria in your blood, if you did you would be seriously life threateningly ill. that would be caleed sepsis. On the other hand a CBC (complete blood count) would give an over view of your white blood cells and if they were high it might indicate an infection. The stool sample is an EXCELLENT idea. Your *doctor* is the one qualified however to diagnose and treat your disease and none of us is qualified or able to diagnose you over the computer even if we were doctors ourselves.
   — **willow**