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Post by songbird177 on Jul 20, 2014 16:09:00 GMT -5
Just wondering if for those out there that had a bowel obstruction had diarrhea for awhile after their surgery? I had a bowel obstruction where most of my common channel died. They had to give me a new common channel by pulling down more intestine. I thought the TPN was the cause of the diarrhea but the surgeon at the hospital, who never did a DS, said diarrhea was normal and I couldn't take anything for it. They gave me some horrible low fat diet in the hospital and I am eating differently now so I know it's not what I am eating. This is just miserable. I don't think I even had diarrhea this horrible after a fresh DS. It's the explosive kind and gives me horrible back pain during the downtime. PCP can't see me until August and my bariatric surgeon prefers to be secondary. I know it's probably nothing but just wondering what your experience was with bathroom issues if you went through something similar? Thanks.
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Post by bboop on Jul 20, 2014 17:03:06 GMT -5
Fortunately, I've never had a bowel obstruction, but I do know that from what you have said, you should see a doc. The sooner the better. I wouldn't wait until August. Can you get in to see a gastro doc anytime before that? Tell them it's an emergency and what has happened and you are miserable, could they work you in a day or two. Be pushy. This is where you learn to advocate for yourself.
Diarrhea isn't any fun. It can dehydrate you fast. Been there done that. Drink liquid...this won't help the diarrhea but it's important. I have collagenous colitis so I know all about diarrhea. There are things that can be given that can stop it. Now with that being said, sometimes it takes a few days for the medication to work.
My heart goes out to you. The one reason I say get to a doc is the pain you are having. I would think you should be feeling better not worse. Remember if they want a CAT scan make sure they do it with contrast - they need to see everything.
Hugs - Betty
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Post by historytracker on Jul 20, 2014 18:56:45 GMT -5
Songbird - I have watched your transformation on You Tube that was amazing. I wish you a fast recovery and an emotionally healthy environment when you return home.
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Post by newyorkbitch on Jul 20, 2014 19:23:30 GMT -5
You need to get your full operative report from the surgeon who did your recent surgery, and send it to your bariatric surgeon. Immediately.
Wait hold on - who did this most recent surgery? A surgeon who has never done a DS ?
Who did your original DS? Oh I see it was Rabkin.
Rabkin has to see your op report.
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Post by newyorkbitch on Jul 20, 2014 19:27:24 GMT -5
Also - your issues now are not related to the bowel obstruction itself. Your issues have to do with having had sections of necrotic bowel removed, and have your intestines rearranged. Other people with bowel obstructions - their situations are not relevant to yours at all.
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Post by songbird177 on Jul 21, 2014 0:36:15 GMT -5
Well I stayed in the hospital for 3 weeks, now I'm in a recliner. Dr. Rabkin did the surgery but not sure if my insurance even paid him. They only transferred me down there because no one up here wanted to look at me because I had a DS. Then they transferred me back up here after a couple weeks in the hospital down there. I don't have a gastro doc and my insurance requires prior authorization. The hospital was so nice they only prescribed enough pain meds for a day. PCP won't help with this and the hospital says I am a drug addict despite just having this surgery and complications. I am hoping the home health nurses can figure out something tomorrow. My head isn't right being in this much pain. I tried taking a probiotic again today to see if that helps. Doc said fluids first, then protein, then vites.
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Post by songbird177 on Jul 21, 2014 0:39:26 GMT -5
The pain is better than it was. I was on dilaudid and 2 types of morphine at the hospital (also ended up having an abscess with a drain from hell) . Now I am on liquid Norco. For one more half dose anyways
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Post by Leonie on Jul 21, 2014 1:51:03 GMT -5
Hugs to you, girl. Pro-biotics sound like a good idea, but most likely not enough. But on the topic, what pro-biotics are you taking? After all the antibiotics and current diarrhea, you need the really big guns, those with billions of good guys. I get mine from the fridge at the pharmacy, but I know you can buy sachets. Rememeber to keep on hydrating. An electrolyte imbalance could make any amount of water useless to your body. Try something like pedialyte or the home-made version: 5 cups of drinking water 1 teaspoon salt 8 teaspoons sugar ( it seems to be needed - "your body uses a new mechanism that co-transports both sugar and glucose" They also mention adding potassium. I would add half a teaspoon of 'no-salt' perhaps a bit of vanilla essence for taste. infectiousdiseases.about.com/od/treatment/a/ORT.htmYOu can also check out rehydrate.org/solutions/homemade-ors.pdfBut if you develop any more symptoms, or it gets worse, get to the ER.
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Post by Girlrocker on Jul 21, 2014 10:13:27 GMT -5
Well I stayed in the hospital for 3 weeks, now I'm in a recliner. Dr. Rabkin did the surgery but not sure if my insurance even paid him. They only transferred me down there because no one up here wanted to look at me because I had a DS. Then they transferred me back up here after a couple weeks in the hospital down there. I don't have a gastro doc and my insurance requires prior authorization. The hospital was so nice they only prescribed enough pain meds for a day. PCP won't help with this and the hospital says I am a drug addict despite just having this surgery and complications. I am hoping the home health nurses can figure out something tomorrow. My head isn't right being in this much pain. I tried taking a probiotic again today to see if that helps. Doc said fluids first, then protein, then vites. I hope the home health nurses can help you too because this is horrible, to not receive pain medication? Maybe they can also recommend a PCP who has a conscious and some kind of heart/compassion?! In the meantime, can Dr. Rabkin help guide a course of action for post-op treatment, as in the next several weeks, so EVERYONE knows who is driving the bus, and you don't get treated this way. Perhaps make a recommendation for a GI doctor in your area? You need a GI specialist you can count on. I'm just horrified at this discriminatory abuse/lack of treatment because you are a DS/bariatric patient. Don't be afraid to contact Rabkin's office, see what they can do to help you get proper after care for this surgery.
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Post by newyorkbitch on Jul 21, 2014 10:16:10 GMT -5
Call Rabkin's office. Rabkin needs to speak to your PCP.
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Post by west4thavenue on Jul 21, 2014 12:20:54 GMT -5
I know you must feel like HELL. I'm so sorry! Not being able to get in to your PCP more quickly is NOT acceptable. NYB is right. Have Rabkin's office call your PCP. If that doesn't work, call your PCP's office and tell them you are coming in "RIGHT NOW" and they HAVE to work you in because you're not leaving until they do! Go in your jammies with your pillow and blanket if you have to!
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Post by newyorkbitch on Jul 21, 2014 12:25:50 GMT -5
Who did this most recent surgery? Rabkin or someone else?
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Post by songbird177 on Jul 21, 2014 13:04:17 GMT -5
Rabkin did the most recent surgery. The nurse on Saturday was under the impression I had a lap band so I am not sure what is going on. The social worker is coming today as well because I can't drive and am mostly on my own as far as care. 3 days before this happened my husband asked me for a divorce. He thinks caring for me is codependent and doesn't know how to have healthy boundaries. Now he says let's talk about it later and cuddled up to me once. I'm so confused. Also people I thought were friends bailed when I got sick so I don't really have anyone who can help me out. Will update what I hear from people today. I feel like an old, fragile woman.
The probiotics I take are primal defense ultra
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Post by newyorkbitch on Jul 21, 2014 13:08:27 GMT -5
You have to get in touch with Rabkin. he has to speak to your PCP, or help you get a new one...and you need a local GI doc as well.
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Post by songbird177 on Jul 21, 2014 16:38:46 GMT -5
Well I guess I have to live on extra strength Tylenol . Pcp won't prescribe something until he sees me but can't see me now or tomorrow . Soonest is the 30th now. I even had the nurse call and they kept putting her on hold. We reached out to Rabkin as well and let him know I can't get into pcp and I'm out of medication . This is ridiculous . There isn't even someone on call for pcp.
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Post by songbird177 on Jul 21, 2014 16:39:17 GMT -5
Insurance says I can't get a new pcp until the first :/
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Post by songbird177 on Jul 21, 2014 20:06:51 GMT -5
Woohoo ! Rabkin was able to call something in. Thank god !
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Post by newyorkbitch on Jul 21, 2014 20:28:06 GMT -5
And when that runs out?
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Post by Girlrocker on Jul 22, 2014 8:21:11 GMT -5
Woohoo ! Rabkin was able to call something in. Thank god ! I'm glad about that so you have some relief. But you need to talk to Dr. Rabkin so that he gets in touch with your PCP, your other treators, so they stop fighting you, he is the surgeon, he is driving the bus for your post-operative recovery, and they need to know what his recommendations are, you're going to be dealing with the aftermath for a while still, not just the immediate pain management.
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Post by songbird177 on Jul 29, 2014 0:02:27 GMT -5
Just wanted to update. I am still struggling with fluids and food. For some reason liquids are rough for me to get in. Also, I can't feel much of my stomach due to them cutting the nerves there so I don't feel hunger or fullness. For awhile I was throwing up and the nurses suggest I eat a bite of something every five minutes and see if I throw up or not. This was weird for me considering what I ate before surgery. I got into a habit of eating a whole burger with a bun and fixings and now I have a couple bites and that's it. I developed nausea as well which made it tougher to get in fluids/food. I was losing 3 lbs every other day and the nurses suggested a feeding tube or more TPN if I don't stop losing so I started trying any food, even bad carbs I know to give me gas, and just take a gas X with it. I never want any more tubes or TPN if I can help it after that drain hell with the surgery. I stopped losing weight according to the scale yesterday and even gained a pound! I got down to the 120s and my surgeon said anything under 140 is underweight. For some reason I tolerate solid better than fluid/soft now, too. I eat things like eggo waffle with butter, some french fries, in and out cheeseburger with bread, greek yogurt, cheese, etc. Not doing much for protein but taking baby steps. Hopefully soon I'll be able to tolerate shakes again. I finally am able to get into my PCP on wednesday. Needless to say I am switching doctors on the first. Sorry if I mentioned this before. Brain is running on fumes and is medicated for the moment.
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Post by songbird177 on Jul 29, 2014 1:43:25 GMT -5
I made this tonight and it is sitting wonderfully. It is low carb so I thought I'd share it in case others are interested: genaw.com/lowcarb/pumpkin_bake.htmlIt tastes like the inside of a pumpkin cheesecake. I used real sugar in mine instead so mine is not low carb in hopes I can gain some weight. Also anything sugar free goes right through me.
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Post by teachermomolp on Jul 29, 2014 8:21:14 GMT -5
Songbird- you have been through it. When I was recently ill with a perforated ulcer and no one would help/see me, my insurance company actually got involved. I have United Health Care. They have an RN (well, many, I assume) who work with patients to make sure that they are getting the care they need. They called on my behalf and got things rolling. Check and see if your insurance has a nurse advocate. It was so hard to know up from down on pain meds and being in pain, so I get you. You need someone with medical knowledge to be on it for you. Can you try that?
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Post by newyorkbitch on Jul 29, 2014 8:38:26 GMT -5
songbird I am concerned that you are still on narcotics.
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Post by songbird177 on Jul 29, 2014 15:52:11 GMT -5
Yes I have the home health nurses calling on my behalf as well. Yesterday the PCP didn't even answer the phone.
NYB - if there is another medication I can take, I am all for it. I hate taking meds but when I don't take it the pain goes to an 8. I asked if this was normal and they said yes considering what I went through. The pain is slowly improving I have noticed. When I got home I'd cry when I had to poop/pee because of the pressure. Now it is not an issue except for gas when I take the pain meds, anyhow. I just hold my breath or breathe shallow to get through it. I tried extra strength tylenol and that did nothing except wake the neighbors from my screaming/crying. I'm still in the recliner for the pain and weakness as well.
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Post by songbird177 on Jul 29, 2014 15:53:14 GMT -5
Also yesterday the home health nurse said they may order a home health aide for me to help with showering/household stuff and an occupational therapist.
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Post by jpcello on Jul 30, 2014 4:50:18 GMT -5
Songbird - one side effect of pain meds is constipation. Try to take a stool softener to see if that helps with the pressure when you go to the bathroom.
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