Scary Complication!
shandylynn
Posts: 37
So last Wednesday morning, I awoke at around 4 AM to horrible stomach pain, up under my sternum and left ribs. I also had pain in my left shoulder/chest area. I went to the ER where they determined I had free air under my diaphragm, which was causing the pain. Free air means it is outside of the stomach/intestines, which means there is a bowel perforation somewhere. They sent me by ambulance to the hospital 3 hours away where my surgeon was. Further testing showed that wherever the perforation was, it had most likely sealed itself back over. The pain slowly went away, and I was discharged friday afternoon on a liquid diet and ulcer medications. My surgeon said I most likely have an ulcer in my pouch that had a micro-perforation that sealed itself back over. I need a scope to confirm but that is contraindicated with the suspected perforation. So, I have to wait 7-10 days for the scope. I'm just supposed to watch for fever or increased pain or vomiting.
It was scary, but I'm feeling better as far as that part goes.
Unfortunately, I developed terrible diarrhea while in the hospital. I don't really know why. I didn't receive any antibiotics or other meds which should have caused it. Anyway, even 2 days after being dismissed I still have diarrhea when I take in anything other than clear liquids. It's very frustrating and embarassing and exhausting. They did some testing in the hospital but I haven't heard anything. My surgeon seemed to think it wasn't an infectious diarrhea. He just told me to take a half-dose of imodium.
I guess I'll just do my best to stay hydrated and deal with it until I see him for my scope. It's only for the upper GI though, so I may ask about a colonoscopy if he doesn't find anything.
It was scary, but I'm feeling better as far as that part goes.
Unfortunately, I developed terrible diarrhea while in the hospital. I don't really know why. I didn't receive any antibiotics or other meds which should have caused it. Anyway, even 2 days after being dismissed I still have diarrhea when I take in anything other than clear liquids. It's very frustrating and embarassing and exhausting. They did some testing in the hospital but I haven't heard anything. My surgeon seemed to think it wasn't an infectious diarrhea. He just told me to take a half-dose of imodium.
I guess I'll just do my best to stay hydrated and deal with it until I see him for my scope. It's only for the upper GI though, so I may ask about a colonoscopy if he doesn't find anything.
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Replies
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Wow. That is scary!! How long ago was your weight loss surgery? I pray for a swift and complete recovery!! Take care of yourself!!0
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I had roux-n-y 10/25/110
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Ask to be tested for C. Diff; it is RAMPANT in hospitals. Hope you feel better soon.0
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I know they took a sample to test me for it, but I'm not sure if they cancelled it since I was discharged. That's definitely been on my mind, although the problem started a few hours after I went to the ER, so I doubt I would have caught it during my hospitalization. But, I'm an RN, so I guess it's possible to have gotten it from a patient, although I haven't had any patients diagnosed with it.
I took acidophilous tab last night and so far today no problems! I don't know if it was coincidence or not, but I won't complain either way. Just hoping it stays that way!0 -
Update:
I had an EGD last week. I have a big ulcer in my pouch. So I'm still on liquid or very soft foods, including no meat for now. I go see my surgeon tomorrow. I'm not having any pain now, although I had pain when I ate for a couple of days after my scope. Never heard anything about the diarrhea, but it has resolved.0 -
Happy you're ok now! I know this was like a month ago but I just joined. Did they do a scope before hand to check for ulcers?0
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