WTF is wrong with me. - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

pgh3rivers · 12-19-2009, 10:53 PM

Hi. So I am writing because I am a mess. I don't know whats wrong with me and it seems like my dr's are ignoring me. I went into the ER at the beginning of Oct w Pancreatitis and then had my gallbladder removed a few days later. I went home and had to go back for a few days because my bowels were not moving. I went home and expected a normal recovery. It's two months later and I am a mess. I have pain on my left side. I've been complaining to my dr's since surgery and they all seem to think it's a different specialist's issue. None are addressing my big issue- PAIN.

I have pain on my lower left side. I've been experiencing bowel problems since the gallbladder surgery. I have diarrhea and constipation. Also A lot of gas. I've had my period for a month and when I try to have sex I have horrible pain. I was diagnosed with endometriosis years ago. I used naproxen for years and had success. Now I can't use it because of the bypass. My gynecologist wants me to piggyback the nuvaring and use tylenol. It seems unacceptable. She did do a sonogram and didnt see anything and that was it.

I saw a gastroentologist. He said I probably have irritable bowel and gave me a prescription for hyosamine (sp) but I had to stop taking it because it gave me mind splitting headaches. HE check my colon and reflux, said they were normal and that was it. I told him the prescription made me ill but he said to follow up with my PCP.

My PCP did tests. Some stones showed up on my left kidney. So I was sent to a urologist. The urologist said the stones are so small that I can pass them with ease and that he thinks my pain is something i should talk to my gynocologist about.

I'm starting to think I might not ever feel well again. I'm in pain all of the time. I really don't know who to see or what to do.

cinwa · 12-20-2009, 05:34 AM

I'm really sorry to hear that you're suffering sweetheart.

I had my gallbladder out just over a year ago AND started going through the menopause too. One major issue I developed was a sluggish bowel which causes constipation issues and combined with adhesions, the pain at times was overwhelming.

It was recommended that I take an over-the-counter stool softener - I use this one: Walmart.com: Equate: Capsules Stool Softener, 120 ct: Medicine Cabinet

Try one in the morning and one at night. Sometimes just one is enough - I have to take it 3 times a day.

Benefiber (or equivalent) twice a day and have some Miralax available and if possible, try to increase your vegetables and fruit.

I'd also recommend a probiotic - initially, something like Culturelle or Pearls (Walmart) for a month and then drop to PB8 Nutrition Now PB 8 Pro-Biotic Acidophilus -- 120 Vegetarian Capsules - Vitacost Yogurt is good but you'd have to eat it non-stop to get the same dose of beneficial bacteria.

For me, getting a little backed-up is excruciating so I make sure to keep a routine of the above. You might have to play around a little to find out what works for you.

pgh3rivers · 12-20-2009, 10:49 AM

Thanks for your advice. I started using a fiber supplement a few weeks ago. It seems to help with the bowels a little.

Highlandlass · 12-20-2009, 05:41 PM

One thing my doctor told me, if you have been sent hither, thither and yon about something and aren't satisfied head to the emerg where they can do all the test required right there and all the different "specialists" are right there as well. If the benefibre and other things that Corrine suggested don't help (but you say it seems to be helping) head to the emerg early in the morning and prepared to stay all day long. In the meantime, I hope the addition of the extra fibre, etc, helps with the pain.

Relovlee · 12-21-2009, 11:25 AM

OMg I hope you feel better and soon... I completely feel your pain about the constipation...I've had that since surgery a year ago. And it hurts HELLA bad I believe u..the pain in your side there's no way I could deal with both for such a long time.. It seems as if theyre not taking you seriously..I would do the ER suggestion above and go in the morning stay al day and they'll figure it out even if they have to call someone in. I wish u the best!!!

pgh3rivers · 12-22-2009, 09:22 AM

I saw a slew of doctors over the last couple weeks. I think my problem is infammation from having endometriosis. I lived on naproxen before the bypass because of that and now i cant take NSAIDS. Last night i started taking motrin with an acid blocker, norethin, pearls ic, and i feel pretty good today. I need to find a way to deal with inflammation without getting a stomach ulcer. i know i am playing russian roulette but yesterday i was ready to rip out an ovary because the pain was so intense.

Rossigrl84 · 07-21-2010, 08:17 PM

Hey, I haven't had endometriosis(stage 4). I eventually ended up having to have a complete hysterectomy after every tried medication didn't help. I had to have surgery every 3 months to remove the endometriosis. The only way to truly diagnose it is with the naked eye. They can't see it with out cutting u open. Mine was very very bad case. It had spread to my bowels, my bladder, the ovaries(outside), my abdominal wall even my pelvic bone. I had to have it lasered, cut out and scraped off but it would come right back with a vengious. The pain is unreal. What literally happens is when you have it bad enough, these lesions spread to different parts of your abdomin. They bleed for awhile then scar over. The lesion itself hurts, but for me the unbearable pain came when these different lesions formed webs of scar tissue attaching themselves to each other. Periods were unreal pain. It seriously hurt to sit down. The cramping was so intense, I would sweat thru my hair. Medications can't like "kill" the endometriosis. It simply(if effective-which it wasn't in my case) is supposed to slow the growth of new lesions. For me a complete hysterectomy was a last resort, but after almost 2 yrs of surgeries every 3 months and $1000's of dollars spent of so many shots and meds, it was a relief to be rid of the pain. I wasn't living. Sadly, it was right after the hysterectomy, that I gained all of my excess weight. Just lack of hormones, I guess. All of your above described symptoms fall under endometriosis.

Rossigrl84 · 07-21-2010, 08:19 PM

I'm sorry. I meant to say, "I haven't had wls surgery. yet. I had endometriosis(stage 4). I was called mid sentence. sorry

karip · 07-21-2010, 08:31 PM

Hope you are feeling better soon. Best of luck!