My journey from surgery on - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

EmilyInVermont · 07-07-2008, 08:36 AM

It has been a long and hard journey for me to get to this point and I am still struggling every day. Here is an accounting of what happened from my surgery up until now. It's not for the weak of heart!

June 11, 2008 - My surgery did not go well. I had one complication after another and my hospital stay that was supposed to be 2 1/2 days turned into a 15 day stay and 4 surgeries and many, many tests. I just got home on Wednesday afternoon and it's going to be a long haul back to the land of the well.

The first thing that happened was that shortly after I came out of the anesthesia from the gastric bypass surgery, I started throwing up lots of blood. Apparently it was coming out of my nose and mouth quite heavily. Jim got the nurse and I was rushed back into surgery. I had developed a bleeder and was basically bleeding to death! They put me on a breathing machine and kept me out for 3 days to make sure they got the bleeding under control and that I didn't move and develop another bleeder.

I was in the ICU from Wednesday until Saturday night until I was finally moved up to Baird 6. Nothing they gave me would do anything to help with the pain in my "old" stomach so on Sunday they took me down for a CAT Scan and found out that none of the fluids were draining out as they should have been. SO, they took me back into surgery and put a drainage tube through my abdomen into my "old" stomach. I still have that tube in for at least another 2 or 3 weeks.

All this time I was unable to keep anything (ice chips) down. Every time I moved at all I would throw up. I couldn't even keep my own saliva down! So, back down for more tests. This time an upper GI that took about 2 1/2 hours before they were able to get enough pictures taken to see what the problem might be. Well, they finally decided I had developed a hernia from all the throwing up.

Monday, June 16 back into surgery I went. This time for a hernia repair. By now, as you can imagine, I've about had it with doctors, hospitals and life in general. Poor Jim went through hell for a while trying to be home to run his business, at the hospital to be with me and fielding phone calls from everyone who was checking on me.

Tuesday they decided they were going to put in a P.I.C. line because I was running out of veins that they could stick needles into. That was done right in the room but still was a type of surgery. All the blood work and IV's were a bit easier to deal with after that. But, alas, I was still very nauseous no matter what they gave me for it.

Wednesday 6/18 - Still having a lot of nausea late in the day so they decided I would go and have another upper G.I. so they could try to determine what the heck was going on. The results were inconclusive. They decided to pull the JP drain which was another drain I had in my side from the original surgery.

On top of everything else, I have now developed such a pain in my left shoulder and neck that I can not lay down. No pain meds are helping and I am having to sit up in a chair to try to get some sleep - not much chance of that happening.

Thursday 6/19 - Things seemed to settle down a bit with my stomach after that drain was pulled. I was actually able to have 2 tablespoons of water an hour!!!! YAHOO!! Neck is still really, really painful with spasms and I can't sleep.

Friday 6/20 - The nausea has abated and I am finally cleared to be upgraded to a clear liquid diet. But the pain in my neck, shoulder and now my head is horrible. I got out of the chair several times during the night and just put my head under ice cold water to try and calm things down. That helped a little bit, but what I really need is an adjustment and can't get one. I didn't get more than an hour of sleep all night.

Friday night and early Saturday 6/21 - Now I am having to alternate heat and cold on my neck and shoulder to try to lower the pain. The nurses and doctors have been wonderful here. I can't say enough good things about my care. Putting the heat on my shoulder for long periods of time has calmed the spasms down a bit and that helps. I still can't sleep in the bed, but at least I can doze off a bit now and then in the chair. At this point Tylenol is the only thing they can give me for pain because of all the problems I have had with surgeries, etc. That didn't do much to help, but I took it anyway.

Saturday morning they decided to give me Immitrex for the Migraine that had developed from all this. I don't like that stuff! It did calm the headache so that was a good thing. I was able to sleep for a couple hours.

They gave me a pill to coat the inside of my new "pouch" so I wouldn't develop an ulcer and that make me vomit again. Jeez! Back to just ice chips which I couldn't hold down either.

This vomiting concerned the doctors so I had to go for another CAT Scan on Sunday 6/22. By now I think I could sleep walk from Baird 6 to the Emergency CT Scan areas I've been there so many times.

Sunday 6/22 - CAT Scan ordered at 9:30 a.m. and I'm not allowed anything by mouth. They finally came for me at 3:00 p.m. to go down the the scan. Lots of traumas that day so everything ran really slow. Well, the scan showed what they thought was a blockage in my lower intestines below the surgery sites. They could not determine whether it was swelling or an actual blockage. At least now they know something else isn't right that's causing all the nausea but what do we do about it. They don't think I should have another surgery as I've been through so much now they don't think it would be safe.

Monday 6/23 - Still no real answers as to what they found out on the CAT Scan. They still believe it is a swelling, not an obstruction, but the radiologist thinks it's a blockage. What a long day. Nothing other than clear broth and water all day.

Tuesday 6/24 - Doctors all came in first thing in the morning and said that they want to do an EGD (scope) test to determine if the problem is due to swelling or a blockage. That will be done some time during the day today.

11:00 a.m. Had acupuncture done on my neck and shoulder to try to relieve more pain. This is a first time for this type of procedure but it did seem to help a little bit.

1:30 - Had EGD test done (Man I wish they had put me out for it!). They didn't totally sedate me but did give me something to relax me which kept me pretty sleepy for most of the evening. Tests say there is just some residual swelling and no obstruction - Hallelujah! All is well. Food was upgraded to blended but by the time I got over the nausea from the anesthesia and was ready for something to eat, the kitchen was closed. Settled for some cream of tomato soup and some sugar free pudding that Jim had brought in for me.

Pretty good night as far as sleep. I was able to sleep a couple hours at a time before having to get up and move around. Still can't sleep in the bed though.

Wednesday 6/25 - FREEDOM TODAY! No problem with oatmeal and tomato juice for breakfast. Going home after lunch. Will have to have this bag for a minimum of 2 weeks and then they will remove the bag but leave in the drain, just block it and see how I do with that. May take it out in about 3 weeks.

Well, I'm home now. I'm exhausted everyday, but try to keep up some semblance of a life so I will build strength. I have to nap at least once a day sometimes more. I'm not sleeping all night long yet, but hopefully soon. Visiting nurse came Thursday and Friday and will be here again on Tuesday. Jim is having to change the dressing around my drain tube and empty and measure the contents of the bag. What a great hubby, he's been the best at taking care of me. I'm trying to catch up on mail, email, book work, my paperwork for Jim's business and everything else. Not allowed to do much as far as physically. I walk around the house a bit and did walk around my front flower beds yesterday to see how they were doing. But, then I had to take a nap. Not much for endurance

I've been home for almost 2 weeks now and I don't seem to be making any progress. It seems like no matter what I eat, I get nauseous. I have to lie down after each meal so I don't throw up. I'm on suppositories for the nausea as of today. I sure hope it helps. I'm at a point where I don't know what to eat. Mashed potatoes and ff gravy seem to be OK but I'm damn sick of that. The only other thing that doesn't seem to bother me is tomato juice, go figure! Any one have any suggestions? I've tried canned meats and they make me very nauseous. Protein drinks make me nauseous. You name it, I'm not gaining in strength because I'm not getting enough calories or protein in me. I'm sleeping a lot because I have to lie down so much. HELP< HELP!!

Jessi · 07-07-2008, 09:47 AM

Wow... I can't even imagine all that you've been through! You must be such a STRONG person! Honestly, that would be enough for anyone to throw the towel in and even though I don't know you personally I am so proud of you for continuing your journey! I'm glad that you were finally able to keep some food down, as well! Congratulations on not giving up! You're truly an inspiration!!!

EmilyInVermont · 07-07-2008, 09:51 AM

Thank you for your kind words. Believe me, I don't feel very strong most of the time, but I guess I am.

I just keep saying "This will pass" and I will get to a point where I'll feel good and be glad I went through it all. So, I plug along day by day.

Grammy O · 07-07-2008, 10:11 AM

Wow Emily, you've been through sooo much. But i am glad that you are beginning to get better.

Have you tried any of the Stage 1 or Stage 2 baby foods?

Congratulations on making it this far and not giving up! Wow!

Vikkator · 07-07-2008, 10:16 AM

Oh Emily, I'm so sorry for what you've been through. I'm sure it's everyone's worst nightmare. I hope you heal and your life gets back on track soon.

EmilyInVermont · 07-07-2008, 11:22 AM

Thank you everyone. I'm sure things will get better soon. So far today no nausea has hit. Must be the suppository is working.

I guess is was the .01 percent to have the problems. I'm sure none of you will go through what I have.

Best of luck to you all.

tropigal · 07-07-2008, 01:10 PM

Emily, you poor thing, I don't know you but I'm so sorry you've been through so much! It's amazing you could even manage to write this. I'll have you in my thoughts and pray that you feel better soon.

You've probably done so, but have you tried strained soups? Like chinese or whatever kind you used to like? What about some of the protein waters like Special K? It's not much but it's some protein. What about Fage yogurt? Have you tried pouring a protein bullet over crushed ice like a slushy?

Nyn · 07-07-2008, 01:54 PM

I'm so sorry you've had such a rough go of it. You're right that I guess someone has to be the "statistic" for surgical complications, but how much does it suck that it is you?! Ugh. Well, maybe you got it all out of the way, so the rest of your surgical journey will be smooth sailing...? I hope! Your weight loss already looks awesome, so I guess that's one upside.

Tropigal/Pamela had some great food suggestions for you. It's so weird that you tolerate tomato-based things when those were some of the last things I was able to eat due to the acidity of tomatoes. Anyway, some of the early foods -- Cream of Wheat, sugarfree popsicles, Crystal Light or broth with unflavored protein powder, plain or greek yogurt with splenda or Crystal Light, refried beans with cheese, cottage cheese, small slices of easy-to-digest cheeses like havarti or Laughing Cow, sugar free pudding...hmm...how are you with dairy? Have you tried foods and liquids of different temperatures? I know some do better with warmer than cooler or vice versa.

I hope you find some good things to try from all your replies!

PennyJ · 07-07-2008, 04:45 PM

I don't really have any new ideas for you, I lived on cooked carrots and refried beans for forever!! I just wanted to let you know - keep your good attitude up. It really does help you through the tough times. I had two surgeries plus two scopes in less than three weeks - ICU, hospital stay for 16 days...and 10 weeks out of commission before getting back on my feet. But, the good news is...once you get past this yuck...it's all good. And someday, hopefully soon...all worth it when you're healthy!! Good luck, you're in my prayers!!

sassy37 · 07-07-2008, 04:52 PM

Hi Emily ...
My goodness , u poor lady , wat a time u have had

Sorry I cant advice , Im pre op /lap band .

But I was concerned with ya story and I hope u get well , healthy and pain free very soon .

Take care (((((( get well hugs))))))) from across the pond .....

Sas xxxx