Two months post op and... now I am having troubles. - ThinnerTimes

zkiekie · 03-27-2008, 10:31 AM

So,

Last friday.. the 14th? I was advised to go to University ER because I was having pain and nausea.( That week I had been dry heaving after every meal. I had also vommited Sunday night and called in Monday because I woke up dry heaving and feeling sick to my stomach.) This went into severe abdominal pain on Friday and I had a horrible pain on my right side.. so when I called bariatrics to ask for advise I was told to go to the ER.

When I went in that afternoon/evening I was admited. Apparently my potassium levels were low. (potassium /po·tas·si·um/ (K) (pah-tas..e-um) chemical element, at. no. 19. Potassium is the chief cation of intracellular fluid, and many of its salts are used as electrolyte replenishers and antihypokalemics.)

My levels of potassium were read at 2.8 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L) of blood. Normal blood potassium levels are 3.5 to 5.0 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L) of blood. Which lead me to have Hypokalemia. Sever hypokalemia is treated in a hospital with intravenous (IV) potassium.

Symptoms of hypokalemia include irregular heartbeat, which can range from mild to severe. Severe cases can result in cardiac arrest and paralysis of the lungs. Other symptoms can include muscle weakness, cramping, or flaccid paralysis (limpness); leg discomfort; extreme thirst; frequent urination; and confusion. Infants and young children with gastrointestinal illnesses that cause prolonged vomiting and diarrhea can die from cardiac arrest when potassium levels become dangerously low.

So.. after two iv’s shoved in my arm and being pumped up with enough potassium, I was finally discharged from the hospital upon my request.. with potassium levels now reading 3.3. I was prescribed electrolite powder for the next two days and advised to get my levels read again in two weeks.

As far as my stomach, the doctors found "sludge" in my gallbladder. Which might be causing my syptoms of CONSTANT nausea and abdominal pain. After many tests (from catscan to upper gi scope and gi tests and you name it) I was told to stay out of work and schedualed yet.. another test on Monday March 24th to see if my gallbladder is not functioning properly and has to be removed.

At this point I have probably come off as a real ass to many as.. I don’t even feel like talking much and get so sick to my stomach that I get mean and pissy. I am SOO SICK OF BEING SICK! I am frustrated as I got pumped up with so much shit that I GAINED 15lbs in the hospital from fluids (as I didn’t eat a DAMN thing from thursday night until Monday night). I am trying to be positive and know this will be better soon.. but it doesn’t feel soon enough! I have an appointment tommarow morning with bariatrics and will keep you all posted in the next couple of days.

Godsblessedme · 03-27-2008, 04:16 PM

big ol hugs to you. I know the 15 pounds will fall right back off. that sounded really scary about the potassium problem i had a similar problem at 3 weeks out and i was admitted for dehydration and a striture and my blood work showed potassium low but they have me 4 huge honin' pills i hope you feel better soon

desmccoy · 03-27-2008, 04:27 PM

I was admitted several times for dehydration and ect. One of my stays resulted in a ten day stay with a central line in. I wish you the best of luck.

size22nomore · 03-27-2008, 05:08 PM

Kieley,
Hang in there hunny... I bet you are so frustrated and mad but it will pass just like everything else. I am so sorry you are going through this..
Please take care of yourself and feel free to rant and rave..
Cheers Judy

zkiekie · 03-28-2008, 06:53 AM

It's appreciated. I know everything will work out.. It's just nice to have a place to go to where people can relate. Thanks.