Obstruction HELP

  I just returned from the ER. I had horrible pain last night with vomiting & diharrea. They did a cat scan and I have paralytic Ileus and severe inflamation of the colon. My white cell count was 32 whereas a normal persons is 13. The doctor asked if I wanted to stay for observation but didn't seem to think it was really necessary so they gave me flagil (sp) & cipro and I came home. Now I am wondering if I did the right thing. I didn't understand that I had a bowel obstruction. I know he wouldn't have aloowed me to go if he thought it was that severe but you know how it is, most doctors don't know the difference when dealing with a gastric bypass patient. 
Thoughts please? Should I wait it out to see if it gets better or head to the hospital I had my surgery at 4 years ago? 

How about phoning your surgeon?

I would start with your surgeon. Sometimes, if the obstruction is "paralytic ileus" as opposed to mechanical obstruction, the ileus will pass and surgery is not necessary. However, if it was me I would prefer to be observed in the hospital as long as I was in acute pain.

Hope you feel better.

I am confused.  White blood cell counts are normally in the thousands (and normal runs between about 5,000-10,000)...

I have only heard of a paralytic ileus in children, but it is not a full blockage and, as you said, they would not have let you go home if it was serious.  As far as I know, there really isn't anything different about treating a bowel obstruction in someone with RNY as opposed to someone without it.

If your symptoms have not changed or worsened, it is unlikely that they will admit you even if you go back to the ER and just say that you changed your mind about being observed.  If you start to feel worse, though, then I would absolutely go back.  In the meantime, it would probably be a good idea to contact your RNY surgeon to at least touch base with him/her on it.  (S)he can give you a much better evaluation of what is most appropriate than people here!

Lora

32 means 32,000 which is really scary and they shouldnt have let her go home - she has a nasty infection

 I wondered if the number was in thousands, but 32,000 seemed so high that I second guessed it.

Lora

I know it is crazy high that is why I cant believe they let her home, my normal white count is 3.0 or 3, 000

I had a small bowel obstruction 5 days after surgery. No vomiting or diarhea but extreme pain. Went to the ER on my surgeon's advice. I had a small bowel follow through the next day (xrays) and the obstruction had resolved on its own. My surgeon still kept me in the hospital for 2 more days on clear liquids to observe. Please be careful. Obstructions are serious.

 I had assumed he meant my white cell count was 32000 as he wanted to admit me for that very reason. I am going to call my surgeon & see what he thinks. Thanks for your advice. I am hoping my surgeon will help. 

I am assuming the e.r. Doc knows u r a gastric bypass patient!?! My surgeon instructs that if you go to the e.r. , make sure the staff knows that!! Also, call your surgeon!!! He/ she knows way more than the E.R. will! God bless and good luck!!! Please let us know how things go!!