Update on my leak ...

May 08, 2011

I wanted to provide a quick status:

1. VSG on 12/6 ... really felt sick from day one but no leak was detected. My theory is that the swelling actually blocke the leak initially. As the swelling went down the leak actually presented itself fully.

2. 2/17 -- leak confirmed ... I was vomiting multiple times a day for two-three weeks. I know ... I know ... I know ... I should have gone sooner but I tried to tough it out. I was in the hospital for ten days. I got a PICC line placed and have been NPO (no food by mouth) since then ... 76 days now. I'm on TPN for 10 hours at night. I've also had a JP drain inserted into my abdomen since then. Funny how one gets accustomed to things.

3. 2/17 - Now

a. My leak was huge ... started out at 8mm ... I would sip water and see it pour directly into the JP drain.
b. My primary surgeon, Dr. Averbach, has been very aggressive in treating me and I appreciate that. I've had 9 surgical procedures since 2/17. He referred me to one of the best endoscopic therapist in the country -- Sergey Kantsevoy at Mercy Hospital in Baltimore. Both surgeons have been excellent in treating me.
c. The fistula (leak) reduced from 8mm to 5mm to 2mm ... I had my 9th procedure on Monday to close it fully and I think it worked. I have been drinking water like a camel and nothing is coming out of the JP drain. Keep sending prayers up for me ... I think we've got this thing completely closed.
d. One of the keys was Dr. A pulling the drain further and further out each week. This allowed my body to do the heavy lifting of healing itself.

I go back to see Dr. A on Friday ... if things hold up he will remove the JP drain completely ... I can advance my diet next week ... then ween off of TPN and have the PICC line removed over the next several days.

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