Intervention *opinion* please

 Karen I would go to the ER as soon as possible. Sometimes things are not always as they appear, look at my situation for example. Please go. I'll be thinking of you.

Ann 

Update:

I have an appointment at 8 AM at Trillium West Toronto for a full work up.  If things get any worse, I am to go directly to the ER.  Right now I'm not feeling too badly, the Dr. heard lots of gastric movement, etc.

Thank you for ALL of your suggestions and concern. xo

Good  to hear  Take care

I asked Dr Okrainec (senior TWH surgeon) this question specifically.  He said that  the most helpful thing for them diagnostically is a CAT scan done while the episode is happening - ie when you are in pain go to the ER and ask for a scan to be done NOW if possible. 

Apparently, many / most obstructions are from bowel twists or the bowel retracting into itself (I believe they call them hernias - surprisingly).  The bowel can "untwist" itself, so a CAT scan done when you are not in pain won't necessarily show anything to help with the diagnosis.  This should be understandable to "Bariatric Aware" staff. 

Hope this helps.  Keep us posted when you can.  Good / better / best thoughts to you!

Claire

I'd love to see the ER triage nurse's face when you walk in and say "I want a CAT scan now please".

You're more likely to get customized service at an outside clinic.

Sending someone to ER gets one off the legal hook, but is not always the best health care, it just moves the blame to be someone else's problem.

Anyway, glad you saw the doctor and have a plan in place. Best wishes.

Karen I hope everything is goes okay.

Are you feeling better, Karen?

hope the issue is gone.

Karen,
Just wanted to check in with you to see how you are doing?
Happysmile