Sometimes I feel like a hypochondriac.
I had RNY 2 1/2 years ago and I feel like I've had more issues since surgery than my other friends who have had it done. Sometimes I wonder if the problems are just all in my head, or if I'm considered fairly normal for going to the doctor when I think something doesn't feel quite right.
I had three scopes done to stretch my stoma. I had to have emergency surgery last year for a bowel obstruction caused by scar tissue from the surgery. I scheduled another appt with the surgeon on Monday because of some bad cramping and burning in my upper abdomen over the last few weeks. I have been putting it off for quite awhile but the last few weeks it has just been getting more painful and uncomfortable, and I'm trying to figure out what is going on before I wind up in the ER like I did with the bowel obstruction.
Does anyone else ever feel this way? Like "Good Lord, my surgeon must be really tired of seeing me and putting up with me and all my complications.."
I have the feeling I may have an ulcer. Not 100% sure though, so hopefully I'll get some answers on monday.
I know I'm not the golden child when it comes to following the rules set down after gastric bypass, but I have been trying to change the bad habits slowly and steadily and get back on the right path. Hopefully its easily treatable and there's no major surgery in my future!
A hypochondriac is someone that thinks something is wrong all the time when there isn't really. If you had to have your stoma stretched, something was really wrong. If you had a bowel obstruction and needed surgery, something was really wrong. Those things aren't in your head.
If your surgeon is tired of dealing with your complications, he's in the wrong line of work. That's his job.
And there are no rules you can follow that will prevent a stricture or a bowel obstruction caused by scar tissue.
Please note: I AM NOT A DOCTOR. If you want medical advice, talk to your doctor. Whatever I post, there is probably some surgeon or other health care provider somewhere that disagrees with me. If you want to know what your surgeon thinks, then ask him or her. Check out my blog.
Then at my 9 mo. visit I was having pain he ordered a ct scan and ultrasound pretty much said there was nothing there to cause the pain I went to a gi doc got scoped and nothing there. Meanwhile I had a gall bladder attack and he went in to take it out. I asked since he was in there if he could look at the left side, asked if adhesions could cause it he assured me, no couldn't be. When I woke up from surgery I had 6 incisions instead of 3 I was told. Turns out I had adhesions with fat attached, attaching things together. He cleaned it out and I'm pain free.
We know our bodies better than a doc that sees it a couple times a year. If you feel something is wrong advocate for yourself!
I am 5 years post op and in the last 5 years I have seen more docs than ever in my life.
Some of those issues I had may be due to RNY and losing weight (GB removal, hernia, etc) but some may bhave been there long term. Just now - since I am not fat - the docs would listen and don't blame my issues on my weight (but some try to blame them on my RNY).
Some people have no issues or minimal issue s- some have complications.
Ulcers - I when I think I have an ulcer (or irritation ) I no longer see my doc for that - i start treating that right away... I have script for ulcer meds and I adjust my diet and usually all gets resolved in 2-3 months... (in 1 week most symptoms go away -as long as I follow easy diet... but like with any possible "wound" - the healing takes time).
I deal with abdominal pain for last year - but it only hurt when I eat "solid" - dense foods. So far I can drink proteins shakes, and get some liquid - or creamy soups. Also PB goes in just fine... but any meat, veggies, even thick yogurt - is no-no, unless I am willing to deal with pain.
Hope you find answers. I and still looking for that,.
Hala. RNY 5/14/2008; Happy At Goal =HAG
"I can eat or do anything I want to - as long as I am willing to deal with the consequences"
"Failure is not falling down, It is not getting up once you fell... So pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again...."