Question:
where can I go to see a Dr. experienced with severe complications?
My husband had gastric by-pass 2 years ago. about 6 months from surgery he developed severe diarreha and/or gray stools, weakness, low protein levels, electrolyte inbalance, malnurished, dehydrated, low potassium, low iron levels etc. his surgeons solution was eat more protein and come back in 6 weeks. we did this for 6 months (120 to 150 grams of protein per day). his lab results just got worse each month. after 6 months he was hospitalized for 3 weeks--IV feeding and IV potassium (his 2nd hospitalization for potassium IV) He has had an upper GI and lower GI scope and been tested for stroke. May 2006 he could drive and do what ever he wanted to do. he can no longer drive, cannot get in or out of bed or chairs with my help, can only take a few steps to get from the chair to the wheel chair. He was diagnosed in Feb with c-diff and was put on flagal. he may have had c-diff for a year or more. I need to know where to take him for help. He is 70 years old. we did not realize it at the time of his surgery but he was the oldest patient (68 yrs old) the surgeon had ever operated on and the surgeon NEVER had a face-to face consultation with my husband about the surgery. he never saw him until he was on the operating table. I am desperate for some place to take him to that can diagonse the problem. — MEWM (posted on September 6, 2007)
September 6, 2007
I don't have an answer but my son has not been able to walk in about 10
days. Neuropathy in his legs and hands. Any help out there?I will gladly
accept it.
— sextonglenda
September 6, 2007
I am 64 and just received a surgical date for the ByPass. I am a retired
nurse and am speaking from my own experience of learning to walk again
after fracturing my spine 3 years ago. I suggest you take your husband to
see a neurologist - preferably at a large teaching hospital where they will
have all the latest knowledge to help him. I wish you both luck and the
good fortune to find a reputable doctor.
Jane
— NanaJane
September 6, 2007
If you are near Amarillo, I would strongly urge you to contact Dr. Ralph
Crum at Texas Tech. He is a trained trauma surgeon who has performed and
worked with many high-risk patients. Also, when he was my surgeon, I
found his diagnostic skills exemplary.
— SteveColarossi
September 6, 2007
Remember we are not doctors, having said that, I would go to the Cleveland
clinic, or Johns Hopkins, Mayo clinic or a major hospital with bariatric
surgeons n board. We all know this isn't normal. You need to contact a
large facility that can offer you a neurologist, an endocrinologist, a
bariatric surgeon and whatever other kind of doctor you need in one fell
swoop. Now, contrary to popular belief many of these surgeries are
reversable in extreme cases. Do not seek out docotrs that friends think are
the best..........go to a real clinic before it is to late. Good luck to
you.
— bderuiter
September 6, 2007
sounds like you could have a malpractice suit on your hands. obviously
your husband may have been too old to have surgery or had other conditions
that may have prevented it. i would definitely contact hopkins, cleveland
clinic or mayo clinic and get an appointment there ASAP.
— Sheri A.
September 6, 2007
At least call dr philip schauer, head of the ASBS and cleveland clinic, his
office should be able to give you a good referal.
— bob-haller
September 6, 2007
And I would send you to WA state, Dr Ki Oh, Federal Way. He's been around
the block and he can fix the nutritional issues first. That's something
he's especially good with, along with analyzing and fixing some very odd
cases. I've brought him ppl from 15 states now to be fixed.
www.ohtobethin.com or 253-275-6030
— vitalady
September 6, 2007
There is always the possibility that his problems are not directly caused
by his bariatric surgery. In any case, he needs to be seen by someone who
will take a proactive interest in diagnosing and, subsequently, healing
your husband. I personally do not think that a 68 year old person is too
old for bariatric surgery if he/she is in generally good health prior to
surgery. That's what all of the pre-surgery testing and evaluation is all
about. I am assuming that he jumped through all those hoops two years ago.
If he is a veteran, he can get excellent care at a *good* VA hospital.
(Some VA hospitals are not as good as others. The one in Palo Alto, CA,
where I go, is SUPER -- in part because it is closely associated with the
Stanford University Medical School.) P.S.: Your OH profile does not
indicate where the two of you live.
— [Deactivated Member]
September 6, 2007
I was wondering if they have him on vitamins? My husband & I both have
to take 10-14 vitamins daily to stay afloat. And I know when I don't take
my vitamins I get SO WEAK and sick, and have bad labs. My doctors said
that I had to take them for life, or risk serious health problems. If he
does take them, maybe his body is not absorbing them?? That is strange
that the doctor never even met him until surgery! Gosh! Please seek a 2nd
opinion from another doctor specializing in bariatrics!
— GAYLE CARMACK-LYONS
September 7, 2007
Age should not be a factor. I am 16 mos out and had surgery at 64 yrs old.
I have not had any complications.
You definitly need to go to another dr a specialist. Don't wait any longer.
Several people here have given you some good ideas where to go. Best of
luck and prayers for you.
— geneswife
September 7, 2007
I would never let someone operate in me that didn't take the time to do a
face to face consult, but what is done is done. Your husband may benefit
from see a specialist in blood disorders there are so many vitamins that we
as a gastric bypass patients can get defient in. C Diff in itself can be
very bad and some if not most of the issues could be caused by it but I
would not be surprised if his minerals, like iron,copper etc are not good.
What vitiamins is he taking? Neuropathy after bypass is due to not getting
these valuable vitamins and minerals and protien. If he has cdiff he is
probably not absorbing much with the diarrhia and bypass, he is in my
prayers
— DonnaB.
September 7, 2007
Call the University of Nebraska Medical Center - Omaha. EXcellent care,
excellent experience and an attached hotel for you to stay in while your
husband receives care. You can self-refer.
— Carlast
September 7, 2007
Wow....I have never heard of a case so severe. My first question was his
Vitamins as well as a few other post. I too know full well if I don't do at
least 2-chewables a day I am weak, and feeling horrible. I stopped doing
chewables and did the solid and within a week was sick. NO, NO, NO....if
nothing else make sure you take your Vitamins and suppliments for LIFE!!
This is why pre-op tesing and Dr. Greene actually gives you a written test
you have to pass before he will even consider you for surgery. This
surgery is not to taken lightly. Its a MAJOR change to your body and for
the rest of your life. Please seek help my heart breaks for you both.
— Penny (Brooks) Shaw
September 7, 2007
You should consider something like the Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic
(several branches in various states) or go to a clinic or doctor affiliated
with a major teaching hospital... I don't know where you are but places
like John Hopkins, Dartmouth, Yale, Temple, etc.
Sorry to hear you are struggling like this. It sounds like you would
really benefit from a clinic or practice that had several different types
of doctors all under one roof.... usually this makes it easier to get all
the doctors talking to each other.
Best wishes
— mrsidknee
September 7, 2007
I'm sorry to hear your husband is having such severe complications. I'm a
Pharmacist, not a medical doctor....but I'm inclined to agree with the
poster who mentioned decreased multivite and minerals due to the
clostridium difficile. I'm wondering if the metronidazole (Flagyl) did not
totally take care of it. Oral vancomycin (Vancocin) might be the better
agent if Flagyl failed. Intravenous vanco won't work since it does not
penetrate gi tract...just an fyi. Did his symptoms improve while on the
intravenous nutrition? I agree a larger hospital is ideal for a
consult...don't be afraid to seek second opinions. As a patient, that is
your husband's right. Good luck.
— NMlakerFan
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