Deb LaManna's ER visit 8/15

[Guest guest]

Hi Friends,

First of all-- I am fine. I did have a terrible scare last night though, and

I want to tell everyone--STAY IN DURHAM THE FULL 7 DAYS. I would have felt

so much better had I been closer to Dr R and would not have had the panic

that I went through from 10pm-1am in my local ER.

Would they be able to treat me? Would they know what to look for? If I

needed a procedure, would I be able to get back to Dr R? (I did bring the Ed

Manual with me.)

Here is what brought me to the ER. Around 5pm last night I realized that the

contents of my stomach did not seem to be emptying. Whereas before I had

always been aware of everything passing through, I felt that things had just

" stopped. " It was time for my usual small feeding but I felt that I could

not put another thing inside. I tried some tomato juice but just couldn't

get it down.

My stomach was bloated and sore and I feared causing a leak, so I stopped all

consumption. I began to feel progressively more thirsty and worry set in. I

did not want to panic in front of and my husband was not due home

until 9, as it was his first day back at work (we drove home the day

before--Monday).

So, as I have been feeling so wonderful and full of energy since the surgery,

I continued unpacking, doing laundry, cleaning, etc. until Tom came home.

Then I fell apart. We called Dr R, who rightfully chastised me,

" So, you are in Illinois...as opposed to...being here? "

I knew I would have to go to the ER but was hoping he could tell me what kind

of tests I might need, and if he had run across this before (he hadn't). I

also told him that I had had a small piece of watermelon with lots of salt,

chewed down to the juice.

" You had watermelon? " *pause for me to feel rightfully stupid* " Well I

suppose that could have gotten stuck. "

His suggestion was to go to the ER for xrays for a possible obstruction.

The ER was packed-- I bet there were 30 people there, but somehow my

post-surgery status and my report got me seen relatively quickly, though I

was to be there after everyone else had gone.

6 xrays were taken, showing a MAJORLY FULL colon. I have had a spastic colon

since my teen years and any change really hits it hard. I had not had a

bowel movement since before surgery, except for a very tiny amount yesterday

AM. The MOM before surgery did not really work (OTC remedies for

constipation/bowel cleansing do not often work with my crazy colon).

Part of my usual protocol for the spastic colon is drinking large amounts of

water which I have not felt able to do since surgery, for fear of

over-stretching or tearing anything, and also because I was belching with

each and every sip.

Back to the xrays-- no blockage, kink, or abnormality was found. The Dr said

that everything looked " normal, " and he did detect low bowel sounds, but said

that my " lazy colon " was having a hard time really getting started. He

recommended " colon rest, " -- to include only *clear* liquids, and lots of

water. Also walking (which I have been happily doing post-op anyway).

The only scare remaining was WHY WAS MY STOMACH FEELING SO BLOATED AND NOT

EMPTYING? He said the xrays would not show a blockage from the new stomach

to the new bowel, which would be the logical site for an obstruction. He

also suggested that any watermelon " pulp " would not cause a blockage, but

would indeed be stuck (with anything else) if there was an obstruction.

He said that if there were an obstruction, I would know it today, when I

forced liquids, because I would start vomiting. (I haven't.)

Blood tests were also normal, though the Dr thought an IV might be necessary

as I was dehydrated. Thank God he agreed to let me try " water therapy " at

home, as my hands are still sore from the IVs (one tried unsuccessfully on

the right, and the one on the right is still bruised and tender). I hate

IV's more than surgery.

Our plan was that if I did start to vomit we would be on a plane to Durham.

The Dr assured me I was in no immediate danger.

So this AM I have been drinking liquids like crazy, and I am finally getting

some action down below. I am dealing with the bloating and uncomfortable

feeling as I know I need to drink, drink, drink. I have a cup of lemony ice

water nearby at all times. I'm still experiencing crazy belching but am

hoping once I completely empty my bowels, things will settle and I can get

back on the yogurt and supplements. Until then it's water, clear juice and

broth.

What can we all learn from this?

Number one-- LISTEN TO OUR SURGEON! When he tells us to stay a week, don't

decide that just because the majority of our friends leave after a few days

and have been fine, that that will be the case with us.

Number two-- FOLLOW THE DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS! In all honesty, and I

have been religious to the program, including all the meds, tums, and

citrucel, and also glutamine and whey protein. The watermelon was our only

" sin, " and was probably harmless, but why risk it? had been

complaining about the " liquid-only " plan, and as she hates the broth, I

worried that she wasn't getting enough salt. I remembered that various

people had shared their love of watermelon with lots of salt and so I thought

this would help her.

The fault here is MINE. I am sure that you, my watermelon-eating friends,

are past STAGE ONE.

The point is, this list is wonderful, but we have to remember that Dr R's

word is GOSPEL. Follow the program and you will be fine.

Thanks for reading this way too long post. I have not been able to post

because I was " bounced " when my mailbox got too full (I forgot to go to " Web

Only " before leaving). I will post and my stories soon, (she is doing

great!)-- it really was a WONDERFUL experience for us! (Another hint-- don't

assume that just because you are feeling fabulous in Durham that it is OK to

leave.)

Our original plan was for the girls and I to fly there on Tues for clinic and

fly back a week and 2 days later on Thursday. Tom would fly and join us for

the surgery, returning Tues for meetings W-F. I still have the unused

airlines tickets as a reminder of my stupidity in changing our plans.

I have missed you guys. I hope everyone is well. I still pray daily for all

of you--those waiting, those going, those post-op. If anyone has sent me an

email, I might not have gotten it as my mailbox was full. Please resend

anything important. Also, I'd love a recap of all important news-- like any

insurance approvals, surgery dates, great wt loss etc.

By the way, what a wonderful group of people I met in Durham. Tricia is

gorgeous, as is Dawn (what a sweetheart!), and Beth has the most wonderful

bubbly personality. She visited us all and was so adorable! Ruth and Dave

were friendly, down to earth and great, though I never did find Dave post-op.

Blair was a great motivator and hooked up with everyone. What a charming

lady. I did not get to meet , though, nor the other ladies who went

to with Tricia. And I did not get to see Stormy.

I had a nice long chat with , who is a wonderful and sensitive person.

Her daughter, , is so beautiful and sweet, and is a great big sister.

I tried to find them post-op but found their room empty once, and then they

were gone when I returned later. (They were pretty far from me.)

A darling girl, , (not on the list) had her surgery with Chris. She

and her mom, Joyce, are SO SWEET. Say a prayer for Joyce who is still

fighting with her insurance carrier.

One last thing, and then I really will go. There was a lady (not on the

list) who had surgery with and who was not able to have the MGB. Dr R

tried for several hrs, both lap and open. She had too much scar tissue due

to surgery when she was a child. I have thought about her every day and

would like you all to add her to your prayers. She was in the room next to

ours, and I know she was devastated, as any of us would be.

If any of you, my littermates from last week, have posted your stories, I'd

love to see them.

That's really it for now. Take care, friends.

Debbie in IL

MGB 8/10

Cigna approved as in-network