Not better after gallbladder surgery, being readmitted today.

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I am still home having difficulty after gallbladder surgery. My symptoms

have not improved and are a little worse. I am still not able to eat without

pain. The surgeon is readmitting me to the hospital today for more tests.

Actually, I think it will be a repeat of tests I have already had. They are

having

a hard time getting to the bottom of it.

I am hoping they can evaluate the function of the pancreas without any

invasive tests. They already are mentioning a possible problem with the

Sphincter

of Oddi, which is the muscle/valve going into the intestine? Which is

apparently difficult to diagnose and requires invasive tests. Has anyone here

had

problems of that nature or unusual digestive problems that have been diagnosed?

Also, I am trying to stay hydrated and get some nutrition into me. I haven't

talked to my mito doc yet, but I assume he will want me to have some sort of

PPN? I had it during the 3 day stay for the gallbladder surgery and it

infiltrated my arm and I ended up with phlebitis. So I am not wanting to do

that

again. Makes you feel kind of stuck.

Any ideas or personal experience you could share would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Adam

[Guest guest]

Hi Adam, You will probably not see this now since you are being

admitted, but wanted to let you know I will be thinking about you

and sending up prayers. Hopefully your docs will be able to diagnose

and treat the problem, and it sounds like they are really searching,

so that is good. Yes, the PPN always infiltrates for me too and

causes phlebitis. That's the down side. But it really helped

stabilize other symptoms. Each case is different, and I'm sure your

doctors will come up with a solution for you.

Please keep in touch as you can.

Barbara

> Hi,

>

> I am still home having difficulty after gallbladder surgery. My

symptoms

> have not improved and are a little worse. I am still not able to

eat without

> pain. The surgeon is readmitting me to the hospital today for

more tests.

> Actually, I think it will be a repeat of tests I have already

had. They are having

> a hard time getting to the bottom of it.

>

> I am hoping they can evaluate the function of the pancreas without

any

> invasive tests. They already are mentioning a possible problem

with the Sphincter

> of Oddi, which is the muscle/valve going into the intestine?

Which is

> apparently difficult to diagnose and requires invasive tests. Has

anyone here had

> problems of that nature or unusual digestive problems that have

been diagnosed?

>

> Also, I am trying to stay hydrated and get some nutrition into

me. I haven't

> talked to my mito doc yet, but I assume he will want me to have

some sort of

> PPN? I had it during the 3 day stay for the gallbladder surgery

and it

> infiltrated my arm and I ended up with phlebitis. So I am not

wanting to do that

> again. Makes you feel kind of stuck.

>

> Any ideas or personal experience you could share would be

appreciated.

>

> Thanks,

> Adam

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Adam, You will probably not see this now since you are being

admitted, but wanted to let you know I will be thinking about you

and sending up prayers. Hopefully your docs will be able to diagnose

and treat the problem, and it sounds like they are really searching,

so that is good. Yes, the PPN always infiltrates for me too and

causes phlebitis. That's the down side. But it really helped

stabilize other symptoms. Each case is different, and I'm sure your

doctors will come up with a solution for you.

Please keep in touch as you can.

Barbara

> Hi,

>

> I am still home having difficulty after gallbladder surgery. My

symptoms

> have not improved and are a little worse. I am still not able to

eat without

> pain. The surgeon is readmitting me to the hospital today for

more tests.

> Actually, I think it will be a repeat of tests I have already

had. They are having

> a hard time getting to the bottom of it.

>

> I am hoping they can evaluate the function of the pancreas without

any

> invasive tests. They already are mentioning a possible problem

with the Sphincter

> of Oddi, which is the muscle/valve going into the intestine?

Which is

> apparently difficult to diagnose and requires invasive tests. Has

anyone here had

> problems of that nature or unusual digestive problems that have

been diagnosed?

>

> Also, I am trying to stay hydrated and get some nutrition into

me. I haven't

> talked to my mito doc yet, but I assume he will want me to have

some sort of

> PPN? I had it during the 3 day stay for the gallbladder surgery

and it

> infiltrated my arm and I ended up with phlebitis. So I am not

wanting to do that

> again. Makes you feel kind of stuck.

>

> Any ideas or personal experience you could share would be

appreciated.

>

> Thanks,

> Adam

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Adam, You will probably not see this now since you are being

admitted, but wanted to let you know I will be thinking about you

and sending up prayers. Hopefully your docs will be able to diagnose

and treat the problem, and it sounds like they are really searching,

so that is good. Yes, the PPN always infiltrates for me too and

causes phlebitis. That's the down side. But it really helped

stabilize other symptoms. Each case is different, and I'm sure your

doctors will come up with a solution for you.

Please keep in touch as you can.

Barbara

> Hi,

>

> I am still home having difficulty after gallbladder surgery. My

symptoms

> have not improved and are a little worse. I am still not able to

eat without

> pain. The surgeon is readmitting me to the hospital today for

more tests.

> Actually, I think it will be a repeat of tests I have already

had. They are having

> a hard time getting to the bottom of it.

>

> I am hoping they can evaluate the function of the pancreas without

any

> invasive tests. They already are mentioning a possible problem

with the Sphincter

> of Oddi, which is the muscle/valve going into the intestine?

Which is

> apparently difficult to diagnose and requires invasive tests. Has

anyone here had

> problems of that nature or unusual digestive problems that have

been diagnosed?

>

> Also, I am trying to stay hydrated and get some nutrition into

me. I haven't

> talked to my mito doc yet, but I assume he will want me to have

some sort of

> PPN? I had it during the 3 day stay for the gallbladder surgery

and it

> infiltrated my arm and I ended up with phlebitis. So I am not

wanting to do that

> again. Makes you feel kind of stuck.

>

> Any ideas or personal experience you could share would be

appreciated.

>

> Thanks,

> Adam

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/10/2004 9:06:38 AM Eastern Standard Time,

adamm321@... writes:

They already are mentioning a possible problem with the Sphincter

of Oddi, which is the muscle/valve going into the intestine? Which is

apparently difficult to diagnose and requires invasive tests. Has anyone

here had

problems of that nature or unusual digestive problems that have been

diagnosed?

Hi Adam,

This spincter of oddi dysfunction (SOD) is a problem for me too. The

dysmotility that affects my GI tract apparently also affects my biliary system.

They

have seen SOD on a manometry they did to measure the amount of activity in

my intestine. They think that this could also possibly be causing the chronic

pancreatitis that I have.

I think the most common way to diagnose it is through an ERCP (similar to an

endoscopy) where they go down and measure the pressures in the bile duct.

The problem with this procedure is that in some people it can CAUSE acute

pancreatitis b/c they are irritating that area during the procedure. This

doesn't

happen to everyone but I have heard of a handful that do get this just from

the procedure itself. I think that if the pressures are high the standard

thing to do is make a slit in the muscles at the sphincter to allow the

pressures

to decrease (this is called a sphincterotomy).

I hope they figure out the cause of all your pain. You'll be in my thoughts

this weekend......

Malisa

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/10/2004 9:06:38 AM Eastern Standard Time,

adamm321@... writes:

They already are mentioning a possible problem with the Sphincter

of Oddi, which is the muscle/valve going into the intestine? Which is

apparently difficult to diagnose and requires invasive tests. Has anyone

here had

problems of that nature or unusual digestive problems that have been

diagnosed?

Hi Adam,

This spincter of oddi dysfunction (SOD) is a problem for me too. The

dysmotility that affects my GI tract apparently also affects my biliary system.

They

have seen SOD on a manometry they did to measure the amount of activity in

my intestine. They think that this could also possibly be causing the chronic

pancreatitis that I have.

I think the most common way to diagnose it is through an ERCP (similar to an

endoscopy) where they go down and measure the pressures in the bile duct.

The problem with this procedure is that in some people it can CAUSE acute

pancreatitis b/c they are irritating that area during the procedure. This

doesn't

happen to everyone but I have heard of a handful that do get this just from

the procedure itself. I think that if the pressures are high the standard

thing to do is make a slit in the muscles at the sphincter to allow the

pressures

to decrease (this is called a sphincterotomy).

I hope they figure out the cause of all your pain. You'll be in my thoughts

this weekend......

Malisa

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/10/2004 9:06:38 AM Eastern Standard Time,

adamm321@... writes:

They already are mentioning a possible problem with the Sphincter

of Oddi, which is the muscle/valve going into the intestine? Which is

apparently difficult to diagnose and requires invasive tests. Has anyone

here had

problems of that nature or unusual digestive problems that have been

diagnosed?

Hi Adam,

This spincter of oddi dysfunction (SOD) is a problem for me too. The

dysmotility that affects my GI tract apparently also affects my biliary system.

They

have seen SOD on a manometry they did to measure the amount of activity in

my intestine. They think that this could also possibly be causing the chronic

pancreatitis that I have.

I think the most common way to diagnose it is through an ERCP (similar to an

endoscopy) where they go down and measure the pressures in the bile duct.

The problem with this procedure is that in some people it can CAUSE acute

pancreatitis b/c they are irritating that area during the procedure. This

doesn't

happen to everyone but I have heard of a handful that do get this just from

the procedure itself. I think that if the pressures are high the standard

thing to do is make a slit in the muscles at the sphincter to allow the

pressures

to decrease (this is called a sphincterotomy).

I hope they figure out the cause of all your pain. You'll be in my thoughts

this weekend......

Malisa

[Guest guest]

Dear Adam,

I had my gallbladder out in 1987, and it took me about a year to feel

better. My endo spent much time on the phone with me, trying various

meds to see if one would help.

I had never had any digestive problems before gb disease hit me, but

hindsight being 20/20, it was probably part of the mito. In 1995, I was

dx'd with gastroparesis, which waxes and wanes, and is often a very

major problem for me.

It sounds as if your doctors are trying very hard to help you. I hope

you are back from the hospital and feeling better.

The medical profession has always acted as if taking the gb out would

resolve all of our problems. But it seems very logical that the removal

of any major organ would tend to impair the body's ability to keep all

things in balance. I have dreadful headaches, with vomiting. It used to

be that protracted vomiting ended up with just the " dry heaves, " but now

I always produce very copious amounts of bile, which seems bottomless. I

don't think my liver is very happy about the disappearance of the

gallbladder.

Please post and let us know how you are doing, and what the doctors did

to help!

Take care.

S.

PA

[Guest guest]

Dear Adam,

I had my gallbladder out in 1987, and it took me about a year to feel

better. My endo spent much time on the phone with me, trying various

meds to see if one would help.

I had never had any digestive problems before gb disease hit me, but

hindsight being 20/20, it was probably part of the mito. In 1995, I was

dx'd with gastroparesis, which waxes and wanes, and is often a very

major problem for me.

It sounds as if your doctors are trying very hard to help you. I hope

you are back from the hospital and feeling better.

The medical profession has always acted as if taking the gb out would

resolve all of our problems. But it seems very logical that the removal

of any major organ would tend to impair the body's ability to keep all

things in balance. I have dreadful headaches, with vomiting. It used to

be that protracted vomiting ended up with just the " dry heaves, " but now

I always produce very copious amounts of bile, which seems bottomless. I

don't think my liver is very happy about the disappearance of the

gallbladder.

Please post and let us know how you are doing, and what the doctors did

to help!

Take care.

S.

PA

[Guest guest]

Dear Adam,

I had my gallbladder out in 1987, and it took me about a year to feel

better. My endo spent much time on the phone with me, trying various

meds to see if one would help.

I had never had any digestive problems before gb disease hit me, but

hindsight being 20/20, it was probably part of the mito. In 1995, I was

dx'd with gastroparesis, which waxes and wanes, and is often a very

major problem for me.

It sounds as if your doctors are trying very hard to help you. I hope

you are back from the hospital and feeling better.

The medical profession has always acted as if taking the gb out would

resolve all of our problems. But it seems very logical that the removal

of any major organ would tend to impair the body's ability to keep all

things in balance. I have dreadful headaches, with vomiting. It used to

be that protracted vomiting ended up with just the " dry heaves, " but now

I always produce very copious amounts of bile, which seems bottomless. I

don't think my liver is very happy about the disappearance of the

gallbladder.

Please post and let us know how you are doing, and what the doctors did

to help!

Take care.

S.

PA

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Well, I am finally home again. :-) It has been a long 6 weeks. I

was hospitalized for 6 days and had many tests trying to determine

the source of pain after I eat. Unfortunately, I came home from the

hospital with the same problem I had going in. I am still on liquids

more or less and have pain with solid food.

What was learned from the hospitalization is that there may be more

than one problem going on. A stomach emptying test showed my stomach

to be emptying at almost twice the normal amount of time it should

take to empty. That may be responsible for some symptoms. Then I

was given some Percocet for pain and it actually increased my pain

and caused nausea and vomiting after which there was significant

elevation of liver function tests. A response which they suspect

points to a Sphincter of Oddi diagnosis.

Nothing else showed an abnormal result. So about the only thing they

could offer, was a trial of reglan for the slow stomach emptying, and

another test...an ERCP...to measure the pressure of the Sphincter of

Oddi, [the valve going in to the intestine from the bile/pancreatic

ducts] with a possible sphincterotomy, which is a cutting of the

muscle of that valve.

Unfortunately, the procedure is not without risk and I could end up

with more complications from that. Some of which could be serious.

So I am home trying to stick to mostly liquids and avoid pain that

will end me up in the hospital ER. I have another appointment with a

GI doc in a few weeks. Although he is a dysmotility specialist, I am

hoping he may also be knowledgeable about this Sphinter of Oddi [sOD]

condition. I have been waiting for this appointment for 5 months.

I did manage to stay off IVs for most of my stay, thankfully, as the

veins are not standing up well at all. I had one IV in my hand for

only a day and a half and it was already getting sore and swollen.

Thanks to Tonya, Barbara, Mark, and Malissa for your warm responses

to my post just before I went into the hospital. I appreciated your

input.

Celia, your friend who is having Botox...I read a brief article about

that treatment and it indicated these shots were done while having an

ERCP. Is that correct?

, I am so sorry you have such long lasting problems with

digestion. I wonder if you have had a full workup of reasonable

tests to make sure it is not something that is fixable?

If anyone here has any information or experience with any of these

problems, I would appreciate hearing from you.

:-)

Thanks very much,

Adam

> Hi,

>

> I am still home having difficulty after gallbladder surgery. My

symptoms

> have not improved and are a little worse. I am still not able to

eat without

> pain. The surgeon is readmitting me to the hospital today for more

tests.

> Actually, I think it will be a repeat of tests I have already had.

They are having

> a hard time getting to the bottom of it.

>

> I am hoping they can evaluate the function of the pancreas without

any

> invasive tests. They already are mentioning a possible problem

with the Sphincter

> of Oddi, which is the muscle/valve going into the intestine? Which

is

> apparently difficult to diagnose and requires invasive tests. Has

anyone here had

> problems of that nature or unusual digestive problems that have

been diagnosed?

>

> Also, I am trying to stay hydrated and get some nutrition into me.

I haven't

> talked to my mito doc yet, but I assume he will want me to have

some sort of

> PPN? I had it during the 3 day stay for the gallbladder surgery

and it

> infiltrated my arm and I ended up with phlebitis. So I am not

wanting to do that

> again. Makes you feel kind of stuck.

>

> Any ideas or personal experience you could share would be

appreciated.

>

> Thanks,

> Adam

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Well, I am finally home again. :-) It has been a long 6 weeks. I

was hospitalized for 6 days and had many tests trying to determine

the source of pain after I eat. Unfortunately, I came home from the

hospital with the same problem I had going in. I am still on liquids

more or less and have pain with solid food.

What was learned from the hospitalization is that there may be more

than one problem going on. A stomach emptying test showed my stomach

to be emptying at almost twice the normal amount of time it should

take to empty. That may be responsible for some symptoms. Then I

was given some Percocet for pain and it actually increased my pain

and caused nausea and vomiting after which there was significant

elevation of liver function tests. A response which they suspect

points to a Sphincter of Oddi diagnosis.

Nothing else showed an abnormal result. So about the only thing they

could offer, was a trial of reglan for the slow stomach emptying, and

another test...an ERCP...to measure the pressure of the Sphincter of

Oddi, [the valve going in to the intestine from the bile/pancreatic

ducts] with a possible sphincterotomy, which is a cutting of the

muscle of that valve.

Unfortunately, the procedure is not without risk and I could end up

with more complications from that. Some of which could be serious.

So I am home trying to stick to mostly liquids and avoid pain that

will end me up in the hospital ER. I have another appointment with a

GI doc in a few weeks. Although he is a dysmotility specialist, I am

hoping he may also be knowledgeable about this Sphinter of Oddi [sOD]

condition. I have been waiting for this appointment for 5 months.

I did manage to stay off IVs for most of my stay, thankfully, as the

veins are not standing up well at all. I had one IV in my hand for

only a day and a half and it was already getting sore and swollen.

Thanks to Tonya, Barbara, Mark, and Malissa for your warm responses

to my post just before I went into the hospital. I appreciated your

input.

Celia, your friend who is having Botox...I read a brief article about

that treatment and it indicated these shots were done while having an

ERCP. Is that correct?

, I am so sorry you have such long lasting problems with

digestion. I wonder if you have had a full workup of reasonable

tests to make sure it is not something that is fixable?

If anyone here has any information or experience with any of these

problems, I would appreciate hearing from you.

:-)

Thanks very much,

Adam

> Hi,

>

> I am still home having difficulty after gallbladder surgery. My

symptoms

> have not improved and are a little worse. I am still not able to

eat without

> pain. The surgeon is readmitting me to the hospital today for more

tests.

> Actually, I think it will be a repeat of tests I have already had.

They are having

> a hard time getting to the bottom of it.

>

> I am hoping they can evaluate the function of the pancreas without

any

> invasive tests. They already are mentioning a possible problem

with the Sphincter

> of Oddi, which is the muscle/valve going into the intestine? Which

is

> apparently difficult to diagnose and requires invasive tests. Has

anyone here had

> problems of that nature or unusual digestive problems that have

been diagnosed?

>

> Also, I am trying to stay hydrated and get some nutrition into me.

I haven't

> talked to my mito doc yet, but I assume he will want me to have

some sort of

> PPN? I had it during the 3 day stay for the gallbladder surgery

and it

> infiltrated my arm and I ended up with phlebitis. So I am not

wanting to do that

> again. Makes you feel kind of stuck.

>

> Any ideas or personal experience you could share would be

appreciated.

>

> Thanks,

> Adam

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Well, I am finally home again. :-) It has been a long 6 weeks. I

was hospitalized for 6 days and had many tests trying to determine

the source of pain after I eat. Unfortunately, I came home from the

hospital with the same problem I had going in. I am still on liquids

more or less and have pain with solid food.

What was learned from the hospitalization is that there may be more

than one problem going on. A stomach emptying test showed my stomach

to be emptying at almost twice the normal amount of time it should

take to empty. That may be responsible for some symptoms. Then I

was given some Percocet for pain and it actually increased my pain

and caused nausea and vomiting after which there was significant

elevation of liver function tests. A response which they suspect

points to a Sphincter of Oddi diagnosis.

Nothing else showed an abnormal result. So about the only thing they

could offer, was a trial of reglan for the slow stomach emptying, and

another test...an ERCP...to measure the pressure of the Sphincter of

Oddi, [the valve going in to the intestine from the bile/pancreatic

ducts] with a possible sphincterotomy, which is a cutting of the

muscle of that valve.

Unfortunately, the procedure is not without risk and I could end up

with more complications from that. Some of which could be serious.

So I am home trying to stick to mostly liquids and avoid pain that

will end me up in the hospital ER. I have another appointment with a

GI doc in a few weeks. Although he is a dysmotility specialist, I am

hoping he may also be knowledgeable about this Sphinter of Oddi [sOD]

condition. I have been waiting for this appointment for 5 months.

I did manage to stay off IVs for most of my stay, thankfully, as the

veins are not standing up well at all. I had one IV in my hand for

only a day and a half and it was already getting sore and swollen.

Thanks to Tonya, Barbara, Mark, and Malissa for your warm responses

to my post just before I went into the hospital. I appreciated your

input.

Celia, your friend who is having Botox...I read a brief article about

that treatment and it indicated these shots were done while having an

ERCP. Is that correct?

, I am so sorry you have such long lasting problems with

digestion. I wonder if you have had a full workup of reasonable

tests to make sure it is not something that is fixable?

If anyone here has any information or experience with any of these

problems, I would appreciate hearing from you.

:-)

Thanks very much,

Adam

> Hi,

>

> I am still home having difficulty after gallbladder surgery. My

symptoms

> have not improved and are a little worse. I am still not able to

eat without

> pain. The surgeon is readmitting me to the hospital today for more

tests.

> Actually, I think it will be a repeat of tests I have already had.

They are having

> a hard time getting to the bottom of it.

>

> I am hoping they can evaluate the function of the pancreas without

any

> invasive tests. They already are mentioning a possible problem

with the Sphincter

> of Oddi, which is the muscle/valve going into the intestine? Which

is

> apparently difficult to diagnose and requires invasive tests. Has

anyone here had

> problems of that nature or unusual digestive problems that have

been diagnosed?

>

> Also, I am trying to stay hydrated and get some nutrition into me.

I haven't

> talked to my mito doc yet, but I assume he will want me to have

some sort of

> PPN? I had it during the 3 day stay for the gallbladder surgery

and it

> infiltrated my arm and I ended up with phlebitis. So I am not

wanting to do that

> again. Makes you feel kind of stuck.

>

> Any ideas or personal experience you could share would be

appreciated.

>

> Thanks,

> Adam

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Adam,

I am sorry that you are still fighting these problems with the pain and misery

of your intestinal system and sincerely hope that you find some relief rapidly.

These types of problems are not fun to live with day after day. Perhaps the

liquid diet will help to relieve it and I certainly hope it does as that would

be the easy way to solve the dysmotility.

Let me make a suggestion, just in case you haven't thought of this. Your system

has been thru a lot of stress and I'm sure you are stressed by all of this right

now. Can you just take plenty of time to rest - sleep - relax and do nothing?

I'm thinking that giving yourself some time to heal and build up energy might

help in the long run. It's a common thing for those of us with Mito to need

extra rest especially when our bodies have been under stress. Some Mito

patients go to bed for days or even a week - only getting up to do those things

that are essential. You would need to make sure you keep those fluids in your

system and take the meds and/or cocktail per your normal schedule so if this

means setting an alarm to make sure you do it, that would be the way. Sleep is

so important that it's medicinal to us. I'm sure that your time in the

hospital was not very restful and probably put a lot of stress on you as well.

It's just a thought. I do seem to remember that you may have sleep apnea. I

would pursue this as this can affect your entire system if it is not treated

properly. Since we really need good sleep, that just doubles the problem. I

guess if I were you, I'd be putting this on the top of my list of things to do.

I know that in my case at least, this is one of the most important treatments to

me because it seems to help with everything else.

Good Luck and please feel better.

Alice

[Guest guest]

Adam,

I am sorry that you are still fighting these problems with the pain and misery

of your intestinal system and sincerely hope that you find some relief rapidly.

These types of problems are not fun to live with day after day. Perhaps the

liquid diet will help to relieve it and I certainly hope it does as that would

be the easy way to solve the dysmotility.

Let me make a suggestion, just in case you haven't thought of this. Your system

has been thru a lot of stress and I'm sure you are stressed by all of this right

now. Can you just take plenty of time to rest - sleep - relax and do nothing?

I'm thinking that giving yourself some time to heal and build up energy might

help in the long run. It's a common thing for those of us with Mito to need

extra rest especially when our bodies have been under stress. Some Mito

patients go to bed for days or even a week - only getting up to do those things

that are essential. You would need to make sure you keep those fluids in your

system and take the meds and/or cocktail per your normal schedule so if this

means setting an alarm to make sure you do it, that would be the way. Sleep is

so important that it's medicinal to us. I'm sure that your time in the

hospital was not very restful and probably put a lot of stress on you as well.

It's just a thought. I do seem to remember that you may have sleep apnea. I

would pursue this as this can affect your entire system if it is not treated

properly. Since we really need good sleep, that just doubles the problem. I

guess if I were you, I'd be putting this on the top of my list of things to do.

I know that in my case at least, this is one of the most important treatments to

me because it seems to help with everything else.

Good Luck and please feel better.

Alice

[Guest guest]

Adam,

I am sorry that you are still fighting these problems with the pain and misery

of your intestinal system and sincerely hope that you find some relief rapidly.

These types of problems are not fun to live with day after day. Perhaps the

liquid diet will help to relieve it and I certainly hope it does as that would

be the easy way to solve the dysmotility.

Let me make a suggestion, just in case you haven't thought of this. Your system

has been thru a lot of stress and I'm sure you are stressed by all of this right

now. Can you just take plenty of time to rest - sleep - relax and do nothing?

I'm thinking that giving yourself some time to heal and build up energy might

help in the long run. It's a common thing for those of us with Mito to need

extra rest especially when our bodies have been under stress. Some Mito

patients go to bed for days or even a week - only getting up to do those things

that are essential. You would need to make sure you keep those fluids in your

system and take the meds and/or cocktail per your normal schedule so if this

means setting an alarm to make sure you do it, that would be the way. Sleep is

so important that it's medicinal to us. I'm sure that your time in the

hospital was not very restful and probably put a lot of stress on you as well.

It's just a thought. I do seem to remember that you may have sleep apnea. I

would pursue this as this can affect your entire system if it is not treated

properly. Since we really need good sleep, that just doubles the problem. I

guess if I were you, I'd be putting this on the top of my list of things to do.

I know that in my case at least, this is one of the most important treatments to

me because it seems to help with everything else.

Good Luck and please feel better.

Alice

[Guest guest]

Adam

I agree with Alice that the sleep apnea should be addressed and might help

you a great deal. I know from experience that dysmotility can be a painful

and just miserable situation. After more years than I can remember, I

finally got relief by having my neuro increase my CoQ10 to many times what

was originally suggested and by getting my electrolytes in balance. It is

amazing that an imbalance can cause so many things to go wrong.

I hope you find some answers for your problems.

laurie

>

> Reply-To:

> Date: Sat, 18 Sep 2004 10:25:31 -0000

> To:

> Subject: Re: Not better after gallbladder surgery, being readmitted

> today.

>

> Hi,

>

> Well, I am finally home again. :-) It has been a long 6 weeks. I

> was hospitalized for 6 days and had many tests trying to determine

> the source of pain after I eat. Unfortunately, I came home from the

> hospital with the same problem I had going in. I am still on liquids

> more or less and have pain with solid food.

>

> What was learned from the hospitalization is that there may be more

> than one problem going on. A stomach emptying test showed my stomach

> to be emptying at almost twice the normal amount of time it should

> take to empty. That may be responsible for some symptoms. Then I

> was given some Percocet for pain and it actually increased my pain

> and caused nausea and vomiting after which there was significant

> elevation of liver function tests. A response which they suspect

> points to a Sphincter of Oddi diagnosis.

>

> Nothing else showed an abnormal result. So about the only thing they

> could offer, was a trial of reglan for the slow stomach emptying, and

> another test...an ERCP...to measure the pressure of the Sphincter of

> Oddi, [the valve going in to the intestine from the bile/pancreatic

> ducts] with a possible sphincterotomy, which is a cutting of the

> muscle of that valve.

>

> Unfortunately, the procedure is not without risk and I could end up

> with more complications from that. Some of which could be serious.

> So I am home trying to stick to mostly liquids and avoid pain that

> will end me up in the hospital ER. I have another appointment with a

> GI doc in a few weeks. Although he is a dysmotility specialist, I am

> hoping he may also be knowledgeable about this Sphinter of Oddi [sOD]

> condition. I have been waiting for this appointment for 5 months.

>

> I did manage to stay off IVs for most of my stay, thankfully, as the

> veins are not standing up well at all. I had one IV in my hand for

> only a day and a half and it was already getting sore and swollen.

>

> Thanks to Tonya, Barbara, Mark, and Malissa for your warm responses

> to my post just before I went into the hospital. I appreciated your

> input.

>

> Celia, your friend who is having Botox...I read a brief article about

> that treatment and it indicated these shots were done while having an

> ERCP. Is that correct?

>

> , I am so sorry you have such long lasting problems with

> digestion. I wonder if you have had a full workup of reasonable

> tests to make sure it is not something that is fixable?

>

> If anyone here has any information or experience with any of these

> problems, I would appreciate hearing from you.

>

> :-)

> Thanks very much,

> Adam

>

>

>

>

>

>> Hi,

>>

>> I am still home having difficulty after gallbladder surgery. My

> symptoms

>> have not improved and are a little worse. I am still not able to

> eat without

>> pain. The surgeon is readmitting me to the hospital today for more

> tests.

>> Actually, I think it will be a repeat of tests I have already had.

> They are having

>> a hard time getting to the bottom of it.

>>

>> I am hoping they can evaluate the function of the pancreas without

> any

>> invasive tests. They already are mentioning a possible problem

> with the Sphincter

>> of Oddi, which is the muscle/valve going into the intestine? Which

> is

>> apparently difficult to diagnose and requires invasive tests. Has

> anyone here had

>> problems of that nature or unusual digestive problems that have

> been diagnosed?

>>

>> Also, I am trying to stay hydrated and get some nutrition into me.

> I haven't

>> talked to my mito doc yet, but I assume he will want me to have

> some sort of

>> PPN? I had it during the 3 day stay for the gallbladder surgery

> and it

>> infiltrated my arm and I ended up with phlebitis. So I am not

> wanting to do that

>> again. Makes you feel kind of stuck.

>>

>> Any ideas or personal experience you could share would be

> appreciated.

>>

>> Thanks,

>> Adam

>>

>>

>>

[Guest guest]

Adam

I agree with Alice that the sleep apnea should be addressed and might help

you a great deal. I know from experience that dysmotility can be a painful

and just miserable situation. After more years than I can remember, I

finally got relief by having my neuro increase my CoQ10 to many times what

was originally suggested and by getting my electrolytes in balance. It is

amazing that an imbalance can cause so many things to go wrong.

I hope you find some answers for your problems.

laurie

>

> Reply-To:

> Date: Sat, 18 Sep 2004 10:25:31 -0000

> To:

> Subject: Re: Not better after gallbladder surgery, being readmitted

> today.

>

> Hi,

>

> Well, I am finally home again. :-) It has been a long 6 weeks. I

> was hospitalized for 6 days and had many tests trying to determine

> the source of pain after I eat. Unfortunately, I came home from the

> hospital with the same problem I had going in. I am still on liquids

> more or less and have pain with solid food.

>

> What was learned from the hospitalization is that there may be more

> than one problem going on. A stomach emptying test showed my stomach

> to be emptying at almost twice the normal amount of time it should

> take to empty. That may be responsible for some symptoms. Then I

> was given some Percocet for pain and it actually increased my pain

> and caused nausea and vomiting after which there was significant

> elevation of liver function tests. A response which they suspect

> points to a Sphincter of Oddi diagnosis.

>

> Nothing else showed an abnormal result. So about the only thing they

> could offer, was a trial of reglan for the slow stomach emptying, and

> another test...an ERCP...to measure the pressure of the Sphincter of

> Oddi, [the valve going in to the intestine from the bile/pancreatic

> ducts] with a possible sphincterotomy, which is a cutting of the

> muscle of that valve.

>

> Unfortunately, the procedure is not without risk and I could end up

> with more complications from that. Some of which could be serious.

> So I am home trying to stick to mostly liquids and avoid pain that

> will end me up in the hospital ER. I have another appointment with a

> GI doc in a few weeks. Although he is a dysmotility specialist, I am

> hoping he may also be knowledgeable about this Sphinter of Oddi [sOD]

> condition. I have been waiting for this appointment for 5 months.

>

> I did manage to stay off IVs for most of my stay, thankfully, as the

> veins are not standing up well at all. I had one IV in my hand for

> only a day and a half and it was already getting sore and swollen.

>

> Thanks to Tonya, Barbara, Mark, and Malissa for your warm responses

> to my post just before I went into the hospital. I appreciated your

> input.

>

> Celia, your friend who is having Botox...I read a brief article about

> that treatment and it indicated these shots were done while having an

> ERCP. Is that correct?

>

> , I am so sorry you have such long lasting problems with

> digestion. I wonder if you have had a full workup of reasonable

> tests to make sure it is not something that is fixable?

>

> If anyone here has any information or experience with any of these

> problems, I would appreciate hearing from you.

>

> :-)

> Thanks very much,

> Adam

>

>

>

>

>

>> Hi,

>>

>> I am still home having difficulty after gallbladder surgery. My

> symptoms

>> have not improved and are a little worse. I am still not able to

> eat without

>> pain. The surgeon is readmitting me to the hospital today for more

> tests.

>> Actually, I think it will be a repeat of tests I have already had.

> They are having

>> a hard time getting to the bottom of it.

>>

>> I am hoping they can evaluate the function of the pancreas without

> any

>> invasive tests. They already are mentioning a possible problem

> with the Sphincter

>> of Oddi, which is the muscle/valve going into the intestine? Which

> is

>> apparently difficult to diagnose and requires invasive tests. Has

> anyone here had

>> problems of that nature or unusual digestive problems that have

> been diagnosed?

>>

>> Also, I am trying to stay hydrated and get some nutrition into me.

> I haven't

>> talked to my mito doc yet, but I assume he will want me to have

> some sort of

>> PPN? I had it during the 3 day stay for the gallbladder surgery

> and it

>> infiltrated my arm and I ended up with phlebitis. So I am not

> wanting to do that

>> again. Makes you feel kind of stuck.

>>

>> Any ideas or personal experience you could share would be

> appreciated.

>>

>> Thanks,

>> Adam

>>

>>

>>

[Guest guest]

Adam

I agree with Alice that the sleep apnea should be addressed and might help

you a great deal. I know from experience that dysmotility can be a painful

and just miserable situation. After more years than I can remember, I

finally got relief by having my neuro increase my CoQ10 to many times what

was originally suggested and by getting my electrolytes in balance. It is

amazing that an imbalance can cause so many things to go wrong.

I hope you find some answers for your problems.

laurie

>

> Reply-To:

> Date: Sat, 18 Sep 2004 10:25:31 -0000

> To:

> Subject: Re: Not better after gallbladder surgery, being readmitted

> today.

>

> Hi,

>

> Well, I am finally home again. :-) It has been a long 6 weeks. I

> was hospitalized for 6 days and had many tests trying to determine

> the source of pain after I eat. Unfortunately, I came home from the

> hospital with the same problem I had going in. I am still on liquids

> more or less and have pain with solid food.

>

> What was learned from the hospitalization is that there may be more

> than one problem going on. A stomach emptying test showed my stomach

> to be emptying at almost twice the normal amount of time it should

> take to empty. That may be responsible for some symptoms. Then I

> was given some Percocet for pain and it actually increased my pain

> and caused nausea and vomiting after which there was significant

> elevation of liver function tests. A response which they suspect

> points to a Sphincter of Oddi diagnosis.

>

> Nothing else showed an abnormal result. So about the only thing they

> could offer, was a trial of reglan for the slow stomach emptying, and

> another test...an ERCP...to measure the pressure of the Sphincter of

> Oddi, [the valve going in to the intestine from the bile/pancreatic

> ducts] with a possible sphincterotomy, which is a cutting of the

> muscle of that valve.

>

> Unfortunately, the procedure is not without risk and I could end up

> with more complications from that. Some of which could be serious.

> So I am home trying to stick to mostly liquids and avoid pain that

> will end me up in the hospital ER. I have another appointment with a

> GI doc in a few weeks. Although he is a dysmotility specialist, I am

> hoping he may also be knowledgeable about this Sphinter of Oddi [sOD]

> condition. I have been waiting for this appointment for 5 months.

>

> I did manage to stay off IVs for most of my stay, thankfully, as the

> veins are not standing up well at all. I had one IV in my hand for

> only a day and a half and it was already getting sore and swollen.

>

> Thanks to Tonya, Barbara, Mark, and Malissa for your warm responses

> to my post just before I went into the hospital. I appreciated your

> input.

>

> Celia, your friend who is having Botox...I read a brief article about

> that treatment and it indicated these shots were done while having an

> ERCP. Is that correct?

>

> , I am so sorry you have such long lasting problems with

> digestion. I wonder if you have had a full workup of reasonable

> tests to make sure it is not something that is fixable?

>

> If anyone here has any information or experience with any of these

> problems, I would appreciate hearing from you.

>

> :-)

> Thanks very much,

> Adam

>

>

>

>

>

>> Hi,

>>

>> I am still home having difficulty after gallbladder surgery. My

> symptoms

>> have not improved and are a little worse. I am still not able to

> eat without

>> pain. The surgeon is readmitting me to the hospital today for more

> tests.

>> Actually, I think it will be a repeat of tests I have already had.

> They are having

>> a hard time getting to the bottom of it.

>>

>> I am hoping they can evaluate the function of the pancreas without

> any

>> invasive tests. They already are mentioning a possible problem

> with the Sphincter

>> of Oddi, which is the muscle/valve going into the intestine? Which

> is

>> apparently difficult to diagnose and requires invasive tests. Has

> anyone here had

>> problems of that nature or unusual digestive problems that have

> been diagnosed?

>>

>> Also, I am trying to stay hydrated and get some nutrition into me.

> I haven't

>> talked to my mito doc yet, but I assume he will want me to have

> some sort of

>> PPN? I had it during the 3 day stay for the gallbladder surgery

> and it

>> infiltrated my arm and I ended up with phlebitis. So I am not

> wanting to do that

>> again. Makes you feel kind of stuck.

>>

>> Any ideas or personal experience you could share would be

> appreciated.

>>

>> Thanks,

>> Adam

>>

>>

>>

[Guest guest]

Hi Alice,

Thank you for your very thoughtful reply. :-)

Yes, I couldn't agree more, that digestive problems day after day is

far from fun. Yes, I am at least not getting dehydrating, but a

liquid diet is pretty low nutritionally. What can you drink that is

not sweet besides broth? Getting a mix of protein and carb to avoid

hypoglycemic symptoms. Having no energy at all with so little

nutrition.

Yes, stressed out is again, very valid. Resting is what I am forced

to do every day. I am pretty bed bound and have been for quite some

time. Sleep is another story. I normally get about 5-6hrs of sleep a

night and consider that a lot. When I get sicker, I can cut back to

3 or 4hrs. I don't have sleep apnea, but I do have difficulty

staying asleep and sleeping soundly. I also wake up from intolerance

to fasting, which sometimes I can get past with a few sips of

gatorade. I have tried sleeping pills at different times, but it has

never worked out for very long. I take melatonin now. I almost

always can get to sleep but the melatonin helps me sleep deeper. I

agree that for me, a night without sleep makes everything feel

worse. It is amazing to me how much of a noticeable difference it

always makes.

You mention treatment for sleep apnea..not sure exactly what that

is. Do they treat that with CPAP that I have heard mentioned on the

list? Is that the oxygen treatment?

Well...right again...it is really good to be home from the hospital.

I have already gotten two good night's sleep that I didn't get

there. I also have managed two days of doing liquids with no ill

effects aside from the lack of energy, so that is encouraging. Maybe

I can make it to my appt on the 30th without further ER trips.

Thanks Alice...

:-)

Adam

> Adam,

>

> I am sorry that you are still fighting these problems with the pain

and misery of your intestinal system and sincerely hope that you find

some relief rapidly. These types of problems are not fun to live

with day after day. Perhaps the liquid diet will help to relieve it

and I certainly hope it does as that would be the easy way to solve

the dysmotility.

>

> Let me make a suggestion, just in case you haven't thought of

this. Your system has been thru a lot of stress and I'm sure you are

stressed by all of this right now. Can you just take plenty of time

to rest - sleep - relax and do nothing? I'm thinking that giving

yourself some time to heal and build up energy might help in the long

run. It's a common thing for those of us with Mito to need extra

rest especially when our bodies have been under stress. Some Mito

patients go to bed for days or even a week - only getting up to do

those things that are essential. You would need to make sure you

keep those fluids in your system and take the meds and/or cocktail

per your normal schedule so if this means setting an alarm to make

sure you do it, that would be the way. Sleep is so important that

it's medicinal to us. I'm sure that your time in the hospital was

not very restful and probably put a lot of stress on you as well.

>

> It's just a thought. I do seem to remember that you may have sleep

apnea. I would pursue this as this can affect your entire system if

it is not treated properly. Since we really need good sleep, that

just doubles the problem. I guess if I were you, I'd be putting

this on the top of my list of things to do. I know that in my case

at least, this is one of the most important treatments to me because

it seems to help with everything else.

>

> Good Luck and please feel better.

>

> Alice

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Alice,

Thank you for your very thoughtful reply. :-)

Yes, I couldn't agree more, that digestive problems day after day is

far from fun. Yes, I am at least not getting dehydrating, but a

liquid diet is pretty low nutritionally. What can you drink that is

not sweet besides broth? Getting a mix of protein and carb to avoid

hypoglycemic symptoms. Having no energy at all with so little

nutrition.

Yes, stressed out is again, very valid. Resting is what I am forced

to do every day. I am pretty bed bound and have been for quite some

time. Sleep is another story. I normally get about 5-6hrs of sleep a

night and consider that a lot. When I get sicker, I can cut back to

3 or 4hrs. I don't have sleep apnea, but I do have difficulty

staying asleep and sleeping soundly. I also wake up from intolerance

to fasting, which sometimes I can get past with a few sips of

gatorade. I have tried sleeping pills at different times, but it has

never worked out for very long. I take melatonin now. I almost

always can get to sleep but the melatonin helps me sleep deeper. I

agree that for me, a night without sleep makes everything feel

worse. It is amazing to me how much of a noticeable difference it

always makes.

You mention treatment for sleep apnea..not sure exactly what that

is. Do they treat that with CPAP that I have heard mentioned on the

list? Is that the oxygen treatment?

Well...right again...it is really good to be home from the hospital.

I have already gotten two good night's sleep that I didn't get

there. I also have managed two days of doing liquids with no ill

effects aside from the lack of energy, so that is encouraging. Maybe

I can make it to my appt on the 30th without further ER trips.

Thanks Alice...

:-)

Adam

> Adam,

>

> I am sorry that you are still fighting these problems with the pain

and misery of your intestinal system and sincerely hope that you find

some relief rapidly. These types of problems are not fun to live

with day after day. Perhaps the liquid diet will help to relieve it

and I certainly hope it does as that would be the easy way to solve

the dysmotility.

>

> Let me make a suggestion, just in case you haven't thought of

this. Your system has been thru a lot of stress and I'm sure you are

stressed by all of this right now. Can you just take plenty of time

to rest - sleep - relax and do nothing? I'm thinking that giving

yourself some time to heal and build up energy might help in the long

run. It's a common thing for those of us with Mito to need extra

rest especially when our bodies have been under stress. Some Mito

patients go to bed for days or even a week - only getting up to do

those things that are essential. You would need to make sure you

keep those fluids in your system and take the meds and/or cocktail

per your normal schedule so if this means setting an alarm to make

sure you do it, that would be the way. Sleep is so important that

it's medicinal to us. I'm sure that your time in the hospital was

not very restful and probably put a lot of stress on you as well.

>

> It's just a thought. I do seem to remember that you may have sleep

apnea. I would pursue this as this can affect your entire system if

it is not treated properly. Since we really need good sleep, that

just doubles the problem. I guess if I were you, I'd be putting

this on the top of my list of things to do. I know that in my case

at least, this is one of the most important treatments to me because

it seems to help with everything else.

>

> Good Luck and please feel better.

>

> Alice

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Alice,

Thank you for your very thoughtful reply. :-)

Yes, I couldn't agree more, that digestive problems day after day is

far from fun. Yes, I am at least not getting dehydrating, but a

liquid diet is pretty low nutritionally. What can you drink that is

not sweet besides broth? Getting a mix of protein and carb to avoid

hypoglycemic symptoms. Having no energy at all with so little

nutrition.

Yes, stressed out is again, very valid. Resting is what I am forced

to do every day. I am pretty bed bound and have been for quite some

time. Sleep is another story. I normally get about 5-6hrs of sleep a

night and consider that a lot. When I get sicker, I can cut back to

3 or 4hrs. I don't have sleep apnea, but I do have difficulty

staying asleep and sleeping soundly. I also wake up from intolerance

to fasting, which sometimes I can get past with a few sips of

gatorade. I have tried sleeping pills at different times, but it has

never worked out for very long. I take melatonin now. I almost

always can get to sleep but the melatonin helps me sleep deeper. I

agree that for me, a night without sleep makes everything feel

worse. It is amazing to me how much of a noticeable difference it

always makes.

You mention treatment for sleep apnea..not sure exactly what that

is. Do they treat that with CPAP that I have heard mentioned on the

list? Is that the oxygen treatment?

Well...right again...it is really good to be home from the hospital.

I have already gotten two good night's sleep that I didn't get

there. I also have managed two days of doing liquids with no ill

effects aside from the lack of energy, so that is encouraging. Maybe

I can make it to my appt on the 30th without further ER trips.

Thanks Alice...

:-)

Adam

> Adam,

>

> I am sorry that you are still fighting these problems with the pain

and misery of your intestinal system and sincerely hope that you find

some relief rapidly. These types of problems are not fun to live

with day after day. Perhaps the liquid diet will help to relieve it

and I certainly hope it does as that would be the easy way to solve

the dysmotility.

>

> Let me make a suggestion, just in case you haven't thought of

this. Your system has been thru a lot of stress and I'm sure you are

stressed by all of this right now. Can you just take plenty of time

to rest - sleep - relax and do nothing? I'm thinking that giving

yourself some time to heal and build up energy might help in the long

run. It's a common thing for those of us with Mito to need extra

rest especially when our bodies have been under stress. Some Mito

patients go to bed for days or even a week - only getting up to do

those things that are essential. You would need to make sure you

keep those fluids in your system and take the meds and/or cocktail

per your normal schedule so if this means setting an alarm to make

sure you do it, that would be the way. Sleep is so important that

it's medicinal to us. I'm sure that your time in the hospital was

not very restful and probably put a lot of stress on you as well.

>

> It's just a thought. I do seem to remember that you may have sleep

apnea. I would pursue this as this can affect your entire system if

it is not treated properly. Since we really need good sleep, that

just doubles the problem. I guess if I were you, I'd be putting

this on the top of my list of things to do. I know that in my case

at least, this is one of the most important treatments to me because

it seems to help with everything else.

>

> Good Luck and please feel better.

>

> Alice

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Mark,

Yes, very good to be home. :-) I had an upper GI, which looks at the

stomach and small intestine, but no testing on the large colon. I

think that is where diverticulitis would be, right? I have been

having pain and symptoms in my upper abdomen exclusively so they

concentrated on that area.

Adhesions from other surgeries...good thinking. Not sure how they

determine that. I had an MRCP and ultrasound. Actually when I was

having one test [not sure which one], the tech told me that my GI doc

is very big on looking for adhesions, so I suspect that was covered.

The IV..was used with I think a small bore needle? It had a blue end

to it. It seemed very secure and comfortable, but on the hand it

gets moved around so much. I have had trouble with both arms and one

doc was trying to draw blood from the inside of my wrist. Poor

choice I thought, he didn't get any and I am pretty bruised there

from his attempt.

Oh, thanks for reminding me about the camera. I forgot that was now

available. I will definitely ask about that one.

:-)

Adam

> Adam, good that your are home, have the Dr's ruled out

> diverticulitis or adhesions from a previous surgery or

> the last one?

> from what I know, upper GI problems are very hard to

> diagnose, there is a new proceger that one swallows a

> camera the size of a large pill, and with this Dr's can

> see the insides of upper GI track, I think this is

> still experimental, with the IV, it sounds like it was

> leaking, did they use a butter fly or a small bore

> needle.

> markb

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Mark,

Yes, very good to be home. :-) I had an upper GI, which looks at the

stomach and small intestine, but no testing on the large colon. I

think that is where diverticulitis would be, right? I have been

having pain and symptoms in my upper abdomen exclusively so they

concentrated on that area.

Adhesions from other surgeries...good thinking. Not sure how they

determine that. I had an MRCP and ultrasound. Actually when I was

having one test [not sure which one], the tech told me that my GI doc

is very big on looking for adhesions, so I suspect that was covered.

The IV..was used with I think a small bore needle? It had a blue end

to it. It seemed very secure and comfortable, but on the hand it

gets moved around so much. I have had trouble with both arms and one

doc was trying to draw blood from the inside of my wrist. Poor

choice I thought, he didn't get any and I am pretty bruised there

from his attempt.

Oh, thanks for reminding me about the camera. I forgot that was now

available. I will definitely ask about that one.

:-)

Adam

> Adam, good that your are home, have the Dr's ruled out

> diverticulitis or adhesions from a previous surgery or

> the last one?

> from what I know, upper GI problems are very hard to

> diagnose, there is a new proceger that one swallows a

> camera the size of a large pill, and with this Dr's can

> see the insides of upper GI track, I think this is

> still experimental, with the IV, it sounds like it was

> leaking, did they use a butter fly or a small bore

> needle.

> markb

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Mark,

Yes, very good to be home. :-) I had an upper GI, which looks at the

stomach and small intestine, but no testing on the large colon. I

think that is where diverticulitis would be, right? I have been

having pain and symptoms in my upper abdomen exclusively so they

concentrated on that area.

Adhesions from other surgeries...good thinking. Not sure how they

determine that. I had an MRCP and ultrasound. Actually when I was

having one test [not sure which one], the tech told me that my GI doc

is very big on looking for adhesions, so I suspect that was covered.

The IV..was used with I think a small bore needle? It had a blue end

to it. It seemed very secure and comfortable, but on the hand it

gets moved around so much. I have had trouble with both arms and one

doc was trying to draw blood from the inside of my wrist. Poor

choice I thought, he didn't get any and I am pretty bruised there

from his attempt.

Oh, thanks for reminding me about the camera. I forgot that was now

available. I will definitely ask about that one.

:-)

Adam

> Adam, good that your are home, have the Dr's ruled out

> diverticulitis or adhesions from a previous surgery or

> the last one?

> from what I know, upper GI problems are very hard to

> diagnose, there is a new proceger that one swallows a

> camera the size of a large pill, and with this Dr's can

> see the insides of upper GI track, I think this is

> still experimental, with the IV, it sounds like it was

> leaking, did they use a butter fly or a small bore

> needle.

> markb

>

>