Ulcers 3 Months Post Surgery

[FarmGirlKate 9]

I wanted to share my experience of what happened 3 months post op with everyone so that they're aware as well! I had Gastric Bypass on October 15th and everything went amazingly well. Flew thru post-op without a hitch- diet was on track with where it needed to be, and I had even started back at the gym (all with the Dr.'s approval!) I had passed every post operative appointment up to that point. On December 12th (almost 3 months exactly after surgery) I was in the office eating lunch with my co-workers and after just a couple bites of food I felt what seemed to be dumping syndrome coming on but coming on a lotttttt quicker than it had ever before. As I got up from the table to head to the bathroom, the world started spinning and I had to grab onto the wall before I could finish my mad dash to the bathroom.

Once I got in there, I never even managed to flip the lights on before I passed out on the floor. From what my coworkers said I was in there for about 30 minutes was their best guess. I don't remember much just that I woke up to find myself throwing up. Once I turned the lights on all I could see was bright red blood all over the floor. I managed to get up and open the door and flag a co-worker down before passing out again.

Long story short- my body was going into hemorrhagic shock from an ulcer that had formed on one of the surgical connections which ate through the incision and finally broke through an artery. I was rushed to the hospital via ambulance, and you know something is realllllly wrong when they get you right into the ER and within 20 minutes you've seen a doctor, surgeon, they have a game plan and you're being wheeled into an emergency endoscopy. During the endoscopy they found the ulcerated site and cauterized the bleeding artery and placed 4 to 5 stitures to help close the hole. This whole ordeal landed me in the ICU for several days... not the type of vacation I wanted 2 weeks before the Christmas holiday but alas... I was stuck. I've been placed on 80mg of anti-acids as well as another stomach-coating medication with endoscopies scheduled for 6 months post fix and then yearly from there on out.

Looking back there were signs... I should have clued in on. But most importantly listen to your body- if something isn't sitting right go to your doctor. I will forever remember waking up in recovery with the surgeon coming in and looking me dead in the eye and telling me I was one lucky lady to be alive... If I had gone another 30 minutes or so in the condition I was- I wouldn't be here today.

[DCCJYALKZ 2]

Thank God you got there in time.

[La Crisha 8]

I am happy to hear that you are okay and made it through.

I was told about this during my consultation with the surgeon. My team told me that after the day of surgery I will go home with antiacid medications and the other medication that you said that you get six months after post op. I have to take that medicine for a whole year. They also told me that is why it is important not to go to the gym right away, wait 6 months and do not overdo my exercises. I even have to come home with a breathing machine and do breathing exercises, so this won't happen. Everyone I know that went to the clinic I went to have not had any problems because we get the medication to prevent ulcers before we are discharged to go home and have to continue them for one whole year. Some doctors don't tell the patients that unless you do your research and ask questions. This is good information to let everyone know about this. People have been telling me to make sure that I get the medication to prevent ulcers before I get discharged and wait to do abdominal exercising 6 to 12 mos afterwards to make sure that you have healed properly.

Edited March 23 by La Crisha