So sorry you had to go through this...
Please let this be the last thing that did not go as planned!
You deserve to feel great by now, this battle has been long enough...
xoxo

Sorry you just can't seem to win lately. Glad it was nothing serious (except the pain and $$) and pray it doesn't happen agin.

Does the doctor have any suggestions to replace that huge pill? Can it be crushed? Or in liquid form?

Good luck!

Oh Sandra, how awful for you. Thank goodness it resolved itself. Shame you had to make the long journey though. At least your surgeon sounds on to it.
Fingers crossed for a incident free rest of your recovery.

Originally Posted by KiwiGal

Hi Sandra

How are you doing?

Hi Lisa!

Thanks for asking!! I'm doing good!! just had a blood test this morning, my anemia is getting better which is excellent news. Sleeping better and my pain is getting lower each day. So far so good! I hope to get back to work in September!
I will need to see again my doc at work, because I was in such a bad shape in June when I saw him he prescribed sick leave until November.
I can ask to go back earlier, hopefully my surgeon will confirm that in August and I can start the process to go back to normal!

Hi Sandra

How are you doing?

Originally Posted by kenson

So glad you were able to have your surgery and you are already on the healing side!

Thank you!! it's only day six but I feel pretty good!! finally lucky things moved in the right direction!

Originally Posted by Dutchie

Sandra!
You already got your surgery, I am soooo happy for you!
Now you can start to build things up again and with no pain.
Just take very good care sweety, and you'll be fine in no time!

I feel awful for neglecting you recently, sorry!

But you are home and that is what is the most important.
Your family must be thrilled for you!
I wish you a speedy and complete recovery!

Thank you Simonne for your good wishes!! and no worries I don't feel neglected!!

Yes the decision to get the surgery was quick, the heat wave was lucky, people cancelled their appointment so I saw the surgeon quickly, same thing for the surgery, he had an opening, I took it. My husband was so stressed out because it went fast suddenly but he was relieved at the end.

I'm very tired (still) but at the same time feel so so much better!! I can't sleep in my bed yet because the repair was huge and I'm only comfortable seating down but as soon as the healing will progress I will be able to sleep in my bed...finally!! at least now I can sleep more than one hour....that's progress!!

Originally Posted by KiwiGal

Really glad that things are on the up for you.
Please take it easy and I hope that your recovery is without complications.

Thank you Lisa! so far so good...fingers crossed!

Originally Posted by sraebaer

So happy things are going better!

How does the medical system work in your country? Free medical services for everyone, or pay on your own to go to a private hospital/doctor? Big debate in the states.

Sending wishes for a speedy recovery and no more pain!!

Thank you!!

Basically almost everyone has access to the national insurance because the government takes the money directly from our incomes to pay for health insurance and retirement. Then people will pay a premium to cover the extras, usually the company they work for will chip in. For indigents or people without a job or out of the benefice system, then the government just pay their national insurance, and for the very poor, they would even get a free premium.

It does create tricky situations where people who work get to pay some part of their expensive dental work for example, and indigents get their crowns and implants for free...

So if you got to a public hospital, usually it's covered by the national insurance except single room, TV or food, the premium would pay for that or people who don't have a premium pay, usually it is not much. If your national insurance is up to date, you pay almost nothing, during my stay in January I paid nothing, I did ask for the TV and my premium paid directly for the (awful) food.

If you go private, it's a little more complicated. The national insurance will pay for what it would cost in public for the surgery (more or less) and the extras are covered by your premium if you got a good one. My employer does pay part of my premium like many, but since I was getting sick since last Summer, I got an upgrade in September, paid more so I would get the best cover possible. Yet, I paid around 2000€ from my pocket for this surgery. I might get a partial refund, not sure yet.
Since this private hospital is in a fancy part of Paris and has a very good reputation, you know you will pay more from the beginning, I got a quote before the surgery.

The French medical system was an inspiration for many countries to built their system the same way. Medicare was actually a trial to get the same result French people have (or had, the result is not as good today as it was 15 years ago, the population is getting older and there is not enough doctors in public hospitals which is why we wait for so long). The main issue in the US, that we don't have in France, is the powerful companies who make meds who lobby to make more money. In France the price for medication is decided by the government so for example we would never have issues like what happened in the US a few years back when a company decided to raise each year the price for the epipen, to the point where parents couldn't even buy one for their kids when it was 400$. What a shame...

But here, I had to wait for months to see specialists, and didn't receive a good care for my stomach. I always preferred public hospitals because in case of an emergency they have all specialists on hand and the best equipment, but this private hospital had a good ICU (I checked before my surgery the public reports about it) and my surgeon was amazing...I think I will stick with this hospital for now...the staff is even nicer!

So glad you were able to have your surgery and you are already on the healing side!

Sandra!
You already got your surgery, I am soooo happy for you!
Now you can start to build things up again and with no pain.
Just take very good care sweety, and you'll be fine in no time!

I feel awful for neglecting you recently, sorry!

But you are home and that is what is the most important.
Your family must be thrilled for you!
I wish you a speedy and complete recovery!

Really glad that things are on the up for you.
Please take it easy and I hope that your recovery is without complications.

So happy things are going better!

How does the medical system work in your country? Free medical services for everyone, or pay on your own to go to a private hospital/doctor? Big debate in the states.

Sending wishes for a speedy recovery and no more pain!!

Thank you very much my friends!

I'm back home, safe and sound.
Recovery is much easier this time. My first blood test this morning did show I'm back in anemia (indeed) but I just received an iron infusion post-op so all good, I should be back to normal in three weeks!

I'm very tired and napping a lot, I will write a longer post tomorrow when I'm less sleepy.

So happy you found a surgeon that knows what he/she is doing! Best of luck, we'll have you in our thoughts and prayers.

Prayers and positive thoughts coming your way for a positive resolution to this matter. Continued success!

Thank you Cyndi!
I will post an update as soon as I'm back home, hopefully Saturday.

Good news Sandra!

Sending All Good Thoughts and Prayers.

Please keep us updated.

Thank you Lisa!
I'm a little scared (anesthesia, risks etc) but at the same time so so relieved!! I might be able to sleep in my bed on Saturday night. My back will really appreciate!!

The very bad point in the whole story, the comparison between the two scans (November, then January) did show a lot more damages in January...this surgeon is the only one who took the time to watch the whole DVDs of the scans and not just read the conclusions of the radiologist!
He suspects damages are even worth today, and is not sure he can do only a repair, because a bypass might be the only good option, but he will know for sure only during surgery.

I was so against a bypass, but after months of reading and research on the subject , studies show the repairs don't last, and I don't want any more surgery!!
So, I will probably get a bypass...
I did express my concerns about deficiencies, but since my last surgery on March 1st, without monthly hemorrhages my ferritin levels should have improved a lot and it didn't. Even with my usual daily high dosage of iron, and diet with high levels too. That's when he is the only one who said "no worries you will get those iron infusions when ever needed post-op, you just call the hospital". The anesthetist yesterday (lovely lady) actually said she will prescribe two infusions, one before surgery, one after (so glad I finally found a supportive team!!).

So anyway, he said a Roux en Y with short limb should be fine (since I don't need the non-absorption's help to lose weight) and said that I will wake up without the nerve pain, and no more awful reflux!! And he said after that my "cortisone weight should go away in a few weeks"...which is also bonus good news..
So....scared!!! but can't wait!!

Sandra, this is such good news. Thank heavens for a surgeon who knows what he is doing and for the cancellations etc - it is indeed well over due for you to be treated.
Sending you all good wishes for Friday.
Kia Kaha
(Stay strong)

Originally Posted by Christie13

Ugh that stinks. So possibly the bypass could work but it could also trigger the IBS. Hoping things work out. Hugs.

The bypass would stop the reflux "for sure" it almost 100% (I saw numbers from 95 to 98%). That's why surgeons prefer that safer way.

But they still need to repair the hiatus even with a bypass, because you can also get a hernia with a bypass.And my diaphragm is obviously damaged but they won't know how bad until they open.

I had no idea that a sleeve could get any stomach surgery so complicated post-sleeve.

Since my IBS was so important before the sleeve, is under control since the sleeve (docs can't actually really explain why, weird!) several specialist agree that a bypass would trigger for sure the IBS.

I really did consider the bypass at some point, but the idea of solving a huge problem and create two others (IBS but also more deficiencies) is just not worth it..

The whole thing does stink real bad....

Originally Posted by Sandra3

I've known since January that my reflux is the highest possible.
Saw several specialists about it.
It's true that the way to get a 100% result would be going for a bypass.

But since I also had a really bad IBS before the sleeve, two specialists (gastro) did confirm a bypass would start the IBS again.
I can't even consider that option, until we try the repair first. The repair could work and I would still be free of the awful IBS.

My surgeon in Taipei did say since the beginning in November that a repair could be successful if the reflux started with the strong hernia (my case) and if the hernia was big (superior to 3 cms) and my hernia is 4 cms.
So I have the profil for a repair. That wouldn't trigger my IBS.
My surgeon did say a bypass would be "safer" since we would know for sure the reflux would be gone but between my reflux and deficiencies..it's taking a lot of risks to fix the reflux but get more issues after...

But the repair is technically really difficult, and my last surgeon is Paris said yes I'll do it in January, then started to find excuses. I just think he is not good enough and I'm looking for an other surgeon, or if nothing work, I will go back to Taipei, spend a fortune, but get the real good care I need from a surgeon I trust...

It's been so complicated!!

Ugh that stinks. So possibly the bypass could work but it could also trigger the IBS. Hoping things work out. Hugs.

Originally Posted by Christie13

I am so sorry Sandra. You have been through so much. I will pray you find something that works. I have no advice to give as I have not had these issues. Hugs my dear.

Thank you my dear Christie!
It feels like I tried everything but nothing is working. I just hope that surgery will be really helping. I know it's not always successful...
Big hugs!

Originally Posted by Katrina

Sorry to hear you weren't able to come off the ppi. I've tried a couple of times over the last 4 years to come off. No luck for me either. I made it 5 days once, and thought I was going to die. I haven't tried again in a long time because even if I'm late by a couple of hours, I pay for it with pain. Reflux is rough! Hope you're able to find some relief that is suitable for you.

I'm sorry were are both in the "bad same boat" with the PPI!
I was able to stop it completely when I was 13 months post op, for more than 18 months
https://www.gastricsleeve.com/forum/entry.php?b=30523

but now, with the hiatal hernia that popped out in November after non-stop asthma, cards are different!
This time...it seems I can't...and reflux can show up even with the PPI, which was never the case before the hernia during the first year post-op...
I think that the only relief will be coming from the repair surgery...but when is the big question mark..

I am so sorry Sandra. You have been through so much. I will pray you find something that works. I have no advice to give as I have not had these issues. Hugs my dear.

Sorry to hear you weren't able to come off the ppi. I've tried a couple of times over the last 4 years to come off. No luck for me either. I made it 5 days once, and thought I was going to die. I haven't tried again in a long time because even if I'm late by a couple of hours, I pay for it with pain. Reflux is rough! Hope you're able to find some relief that is suitable for you.

Originally Posted by Christie13

I hate to say this Sandra but you may be better off converting to a full bypass. People who have such intense acid after a sleeve are usually recommended to convert to bypass. It helps stop the reflux. Hoping you find relief for your reflux and also keep losing weight.

I've known since January that my reflux is the highest possible.
Saw several specialists about it.
It's true that the way to get a 100% result would be going for a bypass.

But since I also had a really bad IBS before the sleeve, two specialists (gastro) did confirm a bypass would start the IBS again.
I can't even consider that option, until we try the repair first. The repair could work and I would still be free of the awful IBS.

My surgeon in Taipei did say since the beginning in November that a repair could be successful if the reflux started with the strong hernia (my case) and if the hernia was big (superior to 3 cms) and my hernia is 4 cms.
So I have the profil for a repair. That wouldn't trigger my IBS.
My surgeon did say a bypass would be "safer" since we would know for sure the reflux would be gone but between my reflux and deficiencies..it's taking a lot of risks to fix the reflux but get more issues after...

But the repair is technically really difficult, and my last surgeon is Paris said yes I'll do it in January, then started to find excuses. I just think he is not good enough and I'm looking for an other surgeon, or if nothing work, I will go back to Taipei, spend a fortune, but get the real good care I need from a surgeon I trust...

It's been so complicated!!

Originally Posted by Dutchie

That is certainly good news!
I am so happy for you.
Keep it up!

Thanks Simonne!
The very good news is I know why I was not losing after I stopped the prednisone in February!!
Even If I have to go back to the PPI until I get the surgery, at least I know now...it will come off when I stop the PPI!!

I hate to say this Sandra but you may be better off converting to a full bypass. People who have such intense acid after a sleeve are usually recommended to convert to bypass. It helps stop the reflux. Hoping you find relief for your reflux and also keep losing weight.

That is certainly good news!
I am so happy for you.
Keep it up!