My GI visit today

[afidz]

Ok so a little behind the scenes...
I have gained at least 40 lbs in the last 18 months. I feel like it started when I had pancreatitis last November. While in the hospital for 3 days, not being allowed to eat or drink anything, I gained 20lbs. Ever since then I have not been able to control my weight. As I have said in a previous thread, I need to lose weight in order for me to have the next needed surgery. Because all of my organs are out of their native place, I have what is called a loss of domain. My abdominal cavity is smaller than it used to be. So this puts me at risk for another reccurring hernia after the next surgery. By loosing weight, it would increase my chances of everything staying in place and my abdomen finally healing the way its supposed to be. However, the combination of having a hernia, having scoliosis, and having arthritis in my spine, exercise is very difficult.
So fast forward to today, I have recently lost 15 lbs. But lucky me, I retain water weight very easily and gained it all back. Now I am back up to 5 lbs lost. I brought this up with my GI, he agrees with me that it might be my pancreas acting up. He ordered blood tests to check on my liver, kidneys and pancreas. Very nervous about those results coming back.

So, another thing that we discussed is my inability to pass a bowel movement. He has no doubt in his mind that its because of the hernia and my lack of core strength. But he thinks that it is another cause of my weight gain. he is going to be putting me on Linzess to try and give me D because having D is safer at the moment than not struggling to go.

He is also putting me on acid reflux meds because I have been having troubles with my throat. Its hard for me to explain, but its like I get cramps in my throat. everything tightens up and spasms and I feel like I need to throw up and burp but I can't. My grandma has a lot of issues with very severe acid reflux, she chokes on everything because her throat is so swollen. And because I get all of my digestive issues from her side, my GI wants to keep a close watch.

That pretty much the majority of what went on. He also ordered a CBC blood test to check all of my other leves. Over all, it was a very productive appointment.

 

[Cross-stitch gal]

Sorry about all this afidz Wish there was more that I could help with or say. But am wanting to send some hugs your way... :hug:

 

[Jennifer]

Glad the appointment went well. Let us know your test results when you get them.

 

[volfan4life87]

You can alter how much water weight your body retains by manipulating sodium & carbohydrate intake. I wouldn't suggest a reduction in carb intake, but you may want to take a closer look at sodium intake. There's sooooo much sodium in EVERYTHING.

Also, I know it sounds counter intuitive, but drinking more water also reduces water weight.

I know you aren't necessarily looking for advice, and you may already know these things but I just wanted to share it with you as you mentioned you're struggling to lose weight.

 

[afidz]

Yea, I have already done both of the things listed a while back. It helps a little bit but there is an underlying cause that my GI is trying to figure out. Thanks for the advice though!

 

[afidz]

Things aren't going well today at all. I woke up for about 30 minutes this morning, but other than that, I have been sleeping all day. I feel awful. MY body hurts a lot and I have a slight pain/spasm under my rib cage that is starting to really bother me. If that pain gets any worse I am going to go to the er because it reminds me of the pancreaitis attack I had last November. I wish my blood results would come back already so I can know what to do.

 

[kel]

What kind of hernia do you have? I just had an inguinal repair done.

 

[Essieluv]

Hey Afidz, sorry you are having such difficulties at the moment. It sounds like your GI is working pretty hard, so I guess that's a plus, but it still makes me sad for you. Sending you warm cyber-hugs and LOTS of prayers. I would send you cyber-cookies, but I don't know how good they would be over the internet, ya know

 

[afidz]

LOL thanks. Yes, my GI is working very hard. He is a great doctor. Since I need to lose weight, its best that you can't send me cookies

 

[kel]

Christ that sounds bad. I hope you can get the treatment you need asap.

 

[Grumbletum]

Poor you :-( I'm sorry you are having such a hard time. I can see why getting exercise must be really difficult. I wondered if you had tried yoga? It's aim is not necessarily weight loss, but since I started again, I have noticed that I am a bit more toned and it is definitely very good for reducing stress levels. I think a qualified and experienced teacher would be necessary to make sure that you were not overstretching etc., but it is a very gentle and calming type of exercise.

 

[afidz]

Yea, I have thought about trying yoga. Some exercise is better than nothing, especially at this point. There are a few other things I have started to look into. I also started walking more when my back can handle it, and I feel like since I started that I have gotten a lot stronger. One of my problems though, is on top of not having the mobility to exercise, I have spent the last 2 years in bed for the most part. So many surgeries in such a short amount of time and so much time recovering, it has had a very negative effect on me. I have also been thinking about joining the gym across the street from me so I can use some of their low impact equipment, but I haven't quite decided yet.

 

[afidz]

My guts feel heavy today, like I swallowed gravel.
Question for anyone who is reading this thread. .. If you have had gall bladder troubles, what does that feel like? Where is the pain?
EDIT: doing a quick Google search, I think my pain is coming from my gall bladder. It's a relatively dull pain right now and it's not constant so I'm going to wait to call my gi on Monday. But if it gets worse I will go to the er.

 

[dave13]

I was wondering if you have access to a pool for exercise? Easy on the body.

 

[afidz]

I don't but ifi join thegym, they have one

 

[dave13]

If joining a gym is within your means,it could be a good way to get active.I recently joined our local Y.I find it helps me mentally as well as physically.If your gym has pool hours that fit your schedule it could be a good place to start.

 

[2thFairy]

My guts feel heavy today, like I swallowed gravel.
Question for anyone who is reading this thread. .. If you have had gall bladder troubles, what does that feel like? Where is the pain?
EDIT: doing a quick Google search, I think my pain is coming from my gall bladder. It's a relatively dull pain right now and it's not constant so I'm going to wait to call my gi on Monday. But if it gets worse I will go to the er.

Eat a greasy meal and see if you can pinpoint your pain. If it is right upper abdominal or you have pain in your shoulder, probably gallbladder. Gallbladder pain can also show up right in your belly button or as chest pain, but the right upper abdomen and shoulder pain on the back side are the most common. I had stones. My pain was constant, but significantly worse after meals. Gallbladder pain can be fickle and not always make sense.

 

[araceli]

Gallbladder pain starts with pain in your upper right side, it feels like your rib hurts. It will feel tender and pain when touch. Later it is like you ate something bad and you have it in your tummy. Usually you will vomit until bile comes out and you feel better. My last episode was non stop vomiting and pain in belly and back. I really hope you feel better soon afidz.

 

[afidz]

I am not sure what it is anymore. I can't really explain the way I feel except that I know something is off. I should hear from my GI in the next few days about my blood tests, that should give em a clearer picture of what I need to do

 

[fozheart]

I am glad that your doctor is being thorough, and I am praying that they get some answers! :ghug:

 

[afidz]

So I got my blood work back. Everything is OK for the most part. I am getting a blood transfusion next week hopefully and that should help with my fatigue. My white cells are up but he isn't concerned because they have been elevated since he became my doctor 4 years ago.