068 Another Hospital Stay

On Friday afternoon we went to a follow up appointment with Dr. Hornbostel because of Jimmy's trip to the ER the night before. Jimmy was still feeling very miserable from everything that he was going through. When Dr. H came into the room he told Jimmy he was admitting him to the hospital.

We were shocked. We knew Jimmy was sick but we didn't expect a hospital stay. Dr. H says it is because Jimmy is very dehydrated from the diarrhea and you can't really catch up because it is so soon after surgery and he can't drink large amounts. Number two it's because they need to keep a close eye on him and get his bowel, vitamins, and eating situations back on track.

So we went straight over to admitting.

They got him to a room quickly but had lots of trouble with his IV (he ended up having a pick line after two different IVs infiltrated) and labs. Finally after using the sonogram (not sonar like Jimmy thought) they got him all situated and started on his fluids and vitamins. Not surprisingly, his blood work said he was dangerously low on potassium so they have been working to bring that up the last two days.

They have also done some other tests, xrays, and listened to his bowels. After Jimmy pucked up the Barium they were attempting to use for one test, his bowels finally startedmoving. So I guess 20 minutes of pucking and dry heaving helped move things along in the bathroom department. One positive to come out of a failed test attempt.

After all the results were in, Dr. H came back yesterday afternoon to tell us the verdict. As the xrays from the ER and the fact Jimmy's bowels finally started moving proved there wasn't blockage or obstruction. Hornbostel believes Jimmy caught a very aggressive flu bug which caused the diarrhea and was complicated by the fact he was already constipated.

These things combined curbed his appetite (dropping his vitamins), caused diarrhea (lowering his potassium levels, and caused dehydration (which he couldn't combat because of the limited amounts he can drink in one sitting). That's why he ended up in the hospital. Just one big whammy. The good news was if he could keep stuff down and get his potassium up then he could go home on Saturday.

So here we are, waiting to see what his fate will be. Will we go home or harbor another night at Heartland? Only Dr. H knows.

* Thanks to everyone who came by to visit or bring us stuff. You are very appreciated and you made our stay that much easier! *

067 The Constipation Saga Continues

Last night was another long night. We are still dealing with Jimmy not feeling well. I guess last night it was just the last straw so we ended up in the emergency room.

Because of the pain Jimmy was having they first thought that he might have a fecal impaction so they did abdominal x-rays to check for blockage and one of the doctors stuck his finger up Jimmy's bum (T.M.I. I know!) to see if their was any hard blockage near the entrance of the rectum.

The Verdict
Jimmy does not have blockage.
Jimmy does not have a fecal impaction.
Jimmy did not have a septic bowel movement.
JIMMY IS CONSTIPATED.

Evidently constipation can cause diarrhea because the other poo is forced around the harder stuff in an effort to leave the rectum. In Jimmy's case, the frequent trips to the bathroom have aggravated his hemorrhoids and the wiping has made his bottom very raw and tender. This has resulted in all the pain and discomfort Jimmy is experiencing.

Because Jimmy went to the ER they also called Dr. Hornbostel. Dr. H says that Jimmy is supposed to call him today and he has to go back to the Liquid Diet until further notice. So I will keep you posted.

For now, I am going to try to focus on work through my haze of tiredness and this too shall pass (no pun intended). Hope your day is better than ours was yesterday.

066 A Rough Beginning to the New Year

I was at work on New Year's Eve waiting to surprise Jimmy with the fact that I was going to get off an hour early! I couldn't wait! Thirty minutes before I was supposed to leave I get a phone call from Jimmy that he is having an emergency but that he can't tell me what it is because he feels like he is about to throw up. So I rush out the door and catch my boss on the way out. She isn't thrilled that I want to leave a half hour before my already early hour out and sends me off with "Jimmy always seems to be having emergencies." Needless to say I am now worried about my husband, my job, and driving home in the snow.

When I get home, I find Jimmy in the bathroom. Evidently he has been in the bathroom for three hours now (maybe a little more). For the past few days, Jimmy has been feeling constipated and the nurse practitioner told us not to worry (because he will probably go less often now than before surgery) but to keep an eye on it. While I was at home for lunch today, Jimmy decided it was time to take a suppository to help relieve himself, and after I left he went into the bathroom and never came out.

By the time that I arrived he is tired, in pain from sitting on the toilet, light headed, and a little dehydrated. So we called the nurse. She said that he probably just has a lot to get out (gee thanks) but that he should make sure that he stays hydrated and that she would call in something for the nausea. So I go back out into the snow to buy sugar free Gatorade (which doesn't even taste good to Jimmy anymore) and to get some meds. The next hour is spent in the bathroom while he drinks the Gatorade and tries to stop going long enough to go out to the recliner and relax his back -- Oh! and did I mention we have company in town!

Finally things claim down enough that he can come out for about an hour at a time to visit and relax. We actually did have some fun hanging out with our guests but the majority of the night was spent in the bathroom and doctoring his poor, sore bottom. This continued throughout the night.

 Needless to say, Jimmy had a really rough beginning to the New Year. Butt (ha has) I guess we should look on the bright side, if this is the worst of 2013 at least it is already over! :)

In all seriousness we know that this will pass. Life happens. Enjoy the good moments and laugh about the bad ones when you can. May God bless you and keep you this year. May you find joy and peace as you have never known before and may your long awaited dreams finally come true!

Grace and Peace,

052 Please Pass the Fiber

Today I want to keep it short but valid. DON'T FORGET YOUR FIBER! I realize that every bariatric program is different but there are a few things that they all have in common. They should be low in calories and fat and high in protein.

What most people don't realize it that the increase in protein in your diet can cause some major constipation! It's important that you talk to your doctor about what kind of fiber they would like you to take. Our program recommends Benefiber. However, there has been some kind of recall on Benefiber so it is next to impossible to find at a reasonable price due to the shortage. Go figure! So some of our friends have recommended we try Miralax instead.

The important thing is that you are taking a fiber which works for you because prolonged constipation can lead to some serious conditions such as blockage. Constipation can also reduce your already low appetite and cause nausea. None of these things are fun so don't forget your fiber!