General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsSo, DU, I've had quite the month.
A couple of you--and God bless 'em--had noticed that I had not posted much in nearly a month.
And that's true. But don't worry. I haven't grown so despondent about the state of our nation's politics that it kept me away. Nor had I turned to the dark side and embraced all things MAGA.
I'll preface all of this with the fact that in over 4 decades on this earth, I've been extremely lucky. Besides a couple of quick trips to the ER, I've never actually been in the hospital. Never had a major medical scare or serious health condition. And while I was no doubt happy about this fact, part of me dread it, as if I was waiting for another shoe to drop. It's like watching a pitcher try for a no-hitter, knowing that at any moment a hitter could break it up. So for some reason I knew my luck was not unlimited.
About a week before Christmas, I woke up with some seriously strong abdominal cramps. Basically like my innards had been put through a vice. The pain was so bad I really couldn't concentrate on anything else. Couldn't watch TV, couldn't browse on my phone. I couldn't even keep my legs still, it was that bad. And then there was the vomiting. I couldn't keep anything down for the life of me, food or liquid.
Tried going to urgent care but they were of no help. Finally relented and checked myself into the ER. There, they gave me an IV, pain med, and did a CT scan. Turns out I had pancreatitis. Which is no picnic, but I suppose it could have been something much worse.
I get admitted. They do just about every imaging scan possible--X-rays, CT scan, ultrasound, MRIs. Eventually they think my gall bladder is the cause of the problem, but they don't want to operate on it immediately but wait for the pancreas to settle down. Finally on Christmas Eve, I get discharged.
I expect things to improve from that point on. Still had some nasty residual swelling but that eventually goes down. Still, I don't feel 100% at any time. And then, on New Year's Eve, I wake up and the pain is back. This time I don't wait around, and immediately go back to the ER.
There, they run another CT scan. Turns out my pancreatitis caused something called a "pseudocyst" which is basically a giant pocket of fluid that is pressing up against everything else inside and causing my hell. They can do an endoscopic procedure to drain it. Problem is, it's a holiday weekend so getting the doctors together to do the procedure is not an easy task.
So for about two days I have to just bear through it. Basically I can get pain meds ever 4 hours. Once I get the pain meds, it works almost instantly. I'd then go to sleep for about an hour to an hour and a half. Then I'd wake up and be okay for another half hour before the pain starts to come back. And then the last two hours are just brutal. Basically I'm counting down the minutes until I can repeat the cycle.
So for two days that's basically all that there is until finally a doctor shows up at my door and tells me out of the blue they're ready for my procedure. So they take me to the OR, I get my first experience with anesthesia, don't even remember falling asleep and then I'm awake. And best part is, my pain is gone.
I stay there for about two more days. Thankfully, I'm more mobile than I have ever been, so at least I get to take walks around the hall and keep myself active.
So I get discharged. That's not the end of it. I still have to have a gall bladder procedure in a couple of weeks. And a couple weeks after that, they have to remove some stents from the first procedure. But I'm doing okay. I'm walking very slowly. I'm back at my work. And every once in a while, I'll feel a bit of a spasm but other than that, thankfully no pain.
Bottom line, nothing terminal. Nothing life threatening. But it was definitely serious, it was definitely painful and nothing I want to repeat again. I'll probably have some dietary modifications, and I may have to give up alcohol which is (literally) sobering, but I guess I had a good enough run. So such is life.
Nurses, doctors and medical professionals were all top notch and I have a new appreciation for what they do.
So that's been what's up. If I were a medieval peasant, I'd most likely be dead by now. But thankfully, those are not my times or circumstances.
Looking forward to getting back into the swing of things, in DU Land as well as the real world.
FSogol
(45,487 posts)dweller
(23,634 posts)And happy you are feeling better 👍
✌🏻
panader0
(25,816 posts)concentrate on healing up. Too bad about being forced to quit drinking.
Tommy Carcetti
(43,182 posts)I guess I'll just take it out and stare at it for a while, and drink some iced tea or something to pretend.
gab13by13
(21,349 posts)I hear that a Trump indictment cures all ailments.
Happy Hoosier
(7,308 posts)I had the WORST. FUCKING. YEAR. last year. One part of that was I had a perforated appendix in March. Wound up in the ER early March with severe abdominal pain and a high fever. I suspected appendicitis and told the ER so. The CAT scanned me and had me on the table in less than 4 hours. Spent the next three days in the hospital. SURPRISE!
I'm glad you made it rhough that first bit, and hope the second bit goes as smoothly!
niyad
(113,318 posts)you in light and love.
underpants
(182,819 posts)Jilly_in_VA
(9,979 posts)Glad you are better! Those surprises are just no fun at all. And on the holidays, yet. Yikes.
Tetrachloride
(7,846 posts)not a sign. im out.
cally
(21,594 posts)But happy you are on the road to recovery and less/no pain
blm
(113,063 posts)💐🫶💐
malthaussen
(17,200 posts)Seriously, glad you're more-or-less okay.
-- Mal
DashOneBravo
(2,679 posts)And Im happy you are doing better.
iemanja
(53,032 posts)I'd had something really similar last Christmas, a gallbladder problem that affected the pancreas. I know how painful that is. But once the gallbladder is gone, things gradually get better. Expect to be sore after they remove it.
Take care.
LuckyCharms
(17,441 posts)I cringed while reading your post.
I had pancreatitis once and was on a Fentanyl drip for 5 days inpatient. I remember I could not eat, and they could not even bring food into my room because the smell of the food would trigger the pancreatic enzymes. I did not have the complications that you did, however. Coincidentally. about the time you were going through your ordeal recently, I was in the ER with diverticulitis, and am just getting some relief now (knock wood).
You hang tough there, Tommy. They will get you fixed up soon and you'll be back to your old self. Once your procedures are done, you're going to be feeling much better. You're going to feel like a new man once they take care of everything.
Best wishes and good thoughts to you.
Karadeniz
(22,521 posts)medico who came into his room asked him how much he drank, making him feel like an alcoholic! I guess you'll be in a tea totaler lifestyle now!!! So sorry you've been in so much pain, but happy you're on the mend. Keep up the good work!!!
Nevilledog
(51,107 posts)I've seen first hand how painful pancreatitis can be. I'm glad you're feeling better, and following the dietary restrictions really helped her.
TygrBright
(20,760 posts)calimary
(81,283 posts)and to have to go through it during the holidays!
Very glad to hear youre on the mend. Please do keep us posted.
pandr32
(11,586 posts)I've had similar, so I know the pain. Better days ahead!
redwitch
(14,944 posts)I dont often have to deal with excruciating pain but its awful. So glad you are better!
KS Toronado
(17,243 posts)obamanut2012
(26,079 posts)It is horribly painful, but thankfully often about to be helped very quickly.
Feel better, man!
momta
(4,079 posts)My story, FWIW...
Several years ago I fell and cracked three ribs. The x-ray showed that the ribs were okay--I mean, while painful, they would heal without any intervention--but that I had an "enlarged biliary duct". So they did an MRI which showed gall stones. Never caused any symptoms! I had to have an ERCP (I forget what it stands for, but it could be what you're about to have where they scrape out the stones), and then have my gall bladder removed. When I asked the doc how many stones they removed, he said "Gazillions" . Weird.
littlemissmartypants
(22,667 posts)Magoo48
(4,712 posts)cilla4progress
(24,736 posts)Glad you are better!
Thanks for sharing with us.
liberalla
(9,248 posts)you're timing needs to get better. Save the holidays for other activities!
So glad you're doing better!
Duncanpup
(12,851 posts)brer cat
(24,567 posts)but glad that you are on the mend. Sending vibes for continued good news.
louslobbs
(3,234 posts)Wishing you a full recovery and a healthy, pain free future. All the best.
LudwigPastorius
(9,148 posts)The place wasn't the same without you.
Vinca
(50,273 posts)UTUSN
(70,696 posts)FakeNoose
(32,639 posts)Also I'm grateful that you survived this ordeal, my friend!
Yes indeed, if these were medieval times you'd be dead already. You probably would have died thinking that a witch cast a curse on you. Or maybe it was the devil, or maybe you offended God somehow. Aren't we glad those old days of superstition are over?
onecaliberal
(32,861 posts)hugs.
CaptainTruth
(6,592 posts)I wish you a speedy recovery!
H2O Man
(73,556 posts)Yikes! I'm glad that you are doing better! Take it easy, and be patient with yourself.
malaise
(269,019 posts)Hope you get all the treatment you need and heal fast.
TeamProg
(6,135 posts)Glad you're up and around.
Thankfully nothing terminal as you said.
Cheers.
hlthe2b
(102,283 posts)if you should ever develop abdominal pain so intractable that narcotic analgesia isn't adequately addressing it (and yes, pancreatitis can be that severe), once it has been fully diagnosed, you might ask for an anesthesiologist/pain management consultation. Epidurals ARE an option, though routine physician staff in the ER or even the ICU will not want to do it because of a lack of experience beyond diagnostic spinal taps. Ask for a consult.
And be healthy.
cate94
(2,811 posts)Sorry for your pain. Good luck with the next procedure!
SheilaAnn
(9,708 posts)Warpy
(111,267 posts)because that's the major risk factor for pancreatitis and GI things that are even worse. Even pancreatitis can be lethal, some people go into shock from the pain. I've also cared for people on prolonged IV feeding because it was persistent and lasted for weeks. This is not a scare tactic, this is what happens when it comes back again and again. You're going to need to reduce that major risk factor.
Of all the horrible things I've seen that can happen to the human body, GI stuff has got to be the worst.
Talk to your doctor about an acceptable limit for alcohol and try to stay under it. Yeah, I know, you'll miss getting hammered. If you find you don't have an "off" switch after one drink, there's help out there, they're online now and can set you up with someone in your area. I think there's also a group here on DU.
It sounds like they were giving you Demerol, a drug that's got about a 2.5 hour effectiveness. I don't know why these docs don't prescribe it every 3 hours instead of 4, I had numerous arguments with them over the years about it. They use it because it doesn't cause spasms in the gall bladder. It just doesn't work that well over 4 fucking hours, pardon my Medicalese. Fentanyl is even worse, it's la-la land for about an hour, followed by a crash. Once the gall bladder has been evicted, and it can usually be done with a bandaid surgery, you will probably get a longer acting drug. You will probably also not need it.
Recovery is going to take a while, you might have to figure out what you can and can't eat. Offhand, I'd say no KFC for a long time, it takes a while for your system to adjust to fatty foods again once the gall bladder is gone.
I'm just glad you're still with us to keep giving the wingnuts hell.
judesedit
(4,438 posts)Surgeons and nurses are amazing. Welcome back.
debm55
(25,218 posts)a kennedy
(29,669 posts)Elessar Zappa
(13,998 posts)For the last two years, Ive had pain alternating (and sometimes at the same time) in my upper left and upper right abdomen. Upper left is pancreatitis they suspect and the upper right pain is a mystery. I got an mri but my liver is fine and they couldnt even find my gallbladder. So its a mystery as to whats causing my issues.
iluvtennis
(19,861 posts)2naSalit
(86,636 posts)I was wondering where you went.
I, too, have been having GI problems lately and am going in for tests next Wed.. I had a stomach flu thing the day after xmas and have not been more than 80% since. My interest in food is minimal. as in not having any interest in food even though my stomach is rumbling painfully and I'm getting dizzy. I can open the fridge and just stand there and look at my food and want none of it. And I only buy stuff I really like to eat.
I'm glad you found out what was up and are getting help. I fear my issue may be somewhat similar, I think it could be my gall bladder, pancreas or kidneys, I can't pinpoint it so I'll enlist my GP to help identify it. She knows I'm a homeopath and so doesn't try to push pharmaceuticals on me. I'll take them when I am convinced I should. Too many medications end up on the "my body rejects this stuff" list.
Glad you're on the mend!
orleans
(34,053 posts)get thru it and hopefully you'll sail thru the gall bladder surgery. my mom had hers removed (years ago) and it was just a little incision and went very smoothly
glad to see you're back here.
nolabear
(41,970 posts)Im so sorry! Like you my gallbladder went south and I ignored pain (ignorable pain) until suddenly I was incapacitated. I was in the hospital for quite a few days but they did get the gallbladder out. Im sorry you have to go back.
Yes, its nothing to laugh off. Im so glad you made it and are back!
Ms. Toad
(34,074 posts)No fun!
Sounds like gall stones might be the cause of yours - but if not, and you've had COVID in the past 6 months, you might want to mention it to your gastroenterologist.
Tommy Carcetti
(43,182 posts)Barely symptomatic, though.
Ms. Toad
(34,074 posts)I coughed a bit. Had a slightly scratchy throat for a day. Very light sniffles.
It didn't stop it from leaving me with the additional presents of pancreatitis, some sort of gall bladder crud (without stones) a collection of immune deficiencies, and a very cranky GI system (3 days of symptoms this week (6 months later)).
But - six months is pretty much the outside documented connection, though, for a pancreatitis to be caused by COVID.
grantcart
(53,061 posts)mcar
(42,334 posts)greatauntoftriplets
(175,738 posts)Mine was asymptomatic, except for a lack of appetite for about six months. My doctor had given me an antibiotic that pretty made me nauseous. Just looking at food often brought on the sick feeling. For some reason, I could tolerate ice cream and bread. Also, I could drink booze.
One morning I collapsed and ended up in the ER like you did. I remember being in the ER, but was out of it before they took me to the ICU where I stayed for about three days -- I think. Most of it I don't remember, but there are moments not of clarity, but when I was maybe semi-conscious. That lasted about three days.
I spent three weeks in the hospital, but did not have surgery. After about a week in a regular room, they moved me to a rehab unit. I was so weak when they first got me out of bed to walk that I thought I never would again.
Like you, I haven't been able to drink since. Fortunately, I don't have issues with food.
I'm very happy to hear that you're on the road to recovery, and sorry that you had to go through all of that.
maxsolomon
(33,345 posts)Patron Saint of the Pancreas.
orangecrush
(19,563 posts)Great to hear from you again!
blogslug
(38,000 posts)I hope all goes well
flying_wahini
(6,600 posts)Glad you are doing better!
wendyb-NC
(3,327 posts)Glad you're back.
mountain grammy
(26,622 posts)So glad it's (mostly) behind you and you're on the mend.
Raine
(30,540 posts)nightwing1240
(1,996 posts)Here's to great health in the new year!
highplainsdem
(48,990 posts)Hope you're completely recovered soon.
Hermit-The-Prog
(33,348 posts)peacebuzzard
(5,174 posts)makes my aches and pains seem like nothing by comparison.
Best wishes Tommy Carcetti.
akbacchus_BC
(5,704 posts)and is on your way to getting better. Good luck with the impending procedure.
Wishing you and yours a Happy, Healthy, Safe and Successful 2023.
Bluethroughu
(5,170 posts)BlueWaveNeverEnd
(7,930 posts)Kali
(55,009 posts)I'm in the hospital with pancreatitis right fucking now.
Damn Kali
hope you are soon feeling better !
Keep us informed of your condition ❤️
✌🏻
Tommy Carcetti
(43,182 posts)Feel better soon!
electric_blue68
(14,906 posts)where you'd gone to since I didn't see any posts of yours.
Very Nasty stuff. Glad you here got a major part of settled. GOOD Luck with the next procedure(s) so you'll
be in very good shape again!
Sorry about the losing the alcohol, or most of it!
I've only gotten really silly drunk once, queasy drunk another time but luckily I mentioned it and they gave me some bitters that worked great!
The rest of the occasional times it'd be a nice pleasant buzz. I miss it bc one of my meds - I can only have a inch of anything. So no more buzz, but I still like the tastes of
white & rose wines, a bit of bourbon, and kahlua over ice cream. A very, very occasional treat.
Similar to you other than ER trips for the ankle being sprained until it started getting stiff - but a then holistic sports medicine (feet to legs specialty) taught me a simple exercise that totally reversed (!) the problem -I'd never been in a hospital.
In my case a semi-freak accident landed me in the hospital for a tri-fractured ankle (the other never damaged ankle), w surgery 2 weeks later when I was 57. The crutches during the wait for the ptecedure were terrifying! Then a good nursing home for rehab.
Totally recovery - you'd never know I'd had done anything to it.
So I wish you a continuing, excellent recovery, with a great year ahead! 👍
SheltieLover
(57,073 posts)So sorry to hear you were so ill!
Wtf drs would not do procedure because of a Hallmark holiday?
Glad you're on the mend!
Greybnk48
(10,168 posts)I was so taken by it that I related it to my husband and neglected to comment here. I hope you continue to mend and get stronger. You've been through quite a lot, but it sounds like the worst is over.
soldierant
(6,880 posts)A dear friend of mine had it Very painful
She is better now, and I hope you soon will be too.
Hortensis
(58,785 posts)Liberal In Texas
(13,553 posts)and it sounds like it's working to get you back on track.
Good luck on a full recovery.
Skittles
(153,164 posts)DA FOOK IS THAT? So glad you are feeling better.....
spanone
(135,838 posts)Tommy Carcetti
(43,182 posts)Details at Eleven.
Seriously, though, thanks to everyone who checked in. I wish I could thank each and every one of you individually, but the response was so overwhelming.
There's a reason this has been my go-to website for over a decade and half.
Much love, DU!