In desperate need of advice

[suddenlysick82]

I had my gallbladder removed aug.11,and due to an unsuccessful ercp the stone blocking my bile duct was left as was a stent.A little over a week later the stent had migrated through my bowel and was expelled.This was very scary as I was told the stent would need to be removed by ercp.So I called the gastroenterologist and he laughed it off stating that the stone must have pushed out the stent and it was fine.Sorry,I forgot to add that a day before the stent came out I had what the dr called a vasovagul attack and I told him I was having sharp pains if I move,cough,sneeze,etc.They sent me home.About 1 1/2 weeks later,I began to feel the very same symptoms I had during my gallbladder problem.I made an appt. with my primary doctor who did blood work and told me she'd have the results by the end of the day.I called the office several hours later and was told my dr had taken the rest of the day off and she was the only one with access to my results!!By now I was in excruciating pain,vomiting and again noticed my stools were very pale and urine brown.Fearing I was on my way to liver failure I went to the er.After being brought by ambulance they left me in the hallway for over 3 hours before even evaluating me!After blood work,urinalysis,and an ultrasound had been done,they sent me home,told me to call my dr in the morning and said all my test results were fine.I couldn't believe it...I knew they were wrong...and sure enough I was out of the hospital just a few hours when I got a call from my pcp,she told me to go back yo the er right away as my LFT results came back horrible(790)So I rushed to the only other hospital in town and was admitted,aside from my test results I have also developed jaundice.My Gastro dr plans to do a mrcp,as the other hospital said my ultrasound was fine,but he says something must be there as my bilirubin levels keep rising.I can't understand why the first hospital I went to sent me home saying I'm fine but a couple hours later I find out that is untrue.I am currently hospitalized and honestly losing trust and confidence in the medical professionals around me.Please help,I have four kids and really I do not want to be in this hospital...should I switch doctors??Any input,advice,or even opinion is much appreciated.I honestly feel I should report the hospital that sent me home to die in front of my children...I'm really not that type of person,but I kind of feel obligated to let people know that hospital is untrustworthy!!!

[suddenlysick82]

They said they did,and they said there is no need for a follow up...I guess I'm just going to have to get used to being in pain....thank you so much for your help

[Christopher R Watters, MD]

It would be good to check an amylase level to rule out pancreatitis but this can also be from the gas used to blow up the intestine to let them see. Typically much more gas is used than with an upper endoscopy because the ERCP procedures tend to be longer procedures.were they able to clear the duct?

[suddenlysick82]

Also the pain makes me feel like I have to have a bm,but when I try nothing,and I keep feeling very warm sweaty

[suddenlysick82]

Thanks so much for all your help.I have been home from the hosp since yesterday and now I am having severe lower back pain and what feels similar to menstrual cramps the pain is so bad I've locked myself in my room,I cannot help but be concerned about pancreatitis,I am hoping to hear from u soo as u seem to be the only dr giving me honest answers,I am considering leaving town to go to a diff hosp as the ones where I live have been less than helpful...should I be worried pain is almost debilitating but nothing like previous pain please help

Brenda

[Christopher R Watters, MD]

I hope all went well.

[suddenlysick82]

Hi,thank you so much for answering so quickly!!The gastro dr said I didn't need the repeat ercp because the stone must have pushed out the stent.After the mrcp the radiologist discovered the same 7mm stone is still blocking my duct.So in about an hour I will have the repeat ercp...I just hope they can get it out because I'm sure you know what happens after that procedure doesn't work...I really can't be cut wide open...I'm the caretaker,the mommy...my husband would have to deal with our 4 girl....one of whom is a rude and disrespectful preteen,and my youngest just turned 1 and has developed severe separation anxiety since I've been at the dr/hosp so much this month...I feel very helpless and hopeless...wish me luck,and thanks again for all your help!!

[Christopher R Watters, MD]

The last time you posted they were planning a second ERCP. I guess that didn't happen. The question to be answered is whether or not the stone has passed. An MRCP is an appropriate, non-invasive way of answering this question. I am puzzled how this has been drawn out for four weeks. I can understand your frustration but it sounds like they are doing the right thing.