Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication

[Rizo]

This message is primarily seeking resolution on Vitamin Deficiency due to surgery performed in June of 2006 for a Nissen wrap preformed when a Hernia in the esophagus gave out due to reflux that I'd had for years.  I was given a medication to help me sleep but apparently it relaxed me so much the muscles gave out too.  I've been on Prevacid for 20 years.  I was told after the surgery I wouldn't need it any longer but was back on it within two months.
It's only been recently that I've been able to associate the surgery to my current situation of vitamin D & A deficiency.  Enlightenment.  Science Daily help me see the association.

I've been a steady decline since February 2007 when I got hit Hard with inflamations in all my joints.  Arithritis tests by two physicians came back negative.  Ostio is a real factor though and progressing but have started Boniva.  I'm on my sixth physician currently.
Of these physician I've been back twice to the digestive center with issues twice but leave with no resolution.  I couldn't specify what I didn't know other than something was wrong.
I'm also a prior H-Plylori carrier so the vitamin deficiency may have been there prior to the surgery but I wasn't aware of it as Numerous blood tests pasted the prequisit for surgery.

Lucky me as an Encrondologist was competing with an Internist who found I had Thrush from four antibiotices (sick, sick every week, tongue is all white) since the surgery.  She simply tells me to come back in two months.  Once I indicated to Encrondoliogist that the I was sick every week, no energy, invaded with joint issues that happend overnight she check the D levels.  D was .17.  Normal according to the test is a low is .34.   But then left me with 'come back in a year' .  She writes a not to see a PCA and take 1200 units per day.  No phone call just a note which I had to call to even receive the results from.  
I did start taking Cod Liver Oil at this time - liquid form.  Yes but with a hint of Mint works.  From what I understand from Dr. Dale Alexander states the liquid goes through the stomach and into the system and by passes the liver so that it helps.  I've noticed my immune system is better than it was.  Apparently the medication for the Trush has promoted inflamation with my liver which is a new issue.  That is currently being recheck now too with a different physician.  Don't ya love it.

Apparently most who have stomach surgeries of varied kinds are not aware of this digestive situation of absorbing vitamins suppliments or perhaps not absorbing vitamin suppliments and vitamins from foods so I'm wondering what others may have found to be beneficial to regain this once vitality that gets suck life away from us.
Weight was never an issue for me.  I have remind myself to eat but what I do eat is generally healthy.  I watch my weight to keep it on.  I bought scales to make sure I don't fall below 120 lbs.    Surgery went well at the end of June by early November I developed a staff infection and my appetite has not been the same.  I can and do eat mini meals, on cheeses and fibber but this is obviously not enough even with suppliments.

Are there shots to receive perhaps or patches that can restore the appropriate values needed?
There are the fear factors doctors give of getting to much but when the digestive is off then it's obvious you are loosing a great deal.  The liver doesn't help which is a senerio of failure to this process and lack of D's from what I understand.

New blood test will be available for the A & D early this week from the womens center so perhaps it will help determine if there is any improvement from the Cod Liver Oil however I'm not sure who to see now for loss of nutrients.  I've seen and internal doctor who supposedly specializes with  Immune Deficiency's but totally missed this boat.  The Family Medical Center I was seeing are simply good for a seasonal allergy problem.  The Encrondologist says come back next year for a Density test for the Ostio.  The Rheumotologist simply said come back December since the scaroiliac has declined rapidly.  Would perhaps a Neurologist be the next fix or possibly have a clue.  I've lost faith with the Gastrologist but perhaps I need a new one?  Or perhaps I didn't have the evidence to show that there is an issue?  None of them seem to want to work together anymore.

My own research on line indicates the small intestine is a bigger issue here in these many surgeries after the fact but wonder if there is some means to help myself first without further surgeries and scoping.

Any suggestions will be appreciated.  Prior situations of anyone are welcome too.
Thanks to anyone reading this and hopefully it is also of some benefit to others in come way.

[Rizo]

You are most interesting.  Please keep in mind that barfing was how I started with with business.  I totally enjoyed eating but got to a point of it being a task and dreaded too.  The barfing was what created the hernia.  As a kid I had migranes that could cause throwing up too.  I finially got past these.  Later developed Gasteritis.  

I was given Regland for a short while to keep things down - relaxes the stomach and it did make a difference.  It was not compatible with the Activella hormone replacement - in a womans world.  It was an either or situation.  Both have been illiminated from my diet even though suited the purpose at the time.

It's interesting that you mention numbness with extremeties too.  This has been an ongoing situation and this new physician I have has indicated concern for B deficiency too.  Parnicia's anemia possibily.  I understand that B12 is a likelyhood after such surgeries even though a few months ago the Internal M.D. supposedly did a test run and it was supposedly fine.  Three months later it's not?
My arms would go numb but be okay once up and after an antibiotic so I thought there were perhaps kidney situations.  Now it's only my hands and toes but once I go see the chyropractor (another physician) he adjusts the hips and it's okay for a while but I believe it's related to the shoulders as they feel like corn flakes and only since February.  Amazing how fast in some ways something hits but no one has any answers.

Yes I am and have been an advocate with probiotic's for years and daily - which is why it's so puzzling.  I have the pill forms 'Reuteri' Primadophilus and also alternate with the Culture liquid form.  Take Shots.  That's partly why I was so surprised from the Thrus.  Just like I've always taken my B Complexes too but apparently they are being rejected.

I may very well go get a Juicer and hope that some form of substance is going to be absorbed.  I no longer have the throwing up but do keep nausea pills on hand as it's risky business after a Nissen wrap to need to and there have been times I've really really needed to from flues and bugs.  It's deadful business.  It's a primary 1st aid kit as you can tear your internal system up from refluxing.

There was a young woman - 20's - who was on Oprah just a few days ago.  She has cancerous cysts in her lungs.  Talk about inspiring.  She is Juicing all kinds of greens to keep her going and it's made a difference.  She takes it one day at a time.  Perhaps it's what she is eating that is making the difference.  I can eat anything now but apparently not absorbing nutrients.  I've notice over the past year I prefer the greens, spinach and such, olives, but just don't eat enough perhaps.  Drink V-8 juices.  Our body does tell us if we listen.  Things I use to enjoy in the past are not tolerable now.

Yes, I've felt dumped upon with the medical world but they sure don't hesitate to charge my insurance so it's frustrating not to have resolutions nor see their efforts to seek resolutions.  I'm fortunte to be able to seek new council but I'm grateful that I can do this as so many can't.  
Sorry this is so lengthy and your contributions are appreciated.  I do hope that you can resolve your situation too as it's not good.  Life is to short to be sucked up with these situations.

[Jaybay]

You certainly have been dumped on by the medical profession, haven't you?  :-)  Have you tried to find a nutritionist to talk with about this?  They can be kind of hard to find depending on where you live.  I have somewhat similar issues, but for different reasons.  I can't eat much in the way of solid food without barfing, so resort to liquids.  Vitamin B was the problem I had and ended up with numb extremities - that's how I found out.  So, I got myself one of those Juiceman juicers and started experimenting with smoothies.  

Any of the probiotic yogurts would probably do you some good - particularly with the huge amounts of antibiotics you're taking.  I always take acidopholus capsules when I'm on antibiotics and don't get thrush or any kind of yeast troubles.  If you can stand juicing green veggies, carrots, beets and the like, swallowing that down just might help with the vitamin deficiencies.  You can get all the nutrients without all the bulk.  It can take a while to get your nutrient levels back up, so try to be patient.