Hiccups and throwing up....

[rmlyonsfamily]

I give up.  Mike's hiccups returned today and tonight he threw up everything he's eaten all day!  He won't go tot the ER, but I told him if he throws up again he won't have a choice!  

[selmaS]

  This is one of the biggest complaints with most Drs offices as the nurses or receptionist take on the role of Dr when it is not their job....and it is hurtful to us....

I found getting an e-mail for the Dr is a more direct approach, I would do the normal phone in and if it did not work, I sent an e-mail and wham I got my answers and next call it went straight thru....if the Dr knows what is going on they do not like it...so if u have a contact for them, use it.

[Viva001]

Btw, I still take phenergan occasionally, 10+ wk post op.  I see that I can refill it, so my NS must know that nausea can be a problem.  It's my only symptom, other than HAs.

[Viva001]

That's good then; very important to trust the NS.  (I know; sometimes the support staff can be overprotective)
I guess that Mike is one of those tough cases, poor guy.  I hope he gets stabilized soon.

[rmlyonsfamily]

Honestly, he has been great and very receptive to everything I have requested and talked about in person or via email.  At our first visit he spent well over an hour with us and took the time to be sure ALL of our questions were asked and even though at that time Mike's Chiari was thought to be a simple 0, he took us seriously and gave credit to all of Mike's symptoms.  He was very honest about the risks of the surgery and that it may or may not work.  Not once did we feel like we were being blown off.  

Our complaint lies more in getting return phone calls from the nurses and PAs in his office since surgery - that's who calls you back when you have a problem or question.  Then, if the nurse or PA thinks it warrants it, they ask the NS.  

[Viva001]

Would you recommend this NS?

[selmaS]

  Don't forget to ask for possible rejection of that patch.......I know it is something new, but we r all different and there is a possibility.

Hang in there I know this is hard for Mike and for u.

((hugs))

[rmlyonsfamily]

Thanks.  When we see the NS Monday I'm throwing it all out there!  Leak, pseudos, ICP, etc.  I want them to figure out what's wrong once and for all so that we can move on!

Yep...  you sensed it...  I've hit my breaking point and am just plain frustrated.

[selmaS]

  
  The older term for it is pusedotumor cerebri PTC and the newer term is intercranial hypertension ICP.....

This is when ur body either over produces CSF or just is not absorbing it correctly....that or an obstruction and sometimes there is no reason and they call that idiopathic ICP.....

[rmlyonsfamily]

I've seen you post a few times on some sort of intracranial pressure.  What's that called?!?

[rmlyonsfamily]

Thanks.  You really are a huge help, Selma!  I appreciate it!  

[selmaS]

  Slow leaks may not show up as easily as a larger one.....and they can be missed.....as zygy told u she had several bouts with the steroids and this is what it came down to.....

I can only suspect rejection of the patch used if there is not a noticeable leak at this time. ANd I am only guessing and not a Dr.

[rmlyonsfamily]

They gave him Phenergan for nausea, we knew that.  He hasn't been nauseous for several days.  He took it yesterday b/c he had to be in the car and he does get car sick.

[rmlyonsfamily]

They did a CINE MRI last Saturday and all looked ok with the spinal fluid.  He hasn't had a brain MRI or CT done since August 6th.  

This is the 3rd time they've tried to get him off steroids.

[selmaS]

From the site (http://www.drugs.com/phenergan.html)-Phenergan also prevents motion sickness, and treats nausea and vomiting or pain after surgery. It is also used as a sedative or sleep aid.

  Could be he needs to take this one...at least give it a try

[zygy2]

I hope you hear back from the NS soon, this is ridiculous that they are not finding answers.  It just seems like there is enough wrong that they should be able to figure it out.  Has there been a new MRI since surgery to check for a leak?  I agree that it sounds like a leak!  I got really sick when I went off steroids and there was a leak, I did end up with additional problems because it was after my second surgery and I had other things going on too but the steroids kept me doing okay and then when I finished things would go crazy, they put me on them again assuming Aseptic meningitis and I was good for another ten days until I was off the steroids again.  Sounds like he NEEDS an MRI or at least a CT scan to see if there is a leak there causing problems.  I hope you find help soon! -zygy

[rmlyonsfamily]

He's only taking Tylenol now, and not much of it at all.  The only other med he has taken in the last few days is the Phenergan and he hasn't had that at all today.  

I emailed the NS.  Haven't heard back from him.  

[selmaS]

  All I can suggest is call the Dr keep him hydrated and flat....

  I had vomiting like that with meds.....and when I had a CSF leak....

What other meds is he on, and how many is he taking : )

[rmlyonsfamily]

If he's upright he's dizzy, but there's no difference in the headache and pressure.  

Yep - been off steroids since Tuesday morning.  This is what has happened the other 2 times he's came off them.  EXACT same thing.  The vomiting is strange...  no nausea to warn him it's coming.  He was fine, then he was throwing up hard!  Hiccups ever since.  He's SOOOOOO frustrated!

[selmaS]

  He's off the steroids now huh?

I am so sorry, I really feel there must be a leak of CSF, does he feel better upright or laying down?