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264121 tn?1313029456

Intestinal Blockage

I forgot to mention that I have apparently developed some type of intestinal blockage and I'd love to tell you what type, but I don't have a copy of the report.  Now, the annoying thing about this is that THIS is the same intestinal prob that my hep doc's nurse prac was supposed to set up a colonoscopy for about seven or eight weeks ago.  I have some benign tumors of the liver that they scan every year, and when they scanned them this time, the liver tumors were fine, but the hep doc's nurse had told me there was something they wanted to check further in the intestines.

But then she never got back with me.  So I started calling her about it and she still never got back with me.  So when she didn't ever get anything set up despite my several calls I figured they'd changed their minds or that whatever they saw wasn't a big deal after all (I didn't know there was an actual block at the time, just that there was something they wanted to look at - since I had a colonoscopy two and a half years ago that was completely clean, I wasn't that concerned).

Now they've called and told me that I have a colonoscopy set up with max sedation for the 7th, and apparently I have some type of something, block or growth or cone or I don't know what growing into my intestine.  I don't even know what part of my intestine its growing into.  Tomorrow when I get my bloodwork straightened out I'll try to get a copy of the report.  

I have been having a lot of heartburn and stomach acid over the past few weeks, which is really unusual for me.  I attributed it to this tx, and I guess it couldn't have anything to do with the intestinal blockage that being so much further down?  Prob not...

It seems like I kind of was managing the different aspects of my tx decently, or at least semi-decently, and then when I had the seizure, I got really confused for the rest of the week and its taken a while to get back on track for me.  In the meantime, nobody else knows quite as well as I do what's going on with me or what needs to happen with me when.  My son was left to try to pull all of the pieces of my treatment together by himself when I couldn't, without all of the necessary information.  That was really unfair to him and I think probably a little scary.  Actually, for 19 he did a pretty incredible job.  But he wants everything written down better and posted centrally from now on, appts, med dosages (and also a list of which have to be taken and which are prn's for pain or discomfort) etc, in case he has to take over again.

He was able to find all of my physician's phone numbers in my cell phone after I had the seizure, and he said that was helpful since he knows who most of them are.  But he wants those numbers posted with the other information anyway, along with which doctor that is for me, hep doc, hematologist, etc.  It was so funny because I thought about how much he and I are alike.  I would want to know all of that same information too in order to feel comfortable helping to "care" for someone, or even to cohabitate with someone who had a chronic or serious illness.

I'm having to learn to delegate a lot more both at work and at home due to this tx.  It brings up all of these fears, mostly at work I think, of being left behind...

36 Responses
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264233 tn?1216342315
you are in my thoughts and prayers as well

keep us informed.

ps. dont be given jmjm any new ideas for his mate form what i hear she is already full of hot air.  : O )
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Avatar universal
That possibly sounds bad but I'm not a doctor.   Did the doctor say the "apple-core" lesion should be further investigated or even discuss the MRI results with you yet?  What's the plan from here?  

How much can one person take?  I feel for you.

Kittyface

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264121 tn?1313029456
Update - So I finally got to look at a copy of the MRI of the liver I had done two months ago.  It really doesn't look very good actually.  I have scarring to the lower lobe of my liver (from an old liver biopsy done after I was overdosed with iron, I think).  There are some issues I can't specifically remember that involve different valves or portals or something of that nature?  Didn't really understand that part too well.

Then at the upper part of my intestinal tract there was a large portion of tissue that appeared to be possibly necrotic or damaged in some other way.  Then, and I suppose this was the most alarming, there was an "apple-core" shaped lesion or tumor growing into the lower portion of my intestines somewhere.  Typically, it looks like this is associated with carcinomas from what I've been reading online, so that's pretty scary to me.

I do though, have this issue where my body throws out adhesions and scar tissue after surgeries, so I guess possibly it could be that as well.  
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264121 tn?1313029456
I have kind of a weird deal... (Funny, because that's what my doctor says about everything that happens in my case), but technically, I don't have a seizure disorder.  I have a few abnormal eeg's, but none of them are so far outside the norm that they are diagnostic for a seizure disorder.

On the other hand, I HAVE had seizures.  Less than a handful of which I'm aware, in the past fifteen years or so.  And actually, I would never have known about these seizures if they weren't witnessed by my son.  This led to me perhaps not taking them very seriously, and wondering if perhaps he was mistaken about what had happened.  So its really always been weird to me and somewhat difficult to believe they've occurred to begin with.  With him being 19 this time, I trust his description to a greater degree (plus my tongue is all chewed up where I apparently bit it).

I have also though, over the past probably twenty years, taken many different types of anti-seizure meds in efforts to treat my migraines.  I have been on topamax for about five years now.  My guess is that my going without taking it could have induced a seizure, particularly considering all of the stress I'm under, and given the toxicity of the other meds I'm on, including pain medication, I think it could be due to one or all of these factors.  I can tell you that I definitely will be making sure to stay on my topamax from now on.
Helpful - 0
90502 tn?1196364005
I also have a seizure disorder.  I did my 24 week treatment with Ribavirin & Interferon.  It didn't work for me.  So they tried Ribavirin & Concensus Interferon and it worked immediately in a big way ... until I had a seizure.

My neurologist said it was a "breakthrough" seizure.  He said next time I am on treatment he will speak with the hepatologist and make sure my meds will NOT allow a breakthrough.  

Just wanted you to know that you are not alone.  And yes, it sure does leave us "goofy" for days afterward, doesn't it?

I'll be praying for you regarding your blockage(s) and side effects from tx.  They sure are a pain, but if the tx is working they are worth every minute of discomfort.

God bless you,
CB / PasoPerson
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85135 tn?1227289772
I’m so sorry to hear you had a seizure. I was thinking something might have gone worng as I did not see you posting.
Was the seizure caused in any part by the intestinal blockage? Don’t answer if that’s private.

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212705 tn?1221620650
Happy Holiday's to you too!
Health & Happiness...cheers   (w/mineral water and lime)
Y
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233616 tn?1312787196
you know little jewel, all things work to good to those who love God....

you know I feel for your experience, but
somehow, the image of barium everywhere has settled into my funny bone as well.

this give whole new meaning to the idea of an "Asian quickie", probably the last time he'll try that for a while!!!

anyway, you have any tumors you will know to tell them this and to GO SLOW....even if you have to say your doctor told you to say that...I would.
(Dr. Mary)
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233616 tn?1312787196
I'm so glad to see you are back, have been wondering where you went and missing you.

along with others I wouldn't get too worried just yet, but do have a proceedure to check things out.
you should ask about using something like Lactulose to keep things flowing until you do get to "the table" as things backing up is not a good idea.

my tumors are here and there, 10 have been removed, three are just sitting there marking time, and they don't remove certain types that aren't growing, does more harm than good sometimes.
It will depend on what kind, where, and what caused it as to what get done for it.
this is where you really want the sharp tac GI/hepa guy to put heads together.

What I'm more concerned about, is how about your seizure. what do they think cause it, and what med changes if any have they made? Your procrit intake comes to mind.
take care,
mary
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Avatar universal
Happy Holidays to you and your family! And Happy Holidays to everyone!
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264121 tn?1313029456
Thanks.  Tough week ahead.  I think once I get past this one, things should clear up for a little while anyway (knock on wood).
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Avatar universal
I am sorry about all of the problems you are facing. I hope they resolve favorably and very soon. Good luck, Mike
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Avatar universal
High 5 tuhya!
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Avatar universal
MO: I was just teasing ya
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So was I, Miss Serious today :)
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Avatar universal
Oh stoooop, lighten up. I was just teasing ya. And I was just about to tell that you can take a joke pretty good.
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Avatar universal
Of course, much I could add on a subject with many twists and turns that seems to have captured more than just your imagination -- but then again, I think I'll respect the "Terms of Use" clause that comes with this forum.
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Avatar universal
Yeah some doctors are behind in the times. I went to a dentist about 10 years ago and the equipment looked so old, I wanted to run out. I should have because old equipment usually means they don't have much business I guess. The dust bunny in the corner that I noticed while the drill was in my mouth scared me too. Well it wasn't really a dust bunny, it was a dust dinasaur. This disgusting dust dinasausr was so big it was catty - corner in order to fit behind the door. lol
But really it was a dirty office and the equipment was so old. When I was first dx with hep c, that was the second risk factor I thought about - that office.
Helpful - 0
212705 tn?1221620650
"for the most part everyone on here is a stranger"

Very true....

I was talking about people I have corresponded with and who I can call on the phone...certainly they are not strangers...true friends who understand and share and listen. I didn't mean 'biblically' chosen...i was thinking more along the lines of..being a gift from God. Through difficult circumstances..they have been there for me. I can speak to others, family members and such...they can't have the empathy or understand the other difficulties that go hand and hand with this virus or this treatment....because it is almost indescribable. People here understand...so that makes it easier to talk...and listen. (It's almost like we can talk in shorthand...less exhausting)
That's the blessing. Until I can go to meet with other believer's, I will pray here at home. I do miss meetings centered around my Lord, His Work, and His Word. Soooon.
...and how are you doing? I don't know if you are txing or what your stats are or anything. Well, I hope things are better for you.
Sincerely
y

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264121 tn?1313029456
Thankfully, I don't think they do them anymore - or if they do it must only be rarely.  I think that attempt at me was during the last of the routine ones they did over here.
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Avatar universal
I haven't heard "barium enema" since my mother had to get one years ago. They don't sound like fun. I guess you don't plan on having another. LOL And I don't blame you either.
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264121 tn?1313029456
I actually wasn't raised here.  Born here and moved away as a toddler.  Have lived in San Diego, Telluride, then Austin.  Just back here about seven years ago.
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Avatar universal
Jimmmmmmie, the gastro and I broke up ever since he found out I have hep c. He believes that it is easily transmited so he doesn't crave me anymore. We just talk. I can understand him not wanting me though cause you know how I feel about transmission and all that, so I'm not hurt at all.
Tell my husband to stop for milk on the way home.Thanks
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264121 tn?1313029456
Maybe you should get dressed and go down to your local church; there you will find real people to “”give/get support from,”” you are taking these post way to serious, for the most part everyone on here is a stranger!!
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Actually, these boards are here for an express purpose.  To share information about particular disorders and medical issues and as support for people with these disorders and as support for their caretakers and loved ones.  

The people behind these screennames are very real people with real medical concerns.  Some of them couldn't physically "get down to their local church" even if they wanted to do so due to their physical condition.

These boards are not a place for people to play childish games, or to come heckle others.  What I can't figure out is why you would spend your time here.  You'd think someone who wasn't sick and tx'ing HCV right now or helping others do the same, would be out living their life.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Jm: "Never had a coloscophy done"
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Have no idea why I wrote that, as I've had two colonoscophys. Maybe my head cold virus has entered the brain.
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