Diverticulitis Support Group

My mother, age 71, had surgery for acute diverticulitis the first part of May, 2008. For the four days after surgery she was feeling fine and on the road to recovery. On the fifth day she had severe abdominal pain, nausea and vomitting. That same day, her surgeon ordered a CT scan that showed no apparent problems. She stayed in the hospital another 11 days. While the pain subsided, her nausea and vomitting did not. The doctor concluded it might be ileus. She was released on May 15. On May 20th, we took her to the emergency room because the pain returned. Another CT scan showed abscesses had formed in her small intestine and an emergency surgery was performed. During this surgery the doctor added a colostemy bag. After that surgery she was in ICU for nine days followed by another 7 days in PCU. She was released but still had severe nauseu, diarrhea and no appetite. She couldn't eat and was vomitting. After being at home for 12 days, she went back to the doctor's office for a scheduled appointment. Within the hour she had been admitted back into the hospital. Another CT scan was performed and an upper endoscopic. These came back clean and showed nothing. Blood tests were conducted and a stool sample taken and she was diagnossed with C-Diff. She started vancomycin and another 2 drugs; one to slow her digestion and one to stimulate her appetite. This time she was in the hospital for nine days. She was feeling much better in the hospital. Her spirits were good and she had started eating again. She was released this past Friday, June 27. On Saturday the nausea, vomitting, and loss of appetite returned. During this entire ordeal she has lost 34 pounds and now weighs 124 lbs. The doctors now have her on Welchol (4 dose daily), Megestrol (twice daily) Lomotil (4 dose daily) Reglan (4 dose daily), K-dor (1 dose daily), Zantac (3 dose daily), Flora Q2 (1 dose daily), Paxil (1 dose daily), and Vancomycin (4 dose daily). I have a clear understanding of the reasons for all of these drugs but the fact she went right back to feeling awful after getting home just doesn't seem to make sense to me. She continues to lose weight, she's still nauseated and still vomits. She is drinking Ensure Plus and is on a special diet but has no appetite. I have a feeling in my gut that something else has gone wrong.....If anyone knows of anything I would be forever grateful....even words of encouragement would be awesome. Thanks for reading... A concerned Son.
Posted on 07/04/08, 01:07 pm