Stomch not working after "bypass"

My mom was diagnosised about 2 months ago with pancreatic Ca with mets to her liver.  A wipple was not an option at this time, and due to the mass blocking off her stomach from emptying into her small intestine, a bypass was preformed on May 18th.  19 days later we are still in the hospital due to the fact that her stomach has just stopped working all together.  A NG tube has been in place this whole time, and when the nausea hits, her stomach is drianed.  I am looking for ANYONE out there who has been in this same or similar situation.  I am hopeful that every day things will start to work agian, but everyday I leave the hospital diappointed.  We haven't even been able to talk about starting chemo untill this is resolved.  Please post any thoughts, Thanks.

Frustratedformymom-

I understand your frustration.  I have been searching the internet for anyone who is dealing with this same issue.  My dad was able to have a Whipple procedure back in April 2009 to remove a pancreatic tumor.  However, almost a month after the surgery, his stomach was still not functioning and they ended up going back in for a second surgery to reconnect the stomach and intestine and work out any little kinks that might be in the system.  His second surgery was done on 5/13/09.  Again we waited, and waited.  45 days in the hospital and he was discharged from the hospital with the NG tube because his stomach still does not want to work.  He has a suction machine set up at home for the NG tube, and continues to have IV nutrition/hydration.  He is so much happier at home.  He can rest without getting poked and prodded and woken up every couple of hours.  He will be starting chemo on Thursday with the NG tube in place, so it is possible.   We do not know why his stomach does not want to function but we continue to wait patiently hoping that his stomach will just "wake up" one day.  I do not say this to scare you, it does sometimes take some time (up to several weeks for some) after the stomach has gone through the trama of surgery to start functioning.  I just want you to know you are not alone in dealing with the struggle of watching a parent go through this.  You are in my prayers!!

daddy'slilgirl

That's great that they would let you go home with an NG, we have been told that is not possible.  The surgeon has said that the NG could cause sinus issues, and other problems with her nose and throat.  Really?  I feel like we have bigger fish to fry, and I know getting her home she will "feel better", just being home.  Well, I guess all we can do is wait, I hope for your family and mine that both of thier stomach's "wake up", and soon!

My stomach was "asleep" for about 12 weeks. I had a NG tube in for 3 weeks, I just couldn't stand it. They put a G tube in my stomach to drain the bile off. They also put a J tube in to feed me. I did go home with both the G tube and J tube. I was home for only 3 days before everything started working.

I am doing fine now 7 months later. It was a long and scary process, but it will happen. Stay positive. I'll keep you in my prayers.

 Sonya

Hello,  so sorry to learn about your Mom.  I believe what you are describing is an illeus.  I have had 2 experiences with this.  The first was when my surgeon was preparing me for cancer treatment.  She inserted a J-tube and a port.  My intestines shut down and I had to be put on an NG tube in the middle of the night to pump my stomach.  My stomach shut down for several days.  Then just after my Esophageal removal surgery, my intestines shut down again.  I was on Reglan and many other things to try to "wake them up". That time they stitched the NG tube right to my nostril. It is a very nasty thing to happen, but is common in surgeries where it is necessary to touch the intestines.  I was on a J-tube for several months before and after the removal of my esophagus and part of my stomach in 2004 for EC.  They also needed to insert a pic line into a major artery to supplement nourishment until I could eat again.  My intestines didn't wake up for many weeks and I battled constipation and nausea/vomiting until they did.

These are major......major  health problems, but keep positive and hopeful.  Her intestines WILL work again, it is just a slow process.  I believe her biggest challenge will be the fight during the chemo to treat the pancreatic cancer.  

God be with you all as you go through this terrible time.