Everyone here goes to Jan for answers, why dont we giver her her own category? i think she deserves this, if she wants it. just a thought.

I'd be agreeable. It would be useful for days when I don't have time to read all the forums.

Jan

It seems that a lot of the same questions keep cropping up, so it would be helpful to have an updated FAQ section. And who would be more qualified to write it but Jan? But I hesitated to bring it up since it would involve so much work for her.

The section could also include Julie's famous list of butt burn remedies, lists of what to bring to the hospital for step 1 and takedown, what to try when you have a blockage, Soph's psyllium wafer recipe, etc.

Jan's research, medical advice, and her own experiences are top notch! She has helped so many of us here. I would definitely welcome her own column. Thanks again Jan!

Scrappy Girl

Awesome! I think this is a wonderful idea and would really be beneficial to all the forum members, old or new.

A FAQ forum would be invaluable too, although that might be a lot of work for one person to put together. Perhaps there is a way we can make and FAQ forum, but just transfer over some existing threads (where questions have already been thoroughly answered by Jan and other veteran members) and sticky the most frequently asked questions to the top of the forum so they remain there for easy reference, without the extra work. I think it could work!

Jan Rocks!!!

Jan does rock! I was just thinking you are like Dr House - but obviously much nicer You are so generous with your time!

I was just thinking about that yesterday - it would keep her from a lot of duplicate posts....
If there was a Jan's corner I would look there first for answers to my questions.
Great idea
David

Well, if no one asks I'll ask the first question. Jan, I had takedown on Thursday. I have been vomitting and on an ng tube since Friday. It is now Wednesday evening. No progress has been made. I walk, I am pooping bile about 10 times a day, and till, periodically vomit even with the tube. I have frequent rolling or wavy cramps in my abdomen. over and overall day. DOES THIS SIMPLY sxound like paralytic ileus to you? Please help as I am desperately close to my breaking point.

An ileus lasting more than a week could give cause to search for a mechanical obstruction (twisting of the bowel or adhesions causing kinking). But the fact that bile is coming through is promising and I think you are probably on the verge of things settling down. The fact that you are having cramping pains means that your intestines are moving, but perhaps not all of them or not in unison. Hopefully, they are checking your serum potassium daily and adding it to each IV (KCl). Low potassium can precipitate or prolong an ileus. You may also want them to check the placement of the NG tube. Sometimes if it is not placed correctly, it is not emptying the stomach as it should.

If you develop severe pain or a high fever, then it might be time to go back to surgery and see what is going on in there.

But, I'd give it until Thursday or Friday before going postal about it. Even then, unless things really turn sideways, you may just have to wait. Sometimes it just takes longer than expected.

Jan

thank you jan. it is now day 9 of the ileus. CT w/contrast showed no obstruction, only some localized inflammation. that was 4 days ago. nothing has changed. i have started reglan today, as well as TPN. I am not coping well. Any more advice?

I have heard of it lasting weeks. But, the reassuring news is that it never lasts indefinitely. Keep moving and walking.

Jan