i had a ruptured ucler!!!

[han-grrl]

What a week!

It started off on new years eve. I felt a sharp pain and then severe burning in my stomach. something was wrong. i was in sever pain and i screamed at my husband to call 911. i lay in emergency all night being fed pain killers until the ultra sound tech guys showed up in the AM. the following morning i got ultrasounded and scanned and it showed that i had an ulcer that ruptured. my surgeon tells me "either i operate or you die" yes she actually said that. anyway my surgery lasted 1.5 hours and i came out with a nasal-gastric tube, meaning the stuff getting pumped out of tummy was coming out of nose, IV drip and catheter. a great way to start 2007 no? i was on meds for most of the week which made me crazy and cry uncontrollable, (not fun). and finally i am back home with hubby. i had my staples removed today, but my abs are well, not exactly functioning. so that means NO TRAINING for 2 months! i am so bummed. i know things could be terribly terrible worse (like i could be dead!) so i am trying to keep perspective.

The reason i got it? well i use ibuprofen for my aches and pains, and even my limited amout many the tummy unhappy. never take things for granted...

thought i would rant and share...

Han

[ridethewind]

Good Lord, how awful! I can't believe they let you lay in emergency that long with such a severe condition. Thank goodness you are on the mend.

[snapdragen]

What a story! You are indeed lucky. Were you taking normal amounts of ibuprofen?

Take care, let your body heal - you'll be back to training in no time.

[Bikingmomof3]

What a dreadful start of a new year! I am glad everything is on the mend. Rest and take it easy. You will be back to training in no time.

[Thistle]

What an awful start to the new year So glad it's been fixed and you're on the mend. Make sure you take it easy for a bit!

[cosc]

Here's hoping the rest of your year will be easy sailing and you'll be ready to hop on that bike come spring.

[LBTC]

Yikes, Han-grrl! I'm glad they figured it out and got you fixed up. Time to learn the rest is good for you mantra and take one step at a time that so many of us are having to adjust to here...

Feel free to vent any time, or PM if you'd rather keep it low key. You might have some kind of low days and it's nice to know you can share with someone without the whole world getting to see it!

Take care of you!

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

[annie]

Han,

SO sorry to hear you're down for a bit! But truly, it is only for 2 months. I know that seems like a LONG time to you, but it will go by......... slowly at times, but very quickly most of the time. You'll be surprised, when you get back on the bike. No, you won't be back to full speed immediately, but it won't take all that long and soon, the memories of this difficult time will fade away into the dust and new memories of good biking times will take over. You are in my thoughts and I am sending vibes of healing your way.

annie

[bcipam]

As someone who has also had that nasal-gastric tube experience - I feel for ya! Nothing worse.

I have been listening to my doctors lately - all of them recommend Tylenol and nothing else for aches and pain. I still sneak in an Aleve here and there but I have become a Tylenol person.

[IFjane]

Sorry in advance for the little thread drift, but I have never had much luck with Tylenol. It never seems to help like Ibuprofin does.... Has anyone else had this issue? What do we do? I definitely don't want to wind up like Han.

By the way Han, thank goodness you are on the mend! I'm so sorry you are going to be out for a while but at least you know you WILL be back! Hugs to you!

[han-grrl]

i am so emotional lately from the meds and not being on the pill...i cried when i read your posts. thanks so much for the nice words! i know i am truly lucky things weren't worse! and two months is not that long, in fact it will be my birthday when i am, in theory, mended, so it will be a wonderful birthday present!

smile

Han

[bouncybouncy]

Sorry to hear...hope you are completely mended for your birthday!!


Just wanted to ask a question about your tummy leading up to this: Did you start getting tummy aches or have any discomfort of any kind before the rupture? I have taken high doses of ib on & off and wondering if there were any warning signs? I will look into tylenol now...thanks for sharing and take care!!!

[Grog]

Oh Han! That's terrible. I'm glad you're on the way to recovery. Don't get frustrated about the break from exercise... You can do other stuff you need to catch up on instead! (Like watching DVDs of your favourite shows!! Or of the Tour de France if you need some cycling entertainment.) (Or reading whole threads on TE!)

I've heard numerous stories equally terrible as yours and even worse from friends working in the intensive care unit. I would strongly recommend to anyone not to take any more ibuprofen, Tylenol or Aspirin than the maximum dosage written on the box. You might not have done that, this is just general advice for anyone. Aspirin can KILL you at much lower doses than people would think. Ibuprofen does nasty stuff to your stomach, especially if you add coffee (it does make it work faster, but don't try this trick more than occasionally!!!). Tylenol can also give a VERY bad time to your inner organs. Painkillers, even over-the-counter stuff, should be used only occasionally, and if more than that only under the supervision of a doctor... /End rant.

Good luck!!!!

[wannaduacentury]

I hope you feel better soon Han-grrl. I'm sorry your year started off on the wrong foot. Many healing vibes coming your way. get lots of rest and you'll be on the bike in no time. Jennifer

[SouthernBelle]

Feel Better!