Shoulder Surgery gone bad

Hi All,

I had Left shoulder scope done on October 8th. I came out of the surgery ok and the first two weeks were just normal post surgery pain but then all hell broke lose. I went in on Oct 23 to see the doctor because of hugh ammounts of bruising. I had posted after surgery that my whole arm was black and blue and then I started noticing several more (big brusises) some were the size of a soft ball without any reason. So I called the doctor and they said to get labs done. I got a call about 4 hours later from my Rhemy saying I have to go off ALL meds right away. My AST test was at 400, ALT 301, ALKPHOS was at 898! I had labs done right before surgery and AST was at 11. (normal per my doc is 13-40) Yes mine is at four hundred not forty. I don't have to tell you how I felt in the next coming weeks with no meds at all. Couldn't take pain meds either everything goes thru the liver and with results that high I couldn't take any chances.

After a week I took the test again and AST is down to 167!!!! Doctor calls and said still to high but this is good it came down alot. Stay off meds yet labs in a week again. Last test was last Thursday and AST went up again now at 268. ALT is 402. So here we go again. I am still off all meds and the pain is unbelievable. We do labs again next week but until numbers are normal we can't do anything.

Now here is the kicker..... after several other tests and much reading and research my Family Doctor thinks this is all from the anestesia (Spelling?) from my surgery. Our hospital is using an inhaled meds instead of IV meds (get this) less side effects! I am sure for most people it works great but the number one warning is liver damage and for someone like me that takes meds that effect the liver already it is a death sentence!

So that is were I am at now. I am not working and  most days I can't even get out of bed. Once the numbers are back to normal I can start meds again slowly but then are we going to find the right combination, I guess two of the meds I was on I can no longer take.

I have been reading all the posts but have not felt good enouth to write (type) until now. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Here's hoping for pain free days for all  

Kelly 

[[hugs]]

That's really good to know about inhaled anesthesia - I didn't know that! I'll definitely mention it to the anesthesiologist next time I'm going under.

Hang in there!

Kelly,

I am sorry to hear about all the stuff your going through, I will keep you in my prayers. I am curious on why they didn't look at  your list of meds prior to administering the type of anethesia (sp).  I have surgery scheduled in December so I will make sure I chat with them about this as well.

Keep us up to date on what's going on and let me know if there is anything I can do for you.

Also, I would talk to your Rheumy on what your options are and possible legal council if it turns out  you have an additional complications.  I am not one to sue (even when they made a blatent mistake with my son) but since I lost my father time is too short and our economy isn't getting any better. So take care of YOU all the way around.

Tess

Hi Kelly,

I am so sorry you've been having such a rough time.  I do hope things improve quickly for you and you get back to normal soon.  I've been missing your posts!

bigted

Hi all,

Well I think we are finally on the right road. I had my last labs done about a week ago and the numbers are finally coming down. My Rhemy called with the numbers and said I was low enough to start back on some meds. First was the Remicade IV which I had last Wednesday. This Saturday I can take my mtx. But only at half the dose I was on. Then I get labs a week later and then wait for the results. If they have not gone back up we can start adding one med every two weeks. I guess starting back slowly because then I can have labs done inbetween to see if the tests go up.

I have been trying to read and keep up on everyone but it has been hard to answer. I thank you all for your support and wish all those having surgeries good luck. 

Congradulations bigted on the new doctor I wish you luck.

hopefully I can keep up now and will be back talking with all of you soon. Take care,

Kelly

Kelly,

Thank goodness things are getting better! I see you pop up on line and by the time I get to the application to ping you; your gone. Darn job gets in the way of my socialization, ask Dosey.

As you know I go through my elbow surgery on the 15th of December and I won't be able to type either so I have to get my fill in as much now.  Though we will be putting the voice software to the test.

Keep us posted on the meds and blood work.  I know the next 4 weeks with no meds isn't going to be fun. 

Welcome back to the Creaky world.. 

Tess

Hi Kelly,

Glad to hear you are getting back on track.  I have missed reading your posts.  It's been a rough ride for you and I have thought of you often.  I'm off to Jamaica on Thursday and I will share my trip with everyone when I get back.  I see the new rheumy just before Christmas and we'll plan our attack then.

bigted

Hi Tess and Bigted,

Thank you both so much the words of encouragement help so much. I am hoping that in the coming weeks things will get back to normal.

Tess, I wish luck and a speady recovery from your surgery. I will pray for you

BigTed,  you have lots of fun in Jamaica ! we could start a jamaica crawl like Carolan's Irish pub crawl. I was glad to here about you new Doctor

Have a good day girls,

Kelly

Kelly,

I am game for the Jamaica crawl with all you guys. Where is Carolan these days anyway!!

Bigted and I didn't do a good job at synching up our flights we will be in the same airport inbound and outbound the same days!! Go figure that one! 

I guess I will  have to drink at the airport lounge with out her, but I will toast to all of you.  I will be able to drink since I am not able to take any of my RA meds since Last weekend!!

Yes I am feeling it but will get through it, what is the alternative right!

I'll be back next Tuesday and hope to see you all on the board. Work won't get in the way cause I am on Vacation the short term disability until end of January... 

We'll test out the voice recognition software!!  Later ya'll