Serk down! Another Update! Latest News!

[mbramley]

  Sounds like a rough go so far. Rest and heal well Serk. Sending healing energy from our little corner.

[bassman]

    Keep up the fight Serk !!

[Whooray]

Thank for the update Connie.

Keep fighting Serk you'll be out of there in good health I no time!

[Valkorado]

Still wondering about and praying for Serk.  Any recent news?

[f6gal]

Still wondering about and praying for Serk.  Any recent news?

He's continuing to improve.  Still leaking, but less.  Still on IV antibiotics.  Lab numbers looking good. 
He's been messaging occasionally, but still doped up for pain.  They are planning to re-scan for the leak in a few days.

[f6gal]

From Tarynn:

Brian's still doing better.  Has walker and PT helps him use it.

Most important... he finally pooped.

Still leaking bile, CT scan today, then team will plan based on results.  

[baldo]

From Tarynn:

Brian's still doing better.  Has walker and PT helps him use it.

Most important... he finally pooped.

Still leaking bile, CT scan today, then team will plan based on results.  

Great news.....

And thanks for that image....

[Serk]

From Tarynn:

Brian's still doing better.  Has walker and PT helps him use it.

Most important... he finally pooped.

Still leaking bile, CT scan today, then team will plan based on results.  

Great news.....

And thanks for that image....

After over a week I literally took a picture.    Muahahaha

[f6john]

From Tarynn:

Brian's still doing better.  Has walker and PT helps him use it.

Most important... he finally pooped.

Still leaking bile, CT scan today, then team will plan based on results.  

Great news.....

And thanks for that image....

After over a week I literally took a picture.    Muahahaha

Going right in the family album, I suppose?

[Bret SD]

From Tarynn:

Brian's still doing better.  Has walker and PT helps him use it.

Most important... he finally pooped.

Still leaking bile, CT scan today, then team will plan based on results. 

Great news.....

And thanks for that image....

After over a week I literally took a picture.    Muahahaha

Holy Shiitake!!!

[Valkorado]

Glad things are moving along!  Sure hopeful the gut plumbers get ya fixed up soon.

[f6gal]

From Tarynn:

Brian's still doing better.  Has walker and PT helps him use it.

Most important... he finally pooped.

Still leaking bile, CT scan today, then team will plan based on results. 

Great news.....

And thanks for that image....

After over a week I literally took a picture.    Muahahaha

Holy Shiitake!!!

At least he didn't post the picture!!

[Willow]

At least he didn't post the picture!!

LOL!  Most will never know for sure.   

[cookiedough]

hang in there Serk tummy issues can be serious so hope all the infection and bad stuff gets out of you soon and heals up well.  5 hr surgery sounds pretty scary stuff that long.   ER scared me on my 1st ambulance ride last year stating may need a foot or so of my colon removed if scan comes up needed surgery.    5 incisions and weeks of healing is NO good way to miss weeks of work regardless if wanted to be off work.    4 days laid up in hospital bed with IV's was driving me NUTS cannot imagine much longer than that would be tough to handle going BATTY am sure. 

When my wife had emergency appendix removal surgery about 8 months ago the 3 incisions never really heeled well especially the top one they stuck the camera down into and she has permanent scaring and soreness that probably will NEVER go away.  Her tummy hurts all the time in the incision areas dr. said probably permanent scaring from darn surgery not much can be done about it have to live with soreness/constant pain if over-do it or even just use those tummy muscles too much.

[3fan4life]

When my wife had emergency appendix removal surgery about 8 months ago the 3 incisions never really heeled well especially the top one they stuck the camera down into and she has permanent scaring and soreness that probably will NEVER go away.  Her tummy hurts all the time in the incision areas dr. said probably permanent scaring from darn surgery not much can be done about it have to live with soreness/constant pain if over-do it or even just use those tummy muscles too much.

If it isn't getting better I'd see another Dr and get a 2nd opinion.

My Ex wife had a permanent scar and pain from an appendectomy.

She was seeing a surgeon for an unrelated issue when he questioned her about the scar (  it was pretty bad).

She told him that it hurt all of the time and had for years.

He told her that he could fix that and he did.

If I remember correctly the scar tissue from the skin and the muscle had fused together.

He separated them from each other and the pain went away, the scar even became less noticeable.

[Mooskee]

From Tarynn:

Brian's still doing better.  Has walker and PT helps him use it.

Most important... he finally pooped.

Still leaking bile, CT scan today, then team will plan based on results.  

Great news.....

And thanks for that image....

After over a week I literally took a picture.    Muahahaha

Serk, it sounds like you are getting back to normal!
Hang in there.  Even if it turns out to be a long road, at least you are on the road. ;-)

[Bret SD]

From Tarynn:

Brian's still doing better.  Has walker and PT helps him use it.

Most important... he finally pooped.

Still leaking bile, CT scan today, then team will plan based on results. 

Great news.....

And thanks for that image....

After over a week I literally took a picture.    Muahahaha

Holy Shiitake!!!

At least he didn't post the picture!!

Yes, he is a very merciful man.. lol

[f6gal]

Update.  They believe they located the leak.  He is currently having a procedure to move the drain closer to leak.  They are still hoping the leak will close on its own, without another surgery. 

Because I know y'all are fascinated by the bowel situation, he sent Tarynn this message...

"Pooping! Floodgates of hell have
   opened up and sent forth
   satans underlings."

[f6gal]

Oh, and the trips got to visit.

[Valkorado]

Update.  They believe they located the leak.  He is currently having a procedure to move the drain closer to leak.  They are still hoping the leak will close on its own, without another surgery. 

Because I know y'all are fascinated by the bowel situation, he sent Tarynn this message...

"Pooping! Floodgates of hell have
   opened up and sent forth
   satans underlings."

That's sounding more like the old Serk!   

[Jess from VA]

Glad the news is better and better.   

I bet they don't allow any whisky or cigars in there either. 

[f6gal]

Apparently Baylor has an e-Greeting system.  If you want to send Serk a message.  (Idk why I didn't think of this sooner.)

https://www.bswhealth.com/patient-tools/send-a-patient-greeting

Brian Ecton
Truett Bldg, Rm T633
Dallas (Baylor University Medical Center)

[Jess from VA]

Sent.  Thank you Connie. 

[scooperhsd]

Sent - thank you for the info on how to send something.

[Savago]

"Pooping! Floodgates of hell have
   opened up and sent forth
   satans underlings."

That gave me a good laugh!

[f6john]

We are past two weeks and counting. Hoping the hospital food is palatable at least. Hoping to you feel well enough to post soon again!

[f6john]

I think our Brother Serk is a sick puppy. Based on Facebook posts still not out of the woods and looking at possibly 3 more weeks in the hospital. Of course he is a fighter, but the uncertainty of not having the leakage stopped has to be worrisome and trying for Brian and the rest of his family. His honey says even though he doesn’t feel great, he reads and enjoys all his messages, so it’s good to have the info Connie provided. I’ve never been in the hospital as long as Serk has up to this point, but I know I always enjoyed any diversions from the routine.

I’m praying for his medical team as much as for Brian and have added them to our prayer list in our mens group at church.

[Valkorado]

That is a long stretch for sure.  Still praying that they get it under control, and that Serk gets this in his rear view mirror soon.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I'm not really understanding what's going on with our friend. Does he have a leaking stomach or intestine ? And is his condition related to the surgery he had years back ?

[f6gal]

From Tarynn yesterday:
Quick update 8/19/23:
- Day 23, est 3+ weeks 
- Send encouragement 
- IV nutrition (TPN)
- WTF is Waldo?
- medical mystery

It's been busy over here at Big Baylor. We are in a holding pattern.  Brian's stable; ran a brief fever yesterday. More scans today. No answers.

He's so tired though. Can't talk over a whisper. Ran a fever both yesterday and last night.

Please send him messages! Jokes and memes etc. Brian checks his phone and reads your messages. He might not respond but he's looking for sure.

Three weeks. He will likely be here a minimum of 3 more weeks.

He's on IV nutrition (TPN) because it hurt too much too eat. It's helped a lot but he still hurts. 

They're going to look at the drains again today. Drain 1 is still draining fluid. Drain 2 just about stopped. Drain 3 (PCT) should drain all the bile before it reaches the gut... It's not.

We don't know where the leak is. Gotta flippin find Waldo and kick his ass. STAT. His Dr said, "You're a medical mystery, my friend."
Kali is home on leave. She's got the kiddos.   I'm so lucky she's here.

Ps: when this is over, I want Brian to get this tattoo, pointing at his scars!!!  

[f6gal]

I'm not really understanding what's going on with our friend. Does he have a leaking stomach or intestine ? And is his condition related to the surgery he had years back ?

He is leaking bile.  Bile is secreted by the liver and stored in the gallbladder.  Since his recent surgery to remove his gallbladder, he has been leaking bile; likely from one of the clips to close the site (but they can't find the leak).  The leaking bile caused peritonitis and sepsis, which they have under control.

The problem was not specifically caused by his past RNY surgery, but his altered digestive tract has complicated matters.  

Edit to add:  The is a rather simple explanation of a complex problem.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I'm not really understanding what's going on with our friend. Does he have a leaking stomach or intestine ? And is his condition related to the surgery he had years back ?

He is leaking bile.  Bile is secreted by the liver and stored in the gallbladder.  Since his recent surgery to remove his gallbladder, he has been leaking bile; likely from one of the clips to close the site (but they can't find the leak).  The leaking bile caused peritonitis and sepsis, which they have under control.

The problem was not specifically caused by his past RNY surgery, but his altered digestive tract has complicated matters.  

Edit to add:  The is a rather simple explanation of a complex problem.

Thanks (I'm a pretty simple man) 

Hang in there Serk 

[cookiedough]

agree, hang in there SERK.   Cannot fatham being in hospital for 6 weeks or even 3 weeks.  Find that darn leak and put a better PLUG in it already will yah!   Get a few of the DRs. together and tell them to figure the darn issue out.  2nd or 3rd opinions are BEST not just one DR. getting involved.

NOT the way to get off work that long for sure.  I had 2 days off work this time last year diverticulitis coulda been fatal if tummy exploded but was a minor perforation got under control with IV's, no surgery needed thank god.  I was darn stubborn for 2 days 'backed up' and one spot in tummy hurt standing up straight for 1 full day that day before my first ambulance ride wife FORCED me to take that night 7 p.m..

Was nice admit 2 full days paid off work, but being ONLY 4 days in hospital was DRIVING me NUTS.  Doubt I could endure 3-6 weeks there bored to death just laying around.

[Bret SD]

Message sent!

[f6gal]

Update... room number changed to Truitt Bldg T633.

Bret, not sure your message made it before the move.

[f6john]

A couple of updates on Facebook today. If you're not hooked in the news is existing drains seem to be slowing down but a new drain has been installed that is working. Still have not found the source of the leaks. Brian is eating some solid food like a real Texan which is good although a little painful! I still say there will be at least a chapter in upcoming medical books about the Serk Syndrome.

[hubcapsc]

I was thinking about the recuperating Brians this morning, thanks for the update...

-Mike

[Valkorado]

I was thinking about the recuperating Brians this morning, thanks for the update...

-Mike

Likewise.  I hope they get that tall Brian's issues figured out, and get him back home soon.  Still keeping both Brians in my prayers.

[f6gal]

Ok VRCC fam... apparently Serk has only received a couple of the eGreetings that we have sent.  I think it's time to get their attention with a huge message dump.  Let's get 'er done.   

https://www.bswhealth.com/patient-tools/send-a-patient-greeting

Brian Ecton
Truett Bldg, Rm T633
Dallas (Baylor University Medical Center)

[carolinarider09]

Done!