BajaNomad - THE WORST CASE OF FOOD POISONING...EVER!

THE WORST CASE OF FOOD POISONING...EVER!

Udo - 7-12-2014 at 06:14 PM

The morning of June 29th, my wife Jana and I had just returned from a 10 day trip to Bahia Asunción.

We were peacefully relaxing on the couch, and all of a sudden I had the worst case of what I thought was food poisoning. (stiff stomach, nauseous, (no diarrhea), stomach ache, rapid breathing).

We ended up calling 911 for a trip to the emergency room via ambulance.

Three hours later I got out of there, with what they told me was a case of a gall stones, and to make an apt on Monday with an MD for it's removal.

I continued to have the sharp stomach pain though out the night. And come morning I got an apt with the MD at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday.

My pain never subsided and got worse.
So my wife drove me to the MD's by 8 a.m. regarding the sharp pains. They then told me to go to the hospital's EMERGENCY room.

After some formalities, they put me in a gown and 1-½ hours later I was on the operating table.

After waking up in post-op. The nurses quickly whisked me to the severe ICU room dept. where they had me hooked up everywhere, and monitors all the way around me.

They told my wife that I was lucky to pull through because they had removed 90 % of my intestines which ended up having a blood clot.

So now, I THOUGHT I was blaming Mexico for my malady, when in fact I somehow brought this on myself.

I wish I could say "lesson learned, and don't do this again," but I have no one to blame for myself for this.

I am still curious, however, how could this have been prevented? What could I have done to slow the outset?
Eat more fruits and veggies, drink more red wine, or less wine altogether? Slow down on the tequila?

Only GOD knows!

My first night after the operation:

About day 5 after-op.

An actual photo of my STOMA. A piece of intestine left on the outside of the body for it to "fart" out my most recent food. Needs to be emptied 6-16 times per day, depending on how much I ate or drank. Per the doctor: The food goes in the mouth, rests on the stomach for a few minutes, then it comes out to the bag, at which time you empty it over the toilet.

My incisions:

After day 14 in the hospital:

DENNIS - 7-12-2014 at 06:20 PM

Freakin' OUCH.

bledito - 7-12-2014 at 06:31 PM

bummer. still better to have a bottle in front of me than a frontal labotomy.

willardguy - 7-12-2014 at 06:32 PM

funny, im not hungry anymore!

Ateo - 7-12-2014 at 06:34 PM

Chicks love scars. Get well. That is intense and I'm glad you are in good spirits, posting photos of the ordeal. Keep us posted!!! Food does poison everyone I guess if you think about it on a long term scale.

Udo - 7-12-2014 at 07:09 PM

You got that right. DENNIS!
(almost as bad as yours, however)

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
Freakin' OUCH.

DianaT - 7-12-2014 at 07:13 PM

While it is such a good thing you were not in Bahia Asuncion when all of this hit, it also shows that even if an ER in the US says something, you have to be your own best advocate.

So great that you ended up in the hospital when you did! Keep up the healing attitude.

Those pesky blood clots seem to appear in so many wrong places at so many wrong times. Hang in there and keep getting well.

Udo - 7-12-2014 at 07:13 PM

I think you are right about the scars, Ateo. My wife keeps asking about mine almost once very six months. I have three very large ones (none as large as this one), a bunch of little ones, including some knife ones, knee operations, hernia, motorcycle...and I won't forget my cop days ones.

Quote:

Originally posted by Ateo
Chicks love scars. Get well. That is intense and I'm glad you are in good spirits, posting photos of the ordeal. Keep us posted!!! Food does poison everyone I guess if you think about it on a long term scale.

DocRey - 7-12-2014 at 07:36 PM

Glad to see you're doing well. Take it slow.

ELINVESTIG8R - 7-12-2014 at 07:49 PM

Dang Brother Udo, heal soon. I hope you find out what caused your problem. That is just unbelievable. Take care Brother!

shari - 7-12-2014 at 08:50 PM

I sure am glad you made it state side for this "event"!

I look forward to monitoring your recovery...what the heck causes those clots anyway? Glad you are alive to talk about it...now for the next challenge eh.

bajagrouper - 7-12-2014 at 09:20 PM

Udo, one hell of a wat to loose weight,LOL
Did they say what caused the clot in the first place? GWS

[Edited on 7-13-2014 by bajagrouper]

monoloco - 7-12-2014 at 09:34 PM

Wow! Sorry to hear about that, I hope you heal up soon.

Osprey - 7-13-2014 at 06:15 AM

Udo, on the business of cause and effect please permit me to let you off the hook. You can and will drive yourself crazy if you look for guilt or blame for this.

Look at it this way: "How would you like to relive your life without all the good food and drink you've had, suffered this horrible operation only to find out it was caused by a gene anomaly passed to you by your kin." After all, if they had to remove that much intestine it must have been gangrene or ruined by cancer and neither showed you the symptoms to seek help when it started.

One more reason: "What good would it do you now to carry around the bag AND THE BLAME?"

boe4fun - 7-13-2014 at 06:41 AM

Udo, you're going to have a helluva time finding shoes to match that bag!!!

MMc - 7-13-2014 at 08:27 AM

That sucks!! Glad you didn't answer the big question.
As for shoes go with black flip flops, they match almost anything in Baja.
Would you recommend this way to lose weight to anybody?
Hoping you get better soon.

[Edited on 7-13-2014 by MMc]

SFandH - 7-13-2014 at 08:35 AM

Udo, speedy recovery fellow Nomad. Yikes!

I'm a bit concerned that asking the following question might be in the "none of your business" category, but since you alerted us all to what happened in a detailed manner, I'll give it a shot, out of curiosity and because I like to learn as much as I can about health and medical treatment.

You said: "they had removed 90 % of my intestines which ended up having a blood clot"

I don't get it. Is there a medical term that applies to what happened? What was the diagnosis? Some sort of ischemia perhaps?

dtbushpilot - 7-13-2014 at 08:54 AM

Glad they caught it when they did udo, could have been a lot worse. I had a friend with a high tolerance for discomfort that had a similar condition, he waited till he was in severe pain before he went to the hospital. They took him in for emergency surgery, took a look around and sewed him back up, asked him to pay his bill on the way out (I made the last part up). Blood clot preventing blood flow to his intestines, they were dead, he was too 2 days later.

We all love you udo but a description of the wound/bag etc. would suffice. Please don't post a picture of 15' of rotten intestines. :lol:

....get well soon buddy, let me know if there is anything I can do to help....

BajaBlanca - 7-13-2014 at 08:55 AM

Udo, so glad you are well enough to post this thread.

I have an aunt who has lived with the "bag" for over ten years now, out of choice not to have it removed, which she could.

How about you? Will it be your choice or is it a permanent resident?

May each day get easier and easier is my wish of the day for you!

DENNIS - 7-13-2014 at 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by dtbushpilot
We all love you udo but a description of the wound/bag etc. would suffice. Please don't post a picture of 15' of rotten intestines.

Yeah.....save that for one of your Menudo recipes.

Bob H - 7-13-2014 at 10:10 AM

Hello Udo! So glad you made it through this ordeal and are on your way to healing up. You have a wonderful survival spirit!

wessongroup - 7-13-2014 at 10:22 AM

Hang in there ... best wishes

cliffh - 7-13-2014 at 10:45 AM

All the best from Estero Beach and keep the nomads posted. Cliff and Carol

TMW - 7-13-2014 at 10:50 AM

Oh my, so glad they got it. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

motoged - 7-13-2014 at 10:58 AM

Udo,
Best wishes for a good recovery. :saint:

Martyman - 7-13-2014 at 11:00 AM

Get well soon fellow Aztec. Someday we will meet in Baja.

Udo - 7-13-2014 at 11:18 AM

No one seems to know what causes them, Shari.
Perfectly healthy adults get them somehow on a regular basis.

Quote:

Originally posted by shari
I sure am glad you made it state side for this "event"!

I look forward to monitoring your recovery...what the heck causes those clots anyway? Glad you are alive to talk about it...now for the next challenge eh.

Udo - 7-13-2014 at 11:19 AM

Wisely said (as always), buddy!

Quote:

Originally posted by Osprey
Udo, on the business of cause and effect please permit me to let you off the hook. You can and will drive yourself crazy if you look for guilt or blame for this.

Look at it this way: "How would you like to relive your life without all the good food and drink you've had, suffered this horrible operation only to find out it was caused by a gene anomaly passed to you by your kin." After all, if they had to remove that much intestine it must have been gangrene or ruined by cancer and neither showed you the symptoms to seek help when it started.

One more reason: "What good would it do you now to carry around the bag AND THE BLAME?"

Udo - 7-13-2014 at 11:23 AM

Yes, there is a medical term for my malady, but I have no idea how to spell it.

The way my bag is placed, is called an ILEOSTOMY.

Quote:

Originally posted by SFandH
Udo, speedy recovery fellow Nomad. Yikes!

I'm a bit concerned that asking the following question might be in the "none of your business" category, but since you alerted us all to what happened in a detailed manner, I'll give it a shot, out of curiosity and because I like to learn as much as I can about health and medical treatment.

You said: "they had removed 90 % of my intestines which ended up having a blood clot"

I don't get it. Is there a medical term that applies to what happened? What was the diagnosis? Some sort of ischemia perhaps?

Udo - 7-13-2014 at 11:26 AM

In my case, Blanca, it is not severe enough to have the bag permanently attached.
The MD's told me that in 2-3 years they'll sew up the hole and I'll be on my own totally then.

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaBlanca
Udo, so glad you are well enough to post this thread.

I have an aunt who has lived with the "bag" for over ten years now, out of choice not to have it removed, which she could.

How about you? Will it be your choice or is it a permanent resident?

May each day get easier and easier is my wish of the day for you!

Udo - 7-13-2014 at 11:28 AM

Thanks...although I know it will be at a tequila festival any time soon!

Quote:

Originally posted by Martyman
Get well soon fellow Aztec. Someday we will meet in Baja.

EnsenadaDr - 7-13-2014 at 12:11 PM

There is a major artery that supplies blood to the intestines called the mesenteric artery. SFandH mentioned "ischemia" which means lack of blood to an area, and Udo appeared to have a major blockage of blood by a blood clot to the mesenteric arteries called acute mesenteric ischemia which caused mesenteric infarction or death to 90% of his intestines. This is more commonly caused by an irregular heartbeat throwing off a clot from the heart, such as atrial fibrillation, or caused by arteriosclerosis and also can be caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure. DENNIS mentioned a genetic condition which could be possible but is extremely rare and probably would have been detected way before this episode. Yes, this could have been helped to be prevented by no smoking, regular checkups for irregular heartbeats or atrial fibrillation, high blood pressure and diabetes detection and eating a low cholesterol diet. Heavy alcohol consumption can contribute to arteriosclerosis. No one wants to talk about these things until something happens to a close family member, friend or Nomad. Udo you got a double whammy this year with bad luck but one good thing is you survived!! Take care and have a speedy recovery.

Lee - 7-13-2014 at 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Udo
I am still curious, however, how could this have been prevented? What could I have done to slow the outset?
Eat more fruits and veggies, drink more red wine, or less wine altogether? Slow down on the tequila?

This truly sucks. Luck of the draw, I think. Healthy, in-shape vegans who don't drink or smoke have heart attacks -- no explaining it. Stuff just happens. When you get sewn up you might look back and still wonder what happened.

On the other hand, this might be a small reminder to drink less, skip the spices and exercise more.

Get well soon and do what you have to do.

vgabndo - 7-13-2014 at 01:03 PM

When you announced at the dinner table when you arrived in Bahia Asuncion that you had been peeing blood, the only words I have ever spoken to you were to get a CT Scan ASAP. My diagnosis was wrong, but my advice wasn't. I wish you the best, but I think you have to live with the fallout AND the fact that you didn't drive home on your birthday and find out why you had urine in your blood stream!

There is a lesson in this for everyone. Passing blood in your urine is a symptom of something wrong with your body. Ignore it and finish your vacation at your own risk.

This said, I want to be the first to admit to allowing my mind to create positive stories about bad news my body is trying to tell me. On this trip to the States I had my 13th. and final CT Scan. Six years cancer free! In the beginning, like you Udo, it was pain and fear that drove me to the E. R. Good luck! Enjoy your new life.

Kgryfon - 7-13-2014 at 01:10 PM

Get better soon, Udo. Good to see you on the road to recovery. Yikes!

willardguy - 7-13-2014 at 01:41 PM

soooo, a couple days earlier you would have still been in BA. thats a scary thought eh?

[Edited on 7-13-2014 by willardguy]

LancairDriver - 7-13-2014 at 01:58 PM

Thanks for sharing this very graphic wake up call for all of us Udo. A good lesson not to ignore what the body try's to tell us if we listen. I'm sure your positive attitude will carry you through this event. Hope your recovery is speedy.

DENNIS - 7-13-2014 at 03:49 PM

Hey Udo...if you had been in BA, where would you be today?

BajaRat - 7-13-2014 at 05:02 PM

Udo that breaks our heart, speedy recovery and best wishes and much love
The Fam

[Edited on 7-14-2014 by BajaRat]

Skipjack Joe - 7-13-2014 at 11:21 PM

If it were me, Udo, I would look into the connection between the first surgery you had and this blood clot that developed now. There is likely a relationship between the two.

Udo - 7-14-2014 at 09:55 AM

Mil gracias for your explanation, Dr.
The only thing I can pick out from your diagnosis is the irregular heart beat. Everything else does not apply.

Quote:

Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
There is a major artery that supplies blood to the intestines called the mesenteric artery. SFandH mentioned "ischemia" which means lack of blood to an area, and Udo appeared to have a major blockage of blood by a blood clot to the mesenteric arteries called acute mesenteric ischemia which caused mesenteric infarction or death to 90% of his intestines. This is more commonly caused by an irregular heartbeat throwing off a clot from the heart, such as atrial fibrillation, or caused by arteriosclerosis and also can be caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure. DENNIS mentioned a genetic condition which could be possible but is extremely rare and probably would have been detected way before this episode. Yes, this could have been helped to be prevented by no smoking, regular checkups for irregular heartbeats or atrial fibrillation, high blood pressure and diabetes detection and eating a low cholesterol diet. Heavy alcohol consumption can contribute to arteriosclerosis. No one wants to talk about these things until something happens to a close family member, friend or Nomad. Udo you got a double whammy this year with bad luck but one good thing is you survived!! Take care and have a speedy recovery.

bajacalifornian - 7-15-2014 at 01:17 PM

Have a buddy in Loreto went through the same thing.

When the skin around the stoma site becomes tender, go to the beach as
necessary without the bag.

The saltwater helps a lot.

The adhesives are not kind to the area.

Loretana - 7-15-2014 at 01:31 PM

Udo,
I help Mom manage her osteomy bag/wound and the products they have now make it reasonably easy to maintain.

You'll get the hang of it. You were fortunate to get to surgery on time.
Get well soon! <<www.byramhealthcare.com>>

The customer service folks always answer the phone, even on Sundays!

[Edited on 7-15-2014 by Loretana]

Cypress - 7-15-2014 at 02:01 PM

My mom is also dealing with the same situation. I've learned to do all the maintenance, not easy, but it gets easier with time. She's 88 yrs. old and hanging tuff.

wetto - 7-15-2014 at 02:15 PM

Best wishes for a speedy recovery from yet another Aztec.

BajaLuna - 7-16-2014 at 12:29 AM

Udo, WOW you are sooo lucky and sure glad your Angel/guide was on duty! Sorry that you had to go through this, just so glad you got to the hospital when you did. That was a close call, whew! Now do what the doctors say, and honor the time it takes for full healing, eat your veggies and rest and replenish your body it's been through alot, and I'm sure in no time at all you will be good to go! And perhaps ask about probiotics, with all the meds and antibiotics you are on or have been on.

I agree with Loretana and Cypress, I took care of my mother who had a bag and it does get easier in time and I didn't find it hard, like with anything it takes time to learn and get use to, but is totally doable. You are alive and that is all that matters!

Udo - 7-16-2014 at 08:31 AM

Thanks for your well-wishes, Krystal.

I am taking it very easy and getting some short walks as a feel up to them.
I am sleeping OK...getting about 9-10 hours per night.

I have 4 home nurses assigned to me on a daily basis.

They are trying different anti-clotting medication combinations depending on the test results, and currently i am only on Warfarin, since all the other combinations were thinning my blood way too much.

DENNIS - 7-16-2014 at 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Udo
currently i am only on Warfarin, since all the other combinations were thinning my blood way too much.

I'm on Pradaxa now and my blood is like air. For me, that's good.

Udo - 7-16-2014 at 10:14 AM

I may eventually get there, Dennis. Right now they are still experimenting for the right combination.

DENNIS - 7-16-2014 at 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Udo
I may eventually get there, Dennis. Right now they are still experimenting for the right combination.

I'm sure they find it, Udo. I just can't get by the fact that Warfarin is rat poison. Just doesn't seem right, but...........

wessongroup - 7-16-2014 at 11:55 AM

Used in cases like this for it's properties in the biochemistry of the human body

http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/warfarin-other-bloo...

Has to do with the prothrombin balance and a couple of other endocrine functions

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/480073/prothrombin

I don't think they are giving Udo... d-Con® ... :biggrin:

[Edited on 7-16-2014 by wessongroup]

DENNIS - 7-16-2014 at 12:02 PM

Rat poison:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warfarin

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2319426/At-alterna...

.

[Edited on 7-16-2014 by DENNIS]

LancairDriver - 7-16-2014 at 12:08 PM

Several Doctor friends have told me for years that an aspirin a day after age 50 can tip the favorable odds of preventing more serious medical problems developing in later years. These would include heart, and digestive problems as well as others being discovered all the time. Aspirin uses have been traced back as far as 3000BC in willow bark extracts in various civilizations. This would of course depend on the individuals tolerance to the drug. Several of these Docs always greet me with "have you taken your aspirin today" when we meet. I have done this for years and have been fortunate to have had good health. It is the least expensive and most available over the counter drug you can find.

DENNIS - 7-16-2014 at 12:11 PM

Asprin is also a blood thinner.

http://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/news/20130604/aspirin-eq...

Udo - 7-16-2014 at 02:07 PM

In my case, the MDs have told me not to take baby aspirins because of my blood pressure medication. And, obviously I can't now because of the Warferin.

Quote:

Originally posted by LancairDriver
Several Doctor friends have told me for years that an aspirin a day after age 50 can tip the favorable odds of preventing more serious medical problems developing in later years. These would include heart, and digestive problems as well as others being discovered all the time. Aspirin uses have been traced back as far as 3000BC in willow bark extracts in various civilizations. This would of course depend on the individuals tolerance to the drug. Several of these Docs always greet me with "have you taken your aspirin today" when we meet. I have done this for years and have been fortunate to have had good health. It is the least expensive and most available over the counter drug you can find.

bajabuddha - 7-16-2014 at 02:36 PM

Udo, i'm sure some Nomad will bring over a box of bon-bons and a copy of the National Enquirer to cheer you up!! :lol:

Udo - 7-16-2014 at 04:27 PM

That would be appreciated!

bacquito - 7-17-2014 at 02:47 PM

Wish you a speedy recovery!

Udo - 7-17-2014 at 04:18 PM

Mil gracias, bacquito.

Your support, as well as all other Nomads, is appreciated!

(I'm still waiting for someone ti bring me a box of bon-bons).

DENNIS - 7-17-2014 at 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Udo
Mil gracias, bacquito.

Your support, as well as all other Nomads, is appreciated!

(I'm still waiting for someone ti bring me a box of bon-bons).

Won't they roll out onto the floor? :lol:

Udo - 7-17-2014 at 04:51 PM

They will be eaten before they hit the floor, Dennis.

KaceyJ - 7-17-2014 at 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Udo
They will be eaten before they hit the floor, Dennis.

Again?

Speedy recovery to you Udo, good to see a healthy sense of humor in you.

Thank goodness you didn't become septic during your ordeal.

bajabuddha - 7-17-2014 at 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Udo
They will be eaten before they hit the floor, Dennis.

Yabut, bon-bons are an 'Omni-Food' (bajabuddha original). They come out looking EXACTLY as they went in... like refries, sloppy joes, hummus, etc... think about it... OR DON'T ...
:wow:

DENNIS - 7-17-2014 at 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Udo
They will be eaten before they hit the floor, Dennis.

That's what I mean. Be sure and clamp the new exit shut. :lol:

bajabuddha - 7-17-2014 at 06:37 PM

CHEW, Udo... CHEW....