Hello again!

Razbry

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 27, 2015
Messages
293
Location
Northern Illinois
I just found my way back to you. (I have been involved in FB forums). This is the place where I started to learn, 10 years ago. I was in bad shape. I got well! I could not have been more grateful for the support and direction from this group. Now I'm back, battling, maybe not in such bad shape, but TPN might be in my future. For the last couple years I suffered from the side effects from a sensitivity to Sucralose. No amount of testing detected it. Finally God mercifully lead me to information to make the diagnosis. My weight had plummeted. The dosage for my thyroid medication became too much, and pushed me into hyperthyroidism. Of course this all happened during the pandemic. The weaning down on my Thyroid meds was excruciatingly slow. At 5'6" my weight went under 100 lbs. I'm now up to 110lbs, but my protein, copper and zinc are low. I know that this is a steep hole to dig out of without TPN. I have great nutritional and supplementation going on....I really do. I'm giving myself 3 more months before I opt for TPN. But here is what I want to hear from you about. I'm now 68 years old. I've had two serious nutritional events, which I've pretty much had to handle on my own. I'm wondering how well I'll do as I get older. Supplementing is getting more expensive, procurement more difficult, sorting and taking supplements more complex, and I worry - will I be able to handle all of this as I get older. I am considering a procedure called the kissing x. It essentially allows more absorption in the common channel. The bonus is that you get off supplementation and your bones are restored. Downside is that you do regain some weight. (Amount unknown). I can't really get feedback from people who have undergone the procedure, because they no longer need to be on these forums. So if you or anyone you know has undergone this procedure I sure would like to hear from them. FYI...20 years out (Surgeon Hess)
 
Have you tried pancreatic enzymes increase absorption of nutrients taken by mouth? Viokase or Creon, prescription required. Are you taking protein drinks, copper (and zinc?) infusions? Please describe what you are doing currently to monitor and remedy your issues, and who you’re consulting with DS expertise - who has suggested the kissing-X?
 
Welcome back! I hope you are feeling well and able to satisfactorily increase your protein, copper and zinc via diet and supplementation. Thryroid medicines can be very tricky - my son had to switch NP thyroid after ups and downs with Armour and generics.
 
Have you tried pancreatic enzymes increase absorption of nutrients taken by mouth? Viokase or Creon, prescription required. Are you taking protein drinks, copper (and zinc?) infusions? Please describe what you are doing currently to monitor and remedy your issues, and who you’re consulting with DS expertise - who has suggested the kissing-X?
Hi Diana. Yes, I've tried Creon. It didn't do anything. The prescription dose was low. I've amped up my protein drink intake to 150 grams a day. J Robb and Genepro. I hear Genepro has some digestive enzymes in it. I am consulting with Dr. K (Pasadena CA - Bariatric specialist) (he wants me on TPN). If things don't improve he suggested the kissing X. However, I don't think that is going to happen as he does not accept my insurance. (Sometimes I wonder if it might be because it is Medicare based) My primary MD (in Illinois) is not wild about TPN, but would do it if I insisted. I've never heard of copper and zinc infusions. Please tell me more. My past intake of copper and zinc was 5 of copper and 50 of zinc/day. Now I take that, but everyother day I take 10 of copper and 100 of zinc. I think I've covered all your questions. Sorry it took me so long to respond. Thanks for your interest.
 
Last I knew, Dr. K did accept Medicare, at least for doing the DS itself. But my info is old and could be out of date. His office staff should be able to tell you if he would accept your Medicare for the kissing X, should it come to that. He did have a fee, something like a "program fee" that DS patients paid out of pocket.
 
Last I knew, Dr. K did accept Medicare, at least for doing the DS itself. But my info is old and could be out of date. His office staff should be able to tell you if he would accept your Medicare for the kissing X, should it come to that. He did have a fee, something like a "program fee" that DS patients paid out of pocket.
Thank you. I will just cross that bridge when I come to it. I hope I don't have to take that bridge!
 

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