Cheryl Korsmo

This all started back in February 2020. Mom started having symptoms of nausea, reflux and excessive loose stools.  After multiple attempts at medications that were unsuccessful it was decided for her to have an EGD/colonoscopy.  However because of her history of complicated colonoscopies in the past she had other testing to rule out cancer. This came back negative.  Dr. Page who comes to Northwood did her EGD.  The  findings showed she had a very large hiatal hernia which needed surgical repair.  She was referred to Dr. Trayner at Sanford hospital in Fargo. Surgery was scheduled for June 2. Mom lost 18 lbs prior to surgery.  She was malnourished and weak.  She was more than ready for surgery to take away this constant nausea,  the pain that kept her up at night.   After surgery she developed complications.  She had swelling around her esophagus and had difficulty swallowing even water. She was started on steroids IV.   Her heart went into rapid a fib with a heart rate in the 130’s to 140’s.  She was Started on a Cardizem drip. And her heart went into heart failure.  She was given Lasix and able to get rid of 3L of fluid.  
After being sent home she was seen in the ER on two different occasions and seen by her primary provider once.   She struggled with going in and out of a fib with a rapid rate.  When this happens she feels lightheaded, dizzy and feels like fainting.   She continued to have loose stools and sodium level  would be low therefore she would get boluses of This V fluids.  She also struggled with severe neck pain.   They said it was from the gas used during the laparoscopic surgery.  It referred into her shoulders and neck.  She was seeing PT and on muscle relaxers and pain meds.  
On Tuesday, June 23 she was able to come join the family for our week vacation at Crystal Lake. However Wednesday morning she awoke with Afib in a rapid rate of 140’s to 150’s.  Her abdominal pain was excruciating.  It was felt she had become severely weak and dehydrated and therefore her surgeon wanted her admitted. She was taken to Sanford hospital in Fargo and has been on the fifth floor since 24 June.  Mom was started on TPN (I call it steak in a bag) on Friday the 25th.  Her strength has improved. She continues to struggle with low sodium’s, intermittent Afib and heart failure.   We are so thankful for many obstacles mom has pulled through!  Your prayers, thoughts, and concerns have been a tremendous blessing to us!