An Update on Missy

[Guest guest]

I recently contacted Missy because we hadn't heard from her for a

time and I knew she had a recent DS anniversary. She said to " share "

her update so that is indeed what I'm doing. Her email follows.

Hi Jo!

Yes I just " celebrated " my WLS Anniversary, 6 years! I've had a

rough two years though. There was the bowel obstruction in Aug of 06

that came within three days of killing me (Dr K said), then in Mar of

07 I had to have three feet of redundant colon removed, then a week

after that, AV Hospital opened me up because of infection/leak, and

on my birthday in November Dr K opened me up again because of another

bowel obstruction caused, this time, by " copius amounts of scar

tissue. " Dee and Ara said it would take me a while to bounce back

from the 06 surgery because I was so malnourished and sick. So, add

the other surgeries on and it seemed to take forever!

However, I'm finally starting to feel much better, with energy, and

I'm slowly building my muscles back up. I had attempted to go back

to school (culinary) but after three months, it kicked my butt, then

I had surgery again. So, I was put on medical leave and haven't been

back since. I am currently awaiting the birth of my first

granddaughter! My oldest, Brittany got married in November, (I used

what little energy I had to cater some of the reception and make her

cake)and she and her husband , are expecting April 10th. We've

had a couple false alarms, but with your first, that happens a lot.

I've been asked to be babysitter while my daughter goes to school and

works, and my son-in-law does the same. I have no problem with that

now, as the energy is back. (DH) started a new job, working

for Virgin America, and he's been worried about me because he'll be

gone sometimes and he's gotten very protective of me. I had to prove

I was OK, and I think he believes me now. LOL

I'm in the process of starting up a PTO at my other daughter's school

(high school) and am active as a volunteer. My 17 year old just got

her license and car and my 16 year old is getting her permit.

Other than that, it's just living life as normally as I can! I love

those new protein waters and bars, as it gives me a taste of YUMMY

yet gives me protein too!

Please feel free to share my update…

Melisa Rechenmacher

In Memory of

Corporal Wm. Rechenmacher

Killed in Action, Baghdad, Iraq,

January 7, 1983 - January 18, 2007

You are gone my sweet Nephew, but not forgotten