help

[Guest guest]

I had these feelings when I found out I was pregnant this time. We were getting

ready to adopt and my first pregnancy was the pregnancy from hell. I have had a

high risk pregnancy this time around too and way too many tests, poking, and

prodding. More people in my vagina than I care to think about!!!!

But when it came down to it I wanted this baby and am willing to go through it

one more time.

I also suffer from depression. I weaned myself off of my effexor and have been

taking lots of b vitamins to stay up.

I honestly thought I was done having kids and the doctor said I would have no

more. My son is 4 years old and this baby is due in July.

It is also hard to see my body changing after going from 350 to thin and now I

have a little bump under my breasts...but at least this time around I look

pregnant as opposed to fat.

This is really your personal decision. Just take your time because either way

once you make the decision - you can't take it back.

Big hugs to you,

Chrystal

Wife to Jace - together 6 Years!

Happy Mommy to - 4 Years Old!

New Baby Swenson Due July 28, 2004!

Zookeeper for 2 big dogs and 5 cats who let me feed them!

Help

Hello all,

I'm new to this group since finding out I'm pregnant on Monday. I was

thrilled when I found out, but now I'm having doubts. I am now

starting to think that maybe I should terminate this pregnancy. Why?

Because I feel that I just went through something in order to gain

control over my weight and my life. Now I'm faced with a very real

chance that I will not only gain the weight back, but my body will be

even more scarred than it is already. I know it may sound selfish,

but I'm just expressing my feelings. I'm hoping that people will

sound off and allow me to get all sides. I should mention that I also

suffer from depression and all of my previous pregnancies were high

risk and not " enjoyable " experiences.

Children are a blessing, and a gift from the Lord. -Psalm 127:3

[Guest guest]

That is really not that bad of a fear. But I wouldn't terminate if I

was you. I am only about 6 weeks from delivery, but when I first

started thinking about having a baby I feared I would gain every last

one of the 140 pounds I had worked so hard to lose. I will tell you

at this point I have gained only 3 pounds with my pregnancy, which

actually translates out to me losing even more weight while I have

been pregnant. Your new stomach will take control of how much you

eat and as the baby gets bigger your stomach will be smashed to a

small flat pouch, which means the chance of you over-eating and

gaining all the weight back is slim. You will feel like you are

eating like a pig becasue you will notice that you are eating more

often. But remember your body doesn't absorb everything you eat and

most of what goes in it the baby will take. So stick with this

little baby, it is very likely you will come out with a beautiful

child and weigh less than when you started.

Isanga

EDD 4/5/04

WLS 10/14/02

[Guest guest]

That is really not that bad of a fear. But I wouldn't terminate if I

was you. I am only about 6 weeks from delivery, but when I first

started thinking about having a baby I feared I would gain every last

one of the 140 pounds I had worked so hard to lose. I will tell you

at this point I have gained only 3 pounds with my pregnancy, which

actually translates out to me losing even more weight while I have

been pregnant. Your new stomach will take control of how much you

eat and as the baby gets bigger your stomach will be smashed to a

small flat pouch, which means the chance of you over-eating and

gaining all the weight back is slim. You will feel like you are

eating like a pig becasue you will notice that you are eating more

often. But remember your body doesn't absorb everything you eat and

most of what goes in it the baby will take. So stick with this

little baby, it is very likely you will come out with a beautiful

child and weigh less than when you started.

Isanga

EDD 4/5/04

WLS 10/14/02

[Guest guest]

I really don't think this is the place to be saying that. Is this pregnancy a

BIG mistake?!?! how long has your surgery been....My wife and I have been trying

for two years to get pregnant...no luck...we planned it this way...we decided to

have the surgery so that we could give our child a fair pass at health " normal "

parents. when I say normal I don't mean that overweight parents are not

norma...I mean they can do normal things that they couldn't do before like sit

on the floor...which I could not do...now I can...I cant believe you siad you

want to terminate because you will gain the weight back...that should be the

last thing you wrooy about...A baby is a baby...and I do not believe you

should...good luck on your decision.

Adam Gaspard

Help

Hello all,

I'm new to this group since finding out I'm pregnant on Monday. I was

thrilled when I found out, but now I'm having doubts. I am now

starting to think that maybe I should terminate this pregnancy. Why?

Because I feel that I just went through something in order to gain

control over my weight and my life. Now I'm faced with a very real

chance that I will not only gain the weight back, but my body will be

even more scarred than it is already. I know it may sound selfish,

but I'm just expressing my feelings. I'm hoping that people will

sound off and allow me to get all sides. I should mention that I also

suffer from depression and all of my previous pregnancies were high

risk and not " enjoyable " experiences.

Children are a blessing, and a gift from the Lord. -Psalm 127:3

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 2/20/2004 5:17:50 PM Eastern Standard Time,

egfamily2816@... writes:

In the end, I believe that God will take care of me and my baby. I'm

excited about having another child, my family is over the moon about

it, and I'm going to leave it up to God to guide me in everything I

will go through for the next nine months.

THIS IS THE BEST THING TO GO BY RIGHT HERE IN YOUR POST. THATS WHAT I DID

TOO. EVERYTHING HAS A REASON AND SOMEDAY WE WILLO KNOW WHAT IT IS. I AM SO

TERRIBLY SAD FOR YOU THAT YOU LOST A CHILD AT 5 YRS. I HAVE A 5 YEAR OLD

DAUGHTER

AND I CANNOT EVEN IMAGINE LOSING HER, EVEN ON HER MEANEST DAYS. GOD BLESS YOU

AND YOUR FAMILY AND YOUR NEW BABY COMING.

God Bless,

Robin, NorthEastern, NY

EDD- July 27th, 2004

Mommy to:

&

(twin boys 7 1/2),

Madison, daughter, 5 years and

Wife to Pup 15 years (October 31, 1988)

Gastric Bypass Surgery-

October 18th 2002

Start-378, current- 246(pregnant)

goal 170 after baby

[Guest guest]

I was one who responding negatively and I am also a moderator in this group

so you will probably come to recognize my name. We only had what you wrote

in the note to the list to go on and it did sound as though you didn't want

to be pregnant because of the weight gain -- at least to me. I stand by what

I wrote but you also have to understand I experienced two miscarriages in

the last four months of last year. To read that someone was thinking of

terminating because they expressed weight gain did strike me as a serious

vanity issue and I would believe that person needs deep therapy to deal with

it.

I understand more about you based on this letter and I am sorry to hear

about your daughter.

Rasley

mailto: drasley@...

BTC, Columbus, 10/7/98

Help

> Thanks to everyone who responded to my post. I have decided not to

> terminate my pregnancy, as I knew I wouldn't. I got scared. Anyone

> who knows me, knows that I am not vain. But there is not enough room,

> nor enough time, to have gone over my history with this group so you

> would better understand why I had lingering doubts. It is very normal

> to go through these emotions when you first find out you're pregnant,

> and a variety of reasons will go through your mind. The big picture

> is that I'm not vain, and weight gain is not at the top of my list of

> worries; my goodness, I've been morbidly obese for the better half of

> my life, so vanity is not an issue with me!

>

> Anyway, this will blow everyone away, especially those who disagreed

> with me terminating my pregnancy...I lost an infant daughter 5 years

> ago in a terrible car wreck overseas. It was the most horrible thing

> that's ever happened to me and my family. Almost a year to the date

> (7 days shy actually) of Aminah's birthday, I gave birth to my third

> child, a daughter named Jannah. She is the joy in our lives. I am so

> grateful for her and the life she has brought back to me.

> Contemplating abortion was fleeting, however, in the days I wrestled

> with this issue, I kept thinking of the worry and fear of not only

> gaining weight (which is something every woman does, whether or not

> she has had WLS), losing control of her life as she knows it, but

> also the " what if's? " . What if I lose this baby too, what if it

> doesn't get enough nutrition, what if it is born with something due

> to the low nutrition, what if...?

>

> In the end, I believe that God will take care of me and my baby. I'm

> excited about having another child, my family is over the moon about

> it, and I'm going to leave it up to God to guide me in everything I

> will go through for the next nine months.

>

> Thanks again to everyone who responded, both positively and

> negatively. I wish everyone the best!

>

>

>

>

> Children are a blessing, and a gift from the Lord. -Psalm 127:3

>

[Guest guest]

I think all the emotions you were gonig through were normal. I had the same

ones. I am so happy to hear that you're not going to terminate and have

accepted this as the blessing it is. I am so sorry for your loss. That is so

tragic to lose a child, especially in that way. I wish you the best and hope

you'll hang in there with us. I'm glad you're open to all opinions, you get

what you ask for here. Ha ha.

Take care and good luck,

9 months post op -107 pounds

11 weeks pregnant with number 3

[Guest guest]

congratulations and good luck during this pregnancy...I will be thinking

about you )

[Guest guest]

I am glad that you made the decision that was right for you. I am so sorry to

hear of the loss of your daughter. Best wishes to you on this pregnancy.

DE

EDD#2 8/2/04

" jkwls503 " egfamily2816@...> wrote:

>Thanks to everyone who responded to my post. I have decided not to

>terminate my pregnancy, as I knew I wouldn't. I got scared. Anyone

>who knows me, knows that I am not vain. But there is not enough room,

>nor enough time, to have gone over my history with this group so you

>would better understand why I had lingering doubts. It is very normal

>to go through these emotions when you first find out you're pregnant,

>and a variety of reasons will go through your mind. The big picture

>is that I'm not vain, and weight gain is not at the top of my list of

>worries; my goodness, I've been morbidly obese for the better half of

>my life, so vanity is not an issue with me!

>

>Anyway, this will blow everyone away, especially those who disagreed

>with me terminating my pregnancy...I lost an infant daughter 5 years

>ago in a terrible car wreck overseas. It was the most horrible thing

>that's ever happened to me and my family. Almost a year to the date

>(7 days shy actually) of Aminah's birthday, I gave birth to my third

>child, a daughter named Jannah. She is the joy in our lives. I am so

>grateful for her and the life she has brought back to me.

>Contemplating abortion was fleeting, however, in the days I wrestled

>with this issue, I kept thinking of the worry and fear of not only

>gaining weight (which is something every woman does, whether or not

>she has had WLS), losing control of her life as she knows it, but

>also the " what if's? " . What if I lose this baby too, what if it

>doesn't get enough nutrition, what if it is born with something due

>to the low nutrition, what if...?

>

>In the end, I believe that God will take care of me and my baby. I'm

>excited about having another child, my family is over the moon about

>it, and I'm going to leave it up to God to guide me in everything I

>will go through for the next nine months.

>

>Thanks again to everyone who responded, both positively and

>negatively. I wish everyone the best!

>

>

>

--

Have a great day!!

__________________________________________________________________

New! Unlimited Netscape Internet Service.

Only $9.95 a month -- Sign up today at http://isp.netscape.com/register

Act now to get a personalized email address!

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[Guest guest]

In a message dated 3/11/2004 3:06:02 PM Eastern Standard Time,

lindap@... writes:

> Until a few weeks ago, the JRI was coding its surface replacements

> as a uncoded procedure. I spent 8 months battling for insurance

> coverage, filing appeals, etc. Finally, about 3 weeks ago, Chuck

> called me to let me know that the JRI surgeons had checked

> with other surgeons in the Conserve + study and found that virtually

> all of them were coding their resurfacings as THRs. So...effective

> immediately, the JRI would also be using the THR code for their

> resurfacings, too! Chuck said I should just send a new x-ray and

> they would re-submit the claim as THR. Insurance approval should be

> quick, and they would work me in ASAP since I had been waiting so

> long. I was so angry at having been put thru months of needless

> pain and hassling with the insurance company that I sent my new x-

> rays to Dr. De Smet in Belgium. Two weeks later I was on a plane

> headed for Gent! I'm now 8 days post-op and spent the day walking

> around the beautiful medieval city of Brugge, a short 20 minute

> train ride from Gent. I had so much damage to my hip because of the

> 8 month wait, that Dr. De Smet said if I had waited much longer I

> would no longer have been a candidate for resurfacing.

>

> In short, talk to Chuck . If they're coding resurfacing as a

> THR, your insurance should cover it. If they've changed their minds

> again, Dr. Gross (in South Carolina, I think) has lots of positive

> recommendations on this site, and does use the THR code. If your

> window of time to do this is getting short (significant damage to

> your hip joint), or if your insurance for some bizarre reason denies

> approval, I would recommend Dr. De Smet and his staff without

> reservation! The cost is about half of what it costs to do it in

> the States, and he's done over 1200 of these surgeries with

> excellent results.

>

> Good luck and let us all know how this shakes out!

>

> Regards,

> P.

>

>

>

> >>help!in the past few weeks i have been given 2 entirely

> different

> >>stories from the joint replacement inst. in.a.,who say my blue

> >>cross ins. will pay nothing for resurfacing to dr stacinew/s

> office

> >>in ill. who say that the surgery is a covered benefit because

> they

> >>use a different billing code than l.a..i called l.a. and the

> >>director told me that ill. was not really using the correct

> billing

> >>code and that if the surgery were reviewed that i coul be held

> >>resposible for the whole bill of $38000 stachinew's office

> claims

> >>they/ve never had a problem and t..hat the code they use to bill

> >>with was recomended by the american orthopedic society help!

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

,

Sadly, you almost became a resurfacing non-candidate over a stupid insurance

matter. So glad you did the right thing and flew off to Belgium! Great to hear

you are doing wonderfully at 8 days post-op with Dr. Koen De Smet. At 8 weeks

post op with the mighty kind and qualified, Dr. De Smet, glad to report the

improvements are becoming exponentially more noticeable. Just this past week

witness amazing improvements in my gait etc. Friends are noticing it too!

Enjoy the chocolate and beer ..my favorite beer is Juplier. With the

exception of the 3 day hospital stay. Had as many as 4 glasses a day. There was

one

day, had actually only two glasses, but that was accompanied with a wine.

(Stayed at the Holiday for 3 weeks too) Alcoholism is not a problem (Smile)

....only

had a handful of beers since I have been back in NYC.

Regarding Brugge. If buying chocolate to bring back for friends, relatives,

(you) ... Please avoid the already box varieties ... would suggest picking them

out yourself individually (the ones you truly love) and buying one of their

boxes or cans (cans cost big Euros though). Found too many concealed chocolates

underneath that were not my favorite.

Anyway, if my left hip gives me even the slightest problem ... Out it goes

...and heading off to Belgium. Hopefully, it would be a time when the weather is

a tad warmer than my surgery date of Feb 3rd. .... Seems you are having some

real nice days and not just with the weather. My Best!

K. r/BHR De Smet Feb 3rd, 04

> Until a few weeks ago, the JRI was coding its surface replacements

> as a uncoded procedure. I spent 8 months battling for insurance

> coverage, filing appeals, etc. Finally, about 3 weeks ago, Chuck

> called me to let me know that the JRI surgeons had checked

> with other surgeons in the Conserve + study and found that virtually

> all of them were coding their resurfacings as THRs. So...effective

> immediately, the JRI would also be using the THR code for their

> resurfacings, too! Chuck said I should just send a new x-ray and

> they would re-submit the claim as THR. Insurance approval should be

> quick, and they would work me in ASAP since I had been waiting so

> long. I was so angry at having been put thru months of needless

> pain and hassling with the insurance company that I sent my new x-

> rays to Dr. De Smet in Belgium. Two weeks later I was on a plane

> headed for Gent! I'm now 8 days post-op and spent the day walking

> around the beautiful medieval city of Brugge, a short 20 minute

> train ride from Gent. I had so much damage to my hip because of the

> 8 month wait, that Dr. De Smet said if I had waited much longer I

> would no longer have been a candidate for resurfacing.

>

> In short, talk to Chuck . If they're coding resurfacing as a

> THR, your insurance should cover it. If they've changed their minds

> again, Dr. Gross (in South Carolina, I think) has lots of positive

> recommendations on this site, and does use the THR code. If your

> window of time to do this is getting short (significant damage to

> your hip joint), or if your insurance for some bizarre reason denies

> approval, I would recommend Dr. De Smet and his staff without

> reservation! The cost is about half of what it costs to do it in

> the States, and he's done over 1200 of these surgeries with

> excellent results.

>

> Good luck and let us all know how this shakes out!

>

> Regards,

> P.

>

>

>

> >>help!in the past few weeks i have been given 2 entirely

> different

> >>stories from the joint replacement inst. in.a.,who say my blue

> >>cross ins. will pay nothing for resurfacing to dr stacinew/s

> office

> >>in ill. who say that the surgery is a covered benefit because

> they

> >>use a different billing code than l.a..i called l.a. and the

> >>director told me that ill. was not really using the correct

> billing

> >>code and that if the surgery were reviewed that i coul be held

> >>resposible for the whole bill of $38000 stachinew's office

> claims

> >>they/ve never had a problem and t..hat the code they use to bill

> >>with was recomended by the american orthopedic society help!

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

So nothing has changed ... the chocolate and beer are still the best

and we all still feel that when the next one needs doing we are

calling Koen and heading back.... life is full of surprises, but he is

one the best for me (next to Cliff and my kids!!!).

Pamela

lbhr De Smet Oct 23/02 (and still noticing improvements every couple

of weeks)

> > >>help!in the past few weeks i have been given 2 entirely

> > different

> > >>stories from the joint replacement inst. in.a.,who say my blue

> > >>cross ins. will pay nothing for resurfacing to dr stacinew/s

> > office

> > >>in ill. who say that the surgery is a covered benefit because

> > they

> > >>use a different billing code than l.a..i called l.a. and the

> > >>director told me that ill. was not really using the correct

> > billing

> > >>code and that if the surgery were reviewed that i coul be held

> > >>resposible for the whole bill of $38000 stachinew's office

> > claims

> > >>they/ve never had a problem and t..hat the code they use to bill

> > >>with was recomended by the american orthopedic society help!

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

, Contact the local office of the AMA, and tell them what is happening. Also, file a complaint

with your insurance carrier, even if it is the state supplemental insurance. This is ridiculous, and

you are not alone in this dilemma. Lots of chronically ill patients are being treated as drug addicts

instead of sick people, and it just is too stupid to continue to be supported. In the meantime, while

you do the complaining bit with these people, call your insurer and get a referral to another doc

right away. Don't take no for an answer, because the squeaky wheel gets the grease, as they say.

Good luck, and keep us posted. Hugs, MM

[Guest guest]

, Contact the local office of the AMA, and tell them what is happening. Also, file a complaint

with your insurance carrier, even if it is the state supplemental insurance. This is ridiculous, and

you are not alone in this dilemma. Lots of chronically ill patients are being treated as drug addicts

instead of sick people, and it just is too stupid to continue to be supported. In the meantime, while

you do the complaining bit with these people, call your insurer and get a referral to another doc

right away. Don't take no for an answer, because the squeaky wheel gets the grease, as they say.

Good luck, and keep us posted. Hugs, MM

[Guest guest]

DEar MM,

You are right. I am going to do all those things you say tomorrow.

I simply cannot believe how unbelievablly crazy all this is. I have

good insurance, and yet I can't get an appt.with a pain Dr. due to

the run around with paper work they want from the Dr.

ALso, I made many phone calls today just to get a step ahead in the

system, and got know where. Youa re right....I am not a dru

addict. I am ill. As of today I REALLY hurt. THere just seems no

where to turn. It is so frustrating. THnak you for you adbice and

I will call those places you suggested.

Hugs -

> , Contact the local office of the AMA, and tell them what

is

> happening. Also, file a complaint

> with your insurance carrier, even if it is the state supplemental

insurance.

> This is ridiculous, and

> you are not alone in this dilemma. Lots of chronically ill

patients are

> being treated as drug addicts

> instead of sick people, and it just is too stupid to continue to

be

> supported. In the meantime, while

> you do the complaining bit with these people, call your insurer

and get a

> referral to another doc

> right away. Don't take no for an answer, because the squeaky

wheel gets the

> grease, as they say.

> Good luck, and keep us posted. Hugs, MM

[Guest guest]

DEar MM,

You are right. I am going to do all those things you say tomorrow.

I simply cannot believe how unbelievablly crazy all this is. I have

good insurance, and yet I can't get an appt.with a pain Dr. due to

the run around with paper work they want from the Dr.

ALso, I made many phone calls today just to get a step ahead in the

system, and got know where. Youa re right....I am not a dru

addict. I am ill. As of today I REALLY hurt. THere just seems no

where to turn. It is so frustrating. THnak you for you adbice and

I will call those places you suggested.

Hugs -

> , Contact the local office of the AMA, and tell them what

is

> happening. Also, file a complaint

> with your insurance carrier, even if it is the state supplemental

insurance.

> This is ridiculous, and

> you are not alone in this dilemma. Lots of chronically ill

patients are

> being treated as drug addicts

> instead of sick people, and it just is too stupid to continue to

be

> supported. In the meantime, while

> you do the complaining bit with these people, call your insurer

and get a

> referral to another doc

> right away. Don't take no for an answer, because the squeaky

wheel gets the

> grease, as they say.

> Good luck, and keep us posted. Hugs, MM

[Guest guest]

Here's a cyber hand. Does Imodium help you at all? I don't really have the

experience with this to help as I'd like. I take Paxil pray and talk talk

talk.and somehow between the grace of God and all I feel better.

Did you belong to any Colostomy support group and if so can they offer any

physical support?

Good for you for selling/donating your things. Did your other daughter get

anything? I am glad she has been willing and able to visit you even though it

is hard for her.

Try to get out when you feel you can even if only for short periods. Can you

wear the Depends that are like panties. When I was a nurse assistant a lot

of the residents wore these and that enabled them to get out a little.

Try to relax from what little I know it gets better. We are going out later

for a 4th celebration at Mercyhurst College here in Erie. Lots of different

kinds of music, fireworks and strawberry shortcake.

I'm holding you in prayer

God Bless you

Narice

[Guest guest]

Here's a cyber hand. Does Imodium help you at all? I don't really have the

experience with this to help as I'd like. I take Paxil pray and talk talk

talk.and somehow between the grace of God and all I feel better.

Did you belong to any Colostomy support group and if so can they offer any

physical support?

Good for you for selling/donating your things. Did your other daughter get

anything? I am glad she has been willing and able to visit you even though it

is hard for her.

Try to get out when you feel you can even if only for short periods. Can you

wear the Depends that are like panties. When I was a nurse assistant a lot

of the residents wore these and that enabled them to get out a little.

Try to relax from what little I know it gets better. We are going out later

for a 4th celebration at Mercyhurst College here in Erie. Lots of different

kinds of music, fireworks and strawberry shortcake.

I'm holding you in prayer

God Bless you

Narice

[Guest guest]

Karima,

I know it's a difficult time right now, and that it's hard to see it getting

better. But it does, it just takes time. Get back to the doctor and start

pushing if things don't improve soon. I know I kinda blew mine off since it

seemed he had nothing to offer to help....but find another doctor if that's the

case. In truth though, I'm finding that time is the best healer. As I posted

before, I'm seven months out from my take down and it's still a bit of a

hassle at times...but it IS improving. I too was very nervous about getting

out

when I first had it done, but forced myself for short periods of times to get

out and to go to places where there were bathrooms near. That meant movies to

me! my favorite pastime - sans popcorn these days unfortunately! It's a step

out the proverbial door. Church was another for me. I planned them as much

as possible...so that if I had to make a run for it that it wasn't so

conspicuous. Like going to an uncrowded matinee for example so you don't have

to

stumble over folks. Sitting in the aisle seat. Taking the immodium before hand

etc (I never did take the Immodium that much at first - but now I do and don't

worry about blocking what should come out. Comes out anyways! just not so

often) All that helps. I was told, and also found out, that there are some

things that are definite triggers for our condition - such as caffeine, alcohol

and milk. Milk is definitely one of mine - not an allergy but a

" sensitivity " ....something to do with mucuus production. Speaking of which - if

you

aren't using special wipes - do so. I use the prep H brand or store brand. Some

of

the " feeling " of having to go is that mucousy stuff that gets left after

wiping. Nothing you are doing wrong or such - just the body itself - but the

wipes help alleviate that feeling of having to go again real soon, not to

mention

helping with general soreness. Another thing my doc put me on was a steroid

foam - Proctofoam. That has helped more than anticipated. I use it at night

mostly and also mornings now to increase effectiveness. I was also put on

Cholestyramine - a powder you mix up in water or juice. I'm on half a packet

and still working out how often etc....but it all helps. It is also the least

offensive of all the stuff I've had to gag down with scans and all. Piece of

cake. Also - presuming they have you taking fiber pills or mix as well

right??? Hope so.....again, it all helps. I'm also on probiotics and food

enzymes.

All of it is meant to help regulate the colon and make the bm's less

numerous. I still go more than I used to - and it has been long time getting

this

far....but as mentioend - time is the best help here as well....but I feel

that's because I've really done what I can to help things along. Excercise and

walking help strengthen the muscles again as well - but I know how hard that can

be too when you are in this condition - but keep trying. It does get better.

[Guest guest]

Karima,

I know it's a difficult time right now, and that it's hard to see it getting

better. But it does, it just takes time. Get back to the doctor and start

pushing if things don't improve soon. I know I kinda blew mine off since it

seemed he had nothing to offer to help....but find another doctor if that's the

case. In truth though, I'm finding that time is the best healer. As I posted

before, I'm seven months out from my take down and it's still a bit of a

hassle at times...but it IS improving. I too was very nervous about getting

out

when I first had it done, but forced myself for short periods of times to get

out and to go to places where there were bathrooms near. That meant movies to

me! my favorite pastime - sans popcorn these days unfortunately! It's a step

out the proverbial door. Church was another for me. I planned them as much

as possible...so that if I had to make a run for it that it wasn't so

conspicuous. Like going to an uncrowded matinee for example so you don't have

to

stumble over folks. Sitting in the aisle seat. Taking the immodium before hand

etc (I never did take the Immodium that much at first - but now I do and don't

worry about blocking what should come out. Comes out anyways! just not so

often) All that helps. I was told, and also found out, that there are some

things that are definite triggers for our condition - such as caffeine, alcohol

and milk. Milk is definitely one of mine - not an allergy but a

" sensitivity " ....something to do with mucuus production. Speaking of which - if

you

aren't using special wipes - do so. I use the prep H brand or store brand. Some

of

the " feeling " of having to go is that mucousy stuff that gets left after

wiping. Nothing you are doing wrong or such - just the body itself - but the

wipes help alleviate that feeling of having to go again real soon, not to

mention

helping with general soreness. Another thing my doc put me on was a steroid

foam - Proctofoam. That has helped more than anticipated. I use it at night

mostly and also mornings now to increase effectiveness. I was also put on

Cholestyramine - a powder you mix up in water or juice. I'm on half a packet

and still working out how often etc....but it all helps. It is also the least

offensive of all the stuff I've had to gag down with scans and all. Piece of

cake. Also - presuming they have you taking fiber pills or mix as well

right??? Hope so.....again, it all helps. I'm also on probiotics and food

enzymes.

All of it is meant to help regulate the colon and make the bm's less

numerous. I still go more than I used to - and it has been long time getting

this

far....but as mentioend - time is the best help here as well....but I feel

that's because I've really done what I can to help things along. Excercise and

walking help strengthen the muscles again as well - but I know how hard that can

be too when you are in this condition - but keep trying. It does get better.

[Guest guest]

Dear Narice,

Yes, and I knew you would be here. I just had a blessing watching a man named

Foppe who was born without arms. He wrote a book called " What's your

excuse " . He is wonderful.

As far as , there is plenty in the house for her and I have been sending

her special things. I decided that I can " gift " my children with house

treasures over the next years. I know eventually I will be moving west and

pretty much leaving most " stuff " .

I do belong to an ostomy group and have just joined a " J-Pouch " group which is

wonderful. I wrote to you because of your spirituality which speaks to me. I

am broken heartedly lonely right now but I am breathing and I do have my pooch

pals and yes, I can wear the depends and they are quite okay.

Have fun this afternoon.

Karima

Re: help

Here's a cyber hand. Does Imodium help you at all? I don't really have the

experience with this to help as I'd like. I take Paxil pray and talk talk

talk.and somehow between the grace of God and all I feel better.

Did you belong to any Colostomy support group and if so can they offer any

physical support?

Good for you for selling/donating your things. Did your other daughter get

anything? I am glad she has been willing and able to visit you even though it

is hard for her.

Try to get out when you feel you can even if only for short periods. Can you

wear the Depends that are like panties. When I was a nurse assistant a lot

of the residents wore these and that enabled them to get out a little.

Try to relax from what little I know it gets better. We are going out later

for a 4th celebration at Mercyhurst College here in Erie. Lots of different

kinds of music, fireworks and strawberry shortcake.

I'm holding you in prayer

God Bless you

Narice

[Guest guest]

Dear Narice,

Yes, and I knew you would be here. I just had a blessing watching a man named

Foppe who was born without arms. He wrote a book called " What's your

excuse " . He is wonderful.

As far as , there is plenty in the house for her and I have been sending

her special things. I decided that I can " gift " my children with house

treasures over the next years. I know eventually I will be moving west and

pretty much leaving most " stuff " .

I do belong to an ostomy group and have just joined a " J-Pouch " group which is

wonderful. I wrote to you because of your spirituality which speaks to me. I

am broken heartedly lonely right now but I am breathing and I do have my pooch

pals and yes, I can wear the depends and they are quite okay.

Have fun this afternoon.

Karima

Re: help

Here's a cyber hand. Does Imodium help you at all? I don't really have the

experience with this to help as I'd like. I take Paxil pray and talk talk

talk.and somehow between the grace of God and all I feel better.

Did you belong to any Colostomy support group and if so can they offer any

physical support?

Good for you for selling/donating your things. Did your other daughter get

anything? I am glad she has been willing and able to visit you even though it

is hard for her.

Try to get out when you feel you can even if only for short periods. Can you

wear the Depends that are like panties. When I was a nurse assistant a lot

of the residents wore these and that enabled them to get out a little.

Try to relax from what little I know it gets better. We are going out later

for a 4th celebration at Mercyhurst College here in Erie. Lots of different

kinds of music, fireworks and strawberry shortcake.

I'm holding you in prayer

God Bless you

Narice

[Guest guest]

>>>I am broken heartedly lonely right now but I am breathing and I do have my

pooch pals and yes, I can wear the depends and they are quite okay.

Have fun this afternoon.

Karima

>>>

Just a note to let you know that you are in my prayers, Karima:)

I think we need to design some prettier Depends, don't you? I'm rather bored

with the white.

nancy j

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[Guest guest]

>>>I am broken heartedly lonely right now but I am breathing and I do have my

pooch pals and yes, I can wear the depends and they are quite okay.

Have fun this afternoon.

Karima

>>>

Just a note to let you know that you are in my prayers, Karima:)

I think we need to design some prettier Depends, don't you? I'm rather bored

with the white.

nancy j

----------

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Checked by AVG Anti-Virus.

Version: 7.0.323 / Virus Database: 267.8.8/37 - Release Date: 7/1/2005

[Guest guest]

Sheila,

Thanks for a great informative post. Do you have a J-Pouch?

So I have been taking lomotil (pills); should I switch to Immodium (pills-?).

I am saving that post...thanks bunches.

karima