Re: TO: Kaye

[Guest guest]

That is so terrific that you went on vacay to see your family. I guess

it must have been a little bitter sweet with the death of your BIL. I

am certain your sister was delighted to have you. How long were you

there? Was it cooler.

Thanks for the pep talk about returning to work. But I tell you what,

lets meet over lunch one day, that way we will be on an even keel. And

if you ever are in the hospital at MUSC you wont have to request me I

WILL be there, in uniform or out!

Love,

[Guest guest]

Hey Kaye, thats great that you are feeling well, except for that

shoulder. Funny how those little normal aches and pains that we get

as we age dont seem as significant once you have had an attack of cp

huh. Not that they are not painful and annoying but they aint no

where near an attack. I think it makes us a little bit tougher if

you know what I mean.

I really appreciate your kind words and support of my professional

demeanor. Sometimes I get really down thinking I may never go back

to work and I so want to work with panc patients. Get this tho, last

week one of my docs, no names mentioned, asked me to talk to one of

his other cp patients. She is very sick and has been getting

treatments and surgeries for the last 4-5 years. Well I called her

the other day and we talked for 2 hours.

She is a very sweet lady and quite bright but she didn't know one

thing about the pancreas, how it functions, enzymes, what happens

with the insuffiency part or nothing. No body once ever told her to

take any vits or mins. Well she knows it all now! I emailed that

doc and told him exactly that. She was so grateful that I called and

told her all that stuff. She lives in the upstate and asked if we

could meet next time she comes down to see that doc.

I am really and truly aghast how little she knew. She doesn't go

online but I did tell her about this group. I sure as heck hope she

goes back and tells that doc what I told her. She did say that he

had some very nice things to say about me so that was kind of cool

and surprising. I had taken care of tons of his patients long before

I ever got sick and even when I was at my sickest so he does know

what kind of nurse I am.

She really felt like she was completely alone with this. That nobody

else ever expereinced the gawdawful symptoms that are difficult to

discuss with people ie: steatorrhea, bloating, the lack of

consistency etc. This disease so so isolating as well as physically

and emotionally debilating. I really feel that I helped her and that

makes me feel fantastic. Like I said earlier doing just that makes

all the tortures I had endured worthwhile.

Well sorry to have gone on and on, didn't mean to. I'm glad you are

doing so well. Please do keep in touch.

With love,

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 7/24/2005 10:51:33 PM Eastern Standard Time,

hhessgriffeth@... writes:

He just called tonight and is arranging to come back home for a few days

before he catches the plane overseas

Hi Heidi, while following the story of your son I appreciate his being there,

and regret that he has to be there. What a dicotomy. Anyway, please remember

to tell him to drink his water and plenty of it. I know my, and all of our

hearts will be with him and ALL OF THE OTHERS. beside him. And our very best

thoughts will also be with you during this time of stress.

My Very Best Wishes, Poncho - GA

[Guest guest]

Kaye,

Thanks for your advice and your prayers. I feel calm now, but doubt I will

once finally has to leave. He just called tonight and is arranging to

come back home for a few days before he catches the plane overseas, so that

will be good that we get to see him one more time before he goes. I'm going

to try to get his sister and brother in law down here, too, so we can do a

family

get together.

With love, hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

South Carolina Rep.

Southeast Regional Rep.

PAI

Note: All comments or advice are based on personal experience or opinion

only, and should not be substituted for consultation with a medical

professional.