Finally Home!!

[Guest guest]

Hi All,

Thanks for the thoughts, prayers and good wishes. It feels so good

to be home. I actually enjoyed my vacation from the computer and

realize that I need to back away and spend more time doing other

things. I totally know the feeling of getting addicted to reading

all

of this and watching the sagas unfold while you feel sick about some

of it at the same time.

Anyway, back to my journey to the other side.... I had my surgery

last Wednesday and was the first one in the morning. My surgery took

about 55 minutes. My fears were never realized, but I did have some

surprises. Strangely, I had two big fears the week before: one was

that I would get to clinic with husband, baby, and parents in tow all

the way from Oio and Dr. R. would turn me down for something I might

have left out of my packet - My packet was not even discussed. No

reason for me to worry there. Secondly, I was terrified about the IV

after a few horror stories in the group. I had never had one and

hadn't been in a hospital since I was 2 yo, but Ruth did my IV and it

was easier than most of the blood draws I have had for my diabetes.

She did a beautiful job and put the IV in about 5 inches above my

wrist on the inside of my arm. Not a bit of bruising!!

What threw me was how sore I was. The first two and a half days

after surgery I was very sore! It felt like I had been kicked about 3

times by an angry donkey and then it changed to the pain of maybe

doing 2000- 3000 sit ups. Changing position and using those stomach

muscles hurt! But when it got better, it healed quickly. I also used

my pain pump whenever I was awake enough to know more than 8 minutes

had gone by. I had no intentions of being a martyr. The sensation

when

moving or standing was that the considerable weight that I hold in my

belly (most all of it) was tugging and pulling and ripping at me with

gravity. I was convinced that my " very apple shape " contributed to

my discomfort and that the others who happened to be more " pear

shaped " last week were doing considerably better quicker.

I discussed this with Dr. R. yesterday and he said that it was not

body shape, but the luck of the draw on whether or not any of your

porthole stabs actually cut or nicked nerves wrapped with your

stomach muscles. Several or my portholes must have hit nerves. He

said when people come and tell him they feel nothing and cannot

believe anything really happened, that they were lucky enough to have

their muscle nerves left intact. IT made sense to me.

I also had bleeding from several ports the first 3-4 times I got up.

Oh, also - A hint ---- The first pre-op nurse told me early on to

make sure that I went to the bathroom before surgery and I had every

intention, but being first, when things started rolling they went

fast and it never happened. By 12 noon when I was rolled back to my

room and in and out of it, I knew that I had to go!! So first thing

after being in bed 5 minutes, I asked to get up to walk to the

bathroom. I was shaky, but did manage with a little suport. That's

when the ports bled the most. So make it a point to go first:)

I have no problems eating the clear liquids and a few very soft

foods. I do have the need to sit straight or stand after eating. I

told Dr. R that it felt like I had a very full glass inside and if I

relaxed, slouched or laid down, that it would spill -- not come up.

I

haven't had any feelings like something would come back up at all.

Today, though, I have had cramps in my sides and lots of hiccups. I

cannot figure the waist cramps out. They are uncomfortable. Has

anyone else had this?? BY the way, I had no reflux symptoms at all

before. I could eat a whole pizza lying down (how embarrassing) so

all these gurgle and bubbles are very new to me.

I am so glad that we went to the Beach (2 hours away) rather than

staying in Durham. I felt close by, but by Saturday felt well enough

to unpack again and carry my 18 mo old and walk a couple of blocks to

the beach. We had a wonderful time and great memories of 's

first real experience with the ocean.

Two great outcomes so far. First, after Saturday, my fasting blood

sugars began to drop. The last 3 mornings they have been 183, 169

and today 179. This is without meds and they have not been this low

with numerous meds for over 7 years!! Next, I have severe neuropathy

in my feet which among other things has meant nightly burning,

buzzing

pain that has kept me awake many nights for almost 2 years. I have

spent most of the last year pretty sleep deprived. I have had 4

nights of 7-7.5 hours of sleep with little to no real pain and no

trips to the potty! I only awoke to shift position since it is still

somewhat of a chore with the soreness. I think this is mriaculous.

I

feel so rested! I never expected these results this quickly. I pray

that the trend will continue.

The other thing that caught my attention was how much more

comfortable I was on the full day's (13 hours) drive home yesterday.

Most car trips make me crazy. My feet burn and pop, my knees ache,

my

feet swell and my hips hurt. I could never get totally comfortable.

Its torture. Yesterday, I had none of those problems. What is up with

that?? I actually still weigh at the high end for me since all my

" last suppers " ended up adding 20 lbs to my presurgery weight - UGH!!

So the difference has to be checmical/hormonal?? Any ideas. Dr. .

IT sure made the day more pleasant!

So, overall, I am pleased and thrilled with these first improvements

in my health. Now, I need to stay busy and learn about my new body.

I have never felt so many sensations in my gut before.

Its time to eat again -

This time I'll have some chicken broth:)

I will not be posting quite as much. At least that is my goal, but I

am more than happy to share my experience and be a contact privately.

Best wishes to all you waiting patiently and those of you who are new.

Laurie in Ohio

surgery 9/20/00

5' 8.5 " tall

319/310

dmalony*columbus.rr.com