Ruqayya's late report

[Guest guest]

Okay, sorry this took so long, but I really don't like writing, as you may

have noticed from my always very short posts. This is my short recollection

of my MGB experience.

I had my surgery on Thursday morning (11/2) about 9 am. It lasted for 33

minutes, I'm told. I really don't remember much of anything except a few

vague comments from my husband and the wonderful nurses @ regarding my

limited use of the pain pump. I slept until about 11 pm- no pain, just

slight discomfort. From midnite until morning, I went back and forth to the

bathroom and walked the halls several times. I was discharged by Dr. R (who

said surgery was very smooth) @ about 7:15 am. After discharge I went to a

meeting, then to the hotel and took a nap until about 5pm. I then went to the

hospital to visit Judy, Trudy and the others who had surgery that day.

Gwen, my angel in Durham, met me there. While visiting Trudy, she mentioned

that someone had gotten pneumonia (sp) recently. I left the hospital feeling

a little stopped up/congested and thinking I was catching a cold. I did have

some tightness in my chest which I thought was the famous surgery gas. I went

to another meeting and then when I could not get any relief from blowing my

nose (still felt stopped up) and also felt that I was not getting enough air,

I thought about the person with pneumonia and decided I should get this

checked out. I honestly walked into the ER room expecting to get an

antibiotic for a cold-just to prevent pneumonia. They did a chest xray and

saw that a part of my lungs did not have enough air. They called DR R. and

he ordered a lung scan which indicated blood clots. Dr R then decided to

consult w/a specialist who ordered a pulmonary enteriagram.(not fun) This

indicated conclusively there were 3 small clots in my lungs. They ordered

Heparin ( a blood thinner) and admitted me to the hospital for complete bed

rest. I have some pain in my back, which has been treated with med. Other

than that, I still feel fine. I am hoping to get out on Thursday to return

to Miami. Praise God--that is all I can say.

It was only God that led me to the ER that night. I am so very grateful.

And I am very much appreciative to all of you for your warm thoughts,

prayers, and well wishes. So many people have offered assistance and it is

just a blessing.

I mentioned my " angel " Gwen. She has truly been a blessing! Visiting me

daily, feeding me and my husband and just treating us like family. Words

can't express my gratitude.

Again, I love you all for caring about me, and I am soo glad to have found

this group.

Peace and love,

Ruqayya