- Name: Patti T.
- Username: Over_the-Rainbow
- Location: Hopkins, MN, USA
- Member Since: 9/22/2006
- BMI: 25.7
- Post Op
- Surgery Type: RNY (07/25/06)
- Surgeon: Paul Benn, M.D.
Photos
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Goals
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Surgeon TestimonialPaul Benn, M.D.Dr. Benn is amazing in his competent knowledge and improvements for WLS. He is very 'genuine' when explaining the procedure and post-effects from surgery. He allows 'stupid' questions, and is approachable while being so professional and not at all intimidating. On a scale of one to ten, I rate him as fifteen! The FVSD aftercare program is excellent! There's positive, informative support from his medical assistant, a wonderful nutritionist, plus physical therapist to ensure we know the program, what's expected of the individual after attaining this invaluable tool for life and body transformation. Member Interests
- Family & Friends - Am the middle of four sibs; my many friends decorate the garden of my life.
- Fitness & Exercise - I currently prefer speed-walking and Pilates.
- Health - Diagnosed with MS 12/2001 (optic neuritis)after many years of misdiagnoses.
- Hobbies - Love exploring flea markets, thrift shops, and garage sales.
- Cats - Am owned by a fourteen-yr-old mackerel tabby, Chloe.
- Writing - Have journaled since college (70s), fantastic method for self-discovery.
- Board Games & Puzzles - Am a Scrabble queen!
- Music - 70s Classic Rock
- Photography - Constant self-challenge and improvements
- Romance - He went backward, I fell forward.
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Medically necessary medial thigh lift on 10/20/08 on November 16, 2008 10:04 am
I had double medial thigh lift Oct. 20 by Adam Lokeh, plastic surgeon.
Due to extenuating circumstances (MS) initially had seven-night hospital stay, (during which a hematoma had been discovered on a labia, which I sarcastically called my 'testicle! As fluid continued trying to move outward from the body, more swelling in the female parts appeared as two little 'nuts' accompanying the 'testicle'. My hemoglobin sank very low, and on the third day, was given a succesful red blood cell transfusion. Later that same morning, my entire body was covered by hives, and in my groggy state, I'd scratched myself raw, particularly the back of thighs and buttocks. Benedryl was added into my IV, which alleviated the horrible itching. However, that same day, I became horrendously nauseous and ended up with dry heaves, then even vomiting larger amounts I'd eaten or drank. It was just the worse feeling, no energy, and sitting with the little puke tray hanging from my chin. I'd had two separate visitors, who I had to send away, I was feeling just worse than rotten. Was the 'star' of the wing, as medical personnel repeatedly revealed their appreciation for my hard work and keen sense of humor! On the seventh day post-surgery, was discharged to my home for three days, then a 911 call brought EMTs who conferred with the surgeon, who recommended I go to the hospital ER (he was there doing surgeries that day). He'd subsequently checked things out, then admitted me for observation, lasting three days. From there, on Oct. 31st I was transitioned for skilled nursing care at a nursing home a mile from my own home. I was at the nursing home eight nights. What a horrible experience: upon admission at seven p.m. a Friday night, was chastised for having my own prescriptions. There forward, my dispensed medications were reversed: was getting a.m. ones in p.m., and vice versa. Saturday I felt like I was on a set for a horror movie for which I had no script. Found out that Monday per admitting director, there was supossed to be a 'welcome' manual in the room. Oh yeay, I didn't have to have the anxiety attack Sat. evening when I'd called my PS, who spoke to the charge nurse. Have been home for good since last Sat. (11/8). So far, I've received statements of charges for hospital charges only, totaling just over $74,000; this doesn't even include the eight overnights at the nursing home for skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, the therapist who will be doing lympnoidic massage on a regular basis to expel more fluid out (awaiting surgeon's OK on when), plus the four weeks of daily home-care. Daily nurse who comes here, cleans the wounds, packs the four naturally-opened gaping holes (part of the miraculous healing from inside out), implements appropriate 2"x2" or 4"x4" gauze pads soaked in sodium chloride then packed very snugly into the crevices. Covered with , 5" x 9" ABD pads, and Ace-wraps on each leg from toes to groin. The purpose of the packing is for them to dry out, then be removed dry or dampened, for the purpose of lifting and expelling gunk which must be removed.
Dr Lokeh assured me that the fluid will get out of the body by any outlet available, that at times it may appear I've 'bled' anywhere, a cup of bright red blood, though it's merely the fluid trying to leave the body. It has varied from red, to yellow, to pink, to pinkish orange, to a very light yellowish brown, which is natural.
Due to the MS, Dr. Lokeh assured me he was taking extra precaution because of potential complications. The reason this initial medial thigh lift had been medically necessary was because last winter I'd been frequently losing balance and falling. Brain MRI showed no MS changes, thus she deduced the falling/balance issues were due to losing so much weight, became so tiny, that the extra liquid fat-filled loose thigh skin was shifting with ambulation, adversely affecting core balance and equilibrium. Thankfully, Medicare and MA covering 100% of all charges, as was the initial WLS July 2006.
The first of two JP drains was removed 10/29, the other JP plus and internal drain in right thigh were removed 11/4. Has been amazing watching the body heal from inside out. The sutures naturally open on their own, exposing layers of meaty flesh, changing nearly every day. One small opening on left inner thigh and four larger gaping holes on the right inner thigh. Smallest is closing, although the other three, one measured at its largest as twelve centimeters long, six centimeters wide, and four centimeters deep. Another large hole at the groin crease at its largest was seven centimeters long, three centimeters wide, and also four centimeters deep. Both thighs have been relatively numb, which certainly helped when nurses cleanse the wounds, tightly packing with gauze 4"x4"s soaked in sodium chloride, which would've hurt like heck had I actually felt it! Even at thisclose to four weeks out, the fluids continue every which way to expel from the body. The home care nurse this morning finished the cleansing, packing, gauze and Ace wraps by ten. It's only two hours later, and I already just changed the pads to remove the soaked ones which seeped through the Ace wraps. Just a fact of life post-PS.
Saw Dr Lokeh twice the week of Nov. 7th. That Friday, the day before scheduled release from nursing home to my home, Dr Lokeh was concerned the right thigh was so swollen and sore to the touch due to a possible blood clot. I was sent downstairs for an ultrasound, which thankfully showed no clot, just acute edema. Yeay, knew I 'd be going going home the next morning!
My apartment is small, so at home I'm able to walk around unassisted. However, I walk the halls minimum four times daily, using the walker to ensure safety. I find I'm able to more smoothly and gradually increased the pace, still ensuring safety. Looking forward to the next follow-up with plastic surgeon Tuesday, because last time I saw him (Nov. 7) his face beamed when he's complimented on my ambulating progress . Is he going to be pleasantly surprised Tuesday!
Tues. 11/18/08 Followup with Dr Lokeh was awesome! He's very pleased with my progress, and said the wounds are 'looking just great. My legs were swollen SO much, the wraps ended up rolling into the two folds under both knees acting like tourniquets, cutting off all fluid flow. He literally cut them all off. YEAY! They were SO hot, so itchy with the draining fluid, absorbant pads and gauze beneath. There was a three-inch round patch that was hot, red, and shiny--he said it was infected, so 'wicked' it open to get the infection out--oooh, that hurt BAD! He also pulled all the black threaded stitches, and there were some straight lines (looked and felt like fishing rod lines) which were supposed to dissolve, though as these sutures opened WIDE, he pulled what he could, and cut the rest--OUCHIE!. He then cleaned it all up well, packed the gaping holes with wet gauze, then put gauze wraps snuggly around both upper thighs. NO more ace wraps--so when I got home, gladly collected my growing laundry pile of them and happily threw them in the trash chute!!! Celebration time. Am feeling FREE from literal bondage!
11/29/08 Per followup with Dr Lokeh this past Tuesday, I am free from using the walker, and now using my cane. I've added a current photo, and was given the OK to return to work Sun. Dec. 14! Wow, can't believe it will be exactly two months off for recovery, although looking back, it's really gone fast. Am keeping busy walking, doing physical therapy exercises, resting with both feet elevated, and getting some very long naps.
12/19/08 Final day of home nurse care was Wednesday 12/10, due to my PS approval for returning to work Sunday 12/14! Gratefully, have two family holiday functions, one Sat. the 13th, the other Sat. the 27th. That will give me a good month for additional recovery before returning to my normal schedule, every other Sat./Sun. at the assisted-living facility where I'm a part-time receptionist. Lately both calves and feet become very swollen. Still awaiting set-up for lymphedema massage by a specialized MPT.
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Two years out and cruising along! on August 7, 2008 10:36 pm
At exactly two years out, I can testfy it IS possible to continue losing weight after the 'opportunity phase, one year to a hear and a half.' I had problems with water weight in June, at one point weighed 158 (ugh), even correctly following the program: Intake minimum 60 g protein daily, eat fruit with one meal, vegetable with the other meal. I've had several episodes of eating simple carbs to the point I knew I had to grab the bull by the horns...have done the Five Day Pouch Test each time, and with determination, have gotten back on track. Water weight was attributed to my doctor's diagnosis of idiosyncric edema, which is very common in women in their 40s--and I'm 52. Always was a late bloomer! So I'm currently taking three to four Lasix tabs daily, with a one year extended prescription. Was amazed to go from that one morning weigh-in at 158 to 129 just three weeks later!
Had been wearing size ten petite pants and shorts, although two weeks ago, a pair was horribly baggy. Tried on the size eights I'd put out of the way in the closet, and they were loose! Therefore, I went shopping and brought home four pairs of size sixes, which I now favor, and am diligently keeping track of water weight and food cravings to maintain this amazing body size!
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"I Can See Clearly Now, the Rain is Gone...." on October 9, 2007 4:13 pm
Whew, I've got chronological notes from the beginning of this journey, and need to take the time to transfer the progressive stories of hope, angst, wow moments,jubilation, and celebration!
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New Life Over the Rainbow! on November 8, 2006 9:51 am
During annual physical March 2006, my GP recommended WLS . I had Lap RNY 7/25/06, which has changed my body, mind, and outlook on life forever!
After twenty years of misdiagnoses, I was diagnosed wtih multiple sclerosis 12/2001, after awaking with blurred vision. Have since not been able to drive, and am fortunate to be mobile and active. I now work part-time as a receptionist at seniors' assisted living facility . I proceed with my interests including, not limited to: traveling, photography, movies, and doing volunteer work with the elderly and physically handicapped.
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My Story 05/23/07 Wow! I've officially become a member of the Century Club! I currently weigh 139, and am just over the moon! How wonderful it is wearing size 8 petite shorts and slacks, and still wearing size small tops. Although with summer approaching, the small tops are even smaller! Am loving this new body and active lifestyle. 02/04/07 Am continously amazed by thislife-transforming journey! Am 5' 1/2" tall, started at 239, and at just over six months out, weigh 156 lbs. Started at size 20W and 2X pants and 2X tops, now at 12Petite pants and mostly small tops. I've still got absolutely no appetite nor hunger, and am eating for life, not to numb my emotions. I have so much more energy, and feels wonderful when people comment on how fast I move!
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