- Name: Butterfly Reborn
- Username: ButterflyReborn
- Location: How did I get here?, TX, USA
- Member Since: 10/30/2004
- BMI: 21.5
- Post Op
- Surgery Type: RNY (11/03/04)
- Surgeon: Thomas Lavin, M.D.
Goals
No Public Goals Yet.
Surgeon TestimonialThomas Lavin, M.D.My personal experience with Dr. Lavin is that he is very professional while possessing a very personable manner. I continue to be impressed with him. His staff is eager to help, excited for you, and very caring and patient. I thought during my approval process the patient advocate department could have been better informed but I am tough grade on this as I worked in the insurance field for several years. What I like most about Dr. Lavin is that he specializes in this surgery alone and is also a national proctor. He also has very steady hands! LOL He patiently went over all of my and my husband's concerns until we felt comfortable and spent personal time with me going over the consent forms. He empahsizes aftercare with a passion. He has told me many times about the importance of aftercare. He has a very detailed planned aftercare program and offers support groups and clothes swaps. He addressed the risks of surgery in a professional manner and took all the time we needed for questions. I have never felt that he was rushed but that his time with me was just that - his time with me. On a scale from 1-10, so far he gets a gleaming 10. I believe he's is one of the best surgeons in the country for this procedure and his bedside manner is stellar! I know this seems difficult to believe but it's all true! Member Interests
- Books & Literature - I read and study literature. I'm 3 semesters away from being an English teacher!
- Birds - I love to attract/watch birds to our yard. I try to learn them by sight & sound.
- Interior Decoration - Is this a hobby or a necessity? Always looking to spruce up my house or yours!
- Christianity - Without God there is nothing.
- Tennis - One of the reasons I had this surgery was so that I can play tennis again! :)
- Married - October 2004, we were married for 5 years. I'd like to forget the first! LOL
- Country - I love being in the country and country music!
- Antique - I know nothing about them but that I like to own them and look at them. :)
- Gardening - I enjoy the earth in my hands and watching the fruit of my labor grow.
- WLS Grads
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Van - wishing you a
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Married Mother of three girls; 17, 14, and 4. I'm 39 years old. 5'5" tall. My weight was 237 with a BMI of 40.2 prior to surgery. I've had a WILD ride. If you dare, hop on! ;-)
I watched a CBS MORNING interview that addressed the emotional aspects of WLS of two women. I watched it using the website and I can't find it now (LOL) but one of the women was discussing how she was treated by the general public when she was obese and the difference in the way people treat her now that she is thin. It is one of the most pivotal things I've heard that expresses what I have been trying to say about all the bittersweet moments and the "it kind of hurts but it kind of feels good." I haven't been able to erase from my mind. She said, (paraphrase)"They say that inside of every fat woman there is a thin woman waiting to get out. That may be true but inside this thin woman there is still a fat woman who remembers." *sigh*
***(Note added 08/10/2007) This is still true for me. I recognize the thin person more than I recognized the overweight/obese person; however, I do painfully remember living life taking up too much space. Like most things in life, if you haven't walked it, you don't understand it. In this community of pre-op, post-ops, and non-ops, I have been blessed to meet, know, and call my friends some of the most unselfish, forgiving, loving people I've ever known. Thank you!!***
Was it worth it? on August 14, 2008 5:01 am
I have had ELEVEN surgeries and 7 procedures in 3 years. I've had five bowel obstructions including being in ICU and an inch away from dying.
I now have a HUGE incisional hernia that will have to be repaired but I can't do it until I get my husband back to health with is likely to take a year or more (though he'll never fully recover).
All of this has been so difficult on my family. My children and husband have sufferred great trauma and they have shed many tears. Watching them suffer is more painful then everything I've been through. (My profiles has details.)
I ask myself every single day if it was worth it and I have yet to come to a definitive answer.
It's a hugely personal attempt at reconciliation.
Spinal Fusion on Captain Superman on August 8, 2008 3:36 am
Hello!
My husband (Captain Superman) had a spinal fusion July 29th. The damage was much more severe than the films indicated. The neurosurgeon said he didn't know how Capt. S was even walking! WOW! He had fallen three times in the month prior to the surgery and the numbness and paralysis was getting worse -- now we know why! :-(
Recovery has been very difficult; I suspect because of the severity of the injury. He has a hospital bed and home health and that has been a huge help.
I will be taking him to the Neurosurgeon Monday to remove the staples and obtain further instruction.
It will be three to six months before we know if he has permanent nerve damage. That is frightening.
Once I get him mobile and able to take care of me, I have to undergo surgery AGAIN for two - possibly three incisional hernias. Since taking care of him (he's 6'2" and 220 lb), they have doubled in size.
Will we ever get ourselves out of the hospital!?!?!?!?!?!
We appreciate all the prayers. They are was is coveted and needed the most.
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Update on April 24, 2008 7:44 am
Wow! What a wild ride this is for all of us! 
I'm here to give a quick update so that you all will know that I care about this wonderful community. I'm sorry to say that I haven't had the time or energy to peruse the boards much BUT I pray for all of you daily.
Where do I begin?
My surgery on April 1st was successful but horrible. Who enjoys surgery? Anyone? This one was open as well. At least he was able to fix my scar from the last incision infection! The trauma from all of this has me at wit's end. It doesn't get easier. It gets harder! *sigh*
I admit, I'm not one to sit long -- I don't have TOTAL Superwoman Syndrome but I do have 90% of it! So, it's hard to admit but I don't rest enough after these things. My husband has been grumping at me about not washing clothes; don't even pick up a pot or a pan, a dish......sheesh......He's a gem but he's getting on my nerves! LOL
So, I've already been out in the garden though not doing the huge project I had planned but at least I have some flowers to water every day. Then, on Tuesday, I knew from my last surgery that I was getting an infection under my incision line. Oh joy! Long story short, I saw my PCP, had an ultrasound and the radiologist aspirated it and it is being cultured. So, I'm now on two broad spectrum antibiotics until the culture shows us a more specific route.
My husband's left knee is finally better. It looks like he'll be able to proceed with the right knee in about 4 weeks. Then, once that is complete, we'll start addressing his back. His first deposition is May 20th. Let the games begin! *sigh* He lost three good friends in 7 weeks time -- 2 to cancer and 1 to heart failure. The man has been wrought with grief, in horrific pain, suffers from severe PTSD, and taking care of me! G-d bless him!
The Superman and Superwoman Syndrome really has us captured. But, someone had to do something and that someone turned out to be my Mom. What a wonderful person. She came here to tend to our children while I went back to LA for surgery. Because she's not getting younger, I hired a woman in her mid-20s to come three days while my parents were here to give them a break. I have used her once before but I booked her for my mom while I was gone. When I returned, my mother told me that she booked her to come three days a week for the next two weeks. Well, it would have been nice if she had paid too but my mother is really best at spending other people's money! You know there IS a story here. I LOVE THIS WOMAN!!! And, we've come to realize that we NEED her. So, I've hired her to come in three days a week and help us with the children and whatever. She calls herself Nanny Extraordinare and she fits the title!!! She has been fantastic for ALL of us. My teenagers are getting a mentorship from her (that MOM can't provide because I'm MOM), the highly active 4 yr old is going on trips to the park and such again since we haven't physically been able to do it, my husband doesn't get grumpy in front of her (that's really good LOL), and I LIKE her as a FRIEND too! She's even helping me with my photo albums!!! We're all winning! She'll be with us at least until the end of June and then I'm afraid we'll have to adopt her because we'll be so attached. So, anyone that has PMd me worried about me doing too much, etc., take some respite in knowing that we have realized we are human and need assistance! :-)
Elizabeth Grace still needs our prayers too as she is facing a bone marrow transplant. DJ (Dad) matches 4 of the markers so he will be her donor. You can always find an update on Elizabeth at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/elizabethdunford
Thank you all for your care, concern, love, and prayers! Keep them going as we have a difficult year in front of us but with G-d's help, and the love and support of our friends and family, we're going to make it through just fine!
May you all be blessed abundantly!
SURGERY UPDATE on April 1, 2008 9:38 pm
Post Date: 4/1/08 9:31 pm
My surgery was today. I had three hernias!!!!!!!!! Sheesh! That's what's happens when you get home from a major surgery whereby you are not supposed to lift anything over 5 lb the first week, 12 lb the 2nd week, 20 lb the 3rd week, and not even reach fifty (Leah's weight even last summer) until 6-8 but your husband goes offshore to work so on the FORTH home from surgery, you're taking care of 3 children all alone. Ba*tards! I honestly cannot believe that I couldn't see those people for who they were. The grief process is shifting to anger now. PROGRESS! I may go to mom's tomorrow. (discharge). I'm doing pretty well pain wise with this surgery but they are giving me Dilaudid 10 times stronger than morphine. TODAY WAS HARD. In addition, Capt. Superman's pseudo MOM died at 65 Friday---HEARTATTACK. 5 days prior his long life friend ROGER DIED to cancer. And there was seet Joanne JAN 28. That's 3 in 8 weeks? Poor man is wrought with grief AND trying to care for me. Transplant testing on the boys came in this afternoon on the bone barrow for Elizabeth. They are NOT a match! :-( She's 13 MONTHS OLD! WTF???????? And I didn't give ALL recent news to you. This is all so horrible. I'm working very hard on positive self talk and being highly conscious of what I am reading and listening to! I am what I think. Here is ELIZABETHS PAGE, if you didn't get it before. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/elizabethdunford Thank you all for everything. I'm in need of a girl's beach vacation more than ever. *sigh* All my love!!!
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More Surgery!!!!!!!!!!!! on March 23, 2008 11:54 am
A concerned family member sent me an article on adhesions from 1998 (they even took the time to scan it and attach the file). This was my reply and I felt it fit to add here. Perhaps I said too much or perhaps I said not enough but I think I mostly communicated how I felt and how I feel. At least in THIS moment.
Thanks...........I have read about adhesions, internal hernias, bowel obstructions, abdominal distress, abdominal disease, etc. for thousands and thousands of hours. 1998 was ten years ago -- though I don't disagree with any of the statements found therein.
Fully understanding the process, I cannot live on a Fentanyl patch and/or opiates for the rest of my life. Greater and greater dosages of the drug are not only harmful but won't be provided for be any reputable physician including one who specicializes in pain management. I also cannot live if I cannot eat. A diet of mainly yogurt and protein powders is not how I want to live.
I am a highly rare case. It's important to remember that I had adhesions causing me so much pain that I couldn't walk across the room 3.5 years prior to my gastric bypass surgery. In fact, I had never even had surgery. Surgery does NOT cause adhesions -- inflammation and trauma causes adhesions to form. Ulcerative colitis, divertiticulitis, colon polyps, rare parasites all plagued my intestinal tract in my 20s. My first abdominal surgery was in March of 2001 at the age of 32. I was covered with adhesions -- organs attaching to other organs, etc. It took my surgeon over 2 hours to remove them laparscopically.
When Dr. Lavin and I first met, we spoke extensively about my past history. He spoke with my other doctors. We asked each other A LOT of questions. We made the ultimate decision to at least go in (laparscopically) see the condition and do the bypass if possible. I was completely clean with ZERO adhesions over 3 years later. The bypass was done and my hiatal hernia repaired. One month later, I lost my gallbladder (which had appeared perfect). So, I had two surgeries in 4 weeks. I did great the first year. I lost the weight and it got me and my family through Katrina. And if that's ALL it did -- it was worth it. Yes, it was that difficult. I'd have never ever been able to do the things that I did 100+ overweight with three children, a dog, a cat, 5 squirrels, and a husband at work offshore.
I began having pain in November of 2005 (one year after my bypass). I believe if the physicians in Houston had taken care of me properly, things would not have spun out of control. I went to every doctor they requested me to see. I had every test in the book -- some of them twice. I had numerous ER visits. Dr. Lavin called an old acquaintenance from Ohio state and asked him to see me. He agreed. I went downtown with all my records and films. I told him that I suspected that I had an internal hernia incarcerated in Peterson's space and adhesions. He told me, "Mrs. Norfleet, there is nothing wrong with you. You need to go home and get over yourself." Yes, that's what he said to me in mid-April of 2006. Dr. Lavin called me and said, "Vanessa, enough is enough." We scheduled the exploratory surgery which was done early June 2006. I had an internal hernia incarcerated in Peterson's space (5% of bypass patients will suffer from this due to the weight loss) and a large mass of adhesion on my right side near the hernia. In November of that year, I would have exploratory surgery again revealing a band of adhesions had wrapped around a portion of my small bowel and was strangulating it closed. Within 36 hours as a complication to that surgery, my bowel kinked over and they had to go in and unkink it -- that is a possible complication of any abdominal surgery.
In July of 2007, I again had to have surgery. At that point, I had been resorted to pain management and living on the fenanyl patch. I ended up on medications that stopped contractions because it helped with the pain. In that case, the mechanical malfunction was caused by adhesions pulling up on a portion of my intestines way up under my left rib cage and clamping it almost completely shut as if one would bend a hose.
Now, I'm back on pain medication for a while now. I've seen surgeons here who won't touch me because I am too complicated of a case -- having abdominal disease/illness for 24 years -- they have no idea what they might find and are simply not trained or skilled. Kudos to them for being honest. What if they just went in there and butchered me?
I know that you don't like Dr. Lavin. I know that you blame him. I know that you blame my bypass and think that my remaining obese would have been better. I respectfully disagree on all accounts.
I chose Dr. Lavin out of all the laparscopic bypass surgeons in the country. Literally. I could have gone anywhere and I went to him. He is a national proctor of laparscopic surgery. He trained under Dr. Money. He was one of four Innaed hand picked. His complication rate is lower than most even though he takes on the more difficult cases and even treats those patients who have gone out of the country for surgery.
As for my bypass, being overweight in the way that I was is horrifying, humiliating, demoralizing, frightening, carries huge risks of stroke, heart attack, hypertension, diabetes, all which basically said that to lose the weight meant decreasing my chance of death within the next ten years from an obesity related disease by 90 %. Forget the fact that I could hardly move, can't find clothes to buy, hide inside my house, embarass my children, etc. etc. *I* took the risk. Would I go back and change my decision knowing what I know now or having gone through what I've gone through? NOT IN A MILLION YEARS. No, it's not about vanity. It's about mobility. It's about being able to breathe. It's about so many things that have made even these seemingly horrifying complications worth every second. And if you don't think that I'm scared out of my mind to have surgery. Think again. I've woken up too soon. I've woken up during surgery. I know what it's like to be lying there helpless -- usually without even a visitor or family member to sit with me. Do you know how many surgeries I've had ALONE? Any idea how many hours I've been alone in the hospital at the mercy of nurses who are overworked and overstressed? Any idea how frightening that is???? They've nearly killed me in there if I weren't paying attention. My immediate family seems to think that I've done it so many times now that I must be used to it. I know the drill and I say that I can do it alone so I must be able to. The truth is -- it gets worse. It gets harder-- not easier. My anxiety level over this next surgery is through the roof BUT
I DO feel better that we're going after this with everyting we know.
Assuming the blockage isn't caused by an internal hernia, cancer, a tumor, or some other wild thing, the adhesions will be cleaned up and we're using the gel/sealent AND the mesh AND I'm taking Celebrex 200 mg twice a day starting two days ago and will continue to take it for 30 days after. There are THREE things that can be done in order to prevent the reoccurence of adhesions -- they are usually done one at a time. We're doing ALL THREE AT ONE TIME.
And here is a big one too -- I've never had the opportunity to fully recover from any surgery that I've had. People don't realize that. I'd schedule my surgery according to chuck's schedule. That meant that when I would get back from LA, 4 days later, he went offshore and I had to get up full speed ahead and take care of three children alone for two weeks. I've never been able to TAKE PROPER CARE OF ME!!!! How can one expect to recover if they are not following the protocol? And to think of all the sacrafices we made regarding my health for those people and that they have now placed all that they have placed upon us is baffling to me. I have never been under so much stress in my life -- will I be able to take care of myself after this surgery with all the stress? Depositions will begin soon. Great -- all while I'm trying to recover. If one doesn't follow the post surgical protocal, can one expect to recover?????
I think I've said enough. I appreciate that you're trying to give me additional information. What I need most is support....a visit....a smile...a hug.....a comforting word.
I am where I am and it is what it is so we all just have to deal with it.
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Elizabeth Dunford (Age 1 needs prayers) on March 18, 2008 5:17 pm
Dear friends, I hope this find you and yours well! I truly don't wish to dominate the prayer request chain/train but I must implore to pray for my freind, Michelle, and her family. Background: Michelle is my dearest and closest friend. She was one of the reasons relocating to TX was so very difficult especially because she had recently learned that she was pregnant after six years of trying (they have two older boys)! To top it all off they had a girl they named Elizabeth. Elizabeth has been the picture of perfect health. Always happy, giggling, smiling.......Elizabeth just turned ONE two weeks ago. Last week, she took a sudden turn regarding her health and to make a long story short, yesterday she was diagnosed with a highly agressive form of Leukemia!!!!!!! Michelle, her husband and Elizabeth have moved to Tennessee basically for the next six months so that Elizabeth can receive highly agressive chemotherapy for the next few months. Michelle's husband's mother is at their homefront caring for the boys so that they can remain in school and try to keep a normal schedule. Next week, the boys have spring break, at which time they will go to Tennessee for testing as a bone marrow transplant match. There is so much to pray for. Michelle has always been thin but she is passed thin now. She's not eating or sleeping and she needs to keep up her strength to get through all of this. Elizabeth just got out of surgery a 15 minutes ago and is doing well (considering). Next, will be six days of highly agressive chemo and then she will be tested in 22 days to see how many blasts are still present. That will tell them alot so that first test result is crucial. I hate cancer. I hate it. A website has been created for Elizabeth here: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/elizabethdunfordIt is so hard for me not to run over to TN but I have an appointment with my surgeon tomorrow for another possible partial bowel obstruction. For me to have surgery now means the longer that I won't be able to get to Michelle and help her through this time. My heart is broken in so many ways for so many things to are so unjust. What more is there to say? Just please, please pray!
Early March Update on March 3, 2008 6:54 pm
I have just returned home from a grueling but wonderful trip with my three daughters so I'm a bit tired. Forgive me. Soon, I am off to bed.
I take things one step at a time. I feel like a 40 yr old with a 4 year old brain -- can't seem to comprehend too much at once! LOL
Me: I had an upper GI barium swallow with small bowel follow through. Ugh! It did not show anything significance; however, this comes as no surprise as no testing has ever been demonstrative of my condition other than the one bowel obstruction that had fully kinked over 36 hours after a surgery to correct an obstruction. That said, my WLS called me personally on Friday night no less to discuss things with me. He had a written report but had not seen the films. He suspects that I am susceptible to adhesions and have a band wrapped around a portion of the small bowel causing me pain and difficulty with eating. He believes it is necessary to go "in" again to find it and release it. That means another possible surgery soon. However, he has contacted a friend with whom he attended Residency (and the all know my mother and I have the inside scoop from her which says that he is a highly skilled surgeon) to consult with me. He fit me into his highly booked schedule the very day his nurse returned my call. Ah ha!!!!!! His plan now is to obtain my recent films from the Upper GI SB follow through, to obtain my post operative records/reports from my WLS, Dr. Lavin, as well as have a long discussion with my WLS about my history and what he has seen when he's been inside of me. This sounds like progress to me. The general surgeon I saw Friday said he would contact me before Wednesday this week to discuss options, etc. In the meantime, I will continue with pain management and psychological training regarding meditation, guided imagery, etc. to reduce some of the pain and trauma. I have a case of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder from the entire trauma regarding my illnesses and several near death experiences. No surprise there. All in all, I feel more hopeful regarding my own health than I did at the beginning of last week!
My husband: He is still in debilitating pain. We FINALLY got the approval to go ahead with the MRI on the left knee that was scoped in September. He did that last week and got the results today. The surgeon suggests a lubricant injection to help things move around in there but overall his left knee has actually improved! Praise God! Once we get that approval, (which seems to take 7-9 weeks), he can begin a 5 series injection to help lubricate the knee for more mobility and to endure more stringent physical therapy. Unfortunately, he has still not received the approval to consult with the pain management specialist which was requested nearly 12 weeks ago. *shaking head* Also, the doctor who is taking care of his knee has asked for approval for not only the injections but also for physical therapy to continue (which had been halted when he was in so much pain as they did not want to do additional damage). The doctor who is working with his back (for now as he will need an excellent neurosurgeon in the future) has also asked for continued PT to certain areas to maintain strength so that he can more successfully undergo surgery in the future. Of course, this will have to take place after the left knee if stabilized and the RIGHT knee is scoped and recovers. It's a long, painful process which becomes more difficult and costly when people in suits who are not physicians make conference room decisions!!! He is still struggling greatly because he was a highly active person including swimming (he was All American in college), biking (this is how he saw the world when the ship docked – by cycling all over), and an avid walker/explorer of the universe!!!!!!!!!! His PTSD has increased in the way of nightmares and he is more depressed (according to psychological testing and my own observance). I am helpless. I need some magic pixie dust – but I know that God’s power is greater at least a billion fold and so I will wait on Him.
My friend, I apologize but it is actually “V” who has the cancer and “A” who is most personally tending to her. I am trying to do what I can but it never seems enough. “Vs” surgery was successful but her diagnosis relates that there is a long road ahead which includes aggressive chemotherapy within the following 24 months. I believe she has some of the best doctors available so we are hopeful that she can gain five (5) years of acceptable health. Still, this is far too many years when facing one’s own demise. “A” is a good daughter and is handling things as well as I believe she is capable which is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!! She does need a little assistance in the asking for assistance department!!!!!!!!!! You know those superMOM / superDAUGHTER / superFRIEND types…..she’s getting better at allowing us to a bit more.
May God bless all of you and yours abundantly!
Keith and Nicole!!!!!!!! on February 11, 2008 9:29 am
There seems to be some confusion! I am NOT pregnant.
Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman are expecting a baby!
We're thrilled! :-)
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Prayers.............. on February 7, 2008 2:37 pm
Looking back at this is startling to me. I am shaken by two things:
1) my husband's physical status is worse than expected. His left knee has not properly healed or something -- but it is excruciatingly painful. His medical care has been completely cut off. He can't have the MRI the orthopedists wants to do on his left knee unless we self-pay AGAIN and with the income situation, I don't see how that is happening; however, if it goes on for two more weeks, we'll CHACHING it like everything else. That is what is likely to happen with his pain management as well. I'm completely dumbfounded that it's acceptable that a person be treated this way and I am even more confused at how those people who make these decisions or lack thereof SLEEP at night!?!?!?!
and
2) I didn't even mention our dying friend, Joanne. Why, I wonder? 30 years of friendship.........We were just waiting for the phone to ring at any time and I was deeply concerned at his reaction and the subsequent funeral that we may have to miss or attend. Regardless, Joanne is gone now. Bleeping cancer!!!!! She's no longer hurting. And right in the middle of her death's week, I learn that my good friend's mother has cancer too!!! Now, we will infiltrate our lives into theirs - whether they like it or not -- because they are local to us and that's what we do. There has been so much cancer around us. We've lost too many people to it. We have people suffering now. We have friends we have lost!! We have friends in remission! It's a wild ride - this thing they call LIFE.
I'm just getting over a household of FLU. My fever finally subsided two nights ago after reaching its peek at 103. I'm fatigued but I have to get up and get moving with life. I have people to take care of and I will not sit here and permit them to suffer without a loving hand or thoughtful word. I'll be MIA for a while. KEEP PRAYING!! PRAISE THE LORD ANYWAY!!!
Post Date 12/23/07 4:26 pm
Last Edit: 12/23/07 4:34 pm
Topic: Prayers, prayers, and more prayers, please!
OK -- I pray for all of you every day whether there is a special request, silent request, or no request. I also tend to be more of a behind the posts/boards type person. However, I have to come forward now.
I have to ask for prayer for my husband, myself, and my immediate family. I believe in the power of prayer and in healing but knowing that you all are praying for us will, if nothing else, give me additional hope. Many of you know that we've had some rough/rocky years (thought not with our marriage -- outside issues, Katrina, and my ongoing complications and surgeries). Each year several people email me and say that THIS NEXT YEAR will be THE year and things will calm down and be better. Sadly, it hasn't happened yet.
Most if not all of you are aware that I have had ongoing health problems and complications and that my husband was seriously injured at work in June. In July, I had emergency surgery for a bowel obstruction. It was a mess. We've muddled through somehow -- by the grace of God. I thank God that we have such fantastic children!!!
I'd love for 2008 to be THE YEAR but it won't be -- this we already know. Our situation continues to "snowball" if you will. Captain Superman will have to endure at least three surgeries next year. One will be another knee scope to his right knee that will mean no weight bearing on the knee for 6-8 weeks. He's still in horrendous pain from the scope on his left knee (that was supposed to be the "good knee" but turned out to have developed more severe problems from the initial MRI) so that became no weight bearing for 6-8 weeks. It looks like his next knee scope will be in February or later because he's still in so much pain and he has to be able to put full weight on that knee to do the other knee. He has been in physical therapy since June for his knees and back and has tried several conservative measures first. He's a man who doesn't believe (to say it gently) in surgery or pain medication. He's also been on pain medication since June. I have seen him work with 3 cracked ribs, a full blown out case of the flu, and a cracked heal. Nothing has ever put him down like this. He even has a “disability” parking tag! Egads!!!!!
So, most likely as long as he is able, in February he'll have the other scope which will follow with recovery and physical therapy. Once he has recovered and can stand and walk on both knees, they will begin to work on his back. He will require at least one surgery without question and while they will try a more conservative type of treatment on another portion of his back (injections for knees and back have failed), it's likely he'll require surgery for that portion of his back as well.
I suspect this will take up a better part of the year in 2008 or more and, in addition, he will require physical therapy throughout. While working on one section, another section can't become weak and then lose everything gained from past physical therapy. In addition to all of this, he is having to enter into long term pain management and on Friday received additional, concerning news regarding his health which has him upset and scared -- and me too! I know about chronic pain and I fear that with the damage that has been done, he will NEVER be without pain. He has a very long, difficult, painful road – LIFE --- ahead of him. He is only 54, walks like he’s 80, and has even aged in his face.
My husband has always gone 90 – 100 MPH. I am 15 years younger than him and I’ve never been able to keep up with him – even in my best health and shape. Now, he can’t take out the trash. He’s sad, depressed, and obviously suffering mental anguish – as we all are really. It’s painful to see. There is nothing that I can say to help.
So, what about me? I wish I could say that I'm healthier and stronger than ever, assisting him in his time of need, and taking care of him as well as he has always taken care of me - but I can't. I have never fully recovered from all my complications. I live with Chronic Abdominal Pain and am in Pain Management. In the last few weeks, my pain has escalated six fold. I honestly don't know if the stress is causing the additional pain and symptoms (I'm known to put my stress into my abdomen) or if I am having another problem. I am scared to death to mention it to anyone because I don't want it to be real. There is just NO WAY I can endure another surgery -- period -- regardless of the physical status of Captain Superman. I had some kind of virus 3 weeks ago that knocked me down for 10 days (antibiotics didn't help) and the whole world nearly fell apart -- well, at least OUR part of the world.
Our children are scared and concerned too. Even the near 4 year old said to me a few days ago, "Mom! You know my Daddy got hurt on that Ship and I just want my Daddy back!!!!" We knew that she knew he had been hurt "on the ship" but I didn't realize (silly me) how the changes in him were affecting her but how could they not? He's been her rock. The parent that regardless has always been able to "pick her up" or "hold her." To her, I've always been sick so that is how she knows me (which is sad enough!) But Daddy not being Supper Daddy is affecting her more than I realized. There is this whole security issue for the children (and us) obviously and while we are all putting on our best faces and talk openly to help calm our fears, it's a horribly difficult time for us.
So, please pray for us. Not just for today but any and every day that you feel so inclined for at least the next year.
Maybe things will be looking up in 2009!?!?!?!
We need a few miracles!!!!
Thank you all for your generosity! I am truly blessed to have you all for support.
Hugs and love!
Joanne Theresa on February 4, 2008 2:10 pm
Joanne Theresa
June 15, 1956-January 28, 2008
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I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.
Then someone at my side says: “There, she is gone!”
“Gone where?”
Gone from my sight. That is all.
Her diminished size is in me, not in her. And just at the moment when someone at my side says: “There, she is gone!” there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout:
“Here she comes!”
And that is dying.
Henry Van Dyke
http://www.poemhunter.com/henry-van-dyke/biography/
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The Dash on February 2, 2008 2:09 pm
What a powerful message in a short 3 minutes.
The Dash
In July 2006, a short 3-minute movie was launched on the
Internet called The Dash. Since then, over 40 million people from around
the world have watched it; and over 20,000 a day continue to watch it as
a result of people passing it along.
The movie has been more successful than we could have ever
imagined. More importantly, however, it has inspired many, many people
to reflect on their lives and ask that all important question, 'Are my
priorities where they should be?'
I hope you enjoy this movie and share it with those who are
close to you.
Click This Link to View: www.dashpoemmovie.com
Rich or poor? on February 1, 2008 2:07 pm
One day, the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the express purpose of showing him how poor people live.
>
> They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family.
>
> On their return from their trip, the father asked his son, "How was the trip?"
>
> "It was great, Dad."
>
> "Did you see how poor people live?" the father asked.
>
> "Oh yeah," said the son.
>
> "So, tell me, what did you learn from the trip?" asked the father.
>
> The son answered:
>
> "I saw that we have one dog and they had four.
>
> We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end.
>
> We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night.
>
> Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon.
>
> We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight.
>
> We have servants who serve us, but they serve others.
>
> We buy our food, but they grow theirs.
>
> We have walls around our property to protect us, they have friends to protect them."
>
> The boy's father was speechless.
>
> Then his son added, "Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are."
>
> Isn't perspective a wonderful thing? Makes you wonder what would happen if we all gave thanks for everything we have, instead of worrying about what we don't have.
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We live within each other.............. on October 29, 2007 9:20 pm
The weather is here! I wish you were beautiful!!! ;-) ~JB
The weather has been gorgeous here. Leah is a ball player. She loves the ball. She'll play any kind of ball. For her to say, "Mom, let's go outside and play ball!" typically includes but is not limited to: basketBALL, softBALL, throw/catchBALL, tennisBALL, stickBALL, even I-have-an-ideaBALL!!!
Today, we played "ball" of several variations for nearly an hour in the back yard. I even tortured Chuck and made him sit outside (he needs some sun) and watch.
That Leah is a RIOT! If I miss a ball catch she says, "Mom! *sigh* You took your eye off the ball!" "Mom! Keep your eye on the ball! Mom! Look! You lookin'?" I have absolutely no idea where she gets these expressions!
Good God, when we're out there --- I hear Mom and me -- as if time hasn't moved -- I become her -- I lose my identity in her -- (sometimes I can even convince myself that I have great legs like her)
I lose myself in her -- I AM her -- I lose myself in Leah -- I AM the little child again -- and then I lose myself in her again --- yet -- I am so very aware that I am NOT her ----- nor am I the little girl again ---- I wonder how many times she said and I heard "Keep your eye on the ball." I'm certain she said it more than I heard it.
Now, as I play these games with my own children, am I saying it or am I hearing it? This is a small portion of how "we live within each other."
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Lab Tests and Ranges for Gastric Bypass Patients by Vitalady on August 9, 2007 4:07 pm
Not to be construed as medical advice, this list includes labs we have had performed as gastric bypass patients:
* 10231 - comprehensive metabolic profile (sodium, potassium, chloride, glucose,BUN, creatinine, calcium, total protein, albumin, total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase)
* 84134 - pre-albumin
* 7600 - lipid profile (cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, chol/HDL ratio)
* 10256 - (hep panel, includes ALT (SPGT) & GGT)
* 593 - LDH
* 718 - phosphorous – inorganic
* 83735 - magnesium
* 905 - uric acid
*7444 - thyroid panel (T3U, T4, FTI, TSH)
* 1759 - hemogram with platelets
* 7573 - iron, TIBC, % sat
* 457 - ferritin
* 945 - zinc
* 921 - vitamin A
* 680 – D (25-hydroxy)
* 4052 - vitamin B-1 (thiamin)
* 84207 – vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine)
* 7065 - B-12 & folate
* 83970 - serum intact PTH
*31789 - homocysteine, cardio
* 83921 - MMA
* 367 – cortisol
* 84255 – selenium
For diabetics: *496 - HEMOGLOBIN A1C
DIAGNOSIS CODES:
269.2 hypovitaminosis
244.9 hypothryoidism
268 vitamin D deficiency
250.0 diabetes
401.9 hypertension
276.9 electrolyte and fluid disorders
579.8 calcium malabsorption
579.8 intestinal malabsorption
272.0 hypercholesterolemia
275.40 calcium deficiency
266.2 cyanocobalamin deficiency
280.9 iron-deficiency anemia
269.3 zinc deficiency
281.0 pernicious anemia
281.2 folate deficiency anemia
281.1 other B12 deficiency anemia
285.9 anemia, unspecified
By preference, do not use *579.3 surgical malabsorption*
**************************************************************************************************
This is NOT medical advice, just my own targets for the main blood levels I watch.
Protein: 7's
albumin: 4's
pre-albumin: 20-30's
iron: 80-100
ferritin: 200-300
hgb: 12+
hct: 36+
vit A: 60- 80
vit D: 60-80
calcium: 9-0-9.4
PTH: 30-40
B1: mid- to top- range
B6: mid- to top- range
mag: mid-range
zinc: mid-range
B12: 1000 +
folate: 10-20
AST (sgot): below 40
ALT (sgpt): below 40
We usually want to "meet or beat" pre-op levels. In some cases, higher is better, and in other cases (cholesterol, PTH for example), lower is better.
The only things *I* don't mind being on the high end of out of range are ferritin and B12. But that applies to ME.
My doctors don't show interest in any of these until I am out of range. *I* am interested when I begin heading that direction.
Thanks,
Michelle
Vitalady, Inc. ™
http://www.vitalady.com
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Update -- Finally home with infection and packed wound! Ugh! on August 3, 2007 1:09 pm
Hey, everyone!
I appreciate all your messages of encouragment and get well wishes! I didn't disappear; rather, I had a small set back.
Captain Superman flew into New Orleans on Sunday to drive us home on Monday. By the time he arrived, I had gone down fast and deep. He took me to the nearest ER because I couldn't make the 40 minute drive across the Lake. What a mess! We went to Ochsner and I got the best ER care I've EVER received. That is mind boggling since we live in the Medical Mecca of the South! At any rate, my incision became infected. The pain was horrible. It took Dilaudid just to take the edge off. I am such a problem! LOL
I was "unstable." My blood pressure and heart rate were erratic. The physicians there immediately started IV antibiotics and pumped me up with pain medication. Then, it was a matter of getting me "stable" so they could transfer me to the hospital across the Lake where my doctor is on staff. That took 10 hours and a drugged up ride in an ambulance (my first!).
Once I arrived at the new facility, I was given more antibiotics. Dr. L came to see me that afternoon as soon as he got out of surgery which was around 3 PM. He opened my wound, took a culture, irrigated it, and packed it. How fun!
He then discharged me. All I wanted to know is - What do you have to EAT?!!!
We left the next day but I was moving as slow as a turtle. Capt. Superman is so patient. We couldn't leave until about 1 PM. The ride was horrid but eased by some Demerol and a good pillow. The 5.5-6.0 hour trip took 8.5 considering my condition and Capt. S. We are a mess! LOL
Now, I have been home -- hurting and packing my wound. Fun! Fun!
The culture came back as Staff Ar so the Bactrim DS and Augmetin I"m on should do the trick though I feel like it should be healing a bit faster. But, I"ve been through the mill so who knows. This is my first open wound and I'm told it will take 2-4 weeks to heal. Ugh!
I've missed the entire summer with all this stuff! AGAIN!!!!!!
So, I started booking our family vacation for the week of Thanksgiving. We are going to Orlando to swim with the dolphins (booked that last night), do the Disney Parks, Busch Gardens, and whatever else I can slot in during those 14 days! Wooohhhooooo!!!! So, y'all go ahead and start praying now that we're all healthy and can actually go!!!!! We need it so much!
I've hopped on the board at odd hours -- mostly in pain and on medication so I don't even have a clear picture but I'm trying to keep up with all of you! Even if I'm not posting, I'm checking in on all of you!
Please let me know if I've missed anything important that I should know or should be doing! I get spacey -- NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!! LOL
Y'all keep comin' back now, ya hear?
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO!
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Update/thoughts on July 28, 2007 2:42 pm
Some people would point to me as having a history of "complications." It's important to remember that ANY abdominal issues we have after WLS is considered by the medical community as a "complication" of WLS. It's just the way it works.
Here is my surgery history:
Bypass 11/3/2004
Gallbladder 12/4/2004
Elective 06/15/2005
Internal hernia & Adhesions 06/6/2006
Elective 07/4/2006
Partial Small Bowel Obstruction 11/12/2006
Kink / Full Obstruction 11/14/2006
Mechanical Malfunction/full bowel blockage 07/19/2007
I appear to have a series of disasters. What should be kept in mind, however, as I continue to share is that I had suffered with abdominal illness/disease since the age of 15. All stress/trauma/etc has focused within my abdominal cavity. WLS was going to potentially make all of those things better, make it worse, or the same. Ironically, I have been in remission from all gastric related disease with the excepion of adhesions and bowel obstructions.
I first had Lysis of Adhesions in March of 2001. I had never had abdominal surgery but was in excrutiating pain. After months, I checked myself into the hospital and said I was NOT going home until someone found what was "wrong." My OB/GYN, did exploratory laparscopic surgery and found me "covered" with adhesions. She told me then that some people may be predisposed to adhesions. Adhesions are caused by inflammation in the abdominal cavity -- NOT by surgery -- but by the inflammation. Obviously, over the years of illness and flare ups the inflammation triggered development of scar tissue. They told me then that I'd likely have to have a "take down" in 3-5 years.
Fast forward to 2004. In remission, we spoke extensively with my surgeon about my chances of x, y, or z. When he went in, he was FULLY expecting to remove adhesions. I was SPOTLESS!
Perhaps it's fair to say that I didn't go into WLS as the typical candidate?
Let the public decide.
I just ride the ride the best that I can and try to be highly proactive regarding my health and healthcare. Of this I am certain: If I weren't so "insistent" or didn't "know my body as well as I do." I'd be dead.
If, however, not this; then what?
Diabetes?
Heart attack?
Stroke?
Blindness?
Death?
If had NOT had surgery, I would not have obtained the mobility that I have and I would not have been able to "carry" my family through such difficult, trying times.
Still, I have no regrets. I don't believe in regret. To regret is to pretend to know what might have been if a different road were taken which we always assume to be BETTER. Things may have been worse. I don't know.
Day by day.
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Latest Surgery Update on July 27, 2007 11:02 am
Hi, everyone!
Thanks you for all the well wishes and encouragement! You are all always in my thoughts, prayers, and thanksgiving.
Today is Friday. I'm aiming to drive home (6 hours) on Monday or Tuesday depending on how I feel, the weather, and traffic. There is some major construction to consider driving back which will add to the 6 hours and utilize back roads. I'm not certain how I feel about that yet.
I have been able to sleep after this surgery which is an oddity for me. Maybe I'm just plumb worn out? My parents are about to behead us all but we're otherwise OK! LOL (Some vacation this turned out to be for us! :-( )
I saw my doctor yesterday. It appears as though I did get a portion of information correct though I'm still not wholly clear on everything. That's what happens when you go to a post-op visit to your doctor on pain medication and don't have anyone in the room with you listening! Ahhhhhhh! He did draw me a picture!!!
**holding up picture for all to see**
The "mechanical malfuction" was located at the connection from my pouch to the small intestine. Adhesions had formed way up under my ribcage and was *pulling* the connection and intestine upward and towards my left -- in effect clamping it off. This explained the "tick...tick...tick" we heard as water was "dripping" though -- and also why I've been swaying away from solid food again (more difficult to push through and trying to come back up the other way). The pull caused one side of the connection to flip inside out? creating a small "pouch" where food was becoming trapped also causing pain. Aside from removing the adhesions, this is the portion that he removed, rebuilt, and reconnected. He also did an endoscope and thoroughly looked around my abdomen and everything else was "perfect."
On top of all of that because I had been in constant pain and "convinced" that there was nothing wrong with me other than I had so many surgeries, I had nerve damage, and was backfiring information, I had entered into pain management (as you've seen me reluctantly post prior). Between the mechanical malfunction, the very strong pain medication I have been taking, and the prescription iron for Anemia, my colon was 100% shut down. Yes, 100%. I was about to explode, people, and it wasn't going to be pretty! Egads!
Also, I am not a weigher. I don't weigh myself. Ever. It makes me crazy. I know when I've gained 5 or 10 pounds and when I need to pull back the reins; however, other than my torrid love affair with chocolate, my diet had not constituted
(nice word, aye?) a real weight change but I couldn't zip and button my pants!!! I was SURE I had gained weight. I finally hopped on a scale at my husband's doctor's office to which I quickly removed myself and exclaimed, "How do I get to the nearest bridge?" The male nurse said, "Actually, I find that scale to be AT LEAST 5 pounds heavy." My husband shook his hand!!! LOL
Well, I've since lost all of the "weight." I know this because Dr. L had my weight just before surgery and my weigh in yesterday; therefore, I'm sure when the swelling goes down, I'll be zipping up my pants!
Go ahead -- say it -- you know you want to --
"Vanessa, I always knew you were full of sh*t!"
Thank you and goodnight.
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Lastest Surgery Journey 5th surgery in 10 months! on July 24, 2007 8:43 pm
Good evening!
I hope you are all well. Thank you all for your concern, support, and prayers!!!! A special thanks to Dx, Dana, Andrea, and Debbie for checking up on me and keeping the boards updated. I am very blessed to have them and all of you to share our lives.
You may be asking or thinking..........
So, Vanessa what happened?
Me...............
I don't really know! Egads!! I know that I had emergency surgery. I saw Dr. Lavin around noon and I was in the OR by 5 or 6. He wouldn't even let it go until the morning when he schedules surgery. I'm glad it happened that way because if I had had time to think about it, I'd have been more upset and scared than I was already!!!
This is what I *THINK* I know:
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