ecshumway

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Well I went back to work on the 10th and I must say I was nervous. I wasn't sure how I could get my routine to work plus there had been some changes, and I was unsure of how it would change my job.

As it turns out, I feel much better and more comfortable in my job than before and I seem to be getting more liquids in. I work as a secretary at a Rehab Center in the local hospital . So I am at a desk all day and I'm always sipping on water, or tea or something. I'm still working on getting in my proteins. I don't eat a lot most of the time and I am not having good luck with some new foods. I'm a very fussy eater and I don't often try new things. So I've got to make a list of my favorite foods and draw up a plan to get my nutrition daily.

 

On a different note, I've lost 37 pounds and 20.5 inches all over plus I've dropped my BMI  from 45 to 39.9. I've gone from a size 22-24 to a size 18. Also my sugar is down to the low 100's. It was always in the 150-170's range. It's even been below 100 a few times. My blood pressure is slowly coming down as well. So I'm moving in the right direction.

 

Now I have to start exercising. I've been putting it off, but I need to get back to it.

I have to go back for another scope on Nov 4, to see how my ulcer is healing.

 

to be continued

 

         Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do.

Attitude determines how well you do it. - Lou Holtz

Well, I gave up on the day to day blogs because I just kept putting them off and then I would have to try and remember each day, so I'll just blog when I get the time or have something to share.
When I last left I had just attended a support group meeting. My Dr gave me the go ahead to fly, so I went to see my Mom and family in Nova Scotia. My Mom isn't in the best health but she's one tough cookie. I was afraid to travel not knowing what to expect from my body. I'm still confused as to how to fit everything in, liquids and protein and of how much and what to eat. Everyone tells me to listen to my body, but my body gives me different signs all the time. It seems my stomach is always making noises, whether it be gas, hunger, or thirst. I'm told I shouldn't feel hunger, if so then I'm not eating enough, but I don't want to "graze" either.
I'm somewhat dehydrated, I can't seem to get all of the liquids in.
When I was in Nova Scotia, I started to experience difficulty in swallowing. I called my Dr and he suspected a stricture, which is not uncommon at around the 30 day  mark. He scheduled an endoscopy on Friday, Sept. 30.
The endoscopy revealed a bleeding ulcer. So he gave me medication and put me back on a liquid diet for a few days.
The medication seems to be helping. I'm back on pureed food and will progress to normal food any day now. I'm going to have to plan everything so I can get my nutrition, liquids and proteins in so I can get stronger and get back to  "normal".
I start back to work on Monday, can't say I'm thrilled. I'm actually nervous because some things have changed while I was off. I sure hope I can handle it.
I think I know why I have an ulcer. I've been stressed the last few months and now my father-in-law is in the hospital with a broken hip. Since he fell, he's been different. He seems confused and I'm afraid he is in the early stages of dementia. I'm hoping it's just the pain meds he was on. His wife depends on my husband and I a lot and I don't know if I can take any additional responsibilities right now and my husband is going to school and working full time, it's a lot on our plate.
Hopefully next week when I get back to work, things will fall into place.
It's been quite an adjustment, but I'm feeling better. My morning sugar has been in the 160's-170's for the last number of years. Since surgery, it has come down to the low 100's and actually last week it was 98. My blood pressure is taking a bit longer to stay low, but it's coming along.
I've lost 17.5 inches and 35 pounds since surgery. That's a good thing. Plus my husband has lost 41 pounds just by not eating out and not eating junk like we used to. Plus our bank account is a little healthier as well.

I went to the support meeting tonight. I'm so glad I went. The dietitian took one look at me and said I was dehydrated. She reinforced to me that I HAVE to get those liquids in and the protein. She wants me to eat 5 times a day. So tonight I made up a sheet to keep track of my protein and liquids. I'm leaving for Nova Scotia Friday so I don't want to be sick while I'm away.


to be continued

Tonight is Tops night. I'm down on my scale but I'm not sure if I've lost or not. I got my passport today. I can't wait to go home and see Mom and the family.I need this trip.

Well I lost 3 pounds this week. That's a total of 22 pounds in 4 weeks. A total of 28.2 since my heaviest weight in July. I'm happy.

to be continued

All of the days run together when I'm at home. Once I get back to work, I'll get into a routine again.
I'm spending my time resting and healing and sitting down petting my cat. Every time I sit down, he comes over and cuddles on my lap. He's a 25 pound lap cat. He's a lovable boy.
I'm trying to get my protein and liquids in. I don't think I'm getting enough to eat. I feel hungry and I shouldn't. I have to create a time plan to eat at certain times.I'm planning on going to the support group meeting on Wednesday. I think they are very important.Not much happening these days.

to be continued

Sunday, Elwin is home today. Not a great day. I feel horrible. I had a small piece of an omelet I made for him and it really turned my stomach. I think it might be the eggs.
I didn't do much today. I find I'm weak and still kind of off balance.

We took a drive to Canandaguia and went to the spirit store. Some cool Halloween stuff there.
Elwin loves Halloween.

Off to bed

I tided the house, as much as it needed to be done and then took a nick hot shower and got into some new jammies. There is nothing more cozy than new pj's. I planted my butt in my recliner and watched TV and rested while Elwin worked.I guess I was asleep when he got home because when I woke he was just finishing mowing the lawn.
We had supper and watched some animal cops. I had a real bad scare today while he was gone. I was eating some jello with chopped bananas on it and I guess I must have swallowed some without mushing it up. OMG the pain. It felt like it stuck in my chest and wouldn't move . I tried to remain calm and swallowed a bit at a time and took some deep breaths. I almost called him at work, but after a few minutes it felt better. I was so scared.
I really have to remember to chew, chew , chew.
My weight keeps going down steadily on my scale. It's nice to see the numbers going down.

to be continued

Been talking to Mom on the phone. She can barely whisper. I miss her.
Today is one year since my friend Pat lost her battle with cancer. She was 59. I miss her very much. I think of her often.
I'm not feeling the best today. The neurologist put me on new medication for the nerve damage and pain in my leg/foot. It's taking some getting used to. On top of the eyesight change with the surgery and this medication, I have to close one eye to see straight. It's very powerful stuff.
I'm experiencing some not so fun bathroom habits and I won't go into anymore detail than that. I'm still nauseated when I eat and drink but that may be from the new medication. I can only wait until I get used to the medication.
I sure can't wait until I get back to my old self.


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Today is my cat's 8th birthday. He's such a wonderful companion. When I sit in my recliner, it's not too long before he climbs up and snuggles into my chest. He's so sweet.
Elwin had the day off so we went and got some stuff for his birthday. We are so silly. I got some dinty moore beef stew and pot roast dinners to try. I need to find something more substantial for my meals. I watch my husband eating nice meals that I cannot eat and I start to feel sorry for myself. But I'm not hungry, just longing for something out of past habits. It's like quitting smoking. I gotta find something else to do to take my mind from it.
Once I go back to work, the days won't be so bad.
I love days when my hubby is home. We just love to veg and watch a good movie, or something on TV.
I'm getting hooked on Animal Cops. Sometimes it's sad but I love it when the result is a good one.
Here's a picture of my boy.

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Well I thought I was going to start walking on the treadmill today but I just don't have the energy. I'm not sure if I 'm just taking a long time healing, or if I'm not getting enough protein and liquids. But I'm trying. It was a long day today. When Elwin works nights, I find the afternoons and evenings long. I didn't do much but rest, TV and read.
Didn't introduce any new foods today. I'm at a loss as to what else I can have. I seem to go back to the old favorites because I know I can tolerate them. After that cheese pizza scare, I'm afraid to try anything.


to be continued