I am just so profoundly sad right now. I had this surgery b/c of my MS. I weighed 270 lbs and I could barely move. I know I've shared with you all about my recurrent health problems. Today, I found out that I will have to be on steroids for the rest of my life. And all of the weight will probably come back. I have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia. My joints are already showing deformites, particularly my hands. (I was diagnosed with MS about 8 years ago) The first rheumatologist I saw kind of acted like the R.A. was no big deal. He started me on chemo therapy treatments and said that he thought my illness progression would be no big deal. WRONG! I continued to get worse, and my PCP was getting quite concerned b/c I was still in so much pain and so fatigued. He was thinking fibroymalgia, so he sent me for a second opinion. I saw a really TERRIFIC rheumatologist today. He truly was CARING, compassionate, and wonderful. But he had bad news for me. My joint deformitites are getting pretty bad considering I'm just now 30 years old. I have swelling in pretty much EVERY SINGLE ONE of my joints from to fingers to my toes. I have primary osteoarthritis and secondary fibromyalgia. The fibro is secondary to the rheumatoid arthritis. There were also some neurological abnormalities in the exam (such as my left pupil doesn't react to light and my left foot had a positive babinski, which indicates a neurological problem with the MS). Anyway, I am starting a new drug called cymbalta this month. Next month, we will either up the chemo drugs or begin long term steroid use (depending on how I fare). He said I probably will gain weight - maybe all of it. BUT, it's either weight gain or crippling arthritis. He'd rather me gain weight from steroids than to end up crippled from these aggressive forms of arthritis. I am soooo sad to know that I more than likely had this surgery for NOTHING! The steroids will make me blow up like a balloon. And I will be on them for the rest of my life. The rheumatologist said that he felt my outlook was incredible, and he could not believe that I didn't show more "psychological bruising" than I do b/c of all of this. He said that I certainly had more than my fair share of illness and disease. I guess if there is one good thing- he did say that he will help me get social security disability. He said that I am certainly entitled to it with as bad as my health is, and that it is made for people like me whose health stops them from working to support their families. His support did make me feel better. But to be honest, I think this JUST SUCKS!!!! I think this is terrible, and I'm so angry about it. I was finally starting to sink into the smaller me. I've even gotten rid of all my larger clothes - knowing that this was permanent. Permanent weight loss?? I guess not - at least not for those who will be popping steroids for the rest of their lives. Also, there is really no good treatment for fibro. We can treat the MS and the RA (and the osteoarthritis), but not for the fibro. I just have to learn to live with my whole body hurting and the indescribable fatigue. Anyway, thanks for letting me vent. Hopefully, I'll feel better about this in the morning, but right now, I'm pretty convinced that life just sucks

Hi, I would like to thank everyone who answered this post and say ongratulation Surgery Sept 8,2004 234 now 165 size 24 now 14. It is so unbeliveable to me. I am still having problems thinking I may gain it all back. My goal is to go as low as I can. Love you all Dollie-girl

Hi everyone, My surgery date was 9/27/04 and my begining weight was 278.5 I now weigh 189 so I have lost a total of 89.5 lbs since surgery and a grand total of 110lbs since before surgery. Hugs Sonya

Exercise is still my weak point. I'm lucky to get in 1 day of exercise a week. I have never been one to exercise. I think I need to find an activity I enjoy so, it doesn't seem like such a routine thing. Teri

Hey sweetie, Thats funny that you mentioned the ferry. I have lived here for just over a year and 2 weeks ago I found the ferry and took it across the river... ( I live between the ferry and the outlet mall) went to your neck of the woods and did a little shopping... Burlington Coat Factory... Lunch sounds great.. just let me know and I'll see what I can do... I work a wacky schedule (nurse on nite shift). Just wanted to give you an FYI... you mentioned that B12 was "another prescription to deal with". I get mine at the Vitamin Shoppe and for 3 mos supply its about $5-6 bucks... tiny little pill, cherry flavored, non-gritty. I'd much rather do that than a shot every month. (I'd much rather give them than receive them!!!LOL) Let me know about lunch...I'm always ready to eat!!! Even if its just a few ounces!!! huggles wanda