18 days to go

Any sugestions for these last couple weeks? Exercise, diets, supplements, prayer? Is there anything I can do to make things go better? Is there anything you wish you would have done? Eddie

Well Eddie, you have the best in Dr. Byrne. Don't worry too much about the before hand, enjoy your last couple of weeks and you will do fine. Obviously don't go crazy, but you will have enough to worry about when you are on the losing side! We will all keep you in our thoughts and prayers (prayers never hurt!) Susann By the way, come to the LCBB meetings if you can. We have both male and female attendees and it has been a great source of help to all of us. We meet on Thursdays at 6:00 at JC's Bar & Grill on Ashley Phosphate Rd. Cheryl owns the place and is one of Dr. Byrne's patients. She has a special menu for us!

I'll try to make it to the LCBB meeting this week. I live nearby in Wescott. I have some out of town relatives coming in on Tuesday evening and they want me to play tour guide for a few days. I should be ready for a break from them by Thursday evening. I know how important it is to have a support system, especially one that truely understands your situation. I think it might good for you guys to meet the "before" Eddie.

I would have to agree with Susann, just concentrate on relaxing in your last couple of weeks before surgery. Easier said than done I know. Though you will do great. IF you can make it to a meeting that would be good to. Everyone there is soo nice and very informative. We look forward to getting to meet ya!

Hey Eddie I would try to start a walking routine....it will make it easier to keep it up after surgery. I'm still struggling with that one (never seems to be enough hours in the day)!! And I would definitely get up with the LCBB before and after surgery (I hope to make it back to one of those meetings one day soon...I gotta see Ms Dawn again!!!). You are right about the support and they will definitely help you along the way. In fact, all the people here are angels from heaven!!! I'll keep you in my prayers!! Hugs, Dianne

Eddie, Congrats on the journey, you are almost on the losing side. Dr. Byrne is one of the best and you are in the greatest of hands with him and his staff. My suggestions for the last couple of weeks... Enjoy lots of last meals. Food you may never be able to have again. I ate a bacon cheeseburger from Melvins with those fantastic onion rings. And chocolate, lots of chocolate. Or what is ever your favorite food. We had the luxury of not having to go on a liquid diet before surgery or do that wonderful bowel prep. I started getting into the habit of taking the supplements before surgery so it would not be such a change when I need to take them. Also start trying to get in a small walk. I would also get anything that will make your stay at home not so boring. I watched alot of movies and did alot of Sudoku puzzles. I would also get a BIG water bottle. Wal-Mart has something called a Bubba Keg that hold 52 oz of fluids and keeps it cold for up to 12 hours. I started with the smaller one and kept it at my bedside and sipped the whole day. I can not think of anything that I wish I would have done. I had a VERY easy recovery and I wish the same for you. I would also suggest that no matter what if you have questions or think you are having trouble, Call Dr. Byrne or his nurse. They are there to help and are more than happy to do so. Go ahead and do some grocery shopping. I would have the following on hand...Grits, Cheese, soups (creamed and regular - the regular ones you can put in a blender and puree), skim milk, Carnation Instant Breakfast with no sugar added, SF popsicles and jello, and protein powder. You can pick some up at Wal-mart relatively cheap. And crystal light, after about 5 days out regular tap water started tasting very nasty and the cyrstal light helped. If you do not already have a blender, get one. I hope this helps and good luck. Keep us posted! Julie

Hi Eddie! wishing you the best of luck in your journey. I believe everyone has covered what you may want to do the next couple of weeks. Just don't let the anxiety take over, kinda like I did. If you need anything give us a shout and we will be there. Hugs, Britt

congrads eddie, looking forward on seeing you on the losing side,,,,get use to drinking your water,,,its going to be hard in the beginning to do that,,,your only going to be able to sip,,,i ate alot of sf puddings w/ skim milk, applesauce,,,chicken broth was my life saver,,,i could only drink warm things,,,i found chicken broth protine,,,i-shophere.biz,,,good luck and see you at LCBB on thurs,, friends w/a pouch sandy

You guys are awsome! I've gotten way more support from you guys than I have from my friends and family. I can't wait to meet everyone at LCBB. Eddie

It was great meeting you tonight. Have faith and everything will go well. Hope to see you next week just plain Eddie. Rose