Checking-In - Been a Long Time

How is everyone?

2007 was a challenging year for me.  6 surgeries.  5 for the breast cancer and reconstruction (including the emergency surgery for a post-op bleed 2 weeks after mastectomies aka the great growing boob - the ambulance guys had a good story to tell as my breast expanded and expanded).  The other surgery was for a possible internal hernia.  Doc found a loop of bowel by the mesenteric defect so he closed the defect off so it couldn't flip/twist in there.  He also found an adhesion with a hold of the intestines.

Unfortunately, the surgery on the intestines didn't help and I was still having issues a week after surgery.  Extreme bloating, tons of gas, pain, pain and more pain (not the worst I've had but it varied in intensity).  I did some reading and suspect that my problem is SBBO/SIBO (small bowel/intestinal bacterial overgrowth).  I started taking Activa light and Probiotics and the problem seems to have resolved.  I'm seeing my PCP this week to discuss possibly going on antibiotics (normal short term treatment for SBBO - long term treatment is probiotics - so I made a decent diagnosis - LOL).

After my surgeries were over... my FIL was hopsitialized for 51 days and I saw him daily, took time off to be with him, etc.  Then he was in a nursing home for another 5-6 weeks before he passed.  He wasn't expected to go then but we knew he was bad off those few days and with stage IV lung cancer looming in his path... we talked with hospice and left him there where he passed between my visit and Rich's.

My back (which I had surgery for 6 weeks before WLS) has continued to be an issue.  The disk that was trimmed continued to flatten to nothing.  And the other disk is now 2/3s of the size it should be.  I have a spinal fusion surgery in my near future.  I have a diskogram this coming Friday - nothing like a procedure which is intended to duplicate the pain.  Oh boy.

The back issue keeps me from the gym and keeps me from doing things and enjoying my life.  I hope the spinal fusion gives me a good bit of that back.

Last year, my weight dropped early in the year from 160 to 148.  No complaints on my part on that - I was very happy there - but alas...it wasn't there that many months and I went up.  Assume it is from carbs and grazing that ensued from the stress of the year and inability to exercise.  Now I'm sitting at 170-173.  Argh.  I'd ideally like to get back to 160 and maybe 155 better yet to have some room to play but I just haven't been able to get motivated.

What worries me about the gain... is where the weight is.  It seems to be mostly in my middle.  My wrists have lost weight and seem overly thin to me.  I'm going to discuss this with my doctor.  I did mention it to surgeon.  My labs in December were excellent.  I just feel like there is muscle loss going on and it does concern me.  I have to be careful what to wear because if I get any bloating/gas - pants can NOT fit fast as the bloating is extreme.  Joyful.

Rich gained in the last year or so.  He went from about 240s to 300 (he started mid 400s).  Our surgeon was concerned and put him on a 3 month return to get the weight back down.  Glad he did that.  He is getting more conscious about calories and fat and grazing.  He is down into the lows 280s now so he is moving in the right direction.  He was back at the gym but injured himself (we are a mess aren't we) - think he either has a stress fracture on a rib or injured the cartilage where the rib connects to the sternum.  LOL.

So, I'm struggling all the way around and taking things one day at a time.

Take care, Kathy

Wow Kathy so glad to see you again it has been so very long. But on the other hand you guys have been through so much. Im sorry to here about everything but glad you guys are back on the mend and things are looking up for you and Rich. Its hard we are all human and we all no matter who we are struggle from day to day with this weight thing,none of us are perfect there is only one perfect person and he is w/ us everyday. Be strong  and we are all here for you guys and so glad to see you here again and hope to see more of you dear. Sending lots of hugs your way......

Kathy- You're missed here at OH, and I'm sorry to hear that you and Rich had such a rough year. May 2008 be a better year and you both see thing improve for your health. Please keep in touch...and you're local, so if you need/want information on Sally's support group let me know. It's the second Monday of the month now at a new location (I'll have to find that part if you're interested).  Be well,

Hi Kathy, It was certainly a tough year for the both of you. I hope that this year things are going a lot better and that you both focus on you and getting healthier. You've faced tremendous obstacles but you're still alive and kicking. My condolences on the loss of your FIL. I certainly hope that the spinal fusion brings relief and has you living your life the way you want to. Glad Rich is doing better with his weight and hope he heals from the injurywith the ribs/cartilage. Taking things one day at a time is the best option we have. I wish you continued success and better health. All best!

Glad to hear from you. Wi**** were with better news. Have thought about u often. I am recouping from spinal fusion myself on Jan 3rd. Hope it goes well for you. I have had a few complications but am really feeling better. Physical therapy is paying off though i re-injured myself a couple times. I have lost more weight that  I never thought I would. Best wishes and prayer for better times for you both.  Hugs, Shannon

Hey Kathy we have missed you around here!!! I am sorry things have been so rough for you and Rich but you are being a trooper about it as always.... You can take the weight back off again if you use your tool and I know you know how to do that..... you guys wil prevail! I do hope you can get out of pain soon - this has been going on for so long you must be tired of it all..... My plastic surgery recovery is still going fine....... had to have my lower body revisited because of some hernia weakness in the abdominal wall so hopefully all of this mesh will do the trick..... nearly done lol!! My iron was low - we did discuss that a couple of weeks ago so I am on different iron now so hope it will do the trick... Hope to see you here more! Jackie

Kathy, WOW, you and Rich have been through so much.  Thank you for updating us and showing us all how a STRONG woman gets through all that you have.  I hope that the future fusion will help you in the future with mobility and pain control.  :)

Hello Kathy!!!!  Glad to see your beautiful face.  We have missed you. Wow you guys have been going through a lot, so great that you have made it through and are fighting your way back to what you want.  Your strength & determination are inspiring. Hope you get to stay with us here in the VA Board & maybe I will get to see you are support group some time.