mylittleblackdress’s Posts
Topic: RE: What do you do/take for a grumbling tummy?
I've got them now even with no flour, milk or carbs!
Topic: RE: Hoops and Hurdles (Fistual Plug)
I'll keep my fingers crossed that this will soon be behind you, Maddie! Swinging critters!
Lisa
Lisa
Topic: RE: Would you do open IF you could choose lap?
I had major open abd. surgery years ago and lap DS three weeks ago. I would definitely go for lap as the recovery is many times easier! Oh, and I had no problems with gas.
Lisa
Lisa
Topic: RE: Out of country self pay
Got back last week from Brazil--lap DS with Dr. Marchesini. Total cost for everything for DH and me for 2 1/2 weeks--hotel, airfare, food, surgery, hospital, post-op meds--US $22,200.
Lisa
Lisa
Topic: RE: Gross Wound - Need Advice!
Terri--You've already gotten the best advise to call your surgeon.
The reason you need to pack it fully is so that a pocket doesn't form inside which would cause you all kinds of problems. I've packed a number of wounds and it's not pleasant for the patient or the nurse which is probably why the last one did so poorly--she was probably squeamish about what she was doing. A wound center would be a good idea since they deal with those kinds of things all the time. It will probably take a month to six weeks to heal depending upon if there is any infection.
Hang in there and good luck!
Lisa
The reason you need to pack it fully is so that a pocket doesn't form inside which would cause you all kinds of problems. I've packed a number of wounds and it's not pleasant for the patient or the nurse which is probably why the last one did so poorly--she was probably squeamish about what she was doing. A wound center would be a good idea since they deal with those kinds of things all the time. It will probably take a month to six weeks to heal depending upon if there is any infection.
Hang in there and good luck!
Lisa
Topic: RE: Going to Brazil alone vs. going with lukewarm supporter...
Stephanie--I am a little late in responding but I am currently in Brazil and I would advise you to have someone with you. My DH is here and I wouldn't have it any other way. You'll need help with simple things like getting to the grocery store. Yea, you can ask Durval, but believe me there's no comparison!
Lisa
Topic: RE: OT: I'm registered for school!
I think that is fantastic, Becky! Truth of the matter, taking the first step is always the hardest part. Should be smooth sailing from here on!
Congratulations!!
Lisa
Congratulations!!
Lisa
Topic: RE: Packing: What do I need for the hospital?
I tried to do an edit of my post but was unable to do so and finally quit trying out of frustration.
A couple things I forgot:
>My Birkies which are more comfortable and stable than slippers
>Reals--which is the currency of Brazil. We did our exchange at our local bank ahead of time and got small bills which made things much easier once we got here. Another American couple didn't and had to hire a taxi to get them to a place they could get a decent exchange rate as well as deal with the language difference.
>American $1.00 for tips. In Brazil the Real is worth much less than the American $ so when you tip in US $ it's worth more and is appreciated. We also tip in Reais (Reals). I don't know how it is in Germany.
>A soft money belt. Samsonite has a nice, comfortable one. I wore that one, my DH wore a leather one and he ended up switching to mine once here.
>A Portuguese picture translation book and a small pocket-sized translation book. We haven't needed to use either very much but when we have they helped a lot!
Lisa
Topic: RE: Packing: What do I need for the hospital?
I agree with Shannn--You'll need less than you think. I was discharged yesterday and here's what I used:
>laptop and charger with Skype downloaded (and tested at home). I used this to keep in touch with family since I'm in Brazil. Out-of-country calls were just too expensive if I wanted any quality talk-time. We got a special trial through Skype which I use most to make free calls to phones, not just the computer, for one month. The best tool yet and used daily! Make sure the hospital has Internet access. Hubby used it most to keep up with work emails, occasional solitaire game and esp. family contact.
>A light-weight, short sleeved, knee-length, zip front robe--much more comfortable than a hospital gown worn backwards to cover your tush! It's winter here (temps around 70) but I was happy to have a lighter weight cover which didn't tangle in my IV lines or pole when I walked the halls. I bought mine a size up for comfort but I'd have done that anyway.
>Lip balm which I only used 2-3 times. I liked the unflavored Burt's Bees which tingles. The pomegranate fragrance of the moisturizing version bothered me, though it felt good.
>If I'd been in the U.S. I have taken my cell phone and charger.
>My own soap and shampoo/conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste. I must have brushed my teeth a hundred time to try to get the fuzzy, "monkey-butt" taste out of my mouth. No it didn't help very long but my teeth were clean!
>A Turbie Towel hair wrap to get my hair out of the way if I didn't want to get it wet and to use when I did for drying. Better than struggling with a bath towel on your head.
>A long back-scrubber thingie from the Body Shop--or sometimes available at Marshall's. It's lightly textured and long (about 18" by 6"). It's what I use at home and was a wonderful help and packed like a dream--took only a fraction of space.
>I wore a hospital gown until I was discharged and am glad I didn't have anything around my waist even though my surgery was lap.
>I didn't take my pillow but if I'd had space I would have--not in a white pillowcase however.
>DH took a book and $ so he could buy food. Some meals came to the room for him but he was able to go get a fab salad or drink when he wanted more healthy stuff which he loved.
>There was a safe in our room but I'd suggest leaving valuables at home. We had no problems, but my situation required me to have my passport with me and I'm glad I had a safe place to secure it. I wouldn't have wanted to worry about personal items like credit cards, checkbook or jewelry. I'm trusting but not stupid.
>I wore the same loose clothes out that I wore in. I did purchase a sleep bra which I wore "home" but it came off the minute I walked in the door.
That's pretty much it. Truly, there's not much else you'll need but some gals take sanitary products as they inevitably get their period.
Good luck!!
Lisa
>laptop and charger with Skype downloaded (and tested at home). I used this to keep in touch with family since I'm in Brazil. Out-of-country calls were just too expensive if I wanted any quality talk-time. We got a special trial through Skype which I use most to make free calls to phones, not just the computer, for one month. The best tool yet and used daily! Make sure the hospital has Internet access. Hubby used it most to keep up with work emails, occasional solitaire game and esp. family contact.
>A light-weight, short sleeved, knee-length, zip front robe--much more comfortable than a hospital gown worn backwards to cover your tush! It's winter here (temps around 70) but I was happy to have a lighter weight cover which didn't tangle in my IV lines or pole when I walked the halls. I bought mine a size up for comfort but I'd have done that anyway.
>Lip balm which I only used 2-3 times. I liked the unflavored Burt's Bees which tingles. The pomegranate fragrance of the moisturizing version bothered me, though it felt good.
>If I'd been in the U.S. I have taken my cell phone and charger.
>My own soap and shampoo/conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste. I must have brushed my teeth a hundred time to try to get the fuzzy, "monkey-butt" taste out of my mouth. No it didn't help very long but my teeth were clean!
>A Turbie Towel hair wrap to get my hair out of the way if I didn't want to get it wet and to use when I did for drying. Better than struggling with a bath towel on your head.
>A long back-scrubber thingie from the Body Shop--or sometimes available at Marshall's. It's lightly textured and long (about 18" by 6"). It's what I use at home and was a wonderful help and packed like a dream--took only a fraction of space.
>I wore a hospital gown until I was discharged and am glad I didn't have anything around my waist even though my surgery was lap.
>I didn't take my pillow but if I'd had space I would have--not in a white pillowcase however.
>DH took a book and $ so he could buy food. Some meals came to the room for him but he was able to go get a fab salad or drink when he wanted more healthy stuff which he loved.
>There was a safe in our room but I'd suggest leaving valuables at home. We had no problems, but my situation required me to have my passport with me and I'm glad I had a safe place to secure it. I wouldn't have wanted to worry about personal items like credit cards, checkbook or jewelry. I'm trusting but not stupid.
>I wore the same loose clothes out that I wore in. I did purchase a sleep bra which I wore "home" but it came off the minute I walked in the door.
That's pretty much it. Truly, there's not much else you'll need but some gals take sanitary products as they inevitably get their period.
Good luck!!
Lisa
Topic: RE: Back to the ER
Wild noisy birds and a nearby yorkie swinging for you! Feel better quick!
Lisa
Topic: RE: Almost one year out! Long, with LOTS of pictures!
Hi, Jessy!
I am still in the hospital--my DS was Wednesday--in the same room you were in a year ago. Dr. Marchesini walked in to see me and start me on liquids while I was reading your post so I showed him your pictures. He was very happy to see them and asked me to show them to the nurses and staff today as he knows they will remember you. He is very pleased with your progress...I just wanted to pass that infomation along to you.
Keep up the good work! You certainly have every reason to be proud of your progress.
Hugs!
Lisa
I am still in the hospital--my DS was Wednesday--in the same room you were in a year ago. Dr. Marchesini walked in to see me and start me on liquids while I was reading your post so I showed him your pictures. He was very happy to see them and asked me to show them to the nurses and staff today as he knows they will remember you. He is very pleased with your progress...I just wanted to pass that infomation along to you.
Keep up the good work! You certainly have every reason to be proud of your progress.
Hugs!
Lisa
Topic: RE: Home & switched
Shannn--Glad you are home! I know we're probably feeling many of the same emotions. Just hang in there, girl! It'll get better. Sending healing thought your way!
Hugs,
Lisa
Hugs,
Lisa
Topic: RE: Alive and Kickin'!
Thanks everyone for the kind thoughts and good wishes. I'll be in touch as the days progress.
Hugs,
Lisa
Hugs,
Lisa
Topic: RE: Alive and Kickin'!
Inge--
I met Ana--she's a real joy and has the kindest heart! What a real bonus to this trip she has been.
I'm still in the hospital...haven't started liquids yet. He had a lot of adhesions to remove and is being cautious to not rush things I think. That's ok with me as I don't want to end up getting readmitted. May be going to the hotel tomorrow.
Lisa
I met Ana--she's a real joy and has the kindest heart! What a real bonus to this trip she has been.
I'm still in the hospital...haven't started liquids yet. He had a lot of adhesions to remove and is being cautious to not rush things I think. That's ok with me as I don't want to end up getting readmitted. May be going to the hotel tomorrow.
Lisa
Topic: RE: Alive and Kickin'!
Well, I'm 2 days post-op and doing ok. Experiencing the expected discomfort but the plumbing is working ahead of schedule. Don't expect to be allowed anything by mouth until tomorrow though.
Dr. Marchesini is wonderful! If anyone is considering using him don't hesitate. I've worked with docs for over 30 years and I have never met one like him. He truly treats you like a member of his family! The people have been very kind and the difference in language isn't much of a problem.
We have a large lovely room with a large private balcony which makes for a pleasant diversion. It's winter here but the temp has been around 70 with bright blue skys!
I admit I'm eager to get back home in the next couple weeks.
Thanks to all for your healing thoughts and prayers!
Lisa
Dr. Marchesini is wonderful! If anyone is considering using him don't hesitate. I've worked with docs for over 30 years and I have never met one like him. He truly treats you like a member of his family! The people have been very kind and the difference in language isn't much of a problem.
We have a large lovely room with a large private balcony which makes for a pleasant diversion. It's winter here but the temp has been around 70 with bright blue skys!
I admit I'm eager to get back home in the next couple weeks.
Thanks to all for your healing thoughts and prayers!
Lisa
Topic: RE: Blood pressure again ~
Hey, Kerry--
Red and I must have posting at the same time because I didn't see her's until after I'd written mine.
Sounds like your doc should be cheering you on not giving you a hard time for getting healthier! Seems to me he should make you the poster boy for improving your health and plaster your pic and story all over his office! If he's nice to you maybe you could ever give him a shred of "credit" for your success--even though it's you, all you! (grin!)
Lisa
Red and I must have posting at the same time because I didn't see her's until after I'd written mine.
Sounds like your doc should be cheering you on not giving you a hard time for getting healthier! Seems to me he should make you the poster boy for improving your health and plaster your pic and story all over his office! If he's nice to you maybe you could ever give him a shred of "credit" for your success--even though it's you, all you! (grin!)
Lisa
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