Here I come ....

Here I come ready or not ...

Well my friends ... here I am.  One week out.  Surgery check in time is 8:00 am May 11th.  I've had all my classes, completed all my tasks, and had all my blood drawn.  Now I nervously await the mighty stapler and her staple gun!!  

I must say I've not felt the "usual" excitement that others might feel or that I thought I would feel.  I've felt sad really.  The unknown piece of what my life will be and the understanding that my relationship with food will and must change has left me a bit solemn.  I've also felt that familiar shame for the "slips" I've had with food and with not writing down my food as required by part of my program.  The voice says, "you've not been successful, your not being successful, so why on earth would you think you could be successful in the future."  

Also, today at my last visit, I learned that I could never take anti-inflammatories again.  I do not know why I didn't know this or learn of it until today, but I suspect it is because I didn't even think to put on my med list I take 2 Aleve twice a day.  This is a new development for pain in my feet.  One foot has a significant amount of arthritis, and the other one has Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction.  Early January after many months of excruciating pain, the foot Dr. put me on Aleve.  It was new enough I didn't think to list it.  I now am a week out facing what I think is a tough decision.  My weight does not help the pain in my feet, but the Dr. assured me it isn't the cause either.  The posterior tibial tendon dysfunction isn't going to go away, and it really won't get much better either.  Surgery and un-managed chronic pain or no surgery and managed chronic pain.  

I'm moving forward, and I hope that the feet get "better," but I hope at least one of you can imagine what a blow that was a week out. 

Merlinda

Hey again!! I know you're on the RNY board, but I would feel guilty if I didn't tell you to see what surgeries your insurance will cover and then visit the VSG (sleeve) or DS boards and ask some questions to them. I know with the DS you can take n-saids, and I'm pretty sure you can with the sleeve too. I love my RNY, don't get me wrong, but I have no need for n-saids, and I would not be able to deal with their diet(lots of fatty foods, 8 pieces of bacon for breakfast!), and they always say that they couldn't deal with ours. Research some more, but first find out what your ins covers.

Hi Annie ~ I don't know what DS is, but  I do know that my insurance will only pay for the band and the RNY.  :-(   

Merlinda,

I'm sorry to hear about this new development right before your surgery. Have you spoken with your Dr about the possibility of seeking the help from a pain specialist/pain clinic? Or putting you on Tylenol3 or another form of pain med?

I'm hoping for the best for you. Keep your chin up sister!
~Leyna

Thank you Leyna ~ 

The surgeon said that if it got too terrible, that they may be able to put me on Celebrex.  I don't know what makes that different than the rest, but I do know that it is a non-formulary with my insurance, which means $$$$.  The Nurse Practitioner said that she might be able to prescribe Vicoden, but I do have to be careful with my drugs.  I am recoverying drug addict of 12 years, and the beast while quiet, still lies.  I think some is just the fear of the unknown ....

BUT with that said, thank you for your words of encouragement.  Thank you so much!

Read the info on Celebrex: it has exactly the same side effects as any other NSAID with the extra added attraction of increased percentage of heart attack and stroke.

I don't want to terrify you, but do read up on this. 

I will root for you to find a solution to your quandry.


Best wishes,

Merlinda, that's a tough call. I am glad that you recognize that you need to be careful, as an addiction never really fully goes away, it's always just there in hibernation. Have you talked to your orthopedic to see what other options you have in regards to pain management that are not NSAIDS? I know that my friend, who had RNY 5ish years ago, has fibromyalgia, chronic pain and aches. She goes to a special pain management doctor and they perscribe her meds/rubs, and give her shots for her pain. I wonder if it's something worth looking into for your sake.