Verna D. 20 years, 3 months ago

Hi everyone: Sorry I haven't posted in a long time but things have been hectic. My surgion has discharged me and I actually have gained a few pounds but I am feeling stronger every day. I had a little mishap in June of 2003 in which I took a tumble down the stairs. I have trouble with balance ever since my surgery. Anyway, the fall resulted in 4 broken ribs, lung and liver contusions, a broken shoulder at three places with a wrist fracture. When I say I took a tumble, I mean a tumble. I was trying to get something out a hall closet, which happens to be at the top of the stairs and when I stepped back to close the closet door, Ilost my balance and fell sideways down the stairs. I spent 2 and 1/2 days in the emergency room because they had no room in the intensive care unit and even though Lori (my daughter) is a nurse, they said if I left the hospital it would be AMA (against medical advice) and he wouldn't be responsible if something happened to me. Needless to say, I didn't leave the hospital. It is amazing what information the hospital is willing to dispense when you say you are leaving. I opted not to have surgery on my shoulder because the ortho said I would never have full movement anywaym at my age, so I didn't want to undergo any further discomfort. It seems to have healed now but my movement is hindered when trying to lift my arm, etc. I can no longer do the crafts and babysit my grandchildren, etc. (the reason I had the RNY in the very first place, so I could do all the things my obesity prevented me from doing) So, I guess I have come full circle in that respect. I also have not posted on this site very much because I have a lawsuit pending and can't comment on that at this time. I will fill you all in as soon as I have my day in court. OK. Meanwhile, thanks again for all your kind thoughts and prayers and your concern for my wellbeing. As always, it is very much appreciated. Verna Dodson

JENNIFER P. 21 years, 2 months ago

can anyone else give me information on Dr. Joanne DeLeo??? help??? my email is [email protected]

Verna D. 21 years, 9 months ago

Hello Everyone: Sorry I didn't get around to posting updates as often as you would like but some days, I just didn't feel up to it and thought if I ignored the way I felt, it would go away. Guess what, it didn't. Anyway, for now, I have been out of the hospital almost one year. August 9, it will be one year. I have a few trouble spots but all in all, I am doing much better. To date, I have lost a total of 123 lbs. and I no longer need insulin and my glucovance was cut in half. Dr. says the next visit, we might dispense with that entirely. I had hernia surgery on April 9, 2002 and also had a tummy tuck. I am still quite sore, but I hope that will get better. I also developed a lump on my left side where my kidney was removed. I now have a lump on my breast which needs to be biopsyed. All in all, I feel better and am getting stronger every day. I'll post more later as I feel more like going into it. Take care everyone and thanks for all your prayers and support - Verna

Cinna G. 21 years, 11 months ago

A very happy ONE year anniversary to you today! I hope that this post finds you healthier and happier than ever. Please post to your profile so that others can share in your progress throughout this amazing journey. Have a wonderful day today.

Kristi C. 22 years, 2 months ago

I'd just been thinking about sending you an e-mail & here you are, posting. So pleased your feeling better. What a struggle it has been. You're an inspiration for anyone who has post-op complications. Thnaks be to God (& your daughter) you're recovering so well.

Maryellen W. 22 years, 4 months ago

Verna: Funny thing, I was just thinking about you and wondering how you were when I noticed an update on you on the message board. I am glad you are doing better. Hope you get all your strengt back soon.

Kristi C. 22 years, 4 months ago

Got wondering how Verna is doing. It's been awhile since I'd seen an update so I e-mailed her & this is the reply from her daughter Lori....I edited it to conform with the rules of this site. Kristi: Thank you for following Mom's progress. She is just beginning to get back into the computer. She saw your message and plans to respond..but... for today...she is tired.She had a Dr's appt today with the surgeon that saved her life. He said she is doing very well. Her abdomen is healed and things are working fine in that respect. She has lost 63 lbs according to her family dr. & 75 lbs according to her surgeon. She has a way yet to go with the weight loss but is doing very well..all things considered.!! I'm sure once she's feeling up to it..she'll certainly change her commentary about the operative surgeon. Tell all Mom is on the mend. Her sacral decubitus is healing.Her abdomen is healed. Her strength is returning each day. She still has to take her afternoon naps but considering all she's been through..I guess a little nap here & there won't hurt. Take care and thank you for your prayers & concern.Keep the good vibes and thoughts coming.It's nice to know.. you care!! Thanks, Verna's Daughter, Lori Let's all send Verna a note of encouragement, she's had a very difficult time & I'm glad to hear she's finaly recovering.

Heather C. 22 years, 5 months ago

Hi Lori ... It's been awhile since there was an update on Verna.. I'm wondering how she is doing. Will you please update us. Thanks.

Heather C. 22 years, 7 months ago

Hi Lori , I hope that Verna is doing well. Please e-mail and let me know how she is. Did she has the last surgery? My prayers are with her.. Heather

Heather C. 22 years, 9 months ago

From Verna's daughter Lori Heather: Thanks for trying to contact Mom. I'd like to comment on the dificulty hearing on 2 counts. #1 The hearing loss was caused by the Vancomycin antibiotic they gave for the Staph infection,which we learned is MRSA(hospital acquired) and we were not advised about that particular little bug. The second point is in order to hear the phone in her room...it would be nice if the ringer on the phone worked! The phone does not ring so even if she could hear she would not be able to hear a non existent ring. But that's the least of our cares at this point. Keep trying to reach her because they are suppose to get her a phone that rings. So.... maybe if everyone keeps bugging them ....they may replace the phone as promised the past 2 nights. Mom is definitely doing better...each day she gets a little stronger. She sat out of bed in a chair yesterday for about 2 hours, she was tired but very pleased with herself. They also put her into a fluidotherapy air bed which will prevent any further skin breakdown. Her spirits are good. I printed out all the well wishes from all of you. I will be taking them to the hospital with me tomorrow for her to read ,so she will be able to see what fantastic and caring people are out there pulling for her. Again..... and I can not say this enough times...I am overwhelmed by the support and genuine concern expressed by each and everyone of you to what was essentially a total stranger! Your support, concern, caring,prayers, good wishes, good vibes, whatever form of support you all extended I thank you from the very depth of my being. Heather this originally started out as a personal response to your concern and caring but if you would be so kind as to please share this with all the many well wishers on the site. It is my personal thanks not only to you but to all the many supporters who have offered a word of condolences, a prayer, a thought, well wishes,etc.Mom will be genuinely touched by all of you when she reads the notes from all. She is a fighter but even fighters require moral support and your comments and notes will definitely inspire her to a speedy recovery!!Thank you all again for ALL YOUR SUPPORT!! From myself and my entire family..you have no idea what a great help your support has been. Keep those prayers and well wishes coming! Verna's daughter, Lori
About Me
Newport, PA
Location
28.9
BMI
RNY
Surgery
04/16/2001
Surgery Date
Mar 06, 2001
Member Since

×