Joe L.
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Naes Wls J. 20 years, 7 months ago
<b>I SAID A PRAYER FOR YOU TODAY~*~ I said a prayer for you today And know God must have heard- I felt the answer in my heart Although He spoke no word I didn't ask for wealth or fame, I knew you wouldn't mind, I asked Him to send treasures Of a far more lasting kind, I asked that He'd be near you At the start of each new day, To grant you health and blessings And friends to share your way. I asked for happiness for you In all things great and small, But it was for His loving care I prayed the most of all.~*~Hugs~*~</b>
Karen N. 20 years, 7 months ago
Updated pic of Joe & I on his profile... we're healthy post-ops! 4 mos post for Joe, and 14 mos for me... still working hard at losing!
Dorianne G. 20 years, 11 months ago
I have to say your sense of humor has made me smile.. and I dont do that much lately. Congrats on your surgery.. it sounds to be going well. Nothing in this world is easy.. but yours is done and you are on your way.. ~*~best wishes on a safe and speedy recovery~*~
Joe L. 20 years, 11 months ago
Hi all... Thanks for the encouragement and prayers! I'm doin' ok. Surgery went well, the only issue being the epidural. Aparently, they had a hard time controling my pain in post-op so the epi got bumped from 5cc/hour to 11cc/hour and was left that way for about 7 hours. My left leg started going numb from the waist to just above my foot, which made walking a bit difficult that frist night. The on-call anesthsiologist did come in when I complained about the numbness and dropped the rate on the epi way down. The numbness started to go away on Friday, and I was moving better at least. Friday was also the day my naso-gastric tube, foley catheter (goes in your bladder), and epidural got pulled. The only bad part was that they pulld the foley before the epidural, so that affected my ability to urinate which is a prerequisite for going home. I was straight-cathed 7 times between Friday afternoon and Sunday morning, which really sucked. Not a pleasant experience. Saturday wasn't bad; better movement and a bit less pain. Lots of sleeping :-) Sunday I came home even though I still couldn't urinate. Karen got to the hospital while Dr. Wood was there, and said she could cath me as easily as the staff could (since she's a nurse) and he agreed to let me go home. The ride home was a bit painful, but not bad. Karen cathed me when we got home, and I spent Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday morning with a catheter in. She pulled the cath on Tuesday, and about a half hour later I urinated (more info than you wanted, but hey :-) ) I slept on the couch (it reclines) Sunday through Tuesday, and tried the bed on Wednesday night. I got about 3 hours in bed and had to go to the bathroom, and spent the rest of the night on the couch. Thursday and Friday nights were better, a bit uncomfortable but not bad. I got a big body pillow for Christmas, so I was using that to lean into and support myself. Since I've been home, I haven't had much in the way of outright pain. I did hit the Lortab a few times, mostly for discomfort. Since Wednesday, I haven't had anything. The Lovinox shots can get annoying, because they start to burna fter about the 6th one. It seems like the more of them you get, the worse it gets. The burning only lasts for a few minutes, but it's still annoying. I have quite a nice collection of bruises from the shots as well... The first week was hard with just clear liquids. I was really happy when Friday rolled around and I could have a protein shake and some yogurt! We went to a restraunt called Zoup! here in Troy, and I got some Mushroom Bisque (WOOHOO for full liquid diets!) I have my follow-up appointment with Dr. Wood next Friday, and I'm back to work the next Monday. That's pretty much my week in a nutshell.
Julie L. 20 years, 11 months ago
Hi Joe and Karen - I am so happy that you both are doing well. Good luck during your recovery and I know from personal experience that you have a great nurse taking care of you! Julie
Donald W. 20 years, 11 months ago
Joe, Met you and Karen at the support group meeting in St. Clair Shores. My wife and I got a lot of useful information from you and yours. Really glad that you came through the surgery with mimimal complications. I just got my surgery date yesterday. 6-19-03 Welcome to the first days to the rest of your life.
Any78way 20 years, 11 months ago
Joe - Congrats!! Welcome to the other side! You are very lucky to have a devoted wife who's been through it to help you through your recovery. Good luck becoming a big loser! Hope to see you at the support group meetings!
Any78way 20 years, 11 months ago
donnaa62 20 years, 11 months ago
Joe welcome home.. continue to live you life to teh glory of god and to be the best person you can be.. God bless