Here we go......

Aug 04, 2007

I think it's really going to happen this time.  They say the third timne is the charm and I'm on my third attempt to have this surgery.  I spoke with Dr. P on Friday.  He had some concerns about my commitment to this process and whether I was taking it seriously due to some delays in getting blood work done and a few other things that happened along the way.  I attempted to allay his fears but i understand why he would be concerned.  

I hope that I was able to convince him that i am totally committed to this process and understand it's not just a matter of having the surgery and then life goes on.  This is  a lifelong commitment to take care of myself.  It's a commitment to take supplements, vitamins, get enough protein and calcium, ddrink enough water and exercise.  There is also a comitment to have the bloodword done and go for follow up visits as necessary with Dr. P and my regular doctor.  

Thankfully, Dr. Peters has agreed to do my surgery on Monday morning so Joe and I are leaving tomorrow morning for PA.  We'll check into the Residence Inn there and stay Sunday night.  Monday morning I have to be at the hospital at 6:00 for surgery.  

I'm not nervous or scared anymore.  I'm past all of that and at the point of calmness.  I'm accepting the fact that anything can happen and I can't control it now.  God is going to make all the decisions at this point.  I'm very much hoping for an easy process but I accept the fact that with all of my other health issues I'm more likely to have complications.  

If you've read this update and you're so inclined prayers and positive thoughts would greatly be appreciated.  


Here we go again....

Jul 10, 2007

Well, as an update, I haven't had surgery yet.  Things went haywire when I went to Pennsylvania to have everything done.  Here's a description of how it went.

I left on Tuesday the 26th of June to head to Pennsylvania.  I had an appointment with the pulmonologist that day and I had to stop at the hospital first to have a chest x-ray done.  All that went fine.  The pulmonologist told me he didn't see any reason to stop surgery at this point.  

I spent the next couple of days hanging out at the hotel and doing a bit of shopping.  The Residence Inn in Scranton is fantastic.  I was very impressed.  The people are great and they serve breakfast and dinner every day and it's actually good food.  

While I was there I got to meet Michelle A and her sister.  Michelle had surgery the week before and looked wonderful!  She was getting ready to head home the next day.  I am very glad we got to spend some time together. :)  She's a very cool lady!

I met with Dr. Peters on the 28th and the nutritionist.  Both appointments went fine.  We talked about surgery and the greenfield filter and all.  There weren't any suprises.  Joe and the puppy arrived on Thursday night. 

Friday morning I got up really early to be at the hospital at 6:30 to have the Greenfield filter put in.   Everything was fine until they gave me the 'light sedation'.  Apparently, I react badly to the medication that they used and became very aggitated.  I don't rememeber it but Joe was there and said that I was quite aggitated.  The anesthesiologist assumed I didn't have enough so gave me more of the same medication.  This caused me to be even more aggitated.  This is a very rare reaction to the IV sedation.  I actually forgot to mention to the anesthesiologist that I had the same type of reaction several years ago during a dental procedure.  The whole problem could have been avoided if I had remembered to tell them about that.  Finally, Dr. Peters decided to just go ahead and put me completely out and put me on a vent and do the procedure, figuring they'd have me off the vent quickly and all would be fine.  The procedure went fine.  They took me to recovery and attempted to wean me from the ventilator by waking me up.  The medication they had originally given me was still in my  system (it had only been about an hour) and i became very aggitated and combative.  My oxygen levels dropped and they sedated me again.  

A while later they tried again.  this time, I remember.  I woke up and couldn't breathe.  It was as if someone was putting their finger over the end of the tube.  I couldn't get air in or out.  It was very scary.  I was trying to sit up and they had four people trying to keep me on the bed.  Joe was there and I heard them asking the family to leave.  Joe left and went back to the hotel.  I felt so bad for him.  I don't ever want him to go through that again.  Needless to say, they sedated me again.  

The next thing I remember, i woke up still on the ventilator.  I could breathe OK so I wasn't panicking.  Someone immediately brought me a letter board to comminicate with them.  I was able to tell them what I needed.  I had been out for about 12 hours.  It was after 7 in the evening at this point.  Within an hour or so they had me off the vent and had pulled some of the other tubes and such.  They decided to keep me overnight to monitor me.  

They moved me to a stepdown unit and all was well until I was discharged the next day around 12:30.  They left the central line in my neck since I was scheduled for surgery on Monday.  It was very annoying where it was located and it just looked bad so i didn't intend to go out much since there wasn't any way to cover it.  We just stayed around the hotel Saturday after being discharged.  All was well and we had a lovely time.  

Sunday morning I woke up and I didn't feel well.  I was aching all over and felt feverish.  I was also having trouble with my breathing.  I went through the day just figuring that the problem was related to the trauma my body had been through.   Around 5:30 Joe went out and bought a  thermometer.  I had a fever of 101.5.  I called Dr. P.  He wanted me to head to the ER to be checked for infection and anything else that might be going on.  They did all kinds of blood work and a CT scan of my chest.  They found that I had a UTI (from the foley catheter) and the insertion site for the filter was positive for bacteria as well.  They sent me back to the hotel with antibiotics.  I spoke wiht dr. P and we decided to postpone the surgery.  

On Monday I went and Dr. Peters removed the central line.  He did say that he'd be willing to surgery then if I wanted but I think he was joking. :)  Joe and I headed home after that.  

Surgery is now rescheduled for August 6th.  Another month to wait.  Its OK though.  I'm on God's schedule.   Not mine.  I don't mind.  I know it will happen.  Hopefully, the surgery will go very smoothly.  I'm sure it will.  

This has been such an adventure so far.  I'm looking forward to the other side.  I want to be able to help those that follow behind me.  

That's it for now.   I'll update as I get closer to the date. 

Another year

Jun 17, 2007

Today is my birthday.  I'm 42 today.  It's funny, I feel so different on this birthday than i have on the past couple of birthdays.  Last year and the year before I asked my husband to keep it very low key.  I didn't want a cake or a party or anything.  I just wanted to pretend it didn't happen.  Well, this year is different.  I want to celebrate!  I even insisted on having a cake. :)  We had dinner with my husband's parents at a local restaurant and we brought the cake.  We had a great time.

I'm not sure why I feel so different this year.  I think I've come to appreciate life more.  It has been a very difficult couple of years and I realize now that each day is a gift.  I am greatful for every day that I get up and I can get out of bed and get through the day without too much difficulty.  Before I just took each day for granted.  i realize now how good God is to me.  

My excitement and anxiety are both growing by day.  I am two weeks from surgery and I leave for PA in a week and two days.  IT's all happening so fast again.  I'm amazed.  The good news is I'm not sick anymore.  I'm done taking the antibiotics.  I'm finished with all of my tests and Dr. Peters should have all the results by tomorrow.  

This week is going to be dedicated to getting everything together for the trip.  I'll also be making sure all of my arrangements are made and set in stone.  I confirmed all of my 'help' tonight.  DH will be coming on Thursday before surgery and staying through the following Wednesday.  My brother will be coming on Wednesday and staying till Sunday.  My MIL will be coming on Sunday and staying until I come home.  She's an amazing woman that has been a mother figure to me since I became part of the family.  I love her dearly and am very excited that she agreed to come and stay with me.  

Once all the plans are confirmed it's time to just sit back and relax for a while.  I'll probably get a manicure, pedicure and hair cut this week too.  I also need to color my hair before I go.  I'll need to go shopping for nightgowns for after surgery too.  From what I understand I'll just need cheap ones in case they get ruined from blood or other stuff.

I think I'm very excited about the upcoming year.  I am very curious to see what 42 will bring.  I'm very hopeful that it will be all good. :)

I'm so glad that I found this forum.  The people here have become such a special part of my life.  I was talking to my DH tonight about who he'll need to contact while I'm in the hospital.  i'm going to try to get him and Darlene (the most incredible angel in the whole world) to speak before I go for surgery so that they're comfortable with each other.  

I know that the people here will be saying prayers and swinging chickens and sending positive thoughts my way and it will bring me through surgery and recovery in such a positive light.  I have never met such an amazing group of people that genuinely cared for each other.  I truly believe that God sent me to this forum.  

I'll update more as time permits...


Best laid plans....

Jun 02, 2007

6-2-07 
Tonight I'm sitting here thinking about how this whole process has gone for me.  It's been quite an ordeal and I'm wondering what would be different if even one part had changed along the way.  

I've been researching and wanting WLS for five years now.  That's a long time.  it kind of amazes me because I'm not a patient person.  I want what I want and I want it now.  Maybe one of the things that this has taught me is that we are on God's time.  Not ours.  

I know that God has a plan for me and that all of the things that I'm going through now are for a reason.  I consider myself lucky because although i have a couple of very nasty health problems, I have a wonderful support system including my family and my husband and my God.  Noone could ask for a better combination.  

So, all that being said, my surgery has been delayed.  I ended up having some issues with blood tests, lung functions and getting sick so my surgeon wanted to reschedule.  Now I'm having surgery on July 2nd.  It actually works out pretty well because Joe can stay with me longer and I'll be able to see Susan's recital and the Rush concert. :)

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that nothing else comes up but if it does we'll handle it.  That's what we do.  I'll have my DS.  It's just that I'm on the scenic route instead of the express lane. :)


The time is getting closer....

May 15, 2007

Well, it's only 27 days till surgery now.  And actually it's only three weeks before I leave for Scranton.  I'm going up on the Wednesday before my surgery so that I can go to the support group meeting and meet with the nutritionist and Dr. Peters on thursday.  Then on Friday Dr. Peters will insert the Greenfield filter.  I think it's a good idea to have it done.  Even though I'm very active I still am at a higher weight than I've ever been and I have had a DVT before so we don't want to take chances.  It's a pretty simple procedure anyway so it will be ok.

There are still a lot of arrangements to make and a lot of things to do before I go but I think it will be OK.  My tasks this week are to find transportation to and from Scranton.  I'm having a difficult time finding anyone that can drive me up and back.  I'll find someone though. :)

Well, more updates later. :)

Five Questions

May 02, 2007


1) What has been your greatest sacrifice? 

I have always been pretty free with giving of my things.  I'll share anything with anyone.  I also am pretty free sharing my money.  However, the one thing i consider most precious in my life is my time.  This is the one thing I can't get more of and can't get back.  I tend to be pretty stingy with giving time.  When i do donate that, I consider it my greatest sacrifice. 

2) What is your favorite (clean!) fantasy? (Examples: Winning the lottery, meeting a celebrity, becoming a celebrity, etc) 

My favorite fantasy is winning the lottery.  It's not because I want all the money.  I dream about how I could share it with family and friends and the things we could do together because of the freedom that the money gives us.  I would probably spend the first year on a cruise. :)

3) Assuming all people & animals were safe, what five things would you save if your house were on fire? 

this isn't very exciting:

1.  My lock box
2.  My computer
3.  My DH's computer
4.  My jewelry that DH has bought me
5.  Family photos

4) What do you want to be when you grow up? *lol* And yes, this is meant to be present-tense! 

Well, since I ran away with the circus and have changed careers three times I think i have that pretty much covered.  However, here are a few things that I'd love to try:

1.  I'd love to be a toll booth collector for one day.
2.  I'd love to be a character in the Disney World parade
3.  I'd love to be a train conductor.  But I want to wear the hat. :)

5) Who on the boards do you admire most and why? (And you can't pick me!) 

This one is tough.  You would be right at the top of my list.
J There are so many people that are incredibly supportive and loving on the board.  I have never met such a wonderful group of people in my life.  If I have to pick one person though, I would say Maureen.  She is ALWAYS so encouraging and full of love for everyone it amazes me.  I only wish I could be that supportive to everyone.

Have fun and don't forget to add the rules so others can play!

1. Leave me a comment saying, "Interview me."
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions.
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

New Photos

Apr 26, 2007

I just added new photos to my profile.  I'm horrified by the pictures that Joe took tonight but they're me.  This is where I am right now.  It just convinces me more that I HAVE to have this surgery soon.  I'm very glad I have a date and everything is moving ahead as planned.  I'm waiting for the package of information from Dr. Peters' office.  I'm not scared like I thought I'd be.  I'm more anxious and excited than scared.  There's a lot to plan and a lot to do but I think it will be OK.

It's Finally My Turn.....

Apr 20, 2007

After sooooo long and so many attempts at having weightloss surgery it's finally going to happen for me.  :)  

The story of how I've gotten here is truly one of those "In God's Time" stories.  It's long but I thought it would be nice to put it down here for posterity sake.  Also, I thought if anyone is reading this it might give them hope that it CAN happen.

Last March i got sick.  Really sick.  I started having trouble breathing.  I was having intense pain in my joints and muscles throughout my body and I was exhausted.  I went to my regular doctor and she was lost as to why I was having the symptoms.  i went to a pulmonologist and he thought I was having an allergic reaction to a fungus that everyone has in their body.  He admitted me to the hospital because I had a pretty bad case of pneumonia.  

I was in the hopsital for about a week and then discharged.  At that point I started gaining weight from the steroids.  I went back to work and all was well for a few weeks.  Then I started feeling ill again and waited a while before doing anything about it.  When i had gotten to the point that just walking from my car to my office at work would take every bit of energy I had and I couldn't even focus on my work at all, I called the pulmonologist again.  He admitted me to the hospital for another week.  He still wasn't sure what was really wrong with me but we kept working on different diagnoses and eliminating the ones that we could.  \

I didn't go back to work.  It just didn't make sense for me to try to work when we still didn't know what was wrong and I wasn't feeling up to the challenge of working every day.   I recieved short term disability from my company.

The next several weeks were a mess of tests and doctors appointments and trying to figure out what was happening.  In July, everything went bad again and I was admitted to the hospital again for another week.  At this point my pulmonologist and my rheumatologist were getting pretty desperate to find the answer to the question....what was wrong with me?  I had, at this point, had pneumonia for four months and it wasn't going away.  I also had all of the other symptoms.  So, the first week of August I had a lung biopsy done to see if there was something that would explain the whole thing.  Fortunately, there was.  I was diagnosed with Sarcoidosis from the lung biopsy and a skin biopsy.  At least we had a diagnosis.  

Just after being diagnosed with Sarcoidosis, I submitted the paperwork for long term disability through my company.  I had paid for that option through work.  A few weeks later I recieved a letter stating that the claim was denied because of a pre-existing condition.  I contacted the woman that sent the email and asked about the pre-exsiting condition and she told me that the doctor had put on my paperwork that I had asthma and it was a contributing factor to my disability.  I reviewed the paperwork and realized that my doctor had made a mistake and put Asthma on the wrong line on one of the updates that he was required to send to the insurance company while I was on short term disability.  I called the woman back and explained it to her.   She asked me to write her a letter explaining that and telling her anything else that might help with the diagnosis of sarcoidosis.  

For the next six months I didn't think much of the long term disability.  I would occasionally get a letter stating they were reviewing my case to determine if the decision would be overturned.  I finally felt well enough in November to do some work so I took a part time position helping a small company prepare for a DCAA audit.  It was tough even doing that little bit of work and I ended up becoming VERY ill right after Christmas.  I was becoming really discouraged because I knew that we needed money from my income but it was sooooo hard to keep working.  

Well, sometime in mid-March, Joe and I came home from the grocery store and checked the mail.  There was an envelope from the disability company.  I opened the envelope and there was nothing in it but a check for $17,649.  There was no explaination or anything.   The next day I recieved a phonecall from the woman that I had spoken with months earlier.  She told me that my 'appeal' had been reviewed and the decision had been overturned.  I am now covered under the long term disability as long as necessary...at least until I'm 65 years old.  Well, I'm only 41 now so that's a long time.  

This led to two things.  One, it relieved my anxiety about needing to contribute to our financial situation.  That's now taken care of.  The ohter thing is that the $17,649 is almost enough money to pay for the DS with Dr. Peters.  Well, after that the LTD people sent me an additional $13,000 in back pay to bring me current.  Obviously, that's more than enough money to pay for the DS. 

Sooooooo....I said all of that to say this.....I''m having the DS with Dr. Peters in Scranton, PA on June 11th.  I'm just amazed that it's finally happening.  I'm very excited and scared at the same time.  I have a lot of preparations to be ready.  Dr. Peters is requiring that I get clearance from all of my doctors and I'm going to have a bunch of tests but I think everything will work out OK.  

Wow...this update got really long.  I guess I should stop typing and start working on getting everything done that I need to do. :)

Thanks for reading!

Kelly

10-10-06 Back to square one....again....

Oct 15, 2006

Well, I was moving ahead with the new doctor for the DS and they requested that I check with my insurance company on some things.  When I called the person told me there is a specific exclusion for WLS in my policy.  *sigh*.  Well, I thought that might be OK because I live in Virginia and there are laws that are helpful in that matter.  Unfortunately, my husband's company is self insured and only uses Aetna as their plan administrator.  There is no way that I can fight this one.  We're now back to square one again.  

I think I'm going to go ahead and plan to self pay for the surgery at this point.  All of my doctors agree that this surgery is the best thing for me and I really want to do it.   I think it will change my life for the better.  I will likely go to Dr. Marchesini in for the surgery.  I have already communicated with him a few times.  He is a very very sweet man.  I also understand he is an excellent surgeon.  

Now it's just a matter of convincing my wonderful husband that going out of country is the best choice.  I think he'll agree if I get all of my information together for him.  

God will see me through this. :)

 



10-09-06 Update...

Oct 15, 2006

10-9-06

Well, I now have communication with two different surgeons.  I'll be
seeing Dr. Michael Schweitzer in Baltimore (Johns Hopkins) on December
18th and I am talking to another surgeon's office and they are sending me
a packet of information to complete and fax back to them.  My husband
changed jobs and we now have Aetna Insurance which just changed the
policy so that they will pay for the DS now.  I am only interested in
having the DS so this works out well. :) 

My health is not changing.  My breathing isn't great.  The muscle pain
is pretty bad.  The burning pain in my hands and feet seems to be
getting worse.  I've gained a few more pounds.  I'm up to 335 pounds now. 
There just doesn't seem to be a way to stop it as long as I'm taking
steroids.  I'm seeing a new rheumatologist this week.  I'm hoping she'll
start me back on the chemotherapy drugs so that I can wean off the
steroids eventually.  I never thought I'd hope to take chemotherapy but the
alternative is worse.  I really want to get some of my life back.  I
want to be able to do some of the things I could do a few months ago. 
I'd like to go back to work and be able to do things like swim, play
volleyball, etc.  I just miss being active. 

I know God has a plan for me.  I'm just along for the ride for now. 
He'll see me through this.  I'm very lucky to have such a wonderful
husband.  He has made this whole process bearable.  I do love him with all
my heart. :)

More updates soon.

About Me
Bristow, VA
Location
56.2
BMI
DS
Surgery
08/06/2007
Surgery Date
Nov 23, 2002
Member Since

Friends 39

Latest Blog 17
Here we go......
Here we go again....
Another year
Best laid plans....
The time is getting closer....
Five Questions
New Photos
It's Finally My Turn.....
10-10-06 Back to square one....again....
10-09-06 Update...

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