44 Days out, 10.6.2011

Oct 06, 2011

Well, I gave up on the day to day blogs because I just kept putting them off and then I would have to try and remember each day, so I'll just blog when I get the time or have something to share.
When I last left I had just attended a support group meeting. My Dr gave me the go ahead to fly, so I went to see my Mom and family in Nova Scotia. My Mom isn't in the best health but she's one tough cookie. I was afraid to travel not knowing what to expect from my body. I'm still confused as to how to fit everything in, liquids and protein and of how much and what to eat. Everyone tells me to listen to my body, but my body gives me different signs all the time. It seems my stomach is always making noises, whether it be gas, hunger, or thirst. I'm told I shouldn't feel hunger, if so then I'm not eating enough, but I don't want to "graze" either.
I'm somewhat dehydrated, I can't seem to get all of the liquids in.
When I was in Nova Scotia, I started to experience difficulty in swallowing. I called my Dr and he suspected a stricture, which is not uncommon at around the 30 day  mark. He scheduled an endoscopy on Friday, Sept. 30.
The endoscopy revealed a bleeding ulcer. So he gave me medication and put me back on a liquid diet for a few days.
The medication seems to be helping. I'm back on pureed food and will progress to normal food any day now. I'm going to have to plan everything so I can get my nutrition, liquids and proteins in so I can get stronger and get back to  "normal".
I start back to work on Monday, can't say I'm thrilled. I'm actually nervous because some things have changed while I was off. I sure hope I can handle it.
I think I know why I have an ulcer. I've been stressed the last few months and now my father-in-law is in the hospital with a broken hip. Since he fell, he's been different. He seems confused and I'm afraid he is in the early stages of dementia. I'm hoping it's just the pain meds he was on. His wife depends on my husband and I a lot and I don't know if I can take any additional responsibilities right now and my husband is going to school and working full time, it's a lot on our plate.
Hopefully next week when I get back to work, things will fall into place.
It's been quite an adjustment, but I'm feeling better. My morning sugar has been in the 160's-170's for the last number of years. Since surgery, it has come down to the low 100's and actually last week it was 98. My blood pressure is taking a bit longer to stay low, but it's coming along.
I've lost 17.5 inches and 35 pounds since surgery. That's a good thing. Plus my husband has lost 41 pounds just by not eating out and not eating junk like we used to. Plus our bank account is a little healthier as well.

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