Julie Nolan
A GREAT Monday! ! !
Mar 31, 2008
Had my final Cardiologist appt today. Dr. Lanna congratulated me because I have a fully healthy heart! I'm so happy!
After that appt, John and I went to see Dr. Pohl for my 1st visit with him. I have to say that I'm glad he has the seminar because when he walks into the room, I feel like I've already met him. Like he wasn't a stranger.
It was the first time John saw/met him. We were both impressed by his caring demeanor. He was straight forward and to the point! We both appreciate that. There is no question that he thinks I will benefit from this surgery, both, physically & mentally. He thinks it will actually help me get well enough to stop having to use my cane!!!!
AND...I can continue taking ALL my pain meds as needed! AS WELL AS my CYMBALTA for depression! I suffer from depression since my medical discharge from the Army in 2003. The Cymbalta helps me cope with the day-to-day pain ridden life I have.
I have a lot of hopes but I'm not being unrealistic. I know my physical situation will never become 100% the way I was prior to my injuries and I know the arthritis in my knees, hips and lower back will NOT go away. But I also know the pain will NOT be as much.
Funny, I used to hope I'd get approved by the DMV to get my handicap placard for my car. Now, I hope I can be in good enough shape to NOT to have to use it anymore!
I'm looking forward to the endoscopy. I've had one before and know it's not that bad. That is the very last procedural test.
I'm feeling more confident about Tricare covering my surgery. I really think I'll get approval for my surgery. Then I'll have a date for surgery!
Happy Monday!!!
After that appt, John and I went to see Dr. Pohl for my 1st visit with him. I have to say that I'm glad he has the seminar because when he walks into the room, I feel like I've already met him. Like he wasn't a stranger.
It was the first time John saw/met him. We were both impressed by his caring demeanor. He was straight forward and to the point! We both appreciate that. There is no question that he thinks I will benefit from this surgery, both, physically & mentally. He thinks it will actually help me get well enough to stop having to use my cane!!!!
AND...I can continue taking ALL my pain meds as needed! AS WELL AS my CYMBALTA for depression! I suffer from depression since my medical discharge from the Army in 2003. The Cymbalta helps me cope with the day-to-day pain ridden life I have.
I have a lot of hopes but I'm not being unrealistic. I know my physical situation will never become 100% the way I was prior to my injuries and I know the arthritis in my knees, hips and lower back will NOT go away. But I also know the pain will NOT be as much.
Funny, I used to hope I'd get approved by the DMV to get my handicap placard for my car. Now, I hope I can be in good enough shape to NOT to have to use it anymore!
I'm looking forward to the endoscopy. I've had one before and know it's not that bad. That is the very last procedural test.
I'm feeling more confident about Tricare covering my surgery. I really think I'll get approval for my surgery. Then I'll have a date for surgery!
Happy Monday!!!
Anxious....
Mar 30, 2008
Seeing Dr. P. tomorrow for my initial consult. I have all my paperwork in order to include ((Okay, so maybe I'm anal 
)):
Surgery reports (including anesthesia records because I vomit violently for at least 24 hours post-surgery) for my hernia repair (which the site is giving me lots of pain); my hyterectomy (diagnosis is co-morbidity); urinary stress incontinence bladder sling (diagnosis is co-morbidity); my two cervical spine surgeries and my shoulder surgery.
MRI's & Xrays (recent and older) of my shoulder, cervical spine, lumbar spine, abdomen, hips and knees. To submit to Tricare if needed for medical necessity and co-morbidity.
Letter of Medical Necessity from my neurosurgeon (who highly recommends this procedure because he feels it will help lessen my pain levels and chances of future physical damages that are well on there way to getting worse).
Dietary History which includes my weights and methods of weight loss in the past.
Insurance Authorization (just in case they don't have their copy)
Psychology Evaluation (just in case they don't have their copy)
Cardiology Evaluation I have my last appt with Dr. Lanna at 12:30 the same day and will HAND-carry my results to Dr. P's office.
Dietician Evaluation Heather is located right across the hall from Dr. P's E. Prov. office. Therefore, I will stop by real quick and make sure her copy is all set to bring.
Handicap Placard from the DMV (so the insurance can see how important the surgery is to help me with medical necessity)
My List of Questions for Dr. Pohl I'm sure I'll have more when I get there too. DH and I will go through the questions tonight and fine tune them. I don't want to miss anything.
The REST of my medical records because I believe in being FULLY prepared!
I'm so anxious! I'm so used to failing at the weight loss attempts I have made. So I keep asking myself...What if Dr. P. says "NO"?....What if the insurance company says "NO"?.....What if I gain all my weight back? That's the big one!!!!! What if I fail at this too???? I have no other way to go!!!
Goin' back to the RIOH forum to ask more questions. They are my most valuable source of information!
)): Surgery reports (including anesthesia records because I vomit violently for at least 24 hours post-surgery) for my hernia repair (which the site is giving me lots of pain); my hyterectomy (diagnosis is co-morbidity); urinary stress incontinence bladder sling (diagnosis is co-morbidity); my two cervical spine surgeries and my shoulder surgery.
MRI's & Xrays (recent and older) of my shoulder, cervical spine, lumbar spine, abdomen, hips and knees. To submit to Tricare if needed for medical necessity and co-morbidity.
Letter of Medical Necessity from my neurosurgeon (who highly recommends this procedure because he feels it will help lessen my pain levels and chances of future physical damages that are well on there way to getting worse).
Dietary History which includes my weights and methods of weight loss in the past.
Insurance Authorization (just in case they don't have their copy)
Psychology Evaluation (just in case they don't have their copy)
Cardiology Evaluation I have my last appt with Dr. Lanna at 12:30 the same day and will HAND-carry my results to Dr. P's office.
Dietician Evaluation Heather is located right across the hall from Dr. P's E. Prov. office. Therefore, I will stop by real quick and make sure her copy is all set to bring.
Handicap Placard from the DMV (so the insurance can see how important the surgery is to help me with medical necessity)
My List of Questions for Dr. Pohl I'm sure I'll have more when I get there too. DH and I will go through the questions tonight and fine tune them. I don't want to miss anything.
The REST of my medical records because I believe in being FULLY prepared!
I'm so anxious! I'm so used to failing at the weight loss attempts I have made. So I keep asking myself...What if Dr. P. says "NO"?....What if the insurance company says "NO"?.....What if I gain all my weight back? That's the big one!!!!! What if I fail at this too???? I have no other way to go!!!
Goin' back to the RIOH forum to ask more questions. They are my most valuable source of information!
Farewell Ceremony & Emma's Bday Party
Mar 30, 2008
Friday was our Farewell Ceremony for John's unit. My grandson, AJ, was even on the news! So cute. Well, it was a long, exhausting day but we got a lot done! As the FRG Leader, I was able to meet many of the soldiers' families. I'm looking forward to getting to know them during this deployment year.
After the ceremony, we had my granddaughter, Emma's, first birthday party here at the house. WOW! There were so many people here! I can't believe she's already a year old. Seems like last month we were at the hospital helping Mommy bring her into the world. Emma makes our world so complete!
Yesterday was the monthly 'unofficial' support meeting at Angela's. Michelle and I wanted to go so so badly and were really looking forward to chillin' with everyone. However, I was in so much pain from the day before's events. My knees and ankles were swollen and my neck caused me to have a terrible headache. I never, ever, take naps but ended up doing so for 4 1/2 hours! I do feel a lot better today. The swelling has gone down quite a bit and my headache is nearly absent.
Onward and upward!
After the ceremony, we had my granddaughter, Emma's, first birthday party here at the house. WOW! There were so many people here! I can't believe she's already a year old. Seems like last month we were at the hospital helping Mommy bring her into the world. Emma makes our world so complete!
Yesterday was the monthly 'unofficial' support meeting at Angela's. Michelle and I wanted to go so so badly and were really looking forward to chillin' with everyone. However, I was in so much pain from the day before's events. My knees and ankles were swollen and my neck caused me to have a terrible headache. I never, ever, take naps but ended up doing so for 4 1/2 hours! I do feel a lot better today. The swelling has gone down quite a bit and my headache is nearly absent.
Onward and upward!
2nd Sleep Study DONE!
Mar 24, 2008
I can't be more excited that my sleep studies are DONE! I wore a mask this time with the cushions on the nostrils. At first I felt like I couldn't get enough oxygen because I wasn't allowed to breath through my mouth. I actually thought I was going to have a 'fit' and tear the thing off because I was getting claustrophobic. Then, I just closed my eyes, got as comfy as I could and settled down my inner child. (Sounds so guru-ish, doesn't it?). But, HEY, it worked.
I noticed that each time I woke up, there was more air coming through the mask so I felt better about the claustrophobia thing as the night went on.
Then there's the G*O*O*P in the hair! Dawn dish liquid to the rescue once again. Works every time!
I'm calling my pulmonologist today to see if she has any cancellations because I don't see her until the 4th. The waiting is (I'm quite sure of it) going to kill me!
My appt with Dr. P is only SIX days away! I swear, if all this waiting does NOT kill me, it'll be a miracle!
John is doing well. He is having his weekly Coumadin blood work done. The 'sticks' are leaving a lot of bruising and phlebitis at the site of the injections but he is fairing well. He cut himself around a cuticle yesterday and bled like crazy but nothing serious.
I love him so much. I wish I could take the fear he has inside away from him. He doesn't deserve it. I'm glad he found out about the AFib while he's home instead of while he's in some foreign country. At least he's here with me so we can take care of each other. Have I mentioned how much I love and adore him?
Happy Tuesday!
Hubby has Arterial Fibrillation
Mar 19, 2008
John is supposed to deploy April 1st. He had and EKG done during the SRC and learned that he has Arterial Fibrillation (A-Fib). Basically, he has no 'P' wave. And his heart's rhythm is not regular. He was told to go the the ER immediately because he is at high risk for having a stroke! OMG! This is very scary!
We went to the ER where they did another EKG and got the same diagnosis. They put him on Aspirin 325mg per day and told him to follow-up with an Internist the next day. He did so and was put on Lovenox injectable BID (very painful injection) until he saw a Cardiologist for (yet another) follow-up.
John and I went to see Dr. Mangioli (sp?) yesterday. John had an EKG and and Echocardiogram in his office. His murmur (that he's known about for almost 30 years) was seen but isn't a problem BUT he definitely has A-Fib. So....the doc told John to stay on the Aspirin (for the rest of his life) and to continue with the injections until Friday. He prescribed Coumadin 5mg to start on today. He will see the cardio doc for a follow-up in three weeks. If the A-Fib doesn't correct on it's own, John will have to be put to sleep and shocked in order to get a normal rhythm going. Then he will stay on the Coumadin for another month, at which time, he will follow up with the cardio doc and hopefully, get approval to be a 'late ship' for his deployment.
So, John will NOT be deploying with his unit on April 1st. He will be home AT LEAST 2 -3 months.
Of course, John is upset that he isn't deploying but of course, he and I are both upset about his condition. He feels PERFECTLY normal except for feeling his heart palp some times.
We are hoping the A-Fib is a result of his major daily caffeine intake of 64+ ounces of regular tea!
Now,,,we are also wondering if it's a result of him getting electricuted while doing the home renovations! Twice!
A good question for the cardio doc next time he sees him. Hmmm
Sleep Study #1
Mar 19, 2008
I had my first Sleep Study Monday night, 3/17. I was exhausted! I came home with all the goop in my hair so I took LB's advice and washed it out with dish liquid. It actually worked! I didn't want to smell like Dawn, green apple dish liquid all day so I followed up with my regular shampoo and conditioner.
Pat from the sleep study place called to tell me I have Sleep Apnea!
Therefore, I have my second sleep study on Monday, 3/24. My follow-up with my pulmonologist, Dr. Sharkey, is 4/8. She'll go over everything with me at that time.
I was really hoping to see her before I see Dr. Pohl on the 31st. Pat told me to call Dr. Sharkey's office on Monday and see if she has any cancellations so I can see her earlier. My fingers are crossed.
Pat from the sleep study place called to tell me I have Sleep Apnea!
Therefore, I have my second sleep study on Monday, 3/24. My follow-up with my pulmonologist, Dr. Sharkey, is 4/8. She'll go over everything with me at that time.
I was really hoping to see her before I see Dr. Pohl on the 31st. Pat told me to call Dr. Sharkey's office on Monday and see if she has any cancellations so I can see her earlier. My fingers are crossed.
Orthopedics
Mar 17, 2008
I had the arthrogram/MRI for my right shoulder on 3/3 and followed up with Dr. Bradley on 3/14. He gave my two steroid injections in my right shoulder and ordered xrays for my knees.
Dr. Bradley called me today to tell me I have arthritis in my knees. I kinda knew that anyway. He does believe that the WLS will help relieve the pain I feel and will help the arthritis from getting worse. I have a follow-up appointment with him on 4/7, at which time, I will get a copy of the xray report to give to Dr. P to add to the insurance pre-approval packet.
Dr. Bradley called me today to tell me I have arthritis in my knees. I kinda knew that anyway. He does believe that the WLS will help relieve the pain I feel and will help the arthritis from getting worse. I have a follow-up appointment with him on 4/7, at which time, I will get a copy of the xray report to give to Dr. P to add to the insurance pre-approval packet.
Seminar again
Mar 14, 2008
I went to Dr. Pohl's seminar again last night. I wanted to see if there was anything I missed the first time. It confirmed, once again, I am making the right decision.
I'm helping my family and friends be prepared for the surgery and what it will require. The risks too. They, obviously, know the benefits and this is why they support me.
I guess I should be nervous that John won't be here during the most difficult times of this journey. But I'm really not. I actually feel that the pre-op times are the most stressful for me. Of course I haven't experienced the post-op yet. It's just that I have had so many major surgeries that I can't help but think this is the most stressful time for me. I have never had to jump through so many hoops in order to have a surgery! Ever!
I have so much support. My best friends, my kids (who are all adults), even neighbors. Not to mention, my most wonderful new WLS friends! Of course I wish John was going to be here but he supports me and that's what's most important to me.
I think what I AM nervous about is that for one reason or another, I'll get a denial from the insurance company. I really don't think I will but...
This is my LAST resort! Everything else I've done has failed! This is my only hope.
On the lighter side, It's a beautiful day. I have to go to Newport for a PCM and Orthopedics appointment so I plan to enjoy the sunshine and the scent of the ocean!
Happy Friday!
I'm helping my family and friends be prepared for the surgery and what it will require. The risks too. They, obviously, know the benefits and this is why they support me.
I guess I should be nervous that John won't be here during the most difficult times of this journey. But I'm really not. I actually feel that the pre-op times are the most stressful for me. Of course I haven't experienced the post-op yet. It's just that I have had so many major surgeries that I can't help but think this is the most stressful time for me. I have never had to jump through so many hoops in order to have a surgery! Ever!
I have so much support. My best friends, my kids (who are all adults), even neighbors. Not to mention, my most wonderful new WLS friends! Of course I wish John was going to be here but he supports me and that's what's most important to me.
I think what I AM nervous about is that for one reason or another, I'll get a denial from the insurance company. I really don't think I will but...
This is my LAST resort! Everything else I've done has failed! This is my only hope.
On the lighter side, It's a beautiful day. I have to go to Newport for a PCM and Orthopedics appointment so I plan to enjoy the sunshine and the scent of the ocean!
Happy Friday!
Cardiologist...
Mar 10, 2008
I had my Cardiologist appt with Dr. Lanna today.
I have a small heart murmur so he has me scheduled to see him again March 20th for an echocardiogram. He doesn't think it's a show-stopper for the surgery. He is sending Dr. P a 'note' stating so.
I am scheduled to have my stress test done at Roger Williams on March 17th.
I see Dr. Lanna for a f/u appt on March 31st at 12:30.
I see Dr. Pohl for the first time on March 31st at 2:30.
I made a goal to have ALL my preliminary appts done PRIOR to my first meeting with Dr. Pohl!
I will have my goal met!!!!
Pulmonologist & Dietician Appts done!
Mar 07, 2008
I saw the Pulmonologist, Dr. Sharkey, yesterday. What a wonderful woman! We hit it off right from the first moment I stepped into her office!
First, of course, she took my height and weight. 5'4" 252 lbs. My BP was, once again, 128/88 and my pulse was a rapid 118. My usual BP is 110/60 so this is quite a difference for me.
I will have my sleep study sometime next week.
Dr. Sharkey has referred me to an insomnia specialist. Since I don't fall asleep, stay asleep, (or when I do sleep) sleep well. He will help me learn new habits/ways of managing my sleep schedule.
Today, I saw another Dietician, Heather Gagliardi. I felt it was necessary to cover this base again because the dietician I saw at Newport Naval doesn't really specialize in WLS. He was a great guy and seemed to have knowledge of the WLS diet but I really wanted to be safe.
Heather Gagliardi is on Dr. Pohl's 'list' and is located right across the hall from his E. Prov. office! I felt very comfortable and serene the moment I walked in the door! She spent a lot of time with me answering questions and talking about protein options, etc. I have my next appt with her 4/4. I'm looking forward to it. Meanwhile, I will be doing a dietary diary each day.
All-in-all, it's been a great day! I have my Cardio appt. Monday and I'm really looking forward to that because I have some questions about my heart.
At first, I really hated the fact that I have to go to all these 'stupid' appointments before having surgery. Now, I'm really glad I do because I'm learning so much about myself and my body. I like that a lot!
Right now, I'm feeling afraid that I may say the wrong thing at the wrong time. I'm as honest as I can be so I know I'm okay.
But I want this surgery more and more as time goes on and I'm so so so afraid that the ball will drop and everything will come to an abrupt halt when I see Dr. Pohl and either he or my insurance will say "NO, YOU CAN'T HAVE THIS SURGERY!"
I will have to post this today and get some reassurance from my new wonderful friends. I'm sure I'm not the only who feels or who has felt this way.
Happy Friday!
First, of course, she took my height and weight. 5'4" 252 lbs. My BP was, once again, 128/88 and my pulse was a rapid 118. My usual BP is 110/60 so this is quite a difference for me.
I will have my sleep study sometime next week.
Dr. Sharkey has referred me to an insomnia specialist. Since I don't fall asleep, stay asleep, (or when I do sleep) sleep well. He will help me learn new habits/ways of managing my sleep schedule.
Today, I saw another Dietician, Heather Gagliardi. I felt it was necessary to cover this base again because the dietician I saw at Newport Naval doesn't really specialize in WLS. He was a great guy and seemed to have knowledge of the WLS diet but I really wanted to be safe.
Heather Gagliardi is on Dr. Pohl's 'list' and is located right across the hall from his E. Prov. office! I felt very comfortable and serene the moment I walked in the door! She spent a lot of time with me answering questions and talking about protein options, etc. I have my next appt with her 4/4. I'm looking forward to it. Meanwhile, I will be doing a dietary diary each day.
All-in-all, it's been a great day! I have my Cardio appt. Monday and I'm really looking forward to that because I have some questions about my heart.
At first, I really hated the fact that I have to go to all these 'stupid' appointments before having surgery. Now, I'm really glad I do because I'm learning so much about myself and my body. I like that a lot!
Right now, I'm feeling afraid that I may say the wrong thing at the wrong time. I'm as honest as I can be so I know I'm okay.
But I want this surgery more and more as time goes on and I'm so so so afraid that the ball will drop and everything will come to an abrupt halt when I see Dr. Pohl and either he or my insurance will say "NO, YOU CAN'T HAVE THIS SURGERY!"
I will have to post this today and get some reassurance from my new wonderful friends. I'm sure I'm not the only who feels or who has felt this way.
Happy Friday!
About Me
RI
Location
19.1
BMI
Surgery
06/04/2008
Surgery Date
Feb 06, 2008
Member Since
Before & After
rollover to see after photo
