Sarah F.
Happy Easter
Mar 22, 2008
Happy Easter everyone!
I found out yesterday that I did, after all, have strep (it took 3 days to find this out). It is a huge, long story that I will not go into but will say that I'm NOT happy with my primary care doctor's office. They will be getting a letter of complaint from me and I will be finding a new physician. I was able to get a liquid antibiotic that I could take in 1 dose. It was gross but seems to be working. My throat is fine today and I feel better in general.
Have a blessed Easter! Sarah
I found out yesterday that I did, after all, have strep (it took 3 days to find this out). It is a huge, long story that I will not go into but will say that I'm NOT happy with my primary care doctor's office. They will be getting a letter of complaint from me and I will be finding a new physician. I was able to get a liquid antibiotic that I could take in 1 dose. It was gross but seems to be working. My throat is fine today and I feel better in general.
Have a blessed Easter! Sarah
One Week Out
Mar 18, 2008
Things had been going quite well until yesterday. Over the weekend, I went on a few outings - Target, Macy's, church, etc. I was getting stronger every day. I was going on walks, but still not eating much. I haven't had much of an appetite - just a couple of tablespoons of jello, pudding, or broth here and there. I have lost 34 lbs. since January 23, half of which I've lost since last Monday.
Anyway, yesterday I had a bad sore throat and by evening I had chills and a 100.5 fever. I called Dr. Moazzez at 7 p.m. and he said I should go and see my primary care doctor tomorrow (which is now today). He also said that he had the same bug last week. So I went to the doctor today and she did a strep culture - I won' t know the results til Thursday. In the meantime, I'm very tired and run down, much like I was right after the surgery. I'm bummed because I was doing so well. Now I just hope I can still return to work on Monday but am already contemplating the idea of taking a couple more days off - especially if I do have strep. I have my post-op with Dr. Moazzez tomorrow.
Thanks for all your continued prayers, thoughts, and well-wishes!
Anyway, yesterday I had a bad sore throat and by evening I had chills and a 100.5 fever. I called Dr. Moazzez at 7 p.m. and he said I should go and see my primary care doctor tomorrow (which is now today). He also said that he had the same bug last week. So I went to the doctor today and she did a strep culture - I won' t know the results til Thursday. In the meantime, I'm very tired and run down, much like I was right after the surgery. I'm bummed because I was doing so well. Now I just hope I can still return to work on Monday but am already contemplating the idea of taking a couple more days off - especially if I do have strep. I have my post-op with Dr. Moazzez tomorrow.
Thanks for all your continued prayers, thoughts, and well-wishes!
I'm Home!
Mar 12, 2008
I arrived home last night at about 8:30. I've slept a lot since I got home and am ready for another nap! I think I'll go for a walk first though. I took a shower this morning which felt great. The only pain I have is in one of my incisions - the biggest one. As long as I press something against it when I'm up and about it's not too bad. I'm not hungry though and am forcing myself to keep sipping and eating. Right now it's lime jello. Yumm!
It's Here!
Mar 09, 2008
Well, today's the day! I'm waiting for my mom to get ready and we'll be off to the hospital. I'm still not nervous or scared just ready to get there. Plus my mom is hysterical this morning so that helps! Hopefully one of us will be able to update later.
Thanks for all your well-wishes and prayers!
Thanks for all your well-wishes and prayers!
It's a Go!
Feb 25, 2008
Well, I guess my fears were irrational after all. Everything is a go for my surgery in just 2 weeks! Yeah!
Pre-op Day
Feb 24, 2008
Today's my pre-op appointment. I have this irrational fear - at least I think it's irrational - that Dr. Moazzez will postpone my surgery. As far as I know, all my tests were fine. The ulcer medication should be working (it's 10 pills a day - doesn't that have to mean something?). I've lost the requisite 10 - 15 pounds (14 as of this morning).
Yesterday I went to the store and stocked up on Crystal Light and jello. Jello is my new best friend and will be after the surgery! Both the checker and the guy behind me commented on how much jello I bought. I just like to be prepared, even though jello does expire (who knew!).
Hopefully more later after I go in for my appointment!
Yesterday I went to the store and stocked up on Crystal Light and jello. Jello is my new best friend and will be after the surgery! Both the checker and the guy behind me commented on how much jello I bought. I just like to be prepared, even though jello does expire (who knew!).
Hopefully more later after I go in for my appointment!
Completed
Feb 20, 2008
Finally - all my tests are finished! I had my colonoscopy and endoscopy yesterday. Both went fine, but I have 2 duodenal (upper intestinal) ulcers that I have to take antibiotics and antacids for. I had no symptoms so it was kind of a surprise but no big deal!
I finally went and worked out at Curves tonight for the first time in many, many months. I'm still trying to decide if I should stick with Curves or join a gym. Thoughts, anyone?
I finally went and worked out at Curves tonight for the first time in many, many months. I'm still trying to decide if I should stick with Curves or join a gym. Thoughts, anyone?
2 More Tests and 3 weeks To Go
Feb 18, 2008
Only 2 more tests to go! Today was my gallbladder ultrasound - which was actually an ultrasound of all my innards - spleen, kidneys, liver, and gallbladder. Tonight I am prepping for my colonoscopy and endoscopy tomorrow. The stuff to drink is nasty - thick and salty. I have an issue with texture anyway, so I'm not enjoying drinking it (does anyone?). I'm looking forward to tomorrow being over! And as of this morning, I'm down 14 lbs.! Three weeks to go!
Falling into place
Feb 12, 2008
Quick update: My friend's mom, Becky is taking me to my appointments next Tuesday. She is my "Virginia Mom" and takes good care of me. And I made my gallbladder ultrasound for next Monday afternoon which is perfect since we don't have school for President's Day. Only problem - I can't eat or drink ANYTHING including mints, gum, and water after midnight the night before. I think I will stay up til midnight then sleep til about noon on Monday!
10 lbs and 29 days
Feb 11, 2008
Today was my full day of testing - except I didn't get all my tests done. Somehow my lab orders didn't have my gallbladder sonogram marked so it wasn't scheduled. I have to go back in for that, as well as for the endoscopy and a colonoscopy. I didn't originally need a colonoscopy but because of some risk factors, the gastroenterologist ordered one and she said it's easier to do before surgery than after. I had a hard time scheduling the procedures because the doctor only does them on M, T, and F. Of course, he is booked for every Monday which are the best days for me and the only Fridays he has free I have other things scheduled. So that leaves Tuesday afternoons which means I have to miss a session of my grad class. I was really frustrated after that. I'm trying to not take so many days off of work even though the bosses have been supportive so far. But it's also making sub plans, getting subs, and not being with my kids. Oh, and I have to find someone to take me to the appointment and stay with me.
The rest of the day went okay. I met with a bariatric nurse who was FANTASTIC! Her name is Kathi - she had gastric bypass 5 years ago and looks fabulous. She was hysterically funny and super helpful. She gave me a lot of great information and was just all-around fabulous! Then I had my blood drawn for labs. That was not fun! I've been trying to think of a joke that starts with "How many phlebotomists does it take to get blood from me?" Unfortunately I can't think of a punchline. Anyone? The non-funny answer is 3. I told the first one that no one can has ever drawn blood from the usual spots - only my hands. She didn't believe me. Then she tried my hand, it worked for one vial and then the vein collapsed. She called in another nurse who tried my forearm - didn't work. Then she tried another spot in my hand which worked for a bit, but that eventually stopped working. Finally they called in the head honcho who stuck me once in the arm and got the rest that they needed. After that I had an EKG, a chest x-ray, and an ABG (Arterial Blood Gas). That was the worst. I never really realized that an ABG meant sticking a big needle in your artery. Of course, I was deemed the challenge of the day since it took an extra long time to actually get the artery pricked.
After all that, I came home and took a nap. Anyway, I'm down 10 pounds after 2 1/2 weeks. That means I haven't lost since last Monday. I'm disappointed but will just refocus for this week. And only 29 days til surgery!
The rest of the day went okay. I met with a bariatric nurse who was FANTASTIC! Her name is Kathi - she had gastric bypass 5 years ago and looks fabulous. She was hysterically funny and super helpful. She gave me a lot of great information and was just all-around fabulous! Then I had my blood drawn for labs. That was not fun! I've been trying to think of a joke that starts with "How many phlebotomists does it take to get blood from me?" Unfortunately I can't think of a punchline. Anyone? The non-funny answer is 3. I told the first one that no one can has ever drawn blood from the usual spots - only my hands. She didn't believe me. Then she tried my hand, it worked for one vial and then the vein collapsed. She called in another nurse who tried my forearm - didn't work. Then she tried another spot in my hand which worked for a bit, but that eventually stopped working. Finally they called in the head honcho who stuck me once in the arm and got the rest that they needed. After that I had an EKG, a chest x-ray, and an ABG (Arterial Blood Gas). That was the worst. I never really realized that an ABG meant sticking a big needle in your artery. Of course, I was deemed the challenge of the day since it took an extra long time to actually get the artery pricked.
After all that, I came home and took a nap. Anyway, I'm down 10 pounds after 2 1/2 weeks. That means I haven't lost since last Monday. I'm disappointed but will just refocus for this week. And only 29 days til surgery!
About Me
Alexandria, VA
Location
37.9
BMI
Surgery
03/10/2008
Surgery Date
Surgeon
Oct 14, 2007
Member Since
