WandaB

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It’s a beautiful Saturday morning here in paradise.  I’m headed out to the beach take a cruise around the island with my son and sister watching my brother in-law show off his new Harley to our aina (land).  That should be fun cause his so white!!! 

As for me considering what I’m going through I’m still able to maintain my self image.  Who would know except for my husband, my family and doctors that I’m still having trouble eating?  Oh and of course my boss and some co-workers.  I’ve already had two strictures to widen the hole to my pouch and I just know I’ll probably have to have another one done soon.  What’s odd about this last procedure I had done is that I’m experiencing these pains I’ve never had.  I can’t recall having these pains the last time I had the procedure done but then again I had a head concaution which was a lot more sore then anything else.  I have to call the doctor on Tuesday to follow up and see where we go from there.  I’ll keep you folks posted. 

For now watch out beaches here we come!!!

Hi All, 
Here’s the most recent update.  Went to see the endoscopy specialist on the 18^th and just as everyone suspected I’ll have to have an other stricter done.  Dr. Falzarano wanted to do it on the 19^th but it was nearly impossible for me.  I know my health should be first and seriously I wanted but there has just been too much going on with work, family and children’s events there was no way I could possibly do it then.  With the doctors discretion we both agreed that I’ll have the procedure on Monday the 24^th. 

Today makes 2 days since having the endoscopy and widening the hole to my pouch.  This time it’s about the size of my thumb nail.  Apparently it’s a normal size for gastric bypass patients.  Although I could really eat anything for the 1^st 24 hours except for liquids I was able to eat just a little yesterday, today I did much better. 

The funny thing is this time around I’m a little sore didn’t notice that the last time, I guess that’s because I had other issues going on at the same time who knows.  But like the last I’ll just have to hope for the best and yes I was told “if I’m still having this problem, I’ll have to have another one done”.  I found out you could have several of these procedures done some up to 4 or 5 times.  Let’s just hope I’m not one that fits that category.  I’ll have to follow up with Dr. Falzarano next Tuesday wish me luck!!!  Aloha  

Wow!!! I can’t believe the weekend is already here!!!
For the most part I’ve been doing exceptionally well with my foods for the past two weeks since having the hole to my pouch widen.  That was up until yesterday usually the first drink I have is my morning protein shake automat 20oz starting at 5:45am – 7am.  At 8am I’ll have my oatmeal; at round 9: am I’ll have 10oz of skim milk; 10am -11am I’ll have 20oz water.  At between 11:45am – 12pm I’ll have my lunch, tuna, soup, tofu or miso soup something like that.  By 2pm I’m already starting my next 20oz water; 3:30 my string cheese; 5pm more water 16.9oz; 7pm dinner bake chicken, fish, soup anything baked; 9pm I’ll have a glass of skim milk .  

Well that all started changing Thursday morning.  I notice that I had a really hard time trying to drink my 20oz morning protein shake, yet alone eat my morning oatmeal it took me over an hour to finish it up.  The good news is I haven’t thrown-up yet!  I’ve just been having problems eating and drinking all day Thursday lucky for me I was still able to get in my 68oz of liquids and protein mostly by powders.  This morning when I woke up I didn’t too good and for some reason felt really full which was strange.  Anyway’s when I tried to drink my I just couldn’t I had this sharp pain leading to my pouch so I stop drinking.  Went to work again couldn’t eat my oatmeal over an hour and lucky if I got down an ounce.  Lunch time took two tiny bites of my mahi mahi and that was it.  This pain keeps on coming each time it’s getting stronger and stronger finally I called my nurse Valerie.  I have several nurses and they are all pretty good but Valerie she’s a one of a kind and straight to the point, she understandable and a really huge supporter I just felt like a nuisance calling her, really I do I hate it.  I feel like I’m a pain in the ass to them seriously…  But what else am I suppose to do? These pains are only getting worst I had no choice but to call her. 

Well just as I suspected she’d say was exactly what she said “sounds like the hole has healed up well again and that I may have to have another procedure done to widen the hole again because it was very small”.  Darn it that’s the last thing I wanted to hear.  I was hoping she’s say “you’ve had a rough workout Wednesday evening and strained yourself” fat chance….  

I called the doctor who did my endoscopy procedure, she said the doctor is out on Monday therefore would have to wait till my original appointment on Tuesday the 18^th.  Should it gets worst go directly to ER… Are you kidding me, I had enough of that ER!  I’ll just pray for the best and hope to get in more liquids by tomorrow otherwise I’m dead fish!!!

Well will see how things go come Tuesday…  I don’t know how much longer I can handle these pains…

Well my friends, it’s been hectic for me during this past week.  
I'm still having problems eating solid foods.  In the mean time my daughter starting running a fever but it wasn't too high so just gave her some gave her some cough medicine and some Childrens Tylenol to control the fever she seem to be doing fine with that.  Next thing I know her temperature it was a whopping 102.6!!!  I start to freak out so I called my sister and asked if she would go over my place to take care of my daughter.  She told me not to worry she brought more popsicles for the girl.  She was on top of things I could relax a little.   My daughter's fever came down to 99.4 by late afternoon, but by the evening it started to escalate again back to 101.2 talk about an all nighter.  I took off Friday to take her and my husband who's caught whatever she had to the doctors.   They both had a shot and some medications to take which I'd would pick up later since we already had some in our home. 

Benign that it was our turn to do snacks and lunch for my daughters soccer team, I decided to step out just for a little while being that both my husband and daughter seemed to be doing fine.  

My sister and I went to the mall on our way to the mall I started to throw-up so had to pull off the side of the hwy.  While at Borders I had to throw-up again frustrated already I just wanted to leave.  In the mean time the team at QCWMP called to see how I was doing and to let me know my surgeon wanted me to have an endoscopy done to see what's going on, and that they would call me back with the first appointment they could get.  We made our way to Wall-Mart and got the snacks for the girls, drop sister home just about 8pm then went to pick up the medicines for my two sick babies.  That’s when things got worst for me!!!    

Well I went to Longs Drugs right stood in a long line which was so dam long I must of be waiting at least 25 minutes before it was my turn.  As the gal at the counter got the medicines she came back and asked for the birthdates of my husband and daughter so I gave it to her smiled as she turned away.  All of a sudden I began feeling very hot.  But by then I could see the young gal coming back so I took out my wallet and card getting ready to pay and that’s all I remember!!! How’s that?  The next thing I remember was some guy holding my hands and trying to keep me calm.  It was like I was in my own little world.  Finally that guy said don’t move, whatever you do just don’t move.  I couldn’t see his face but I could see the nurse who was standing next to me fanning me with magazines her and some other people.  The guy said please don’t move you fell and you hit our head really hard, you were out nearly 5 minutes or more.  Then he asks if there was someone they could call, and also said they called for the ambulance that’s on their way.  the nurse who was fanning me found my cell that was in the pocket of my jeans so lucky for me she got it out and called my husband.  The security guard was there and my son older son who was working at the time was there.  Apparently the security guard knew my son and who I was so he went over to Foodland spoke to his boss who told him to take an emergency leave.  Next thing I knew the police man was there too I couldn’t believe this was happening to me.  They started asking me all kinds of questions one of them was do you know where you are? Of course I said “in Longs” By the time my husband got there the fire department where taking care of me.  I felt like a dozen jack hammers just pounding on my head.  To make things worst I couldn’t move my neck! It was so sore I couldn’t do anything with it nor could I look back to see the guy who was checking my pause and keeping me calm.  I could only see who ever would stand or lean directly in front of me.  Well the fire department crew placed a neck brace around my head and boy was that the pits.  The paramedics came and between them and the fire crew they had to figure a way to put me on the stretcher without causing me any more pain.  As the fire crew and the paramedics moved me from the floor to the stretcher that’s when they saw blood all over the floor.  My neck was extremely painful and by this time my head boy my head I just wanted them to put me out already.  The best part was I got to ride the ambulance to ER not by choice.  Before we could leave they needed to place an IV in me.  The young guy tried my left hand he failed.  The other guy told him we have to leave cause my pause was dropping and he’ll get the IV in.  I told him the other guy failed you my friend only have one chance to put it in.  If you miss you won’t have a second chance especially while the ambulance is moving.  Amazing he got it in; he said he would and he did.  

Got to ER couldn’t give me anything for the pain yet because they needed to do a CAT scan just to make sure I didn't fracture my head or neck.  I had a concaution and would probably need a staple other then that the good news was that nothing was fractured.  By the time we came back to the ER room I couldn’t handle the pain finally they gave me some morphine that just placed an end to my pains for a little while.  When we left the ER I ended up with two staples which was suppose to come of that Wednesday but after seeing my PCP he said no way it’s coming of either Friday or Saturday pick my choice.  So Friday it was funny thing is my doctor Dr. Chun he let my sister take out one of the staples.  She thought it was the best thing in her life.  That when I told her only if he knew you were drinking till 4am in the morning!!! 

As far as the throwing up goes after seeing my PCP Monday morning I went to see the crew at the QCWMP I guess there was a mix-up as to why I had to see them.  But they took me in and ran more testes to see what caused this black out.  The end result was that they were finally able to set an appointment for me to see an Endoscopy specialist Tuesday morning.  So yep my husband and I went to see him the next morning Dr. Falzarano really nice guy he said sounds like the area where the food meets my pouch (well he used an other word but I can’t remember) but anyways that area must of gotten smaller and that’s why I can’t hold solid foods.  He needed to place a scope down my throat but he’d put me to sleep if it too small he’d open it up.  Without any further delays his nurse scheduled me for Wednesday morning 9am check in at 7am, so back to town for the third day.    All prepared for this procedure and by luck my nerves got the best of me again, they couldn’t get the IV in and had to call for another nurse thank God she got it in.  The procedure was very fast something like 20 minutes.  Sure enough Dr. Falzarano said he found the problem and yes the hole was too small as a matter of fact he had to suction up the remaining food that was stuck in there from last night before he could open the hole.  So now once that was a tiny hole is now the size of pea.  I can start eating some solid foods in the next 24hrs.  He also said if by now and the next 3 weeks I’m not able to eat or start throwing up he’d have to redo the procedure all over again, but he reassured me that this is common for GB people not everyone but I was one of the lucky ones go figure…  He was nice about it.  But just to think this could be the end of all my problems or on the other hand I’d have to redo this whole procedure all over again.  Last alterative if this didn’t work was he’d talk to my GB surgeon and would probably have to do another surgery to correct this problem that’s the last thing which was highly unlikely.  But you know what?  I can actually feel the difference when I eat my foods.  I can feel the food go through to my pouch I guess that good I hope! 

 Well my friends that's been my week. I’ve been out of work for a week just resting and sleeping most of the time.  My neck still hurts a little when I turn towards my right but other then that I can’t wait to go back to work tomorrow.  Stucks to be in this house it's  no fun, well I could hardly feel the difference because once I take my pain medication I’m out cold!!! 

 I just pray that having the endoscopy procedure puts an end to my eating problems and start moving one like everyone else…  My next appointment w/Dr. Falzarano is on the 18^th of this month will see how things go by then… 

One thing you all have to remember is  just because this is  happing to me doesn’t mean that it will happen to you.  We have to remember everyone is different with different problems some with none others may be worst.  If there’s one thing I’ve learned throughout this whole ordeal is if you find the problem early enough you fix it right away and move on to enjoy live as it should be.  

I had a wonderful day yesterday at the soccer field, then spending the evening with my family all together with my sisters they are truly wonderful to hang out with.  I adore them and their company

Life goes on hopfully the next time I post something it will be nothing but good news!

Take care all. 

Aloha,
Wanda

Aloha All,  

Sorry it’s been a while since I last wrote.  I feel like I’ve been thrown through the ringer with doctor’s appointments, blood testes the whole works all started early Thursday morning January 10^th.  I've been having these burning sensations while trying to sleep.  When I'd swallowed I had the most horrible tastes, never had this before and as the morning went on it got worst and could actually taste blood! Yes blood!!!  
 

Finally I had no choice but to eventually throw-up when I did I notice I was throwing up blood.  Didn't panic yet just know I'd had to call my doctors when they open.  So I tried to go back to bed but was disturbed about the blood not to mention still had the burning sensation.  Eventually I fall asleep only to be awaken by that horrible taste and had to throw up again this time more blood.  I'm one that hates ER's and refuse to go there unless it was a matter of life or death for me.  Too scared to go back to sleep and that it was little after 4 instead I started getting ready for work.  I knew for sure I’d call my doctors as soon as they open.  I was about to leave for work little after 5ish and guess what happen? You got it I threw up again I was freaking out already in fear I called my surgeon.  Dr. Murayama is a miracle he called me back like 2 minutes later and said sounds like I have bleeding ulcers and to come in first thing in the morning.  Rather then seeing him he’d already told me he wasn't going to be there, but Dr. Ramsdell and his nurse Valerie were going to see me once I get there so instead of work I went straight in.  

 Valerie was already calling to see where I was making sure I get in ASAP.  Dr. Ramsdell who’s also been watching over my well being too had been waiting for me to come in.   

 I’ve built a strong relationship with the staff at Queens Comprehensive Weight Management Program and knew I’d be taken cared of regardless of which doctor was going to see me.  Well they already had blood work ready for me to take it was so easy, just had to wait for the results was kinda of drag.  Sure enough after checking me and reading the test results Dr. Ramsdell said “yes you have ulcers that's causing the bleeding”.  So she placed me on Protonix that I’ll be taking for the next 3 months and hopefully it will help take care of the ulcers rather then having a surgery that’s the last thing I need right now.    

Anyway's she wanted to be sure I wasn't dehydrated so sent me back to the lab for a urine test.  Despite my vomiting I was not dehydrated but they found blood in my urine which is odd because I had a hysterectomy.  The only thing that would appear would be either kidney stones or some urinal infection.  I was advised to see my PCP right away.   

 Did that and the dam guy wasn't interested in the blood that was found in my urine but my iron in fact he said my urine was normal and that the people at Queens didn’t  know what they’re doing.  This is the same doctor that told my mother she was constipated Nov. 06.  March 07 we found out she had colon cancer 5 months later we lost our mother another story.  However bottom line I've always had low blood level since a little girl and take iron pills for that.  He ran another blood test so that I did for what reason I honestly don’t know.  The next day I call the QCWMP to update them let both doctors know what went on with my PCP only to be told I do have blood in my urine and because my PCP doesn't see it, it may be best that I see my OBGYN which was fine with me because I haven't seen her in a long time!  In the meant time I'm place on another med's for infection.   

“Oh, my PCP with the help from my surgeon I’m in the process of finding a new one, one that will cater to my family’s needs as well as mines”.  

Well I went to see my OB that Saturday Jan. 12.  Very proud of myself that I finally did it, but then again upset at the same time, as she examines me she notice I have some lumps in by breast on the left side so she's order a ultrasound and a mammogram which is fine because of my age.  As far as the blood in my urine well I didn’t tell her anything just gave her the lab work and yep!!! She too sees blood in my urine too!  How about that?  She’s thinking it’s kidneys or some urine infection so send me to have more blood work done and an IVP  that’s where I’ll have an IV in place with some dye that gets injected into me that will tell will explain why the bleeding urine.   

January 31st I went back to see my surgeon and explained to him that I’m still having a hard time trying to eat.  I don’t eat fast at all in fact it still takes me anywhere from 45 minutes to little over an hour to finish my foods.  With this said and done I still tend to throw-up what I’ve just eaten.  Concerned he sets up a an upper GI to be sure everything is functioning how it’s suppose to function and nothings wrong.    So that’s that my scheduled has been very hectic during these past few weeks.  

Monday Jan. 14^th more blood work. 
Wednesday Jan. 23 follow up w/Dr. Ramsdell & my Dietitian 
Thursday Jan. 24^th IVP 8:30am
Tuesday Jan. 29^th Upper GI 8:30 (fasting 12:00am on)
Tuesday Jan. 29^th same day Ultrasound 3:00pm and   Mammogram  3:30pm
Wednesday Jan. 30^th back to Dr. Alverez (OB) follow up 11:00am
Monday February 4^th Dr. Chinn urology 11:00am (ordered more blood/urine work)
Wednesday February 6 Dr. Murayama 1:30pm follow up and results from upper GI
Monday February 11^th Cysto/Pyero surgery (same day) in and out!!! 7:30am
Wednesday February 13^th back to Dr. Ramsdell for follow up  

Hopefully this will be the end for a while… But yep folks that’s what’s been happening in my life for the past few weeks.  
Like my husband and boss both said “well you’re now faced with some new problems, you now must fix it!”  So yes that’s what I’m doing now!  

 The good news is that my mammogram and ultrasound both came out negative and I’m down to 235lbs… 
Top Shape!!!  

 Boy, oh boy what a way to end the year.  Woke up this morning feeling fine while at work decided to eat some oatmeal for breakfast a few minutes late threw it up!  Waited an hour and had some f/f strawberry banana yogurt seemed to hold well.  Lunch had some tuna and crackers.  Went to my sister’s house for New Years Eve dinner ate some Laulau (just the green stuff) and some raw fish.  This is another one of my favorite choice foods I enjoy and able to hold down very well.  However not tonight everything came out.  We came home to celebrate the reminding night with our neighbors and so I tried to eat again just some chicken still no luck!  By 10pm I was so hungry I finally decided to just have some beef broth being that it was cold here.  

2008 New Years Morning and still hungry from last night.  I had some cherrios ½ a cup w/skim milk “wala” was feeling fine.  Lunch I wanted to eat some raw fish well you can guess what happened next.  That’s right everything came right out!  It’s a horrible feeling but yet I know I should eat something but what; I don’t want to drink beef broth again.  Maybe I’ll order some abalone soup I can have some now and save some for later.  

Will be having a UH Sugar Bowl party with the neighbors here and I know I won’t be able to eat any of the foods brought to the party.  So the abalone soup sounds more and more satisfying for me.  Hopefully UH Warriors will bring home the Sugar Bowl Trophy!  “Go Bows!!!”