My TB and I went to see Dr. G today. It's been a year since TB had his DS and a little over 6 mos since I had mine! TB has lost 70% of his excess weight and Dr. G thinks he's doing great. His beta carotene was a little low and his iron was a little saggy.
I had mostly good news too. I've lost 60% of my excess weight! My labs looked great to Dr. G as well. He said I should keep doing what I'm doing but I was thinking I would boost up some of my vits that were a little on the low side. The only issue with my weight loss is that Dr. G wants me to slow down. He prescribed an enzyme. Oh dear.
The other issue was a little more troubling but he said I was not to lose sleep over this. He is proactive rather than reactive, he explained. When he sees a number that isn't right and he doesn't understand why, he wants to investigate it.
My liver functions were high. He asked if that's happened to me before and I said yes. Before surgery? he asked and I said yes. When it happened, the doctor would just send me for a repeat CMP and the results must have been okay the second time around because the doctor never said to do anything. I wondered if it might be the vicodin I take. He asked, do you know that for sure? And I said no.
Here's the thing. Apparently it's routine to have a liver biopsy during the surgery. My results came back negative for cirrhosis or citosis but showing something going on. I can't remember what he called it. It's something he sees in obese patients more and more. So usually having the DS helps it--the RNY aggravates the condition (not sure why, this is just what he said). Anyway, since my numbers were still coming back high, he wants me to see a hematologist at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital--hopefully they have a satellite in New Jersey.
I will not worry about this. I will not. I'll make the appointment and not think about it until I see that specialist and find out what's going on!
Showing posts with label Weight loss surgery. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Weight loss surgery. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 25
Friday, November 20
I'm in Onderland!
I am so thrilled! I feel like it's official because my weight has been below 200 for two weeks now. Wooohooo!
Dr. Greenbaum and weight loss surgery has really saved my life! When I went in for my duodenal switch last April, I was nearly 300 lbs. I had diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, a full collapsed arch in my left ankle and a partial one in my right, bulging disks in my spine, and was in a great deal of pain all the time. I had difficulty moving around and had pretty much become a hermit, too embarrassed to go out into public unless I had to.
I'm not at my goal weight yet but my diabetes is in remission! My blood pressure is much better--I don't need the meds now. My cholesterol is great--no meds needed for them either! Yes, I still have the same issues with my ankles but I'm looking into surgery that now won't be undone by my weight. I still have fibromyalgia and pain but it's not nearly as bad as it was. I can walk! I can move around much more easily and I'm not embarrassed to be seen out of the house now.
I asked TB to take a picture of me yesterday when I realized I'm official. Here is me now:
I was going to use this as my new avi on Obesity Help.
This is me from the end of March, about 3 weeks before my surgery:
I've come a long way and I'm loving my DS!
I'm still about 50 pounds from my "goal" goal but that's okay. I'll get there when I get there and if not, that's okay too.
Here is me, the last time I was at my goal weight, with my older daughter in 1993:
Dr. Greenbaum and weight loss surgery has really saved my life! When I went in for my duodenal switch last April, I was nearly 300 lbs. I had diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, a full collapsed arch in my left ankle and a partial one in my right, bulging disks in my spine, and was in a great deal of pain all the time. I had difficulty moving around and had pretty much become a hermit, too embarrassed to go out into public unless I had to.
I'm not at my goal weight yet but my diabetes is in remission! My blood pressure is much better--I don't need the meds now. My cholesterol is great--no meds needed for them either! Yes, I still have the same issues with my ankles but I'm looking into surgery that now won't be undone by my weight. I still have fibromyalgia and pain but it's not nearly as bad as it was. I can walk! I can move around much more easily and I'm not embarrassed to be seen out of the house now.
I asked TB to take a picture of me yesterday when I realized I'm official. Here is me now:
I was going to use this as my new avi on Obesity Help.
This is me from the end of March, about 3 weeks before my surgery:
I've come a long way and I'm loving my DS!
I'm still about 50 pounds from my "goal" goal but that's okay. I'll get there when I get there and if not, that's okay too.
Here is me, the last time I was at my goal weight, with my older daughter in 1993:
Tuesday, October 13
Six Month Surgiversary Already!
On April 13 of this year, Dr. Greenbaum did my DS and what a difference that has made! Since that day, I've lost 80 pounds!
This is me on the day I consulted with Dr. G. Then I weighed 291. I lost 7 lbs pre-op.
Here is me, taken this morning:
This is me at my highest weight of 318.
I can't even wear those clothes anymore. They're long gone. I've shrunk into clothes I wore years and years and years ago. Almost time for totally new ones, right?
Another view. Then:
Now:
My DH was switched in November 2008. He's lost almost 200 lbs.
We no longer need meds for diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Our diabetes is in remission. I need a new sleep study to have my CPAP pressure lowered.
I have so much more energy! I was able to go on a 45 minute hike with my 5 year old grandson!
I don't get all out of breath if I climb stairs.
I'm not a hermit anymore.
I eat everything I enjoy, just in smaller quantities.
I feel good about myself again.
This surgery saved my life!
This is me on the day I consulted with Dr. G. Then I weighed 291. I lost 7 lbs pre-op.
Here is me, taken this morning:
This is me at my highest weight of 318.
I can't even wear those clothes anymore. They're long gone. I've shrunk into clothes I wore years and years and years ago. Almost time for totally new ones, right?
Another view. Then:
Now:
My DH was switched in November 2008. He's lost almost 200 lbs.
We no longer need meds for diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Our diabetes is in remission. I need a new sleep study to have my CPAP pressure lowered.
I have so much more energy! I was able to go on a 45 minute hike with my 5 year old grandson!
I don't get all out of breath if I climb stairs.
I'm not a hermit anymore.
I eat everything I enjoy, just in smaller quantities.
I feel good about myself again.
This surgery saved my life!
Saturday, June 27
My how time flies!
TB had athroscopic shoulder surgery Tuesday morning and I haven't been online much since then. He's doing really well! The surgeon told me that they did quite a bit of repairs: there was a large tear and two smaller ones in or around his rotator cuff; removed bone spurs and free floating "matter" (ew, what was it? broken off pieces of arthritic bone spur?); and snipped part of his biceps. He came home looking like he was wearing half of a football player's gear! You can see a picture of TB and read his post here. He describes the gear really well! I am really happy this time around because he's in a lot less pain than he was after the first time he had shoulder surgery (on the other side). It bothers him but not nearly so much. He is still having pain in his back and neck so we have a ways to go before he's feeling a whole lot better.
Heidi moved back in on Wednesday. She wasn't happy living at Marianne's house. I kind of had a feeling that would happen. When I went to help drive back some of her stuff, Mari's mother came out to talk to me--like I didn't know my own daughter! She warned me to stay on top of Heidi about taking her "happy" pills. Ha! She also said Heidi wasn't getting along because she would get so angry and scream. I said, I told you about that. Duh. Then she tells me that Heidi hasn't saved any money for college and that she probably won't be able to afford to go because she'd get turned down for financial aid because of her poor grades the last semester she'd gone. Apparently she didn't know that Heidi filed an appeal to be reconsidered because of her circumstances at the time. :P She told me I had to stay on top of her to make sure she calls to follow up! Please!
That night, Kristin was up all night--not because she was yakking or anything but because she couldn't sleep. The next day, she was having mood swings, rapid cycling between being high and low. That was a little scary.
I totally missed cats in boxes day for Feline Friday. Oh well...
We had Little T with us on Friday and that was a lot of fun! Here are some pictures of my two building engineers:
T and TB played with Lincoln logs in the afternoon when it grew too hot and we became too tired to go walking again
The Little T sideways look
TB the Builder
Surprise!
Tickle Tickle!
I'm really relieved that things went so well. We'd picked him up Monday afternoon and had to tote him around on some errands. He was terrific on the trips to the doctors' offices but then had a meltdown at the library that was pretty awful. :( It's a long story but we finally had to call Kennan to come get him because he'd planted his little heinie in front of the library sliding doors and we couldn't budge him! Reasoning didn't work, bribery didn't work, a swat on the butt didn't work and neither of us were strong enough to pick him up and carry him. We're concerned about being able to keep him safe as he gets bigger and stronger--it isn't all the time, but he's definitely got some oppositional defiant issues going on. :(
And...I weighed myself and found I'd lost another 2-1/2 lbs. Yay, me!
Heidi moved back in on Wednesday. She wasn't happy living at Marianne's house. I kind of had a feeling that would happen. When I went to help drive back some of her stuff, Mari's mother came out to talk to me--like I didn't know my own daughter! She warned me to stay on top of Heidi about taking her "happy" pills. Ha! She also said Heidi wasn't getting along because she would get so angry and scream. I said, I told you about that. Duh. Then she tells me that Heidi hasn't saved any money for college and that she probably won't be able to afford to go because she'd get turned down for financial aid because of her poor grades the last semester she'd gone. Apparently she didn't know that Heidi filed an appeal to be reconsidered because of her circumstances at the time. :P She told me I had to stay on top of her to make sure she calls to follow up! Please!
That night, Kristin was up all night--not because she was yakking or anything but because she couldn't sleep. The next day, she was having mood swings, rapid cycling between being high and low. That was a little scary.
I totally missed cats in boxes day for Feline Friday. Oh well...
We had Little T with us on Friday and that was a lot of fun! Here are some pictures of my two building engineers:
T and TB played with Lincoln logs in the afternoon when it grew too hot and we became too tired to go walking again
The Little T sideways look
TB the Builder
Surprise!
Tickle Tickle!
I'm really relieved that things went so well. We'd picked him up Monday afternoon and had to tote him around on some errands. He was terrific on the trips to the doctors' offices but then had a meltdown at the library that was pretty awful. :( It's a long story but we finally had to call Kennan to come get him because he'd planted his little heinie in front of the library sliding doors and we couldn't budge him! Reasoning didn't work, bribery didn't work, a swat on the butt didn't work and neither of us were strong enough to pick him up and carry him. We're concerned about being able to keep him safe as he gets bigger and stronger--it isn't all the time, but he's definitely got some oppositional defiant issues going on. :(
And...I weighed myself and found I'd lost another 2-1/2 lbs. Yay, me!
Saturday, May 9
ARGH, Cellulitis!
Well...I'm not one to complain a lot--at least not publicly. The top half of my incision has been getting redder and more swollen looking the last couple of days and then on Friday afternoon, when I woke up from a nap, I knew something was not right. I began to realize I probably had an infection percolating ... and both my primary and my surgeon's offices were closed. :P I showed it to TB and he thought it looked redder than usual and a little inflamed and suggested I call the answering service at Dr. G's office (my surgeon).
Unfortunately, Dr. G wasn't on call and I got someone I'd never met, someone named Dr. Holliday. What a big help he was! I explained what was going on to him and that TB had taken a picture and could email it to him. He didn't think it was necessary. I didn't have a fever and the area wasn't hot, just red and inflamed. He told me to put Neosporin on it but if it spread or I developed a fever, I should go to the ER where I had surgery...oh, but try to wait until 10 a.m. Saturday because "no one goes to the ER on Saturday mornings."
WHAT IS UP WITH THAT????
I said I didn't want to go to the ER and perhaps I could go to see my primary instead. He goes, no, don't do that because the primary probably won't want to deal with that, he'll want the surgeon to and our office is closed until MOnday. So you'll need to go to the ER.
ARGH.
TB put the ointment on and later we also applied hydrogen peroxide. The incision was burning and aching but I knew I needed to go pick up Kristin returning from her junior trip to Baltimore so there was NO WAY I was going to the ER last night!
After we got Kristin and got home at around 2 a.m. I couldn't sleep for a long time. For some reason, I kept remembering a scene from War of the Worlds in which the Dakota Fanning character got a splinter in her finger and said don't worry about it, all foreign objects work their way out of the body. I put more hydrogen peroxide on the incision and finally fell asleep.
When I woke up around 8, I went to check the incision and right away saw that things had come to a "head" and several places had opened and had begun draining. I put on more peroxide and boy, it was like the dam bursting! I woke TB up.
I decided, hey, I'm going to call the primary anyway and beg him to see me...and it was NO PROBLEM. Thanks, Doc Holliday! :P Dr. Guilano was on call and checked me over. He said yup, you have an infection but it's a little cellulitis, not MRSA (thank God!). He prescribed an antibiotic, told me to try a heating pad and see my surgeon on Monday.
I'd already emailed Dr. G at this point and bless the man, he emailed me back almost right away. I should have just contacted him in the first darn place yesterday and not even bothered with Dr. Holliday! :P
So now I'm back on an antibiotic and about to use the heating pad.
But you know what? I'm loving my DS in spite of everything!
Unfortunately, Dr. G wasn't on call and I got someone I'd never met, someone named Dr. Holliday. What a big help he was! I explained what was going on to him and that TB had taken a picture and could email it to him. He didn't think it was necessary. I didn't have a fever and the area wasn't hot, just red and inflamed. He told me to put Neosporin on it but if it spread or I developed a fever, I should go to the ER where I had surgery...oh, but try to wait until 10 a.m. Saturday because "no one goes to the ER on Saturday mornings."
WHAT IS UP WITH THAT????
I said I didn't want to go to the ER and perhaps I could go to see my primary instead. He goes, no, don't do that because the primary probably won't want to deal with that, he'll want the surgeon to and our office is closed until MOnday. So you'll need to go to the ER.
ARGH.
TB put the ointment on and later we also applied hydrogen peroxide. The incision was burning and aching but I knew I needed to go pick up Kristin returning from her junior trip to Baltimore so there was NO WAY I was going to the ER last night!
After we got Kristin and got home at around 2 a.m. I couldn't sleep for a long time. For some reason, I kept remembering a scene from War of the Worlds in which the Dakota Fanning character got a splinter in her finger and said don't worry about it, all foreign objects work their way out of the body. I put more hydrogen peroxide on the incision and finally fell asleep.
When I woke up around 8, I went to check the incision and right away saw that things had come to a "head" and several places had opened and had begun draining. I put on more peroxide and boy, it was like the dam bursting! I woke TB up.
I decided, hey, I'm going to call the primary anyway and beg him to see me...and it was NO PROBLEM. Thanks, Doc Holliday! :P Dr. Guilano was on call and checked me over. He said yup, you have an infection but it's a little cellulitis, not MRSA (thank God!). He prescribed an antibiotic, told me to try a heating pad and see my surgeon on Monday.
I'd already emailed Dr. G at this point and bless the man, he emailed me back almost right away. I should have just contacted him in the first darn place yesterday and not even bothered with Dr. Holliday! :P
So now I'm back on an antibiotic and about to use the heating pad.
But you know what? I'm loving my DS in spite of everything!
Thursday, April 30
Progress
I weighed myself today and found I've lost another six pounds! That might be from the bout of diarrhea I've had since taking the flagyl but I'll take the loss anyway! That is 20 lbs since I had surgery. I'll probably have a "stall" soon but thanks to reading the posts at Obesity Help I won't freak out and wonder what's wrong. :)
Flagyl is a terrible drug, folks. It may be a great antibiotic but it really tears you up. My best advice: if you have to take this stuff, stay away from dairy food or you will be totally miserable...like me! I'm really sorry I had to give up dairy because I love it so much but, really, I've been so much better these last few days.
My energy level is up and down. Some days I feel like the energizer bunny. Others (like today) I sleep a lot. All of that is par for the course.
TB still is in constant pain. He has to go for an epidural and has to schedule it for a day when Bill can drive him.
The cats like to sleep on me when I nap. Sometime I have to get TB to take a picture when the gang is arranged all over my body. I don't even notice they're there! I took a few good pictures of Amber that I'm saving either for Feline Friday or Cats on Tuesday and I even got a picture of my Little T enjoying his macaroni and cheese. I'll upload them later.
It's so good to have Little T back in the house with us after school. I've missed him so much! He is very understanding about Nana sitting on the couch most of the time and not getting on the floor or going outdoors to play with him. Soon I'll be well enough to do that again!
Flagyl is a terrible drug, folks. It may be a great antibiotic but it really tears you up. My best advice: if you have to take this stuff, stay away from dairy food or you will be totally miserable...like me! I'm really sorry I had to give up dairy because I love it so much but, really, I've been so much better these last few days.
My energy level is up and down. Some days I feel like the energizer bunny. Others (like today) I sleep a lot. All of that is par for the course.
TB still is in constant pain. He has to go for an epidural and has to schedule it for a day when Bill can drive him.
The cats like to sleep on me when I nap. Sometime I have to get TB to take a picture when the gang is arranged all over my body. I don't even notice they're there! I took a few good pictures of Amber that I'm saving either for Feline Friday or Cats on Tuesday and I even got a picture of my Little T enjoying his macaroni and cheese. I'll upload them later.
It's so good to have Little T back in the house with us after school. I've missed him so much! He is very understanding about Nana sitting on the couch most of the time and not getting on the floor or going outdoors to play with him. Soon I'll be well enough to do that again!
Friday, April 24
First Post-Op Visit & Meeting Another Friend From OH Board
So this afternoon I went to see Dr. G and had that J-tube removed--that was the tube they used to give me my psych meds in the hospital the first few days when I wasn't allowed anything by mouth. Wow! I can't believe it's been a week since I left the hospital!
I am doing great, feeling fine and have graduated to "mushies"! Today TB made a delicious soup with ground turkey, bok choy, kale, celery, mushrooms and carrots and put them into the blender so that I could enjoy it too. It was soooo delicious! I'm looking forward to adding a whole lot more variety to my menu now and am taking it nice and slow!
I've lost 24 lbs since starting with Dr. G; 14 of that has been since the surgery!
All week, I've been texting with another member of Obesity Help who went in for surgery exactly a week after I did. I wanted to be able to visit her and today we did! We'd been texting and talking on the phone all week so it was a real pleasure to meet her in person. We had fun talking and she said that us southern NJers needed a social group of our own to get together as others do on the OH board and have fun. She suggested the name NJDS and I'm all for it!
I am doing great, feeling fine and have graduated to "mushies"! Today TB made a delicious soup with ground turkey, bok choy, kale, celery, mushrooms and carrots and put them into the blender so that I could enjoy it too. It was soooo delicious! I'm looking forward to adding a whole lot more variety to my menu now and am taking it nice and slow!
I've lost 24 lbs since starting with Dr. G; 14 of that has been since the surgery!
All week, I've been texting with another member of Obesity Help who went in for surgery exactly a week after I did. I wanted to be able to visit her and today we did! We'd been texting and talking on the phone all week so it was a real pleasure to meet her in person. We had fun talking and she said that us southern NJers needed a social group of our own to get together as others do on the OH board and have fun. She suggested the name NJDS and I'm all for it!
Thursday, April 23
There's no place like home, especially when I can't sleep!
Here is me, happily at home and wearing a shift my daughter Heidi bought for me. It's a very pretty pink!
Eventually, pain meds mess up my sleep cycle but it's okay. I don't have a set schedule to keep and so I can nap during the day if I need it.
Since I got home, I've been "finding my feet" as the saying goes. The first challenge was getting in and out of bed. With that conquered, I'm ready to move on. Heh. I've been strolling the house several times a day and sometimes I walk fast, other times I linger to touch the things about me and realize how much I love my family.
We have this "wall of shame" we like to call it but it's a --what? ironic name? it's the opposite of what you're saying! On one side of the wall is pictures of my family life while Rich was still alive. On the other side are pictures of Ted, his daughters, and family while Audrey was alive. Sometimes I like to linger and look at all the faces.
When I was discharged from the hospital, I went with a prescription of cleomycin (sp?) because Dr. G thought my incision looked a little red and wanted to play it safe. Boy! How it has torn me up on the inside! A day later, I called the office and asked for a new antibiotic and it was switched to flagyl. I'm still running to the bathroom but it's less frequently and less painful.
I think the antibiotic is keeping me lactose intolerant for nw which is sort of annoying. I'm all ready to move on to creamed soups and puddings but have been hesitant to go near them again after a couple of "aw shit" incidents where I did have some soup or pudding and then had cramps and the runs all the rest of the day and night.
Lomotil helps.
Except for that little annoyance I feel good.
I was thrilled to meet more of my OH (obesity help) sisters. They are called fluffybunnyslippers and ladysweetthang. I have their real names but don't want to use them without permission. Anyway, FBS came to visit me in the hospital and her visit meant soooooo much. And Lady went in for her switch a week to the day after me and so we've been texting back and forth. And I don't forget Chris, who was my sweet angel then and is still now.
I'm so looking forward to the next support group meeting at the hospital. I'd like to go back to the new surgery wing where I was transferred the last 24 hours or so I was in the hospital and meet the wonderful staff again and visit with the patients. I find I'm enjoying talking more to people "outside" now, not just on the internet.
And at the support meeting, I'd sing the praises of an overnight nurse named Danuta. Danuta treated me with kindness, dignity and the love of a mother for her child. She encouraged me to get up and walk, seemed to anticipate my every need (including the need to freshen up with a sponge bath and a nice dry shampoo head massage) and is just generally everything a nurse is hoped to be. You rock, Danuta!
Tomorrow I see Dr. G for my first follow-up. I've been remembering all my vitamins and have been following along with the clear/full liquid diet. BT has been very cooperative now that she's being fed regularly! I hope Dr. G will say I can try mushies. Yum. Still, it's all good.
I haven't weighed myself yet but will at Dr. G's office. The most important news: since coming home from the hospital, I haven't needed blood pressure or diabetes medications! Wooooohooooo! Will keep you all posted, my online friends!
Monday, April 20
Time Out For Baby Tummy
A couple of days ago I posted that I was surprised my tummy woke up so soon and that it quickly turned into a tantrumming toddler! Some people having this surgery have tummies with no appetites, infants that want to sleep through all the feedings. I thought I'd be one of those but nope, my baby woke up with a loud screech and a "where's my foooooooooood?" This was on the Wednesday evening after my surgery.
Mommy(me) to Baby Tummy (BT): Oh, you're awake! I know you feel empty but you're just a newly born tummy and right now you can only have water and ice chips. Be patient. Tomorrow you get clear liquids.
BT (grumbles) Want ice chips NOW! More ice chips, Mommy, more more more more!
Mommy: Well, you can't have too much at once. You'll get sick.
BT: But I'm hungwy!!!!!!!!
BT finally settles down for the night. Next morning.
BT: Mommy, where's breakfast?
Mommy: Yoohoo, nursie, when may I have some clear liquids?
Nursie: Well, the doctor has to see you first and then write a clearance for the clear liquids.
BT: Waaaaaaaaaah!
Mommy: Ssssssh, it will be all right.
When the doctor comes in, Mommy asks, puzzled: Is it normal for me to feel like I'm starving?
Doctor (big smile): Oh, yes, we're glad when that happens. Everything is waking up. You can have a clear liquid lunch.
BT: Lunch now! Lunch now! Lunch now!
Mommy: Sssssssh, BT, be patient.
Lunch arrives, a royal feast: protein drink, hot tea, broth, and jello.
BT: Feeed me NOWWWWWWW!
Mommy: We have to take it nice and slow, BT. Sip sip sip until you are used to it again.
BT: No sip sip sip! Gulp gulp gulp!
Mommy: No no no!
Mommy does the sip sip sip bit with the liquid protein, which is actually not bad. Finishes all.
BT: More more more! Still hungwy!
Mommy: Okay, let's try the jello.
BT: Gulp gulp gulp?
Mommy: NO not yet!
Jello goes down slowly.
BT: More more more! Still hungwy!
Mommy: Okay now we'll try the tea.
BT: Gulp gulp gulp?
Mommy: NO! NO gulp gulp gulp! Sip sip sip!
So the tea goes down. I decide the broth will make a good snack and set it aside.
BT: Wait, what are you doing, Mommy? I'm not done!
Mommy: We're saving this for later.
BT: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!
Mommy: Hush little baby, don't say a word, daddy's gonna bring you a mocking-bird...
This went on throughout the next day and into Friday. Mommy's getting tired of the whining but still being patient.
Then TB brings me home and after a while, Bill starts making his dinner. He makes himself a pork chop smothered in sauerkraut with baby peas and a small baked potato. The delicious smell fills the air.
BT: I'm hungwy!!!!! Want some NOW!
Mommy: NO no no, BT, we're not ready for that yet. We can have a nice creamy yogurt.
BT: Don't want yogurt, want pork chop NOW!
Mommy: No.
BT: (whining) Whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy? We eatted pork chop before?
Mommy: No, and that's enough. If you keep whining, you're going into time out.
BT: Bad Mommy! Mean Mommy! BT wants pork chop NOWWWWWW!!!!!!!!
Mommy: That's it, time out! One minute for each year of your life! 54 minutes!
Maybe unreasonable but Mommy's really had it.
BT: WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!
Mommy (puts on MP3 player and kicks back to listen) Ahhhhhhhhh! Peace and quiet!
Haven't had a problem since. Knock wood!
This is me on day 2 after the surgery. TB used the camera in his cell phone. I'm surprised I'm so alert!
Mommy(me) to Baby Tummy (BT): Oh, you're awake! I know you feel empty but you're just a newly born tummy and right now you can only have water and ice chips. Be patient. Tomorrow you get clear liquids.
BT (grumbles) Want ice chips NOW! More ice chips, Mommy, more more more more!
Mommy: Well, you can't have too much at once. You'll get sick.
BT: But I'm hungwy!!!!!!!!
BT finally settles down for the night. Next morning.
BT: Mommy, where's breakfast?
Mommy: Yoohoo, nursie, when may I have some clear liquids?
Nursie: Well, the doctor has to see you first and then write a clearance for the clear liquids.
BT: Waaaaaaaaaah!
Mommy: Ssssssh, it will be all right.
When the doctor comes in, Mommy asks, puzzled: Is it normal for me to feel like I'm starving?
Doctor (big smile): Oh, yes, we're glad when that happens. Everything is waking up. You can have a clear liquid lunch.
BT: Lunch now! Lunch now! Lunch now!
Mommy: Sssssssh, BT, be patient.
Lunch arrives, a royal feast: protein drink, hot tea, broth, and jello.
BT: Feeed me NOWWWWWWW!
Mommy: We have to take it nice and slow, BT. Sip sip sip until you are used to it again.
BT: No sip sip sip! Gulp gulp gulp!
Mommy: No no no!
Mommy does the sip sip sip bit with the liquid protein, which is actually not bad. Finishes all.
BT: More more more! Still hungwy!
Mommy: Okay, let's try the jello.
BT: Gulp gulp gulp?
Mommy: NO not yet!
Jello goes down slowly.
BT: More more more! Still hungwy!
Mommy: Okay now we'll try the tea.
BT: Gulp gulp gulp?
Mommy: NO! NO gulp gulp gulp! Sip sip sip!
So the tea goes down. I decide the broth will make a good snack and set it aside.
BT: Wait, what are you doing, Mommy? I'm not done!
Mommy: We're saving this for later.
BT: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!
Mommy: Hush little baby, don't say a word, daddy's gonna bring you a mocking-bird...
This went on throughout the next day and into Friday. Mommy's getting tired of the whining but still being patient.
Then TB brings me home and after a while, Bill starts making his dinner. He makes himself a pork chop smothered in sauerkraut with baby peas and a small baked potato. The delicious smell fills the air.
BT: I'm hungwy!!!!! Want some NOW!
Mommy: NO no no, BT, we're not ready for that yet. We can have a nice creamy yogurt.
BT: Don't want yogurt, want pork chop NOW!
Mommy: No.
BT: (whining) Whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy? We eatted pork chop before?
Mommy: No, and that's enough. If you keep whining, you're going into time out.
BT: Bad Mommy! Mean Mommy! BT wants pork chop NOWWWWWW!!!!!!!!
Mommy: That's it, time out! One minute for each year of your life! 54 minutes!
Maybe unreasonable but Mommy's really had it.
BT: WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!
Mommy (puts on MP3 player and kicks back to listen) Ahhhhhhhhh! Peace and quiet!
Haven't had a problem since. Knock wood!
This is me on day 2 after the surgery. TB used the camera in his cell phone. I'm surprised I'm so alert!
Sunday, April 19
I'm Back! My Surgery at Lourdes :)
I feel so blessed to have had such a good experience this week! I wanted to tell everyone but especially those who are seeing Dr. Greenbaum and will be having surgery with him.
First of all, he has the best bedside manner I've ever experienced from a surgeon! He really cares about his patients, listens patiently and answers every single question and concern. I have bipolar and depression and most of those meds don't come in IV form so I was really worried. He reassured me--I would have a feeding tube so that my medication could be given to me that way. Hooray!
When I went for my surgery, I was totally relaxed and not afraid. After all, he'd also done the switch on TB in November and had taken such good care of him! The last thing I remember was being wheeled to surgery. After that, I saw Dr. G smiling down at me and telling me everything went very well!
The nurses in recovery were great. I asked them to bring my husband and daughter back and they did. It really means a lot for family to be able to see each other!
I was up and walking that night. I had the real privilege of being cared for by Danuta for the first couple of nights. Danuta treats you like a beloved child. She anticipates your needs, encourages you and just goes the extra mile with her. I think Danuta has angel wings hidden under her uniform! :)
I was up and lapping around every chance I got. I passed my leak test. I was started on ice chips and sips of water, oh, they tasted so good!
On Thursday I was moved from ICU to the newly opened and dedicated bariatric wing. Hey, it was like being moved to the Ritz!!! I'm definitely bragging on it at our next support group meeting! The director on the floor really is dedicated to serving the needs of the patients and the nurses are all hand picked. They were all wonderful! Our suites came with plenty of chairs for visitors, a lot of room to move around and a big comfortable bariatric lounger. I was doing six, seven and eight laps around the nurse's station and they all said I was their poster child! :)
I'm having little or no pain and am able to take in all my protein plus lots of fluids. My baby tummy is acting like a tantruming 2 year old. "I want, I want, I want!" But Mommy has to say NO very firmly. Baby Tummy pouts. More about that later.
When bariatric patients are moved to this new wing, they will have the strong advocacy of the new manager there, Frank, and Tina Marie, both of whom are super strong advocates for your needs. All you have to do is open your mouth to ask for something. You can have your privacy if that's what you want--the rooms are humongous--or you can go out and meet other patients as they stroll around the nurse's station.
The patients coming in after me are in for one terrific experience I do believe! Believe me, I will be singing the praises for Lourdes Medical Center and Dr. David Greenbaum at our next support meeting!
Here is me, first post-op picture. A dear dear friend of mine crocheted the shoulder wrap.
First of all, he has the best bedside manner I've ever experienced from a surgeon! He really cares about his patients, listens patiently and answers every single question and concern. I have bipolar and depression and most of those meds don't come in IV form so I was really worried. He reassured me--I would have a feeding tube so that my medication could be given to me that way. Hooray!
When I went for my surgery, I was totally relaxed and not afraid. After all, he'd also done the switch on TB in November and had taken such good care of him! The last thing I remember was being wheeled to surgery. After that, I saw Dr. G smiling down at me and telling me everything went very well!
The nurses in recovery were great. I asked them to bring my husband and daughter back and they did. It really means a lot for family to be able to see each other!
I was up and walking that night. I had the real privilege of being cared for by Danuta for the first couple of nights. Danuta treats you like a beloved child. She anticipates your needs, encourages you and just goes the extra mile with her. I think Danuta has angel wings hidden under her uniform! :)
I was up and lapping around every chance I got. I passed my leak test. I was started on ice chips and sips of water, oh, they tasted so good!
On Thursday I was moved from ICU to the newly opened and dedicated bariatric wing. Hey, it was like being moved to the Ritz!!! I'm definitely bragging on it at our next support group meeting! The director on the floor really is dedicated to serving the needs of the patients and the nurses are all hand picked. They were all wonderful! Our suites came with plenty of chairs for visitors, a lot of room to move around and a big comfortable bariatric lounger. I was doing six, seven and eight laps around the nurse's station and they all said I was their poster child! :)
I'm having little or no pain and am able to take in all my protein plus lots of fluids. My baby tummy is acting like a tantruming 2 year old. "I want, I want, I want!" But Mommy has to say NO very firmly. Baby Tummy pouts. More about that later.
When bariatric patients are moved to this new wing, they will have the strong advocacy of the new manager there, Frank, and Tina Marie, both of whom are super strong advocates for your needs. All you have to do is open your mouth to ask for something. You can have your privacy if that's what you want--the rooms are humongous--or you can go out and meet other patients as they stroll around the nurse's station.
The patients coming in after me are in for one terrific experience I do believe! Believe me, I will be singing the praises for Lourdes Medical Center and Dr. David Greenbaum at our next support meeting!
Here is me, first post-op picture. A dear dear friend of mine crocheted the shoulder wrap.
Sunday, April 12
Tomorrow's the big day!
I made it through 2 weeks of a liquid diet with shakes and today, with a clear liquid only diet. And this even included going to a church breakfast!!
TB and I have found our church home. We met with the deacons today and we "passed" inspection such as it was, ha ha. They meet with the pastor tomorrow night. TB and I will become members after I've recovered from surgery.
I'm ready for tomorrow. My friend Laura sent me a link to this video and I just love it. I feel strong with my TB and my friends and Jesus beside me, in the hands of God.
Happy Easter and Happy Resurrection Day, everyone!
TB and I have found our church home. We met with the deacons today and we "passed" inspection such as it was, ha ha. They meet with the pastor tomorrow night. TB and I will become members after I've recovered from surgery.
I'm ready for tomorrow. My friend Laura sent me a link to this video and I just love it. I feel strong with my TB and my friends and Jesus beside me, in the hands of God.
Happy Easter and Happy Resurrection Day, everyone!
Thursday, April 9
Little T's Spring Concert and Party!/Updates
A little update on our Tomas. On Tuesday, we went to see him perform with his classmates and 1st and 3rd graders for the school's spring concert. Oh, these little ones were wonderful, enthusiastically belting out "Jeremiah was a bullfrog"! They were so well behaved and I was so proud of my little grandson!
Yesterday was T's classroom party and TB and I gladly joined in the fun. All the kids rotated around the classroom to try different activities.
One activity was to bounce up and down a short stretch of the classroom. T has never wanted to do that before so everyone was thrilled when he decided to give it a try!
Kennan and T played catch.
T and I read a story together.
TB isn't in any of these pictures because he was behind the camera. He's lost almost 150 pounds and looks great. Here he is!
For a comparison, check out these pictures of TB taken just a couple of weeks ago! Way to go, TB!
As for me, it's day 11 of this shake diet thing and I'm hanging in. For several days, I didn't even feel that hungry. Today Bill cooked and made extra meals for himself and the hunger hit me. I've been a little irritable but otherwise just fine!
Yesterday was T's classroom party and TB and I gladly joined in the fun. All the kids rotated around the classroom to try different activities.
One activity was to bounce up and down a short stretch of the classroom. T has never wanted to do that before so everyone was thrilled when he decided to give it a try!
Kennan and T played catch.
T and I read a story together.
TB isn't in any of these pictures because he was behind the camera. He's lost almost 150 pounds and looks great. Here he is!
For a comparison, check out these pictures of TB taken just a couple of weeks ago! Way to go, TB!
As for me, it's day 11 of this shake diet thing and I'm hanging in. For several days, I didn't even feel that hungry. Today Bill cooked and made extra meals for himself and the hunger hit me. I've been a little irritable but otherwise just fine!
Monday, April 6
Pre-Surgical tests are out of the way!
TB and I were up early to get Kristin off to school and then it was off to Lourdes Medical Center for my pre-op testing. We got there on time but Mondays are busy so we had to wait. Meanwhile, I was hungry. I've been on the shake/liquid diet 8 days now and had had nothing this morning so I was really hungry!
First I was called back to have my blood drawn. After that, I helped myself to apple juice I'd brought along. I also had brought a shake packet but wanted to hold off, hoping to meet other members of OH at a diner later. Then I went for an X-ray. After that, I went back to pre-op and that's when we got stalled again.
There were so many patients there today for surgery and for pre-op testing! I had to wait for my EKG. When that was over, I had to wait again to see the nurse. By then plans of meeting at the diner went out the window. We went to the caf afterwards. TB and I downed a large coffee each. I had my shake and he had a couple protein bars. Then we beat it out of there and came home to get some rest!
Tonight is the support meeting.
I am feeling better now that I've had some shakes, water and jello. We're going to leave soon but first I'll have my dinner shake and some broth.
I'm looking forward to that meeting!
First I was called back to have my blood drawn. After that, I helped myself to apple juice I'd brought along. I also had brought a shake packet but wanted to hold off, hoping to meet other members of OH at a diner later. Then I went for an X-ray. After that, I went back to pre-op and that's when we got stalled again.
There were so many patients there today for surgery and for pre-op testing! I had to wait for my EKG. When that was over, I had to wait again to see the nurse. By then plans of meeting at the diner went out the window. We went to the caf afterwards. TB and I downed a large coffee each. I had my shake and he had a couple protein bars. Then we beat it out of there and came home to get some rest!
Tonight is the support meeting.
I am feeling better now that I've had some shakes, water and jello. We're going to leave soon but first I'll have my dinner shake and some broth.
I'm looking forward to that meeting!
Friday, April 3
Some Treats, Please!
Kosmo was put on a special diet...and I know how he feels!
Dr. Hartsock, our vet, weighed Kosmo and was alarmed by his poundage. Kosmo is now on a special diet, has to be segregated from the rest of the gang when he eats, and all the food has to be picked up within a half hour. Needless to say, everyone in the gang is pretty miserable--especially around mealtimes.
TB took these pictures this morning. Cubby found some treats on his desk and did his best to "break in" to no avail!
Want more cat blogging? Be sure to check out Blogging Cat Noos for all the latest on where to find this weekend's carnivals!
As for me, I am still hanging in but have several "sour hour" times where I'm as miserable as the cats: very early morning and then late afternoon/dinner time. There is a chunk of the day when I feel fine: after the breakfast shake until the late afternoon.
During the "sour hour" times I feel weak, dizzy, off balance, very irritable and fuzzy headed. Usually my sugar is okay but I have bottomed out and needed some apple juice.
This is day five. There's nine more days to go.
Dr. Hartsock, our vet, weighed Kosmo and was alarmed by his poundage. Kosmo is now on a special diet, has to be segregated from the rest of the gang when he eats, and all the food has to be picked up within a half hour. Needless to say, everyone in the gang is pretty miserable--especially around mealtimes.
TB took these pictures this morning. Cubby found some treats on his desk and did his best to "break in" to no avail!
Want more cat blogging? Be sure to check out Blogging Cat Noos for all the latest on where to find this weekend's carnivals!
As for me, I am still hanging in but have several "sour hour" times where I'm as miserable as the cats: very early morning and then late afternoon/dinner time. There is a chunk of the day when I feel fine: after the breakfast shake until the late afternoon.
During the "sour hour" times I feel weak, dizzy, off balance, very irritable and fuzzy headed. Usually my sugar is okay but I have bottomed out and needed some apple juice.
This is day five. There's nine more days to go.
Wednesday, April 1
Liquid Diet, Day Three
My grumpy ghrelin is accusing me of abuse, of trying to starve myself to death and threatening dire revenge for keeping up this liquid diet. . I think this is one of the things I won't be battling after the duodenal switch because the part of my stomach which makes ghrelin will be removed. I hope so anyway.
My stomach is trying to convince me that I feel physically weak and will pass out. I say to myself the same thing I told myself when I quit smoking cold turkey: Just for today, I will not put solid food in my mouth. I also pray for strength when I feel week. It took three weeks of saying that to myself about the cigarettes and praying for strength. I only have to be on the liquid diet two weeks before the surgery.
After the surgery, it's my understanding I won't really feel like eating. I'm not worried about after surgery.
One day at a time, one day at a time!
My stomach is trying to convince me that I feel physically weak and will pass out. I say to myself the same thing I told myself when I quit smoking cold turkey: Just for today, I will not put solid food in my mouth. I also pray for strength when I feel week. It took three weeks of saying that to myself about the cigarettes and praying for strength. I only have to be on the liquid diet two weeks before the surgery.
After the surgery, it's my understanding I won't really feel like eating. I'm not worried about after surgery.
One day at a time, one day at a time!
Monday, March 30
Pre-surgery liquid diet starts today!
had a strawberry protein shake for breakfast and it was really pretty good!
I am excited in that I know my surgery is coming up soon!
I am wondering if I will be able to stick to the liquids only diet for two whole weeks! I keep my "eye on the prize" and pray that I am strong enough not to waiver. We'll see.
I'm going to approach this the way I quit smoking. For the next five minutes, I will not eat. For the next five minutes, I will not eat. It will be a mantra.
I'm allowed to have:
fruit juice
bouillon or broth
carbonated beverages (but I already gave them up!)
cream/cheesy soups
coffee/tea
fresh/frozen plain yogurt
fruit drinks or punch (has to be sugar free)
ice milk
milk
my shakes
sugar free Jello
strained cooked cereal like cream of wheat
smooth ice cream
strained or blenderized soup
fruit purees
tomato juice
vegetable juice
all the water I want.
That's not too bad, I guess!
I'm hoping to get over to Lourdes by Thursday to visit an online friend who's having surgery today.
I am excited in that I know my surgery is coming up soon!
I am wondering if I will be able to stick to the liquids only diet for two whole weeks! I keep my "eye on the prize" and pray that I am strong enough not to waiver. We'll see.
I'm going to approach this the way I quit smoking. For the next five minutes, I will not eat. For the next five minutes, I will not eat. It will be a mantra.
I'm allowed to have:
fruit juice
bouillon or broth
carbonated beverages (but I already gave them up!)
cream/cheesy soups
coffee/tea
fresh/frozen plain yogurt
fruit drinks or punch (has to be sugar free)
ice milk
milk
my shakes
sugar free Jello
strained cooked cereal like cream of wheat
smooth ice cream
strained or blenderized soup
fruit purees
tomato juice
vegetable juice
all the water I want.
That's not too bad, I guess!
I'm hoping to get over to Lourdes by Thursday to visit an online friend who's having surgery today.
Monday, March 23
What a manic Monday!
Literally, it was a manic Monday today! I was singing the song by the Bangles in my head over and over.
My son's car broke down on Friday and was towed to the shop today. The mechanics wouldn't be done with it until 10 so TB & I gave him a ride to the bus stop so he could catch a ride out to his campus for a class. Next we had to drive an hour north to see our orthopod/pain doctor where I got a shot of cortisone in my right shoulder (bursitis :P ). We were done at noon. Originally the plan was to get back and pick up my son's car, drive it to the campus and get it to him so that he could get to his part-time job that starts at 1. No way was that going to happen. We did make it to the campus by 1:30, we did the whole Chinese fire drill stuff, and he took off.
We stopped at a Japanese place for lunch and it was delicious! What was especially encouraging is that TB, who had his DS in November and has had trouble with meat since, was able to eat two whole rolls of sushi. He loved it and was so happy he's able to add more foods to his diet every day. From there, we stopped at a couple of stores, killing time before we had to pick up Little T. That's when my cell phone rang and it was my surgeon's office. The lady, Lorraine, wanted to know where I was. I was supposed to be there at 3.
Wait a minute, no way, I said. That's not today. It's next week.
She insisted, no it's not, it's today.
We argued back and forth a few moments and then she said, well, can you come in now? You need to do a pre-op appointment and the surgeon is going to be out of the office all next week.
Grrr.
So we got our grandson and drove in yet another direction to the surgeon's office. Lorraine apologized to me. Apparently she'd made a mistake by not being specific about which Monday I'd been rescheduled to. Originally my appointment was for Friday the 27th but Lorraine called and asked to change it to "that Monday". Since the call took place on Friday, March 20th "that" Monday meant AFTER the Friday appointment. She meant the Monday BEFORE the appointment. Sheesh.
It doesn't matter. Everything went great during the pre-op appointment. I passed my test with flying colors--it's just a bunch of true/false questions about the DS, the surgery and recovery. Thanks to the folks here at OH I have learned SO MUCH! Then Dr. Greenbaum did a quick exam and we went over the forms. It was like buying a freaking house! I signed form after form but that's okay too.
Most important, we discussed the meds I would be taking during and after surgery, specifically the psych meds. I am so relieved that Dr. G is going to have a tube placed in my stomach so that I can have my Cymbalta, Prozac, Trileptal and Ativan. No freaking out or withdrawal for me!
As for absorption afterwards, he suggested the best thing to do would be to get a blood level to determine my doses.
He said I should be able to absorb the pills in capsules, like Prevacid, although he wants me to open them up and mix them in water or mushy foods while I'm healing.
I feel great, even if it was totally off-the-wall and looney tunes today!
My son's car broke down on Friday and was towed to the shop today. The mechanics wouldn't be done with it until 10 so TB & I gave him a ride to the bus stop so he could catch a ride out to his campus for a class. Next we had to drive an hour north to see our orthopod/pain doctor where I got a shot of cortisone in my right shoulder (bursitis :P ). We were done at noon. Originally the plan was to get back and pick up my son's car, drive it to the campus and get it to him so that he could get to his part-time job that starts at 1. No way was that going to happen. We did make it to the campus by 1:30, we did the whole Chinese fire drill stuff, and he took off.
We stopped at a Japanese place for lunch and it was delicious! What was especially encouraging is that TB, who had his DS in November and has had trouble with meat since, was able to eat two whole rolls of sushi. He loved it and was so happy he's able to add more foods to his diet every day. From there, we stopped at a couple of stores, killing time before we had to pick up Little T. That's when my cell phone rang and it was my surgeon's office. The lady, Lorraine, wanted to know where I was. I was supposed to be there at 3.
Wait a minute, no way, I said. That's not today. It's next week.
She insisted, no it's not, it's today.
We argued back and forth a few moments and then she said, well, can you come in now? You need to do a pre-op appointment and the surgeon is going to be out of the office all next week.
Grrr.
So we got our grandson and drove in yet another direction to the surgeon's office. Lorraine apologized to me. Apparently she'd made a mistake by not being specific about which Monday I'd been rescheduled to. Originally my appointment was for Friday the 27th but Lorraine called and asked to change it to "that Monday". Since the call took place on Friday, March 20th "that" Monday meant AFTER the Friday appointment. She meant the Monday BEFORE the appointment. Sheesh.
It doesn't matter. Everything went great during the pre-op appointment. I passed my test with flying colors--it's just a bunch of true/false questions about the DS, the surgery and recovery. Thanks to the folks here at OH I have learned SO MUCH! Then Dr. Greenbaum did a quick exam and we went over the forms. It was like buying a freaking house! I signed form after form but that's okay too.
Most important, we discussed the meds I would be taking during and after surgery, specifically the psych meds. I am so relieved that Dr. G is going to have a tube placed in my stomach so that I can have my Cymbalta, Prozac, Trileptal and Ativan. No freaking out or withdrawal for me!
As for absorption afterwards, he suggested the best thing to do would be to get a blood level to determine my doses.
He said I should be able to absorb the pills in capsules, like Prevacid, although he wants me to open them up and mix them in water or mushy foods while I'm healing.
I feel great, even if it was totally off-the-wall and looney tunes today!
Sunday, March 22
TB: Lookin Good, Hon!/I wear a dress for the first time in years!
TB and I have definitely found a church home!
This morning, as we were getting ready, TB discovered some smaller dressy shirts he can fit into again. I decided to take some pictures.
Hey, handsome!
TB lost a little more weight. He's doing great!
He's still not thrilled with his side view but I know that's going to change.
I haven't worn a dress in years because my weight embarrasses me and because of my collapsed ankle. I found some really pretty dresses at Good Will, though, and decided I would wear them for church. Okay, so my feet look clunky with the brace and big black shoes but who cares?
Here's a rare picture of TB and me together. Usually one of us is the photographer. Kristin happened to be around and so we asked her to take a shot of us. It came out great!
I think we'll be leaving for Long Island on Thursday. I'm just waiting to hear back from my cousin about funeral arrangements for my Uncle Gil.
This morning, as we were getting ready, TB discovered some smaller dressy shirts he can fit into again. I decided to take some pictures.
Hey, handsome!
TB lost a little more weight. He's doing great!
He's still not thrilled with his side view but I know that's going to change.
I haven't worn a dress in years because my weight embarrasses me and because of my collapsed ankle. I found some really pretty dresses at Good Will, though, and decided I would wear them for church. Okay, so my feet look clunky with the brace and big black shoes but who cares?
Here's a rare picture of TB and me together. Usually one of us is the photographer. Kristin happened to be around and so we asked her to take a shot of us. It came out great!
I think we'll be leaving for Long Island on Thursday. I'm just waiting to hear back from my cousin about funeral arrangements for my Uncle Gil.
Friday, March 13
Some Good New For A Change!
This has been a morning of happy news. I was at the podiatrist's with my TB and found out that Medicare would buy me a pair of diabetic shoes. I ordered a nice pink pair. I also found out that my doctor can do a 15 minute procedure to help correct my collapsed arch and that we'd do it after I have my switch.
Well, as we were signing out, my cell phone went off and it was Dr. Greenbaum's office. I have a date for surgery: 4/13/09!! This is great because it's spring break and I won't have to worry about getting my youngest up for school on time, etc. Great timing!
After some really yucky days, it's super to get off to a nice one!
And Kennan and Tomas shared a really nice picture with me taken at the little guy's Valentine party.
Some good news has come out of the dreadfulness of Tomas being injured by someone at his mother's place. I don't want to say what that is specifically yet, just that the little guy will be kept safe now.
Well, as we were signing out, my cell phone went off and it was Dr. Greenbaum's office. I have a date for surgery: 4/13/09!! This is great because it's spring break and I won't have to worry about getting my youngest up for school on time, etc. Great timing!
After some really yucky days, it's super to get off to a nice one!
And Kennan and Tomas shared a really nice picture with me taken at the little guy's Valentine party.
Some good news has come out of the dreadfulness of Tomas being injured by someone at his mother's place. I don't want to say what that is specifically yet, just that the little guy will be kept safe now.
Wednesday, February 25
Update
So yesterday I went to my therapist and she showed me the letter she's sending to Dr. Greenbaum. Everything looks cool so she's mailing it out and he should have it within a few days. Then I'll be calling Tina to schedule a surgery date. Wow! It seems unreal but yet exciting!
The other thing the therapist and I discussed was how to get my mind wrapped around dealing with my Heidi effectively. We had another incident where she came in and nearly ruined Kristin's birthday party with her bullying and complaining.
Heidi came in from work around 9 and Kristin's party was going along very nicely in the family room. Heidi'd invited her friend Marianne over and the two of them went into the room. The other kids started setting up DDR (Dance Dance Revolution) and I heard Heidi go off, "Oh no you are NOT playing that game now!" She complained quite loudly about it being a "boring" game and why hadn't they played it earlier?
So I called her out of there and she said, exasperated, that Kristin told her they wouldn't be playing that game when she came home. I said, but it's HER party and she can't schedule what's going to happen when. Heidi was taking the view that they put the game on now just because they knew it would aggravate her. I could not make her see that she was being unreasonable. She and Marianne watched TV with me for a while and then they decided to go out to Wawa.
After the guests left, the girls had a shouting match and Kristin was in tears. Heidi said this was all Kristin's fault for not warning her so that she could go to Marianne's house instead.
Isn't this totally unreasonable?
I should have called for intervention but I didn't. After everything I witnessed as a child, this didn't seem like a police matter...but maybe it was. The therapist thinks that when a crisis like that comes up I go emotionally frozen--that seems to be exactly what happens. So I asked TB to call crisis intervention next time as soon as he sees the need for it since I'm not good at recognizing these things.
TB and I need to come up with a contract Heidi has to follow with consequences if she breaks the rules. Three strikes and she has to leave. TB sent me some articles about adult children living at home as well as an example contract. I really liked the example and it occurred to me that we could have Bill sign one too to lessen Heidi's negative reaction to it (I am sure she's going to blow up and scream).
My therapist got me to recognize a couple of things. Heidi's behavior towards us is like that of a raging alcoholic. I am just as bullied into trying to smooth things over as I was when it was my mother raging around the house. On Monday, I emptied the dishwasher and did all the dishes in spite of the fact it was Heidi's day simply because I couldn't deal with her screaming and tantruming about how much she hates that chore!
I have to have the strength to do this and not keep sacrificing the emotional health of the other four of us in the house. It seems all my life issues continue to come up and bite my in the ass and it hurts so much more because Heidi is my own baby. I feel so blue.
The other thing the therapist and I discussed was how to get my mind wrapped around dealing with my Heidi effectively. We had another incident where she came in and nearly ruined Kristin's birthday party with her bullying and complaining.
Heidi came in from work around 9 and Kristin's party was going along very nicely in the family room. Heidi'd invited her friend Marianne over and the two of them went into the room. The other kids started setting up DDR (Dance Dance Revolution) and I heard Heidi go off, "Oh no you are NOT playing that game now!" She complained quite loudly about it being a "boring" game and why hadn't they played it earlier?
So I called her out of there and she said, exasperated, that Kristin told her they wouldn't be playing that game when she came home. I said, but it's HER party and she can't schedule what's going to happen when. Heidi was taking the view that they put the game on now just because they knew it would aggravate her. I could not make her see that she was being unreasonable. She and Marianne watched TV with me for a while and then they decided to go out to Wawa.
After the guests left, the girls had a shouting match and Kristin was in tears. Heidi said this was all Kristin's fault for not warning her so that she could go to Marianne's house instead.
Isn't this totally unreasonable?
I should have called for intervention but I didn't. After everything I witnessed as a child, this didn't seem like a police matter...but maybe it was. The therapist thinks that when a crisis like that comes up I go emotionally frozen--that seems to be exactly what happens. So I asked TB to call crisis intervention next time as soon as he sees the need for it since I'm not good at recognizing these things.
TB and I need to come up with a contract Heidi has to follow with consequences if she breaks the rules. Three strikes and she has to leave. TB sent me some articles about adult children living at home as well as an example contract. I really liked the example and it occurred to me that we could have Bill sign one too to lessen Heidi's negative reaction to it (I am sure she's going to blow up and scream).
My therapist got me to recognize a couple of things. Heidi's behavior towards us is like that of a raging alcoholic. I am just as bullied into trying to smooth things over as I was when it was my mother raging around the house. On Monday, I emptied the dishwasher and did all the dishes in spite of the fact it was Heidi's day simply because I couldn't deal with her screaming and tantruming about how much she hates that chore!
I have to have the strength to do this and not keep sacrificing the emotional health of the other four of us in the house. It seems all my life issues continue to come up and bite my in the ass and it hurts so much more because Heidi is my own baby. I feel so blue.
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