Well, I had my follow-up appointment with the surgeon today. He says the pain I am still having is normal. He reminded me that he cut 3 holes all the way through my abdominal wall. He would be worried if I DIDN'T still hurt! He said common sense needs to be my guide as I add activity and lifting back in... but I can go to California, and that's important.
David is on a 3 1/2 day stretch at the hospital. I think this has been the toughest one. I'm sick of being sick. I'm bitchy. He's grouchy. And I'm freaking out about getting everything ready for California. He comes home Thursday morning. There will be, unfortunately, NO relaxing in our household on Thursday. WAY too much to do unless I make a miraculous turn for the better tomorrow.
We are really excited about going to California. David just wishes we could "break away" from everybody. I told him Monday night, we are staying at a hotel in San Francisco that is right next to the beach. I promised him a walk if he could just tolerate the family for the weekend. I'm hoping I'll be up to everything! Right now, I'm still swollen, so praying my dress fits. I haven't tried it on yet because it pulls my abdomen to put my arms over my head.
We are also going to go weigh-in on Thursday before we leave. I wanted to go with him, so I had to wait until Thursday. His goal was 6 lbs this week, putting him under 400 (6 lbs less than when we went off program) which he'll probably hit. I didn't really have a goal this week, but I'm hoping I don't lose too much again. I've been trying to eat more this week, but it's hard when nothing sounds good and I'm not up to cooking. Smart Ones, yogurts, and bananas have been my friends. I would LOVE to be under 200, which would be another 7 lbs, but I don't want it so bad that I am wanting to starve myself! I know I'll hit it shortly...
Oh, and his Honey-Do-This-To-The-House-Before-Summer list continues to grow as I watch more and more DIY and HGTV shows! He told me to stop watching them cause I keep getting all of these ideas and we haven't finished what we started!
Back to the recliner. Yay.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Recovering and decisions...
Well, the surgery on Tuesday went well. Dr. Scott found an appendage (the term, I believe is epiploia) that was inflamed, which caused ALL that pain. So, he removed that and also my appendix. His reasoning for the appendix? Now you don't have to worry about appendicitis! Hey, thanks!
So, now I'm recovering nicely at home. I'm still sore, but the pain is a different pain. It calms down with the Percoset (to some degree), and I actually FEEL like I'm getting better! My dad was here today to help me with the dogs.
Max and Toby making sure I have someone to snuggle with! Thank God for pillows on the abdomen!
Toby and Chewy taking advantage of Mommy being laid up. They KNOW they aren't supposed to be on the patio table!
David and I also took the time last night to talk about moving. We both want to move. But, right now, I'm worried about all these ER visits. And, what if I leave the district, lose my insurance, and I get a post-op infection or something? I'll have insurance through David's work, but then it would be a pre-existing condition. And that's not good!
So, we're gonna hang out in Omaha another year. We'll keep working on the house, and hopefully the market will be better in the spring. Plus, we'll have more bills paid off and a better down payment! Maybe we can get a house that doesn't need so much work!!
That's about it. I'll be around more now that I can make it to the office and sit in this really uncomfortable chair!
So, now I'm recovering nicely at home. I'm still sore, but the pain is a different pain. It calms down with the Percoset (to some degree), and I actually FEEL like I'm getting better! My dad was here today to help me with the dogs.
Max and Toby making sure I have someone to snuggle with! Thank God for pillows on the abdomen!
Toby and Chewy taking advantage of Mommy being laid up. They KNOW they aren't supposed to be on the patio table!
David and I also took the time last night to talk about moving. We both want to move. But, right now, I'm worried about all these ER visits. And, what if I leave the district, lose my insurance, and I get a post-op infection or something? I'll have insurance through David's work, but then it would be a pre-existing condition. And that's not good!
So, we're gonna hang out in Omaha another year. We'll keep working on the house, and hopefully the market will be better in the spring. Plus, we'll have more bills paid off and a better down payment! Maybe we can get a house that doesn't need so much work!!
That's about it. I'll be around more now that I can make it to the office and sit in this really uncomfortable chair!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Finally some answers!
Well, when you get a frustrated patient with an equally frustrated dad... you get results!
Went to the dr again today and basically said that I wanted referred to a surgeon, today if possible. He didn't think it would be possible ~ the only way to do it that quick was to admit me. I think he figured out how sick and desperate I am when I said "that's fine. book me a room ~ we'll be there in 20 minutes." He came back with the appt. to the surgeon. The surgeon happens to be the guy that is supposed to do my colonscopy next week! He's a really nice guy ~ he also does my dad, and he is the only one that dad will go to for his colonoscopies!
Surgeon is doing a "diagnostic laproscopy" tomorrow at 10:00. He basically knows what he's looking at, but he said this can be misdiagnosed, so there may be other stuff that is causing issues. I probably will stay the night, but not necessarily!
David is even home for 2 days, so it works out really well. AND I can still go to California as long as all goes planned tomorrow!
I'm excited, but obviously nervous. I just am to the point where I'm sick of being sick. And this eliminates alot of potential future problems (preexisting condition, pregnancy, etc.....). So, here we go......
Went to the dr again today and basically said that I wanted referred to a surgeon, today if possible. He didn't think it would be possible ~ the only way to do it that quick was to admit me. I think he figured out how sick and desperate I am when I said "that's fine. book me a room ~ we'll be there in 20 minutes." He came back with the appt. to the surgeon. The surgeon happens to be the guy that is supposed to do my colonscopy next week! He's a really nice guy ~ he also does my dad, and he is the only one that dad will go to for his colonoscopies!
Surgeon is doing a "diagnostic laproscopy" tomorrow at 10:00. He basically knows what he's looking at, but he said this can be misdiagnosed, so there may be other stuff that is causing issues. I probably will stay the night, but not necessarily!
David is even home for 2 days, so it works out really well. AND I can still go to California as long as all goes planned tomorrow!
I'm excited, but obviously nervous. I just am to the point where I'm sick of being sick. And this eliminates alot of potential future problems (preexisting condition, pregnancy, etc.....). So, here we go......
Weekend Updates
Well, the dr I saw on Saturday (not my usual doctor, but in the same clinic) completely dismissed everything. Literally. She told me I was fine. That unless I could "localize" the pain, that she couldn't do anything. I looked at her and said: I CAN localize the pain. There are 3 places that hurt. Well, which one hurts the most? I can't do that you stupid bitch! God, I was pissed. Oh, and she says "drink more water." Um,hello? I've been drinking almost a gallon every day! Isn't that enough? Well, you should be drinking 64 ozs. Isn't a gallon more than 64 ozs? Then she changed the subject. Bitch.
So, I ended up back in the ER again. The pain got so bad I couldn't stand it. The percoset wasn't helping ~ it didn't even knock me out so I could try to sleep through it. This time, they did a Contrast CT (so I had to drink the nasty shit, and the put a little through my IV as well), more bloodwork, and another u/a. Everything is the same as it was before. They gave me something really strong for the pain, and it helped relax me, but the pain was still there.
Dad took me and Sheila to Village Inn. I ordered my favorite pancakes: multigrain ones that the put chunks of bananas in! YUMMY! The waitress had to get permission from the manager because they aren't on the late-night menu (it was midnight or a little after), and I told her I had been craving them for HOURS at the ER. One bite and I got extremely nauseous. I almost puked at VI. So, I asked for a piece of toast instead. Not so yummy, but gentler on my tummy.
That came up an hour later ~ along with the water I had been drinking and some of the Contrast mixture I had drank several hours before. I laid down, with the trashcan by my bed, and slept until 7:30.
All day Sunday, I was so nauseous and dizzy. I also started having diarrhea (sorry, TMI?). I ate 3 pieces of toast, drank 1/2 a bottle of Propel, and maybe a 1/4 of a small bottle of Sprite. That's it. Not even any water except to take my "new" 800mg Ibuprofen.
I went to weigh-in today. Dad is taking me to the dr. and I want to say "Look at how much I've lost this week." I knew it wouldn't be good. I lost 6.6 lbs in ONE WEEK. While I love the number, the fact that it was in one week is NOT good. So, hopefully the dr will do something this time.
So, who knows what's going to happen... David comes home tomorrow and we have alot of logistics to talk about: will we be able to afford moving now that we will have all these ER visits to pay for? And what about a "preexisting condition" if I have to have surgery after I potentially lose my insurance from the district and go to his? And what about trying to have a baby through all this?
My hands are tied. And I'm scared. And emotional. So many things can be going on right now, and they aren't finding anything. That scares me the most: SOMETHING is wrong for me to be sick into my 3rd week now. Figure this out, people. I can't take much more.
I'll keep you posted.
So, I ended up back in the ER again. The pain got so bad I couldn't stand it. The percoset wasn't helping ~ it didn't even knock me out so I could try to sleep through it. This time, they did a Contrast CT (so I had to drink the nasty shit, and the put a little through my IV as well), more bloodwork, and another u/a. Everything is the same as it was before. They gave me something really strong for the pain, and it helped relax me, but the pain was still there.
Dad took me and Sheila to Village Inn. I ordered my favorite pancakes: multigrain ones that the put chunks of bananas in! YUMMY! The waitress had to get permission from the manager because they aren't on the late-night menu (it was midnight or a little after), and I told her I had been craving them for HOURS at the ER. One bite and I got extremely nauseous. I almost puked at VI. So, I asked for a piece of toast instead. Not so yummy, but gentler on my tummy.
That came up an hour later ~ along with the water I had been drinking and some of the Contrast mixture I had drank several hours before. I laid down, with the trashcan by my bed, and slept until 7:30.
All day Sunday, I was so nauseous and dizzy. I also started having diarrhea (sorry, TMI?). I ate 3 pieces of toast, drank 1/2 a bottle of Propel, and maybe a 1/4 of a small bottle of Sprite. That's it. Not even any water except to take my "new" 800mg Ibuprofen.
I went to weigh-in today. Dad is taking me to the dr. and I want to say "Look at how much I've lost this week." I knew it wouldn't be good. I lost 6.6 lbs in ONE WEEK. While I love the number, the fact that it was in one week is NOT good. So, hopefully the dr will do something this time.
So, who knows what's going to happen... David comes home tomorrow and we have alot of logistics to talk about: will we be able to afford moving now that we will have all these ER visits to pay for? And what about a "preexisting condition" if I have to have surgery after I potentially lose my insurance from the district and go to his? And what about trying to have a baby through all this?
My hands are tied. And I'm scared. And emotional. So many things can be going on right now, and they aren't finding anything. That scares me the most: SOMETHING is wrong for me to be sick into my 3rd week now. Figure this out, people. I can't take much more.
I'll keep you posted.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Shopping Spree!
This week, I've started feeling better (until today ~ but I'll get to that)... so I started adding "daily outings" to try to keep me from getting bored.
Tuesday, was the doctor appointment (lots of ibuprofen=UTI) and grocery shopping!
Wednesday, I went for a late movie with my friend, Jessica. We saw Sex and the City, and OMG we laughed our asses off! It was awesome! We also went to Old Navy, and just for shits and giggles, I tried some stuff on. I can wear THEIR Mediums! Seriously? Old Navy is notorously sized small! I was so excited!
Thursday, went to lunch with some girls on a chat board and had a blast. I even ate relatively healthy! Also, I needed some new jeans since my old ones are practically falling off. I went to 3 stores, and only spent $200!!! Kohl's was having some awesome sales, so I even got some stuff for fall/winter at 80% off! All pants: 14s. All tops: Mediums!
Today, I got my hair done. It's hot! I'll post a pic once I take one (or David takes one). Then, David and I went to Taco Bell (which you can do on WW for 7 points and be FULL!). August 1st, we leave for California. So, I was still feeling "okay," but tired and a little sore. We went to Penny's (another awesome sale) and I found a smokin' dress! Originally $90, I got it for $47 (including tax!). I'm not totally sure if I can wear it for the party ~ it's a little low-cut and the back is pretty showy, but I got it anyways. David loved it (of course), but said we can go look some more next week. But, anyways, that was a size 14!!!!
We got home from that, and I realized how sore I am. So, I called into work (Sorry guys!) and am going BACK to the doctor again. I'm almost done with the Ibuprofen, so I thought I would be feeling better. But the pain is back up there where it was a week ago ~ not even all that tolerable. And, my kidney is still hurting.
Oh, and I got the stuff in the mail for my colonoscopy on the 28th. SO not looking forward to it. But, it's gotta happen, right?
David is going to feed me dinner and send me to bed. I love him. He has been so patient with me the last couple weeks ~ and letting me buy clothes when I probably shouldn't. We have our days ~ as every couple does ~ but he can totally see when I'm not feeling good and has just been so great about it.
Anyways.. now that my internet is back up, I have my connection to the outside world back. Did ya miss me? ;-)
Tuesday, was the doctor appointment (lots of ibuprofen=UTI) and grocery shopping!
Wednesday, I went for a late movie with my friend, Jessica. We saw Sex and the City, and OMG we laughed our asses off! It was awesome! We also went to Old Navy, and just for shits and giggles, I tried some stuff on. I can wear THEIR Mediums! Seriously? Old Navy is notorously sized small! I was so excited!
Thursday, went to lunch with some girls on a chat board and had a blast. I even ate relatively healthy! Also, I needed some new jeans since my old ones are practically falling off. I went to 3 stores, and only spent $200!!! Kohl's was having some awesome sales, so I even got some stuff for fall/winter at 80% off! All pants: 14s. All tops: Mediums!
Today, I got my hair done. It's hot! I'll post a pic once I take one (or David takes one). Then, David and I went to Taco Bell (which you can do on WW for 7 points and be FULL!). August 1st, we leave for California. So, I was still feeling "okay," but tired and a little sore. We went to Penny's (another awesome sale) and I found a smokin' dress! Originally $90, I got it for $47 (including tax!). I'm not totally sure if I can wear it for the party ~ it's a little low-cut and the back is pretty showy, but I got it anyways. David loved it (of course), but said we can go look some more next week. But, anyways, that was a size 14!!!!
We got home from that, and I realized how sore I am. So, I called into work (Sorry guys!) and am going BACK to the doctor again. I'm almost done with the Ibuprofen, so I thought I would be feeling better. But the pain is back up there where it was a week ago ~ not even all that tolerable. And, my kidney is still hurting.
Oh, and I got the stuff in the mail for my colonoscopy on the 28th. SO not looking forward to it. But, it's gotta happen, right?
David is going to feed me dinner and send me to bed. I love him. He has been so patient with me the last couple weeks ~ and letting me buy clothes when I probably shouldn't. We have our days ~ as every couple does ~ but he can totally see when I'm not feeling good and has just been so great about it.
Anyways.. now that my internet is back up, I have my connection to the outside world back. Did ya miss me? ;-)
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Obviously God is telling me SOMETHING!
He must want me to slow down.
I called into my GP's office today because I started having really bad kidney pain last night. They had me come in and I have a UTI. Oh, and I'm really dehydrated (which would explain being lethargic but not able to sleep unless I take a sleeping or pain pill!). So, I'm now on an antibiotic, in addition to the Ibuprofen. And I was told to "drink until you float." Fabulous.
We did manage to get to the store this morning, too. I now have a fridge full of healthy food! David is going to cook 3 different meals tonight (I'm hoping I can help a little bit), so that we both have things we can reheat over the next couple days.
David's new insurance kicks in August 1st. We have some infertility coverage. So, now he is going to check into the preexisting condition clause. If it's not long, or we can squeak by because he hasn't "officially" been diagnosed as infertile yet, then he is going to wait until then to do the next S/A. If it's bad, or will somehow fall under preexisting, then he's going to do it next week. But, since we actually have coverage now, we know we are ready to go with whatever we need to do!
David's brother, Matt, left for basic training today. Matt and David have had a very tough relationship. Matt did not come to our wedding. He showed up at the reception to eat and take his wife home. But, I think this is really bothering David. He will be gone for 14 weeks, and then he will be stationed *somewhere*. It's Army, so it won't be Omaha. I think the closest would be Ft. Riley in Kansas, but I'm not sure.
I called into my GP's office today because I started having really bad kidney pain last night. They had me come in and I have a UTI. Oh, and I'm really dehydrated (which would explain being lethargic but not able to sleep unless I take a sleeping or pain pill!). So, I'm now on an antibiotic, in addition to the Ibuprofen. And I was told to "drink until you float." Fabulous.
We did manage to get to the store this morning, too. I now have a fridge full of healthy food! David is going to cook 3 different meals tonight (I'm hoping I can help a little bit), so that we both have things we can reheat over the next couple days.
David's new insurance kicks in August 1st. We have some infertility coverage. So, now he is going to check into the preexisting condition clause. If it's not long, or we can squeak by because he hasn't "officially" been diagnosed as infertile yet, then he is going to wait until then to do the next S/A. If it's bad, or will somehow fall under preexisting, then he's going to do it next week. But, since we actually have coverage now, we know we are ready to go with whatever we need to do!
David's brother, Matt, left for basic training today. Matt and David have had a very tough relationship. Matt did not come to our wedding. He showed up at the reception to eat and take his wife home. But, I think this is really bothering David. He will be gone for 14 weeks, and then he will be stationed *somewhere*. It's Army, so it won't be Omaha. I think the closest would be Ft. Riley in Kansas, but I'm not sure.
Back on the program!
Well, David and I finally went back to Weight Watchers. We haven't been in a month! And we both knew how well it worked, and we were watching ourselves slip into our old habits. While I was sitting on the couch for the last week ~ not making healthy choices ~ I decided that I would do it. I told David, "I'm going back. I hope you'll join me, but if you're not ready to change your life, I understand." His reply: "When are we going?"
We chose yesterday morning because the leader we like the best only does Monday @ 10:30 and Thursday @ 5:15. David will be working Thursday, so we went for Monday. I have lost 6 lbs since last weigh in ~ probably because I've been sick and haven't been eating much. David gained, but he knew he would. And he didn't gain it all back, so that was the good news.
We head to California for my grandparent's anniversary party on August 1st. I won't be pregnant like my "perfect" cousin, so damn it, I'm going to be thin! I have a gift card left over from my birthday, so I'm treating myself to a dress for the party. Once I find the perfect dress, I'll post a picture of it.
Today, my daily outing is the grocery store. Doesn't sound very exciting, but I am really happy about it! Fruits and veggies will be around the house again. We're going to cook a few meals that are easy to reheat for David and I since he has to work tomorrow and Thursday, and I am still not up to cooking by myself.
I re-vamped the look of my bio, too. #1 - I was bored. #2 - I want my weight ticker where I can see it. I'm gonna post before and current pics shortly. I just need to find them on my computer. Hopefully I didn't delete them.
I'm also hoping I can get back to the gym soon. I miss it. But, obviously, not really up to it yet. I thought about trying a swim class, but now my kidneys are hurting, so it probably wouldn't be a good idea. Maybe by the end of the week or early next week...
So, ready or not, weight loss: here I come!
We chose yesterday morning because the leader we like the best only does Monday @ 10:30 and Thursday @ 5:15. David will be working Thursday, so we went for Monday. I have lost 6 lbs since last weigh in ~ probably because I've been sick and haven't been eating much. David gained, but he knew he would. And he didn't gain it all back, so that was the good news.
We head to California for my grandparent's anniversary party on August 1st. I won't be pregnant like my "perfect" cousin, so damn it, I'm going to be thin! I have a gift card left over from my birthday, so I'm treating myself to a dress for the party. Once I find the perfect dress, I'll post a picture of it.
Today, my daily outing is the grocery store. Doesn't sound very exciting, but I am really happy about it! Fruits and veggies will be around the house again. We're going to cook a few meals that are easy to reheat for David and I since he has to work tomorrow and Thursday, and I am still not up to cooking by myself.
I re-vamped the look of my bio, too. #1 - I was bored. #2 - I want my weight ticker where I can see it. I'm gonna post before and current pics shortly. I just need to find them on my computer. Hopefully I didn't delete them.
I'm also hoping I can get back to the gym soon. I miss it. But, obviously, not really up to it yet. I thought about trying a swim class, but now my kidneys are hurting, so it probably wouldn't be a good idea. Maybe by the end of the week or early next week...
So, ready or not, weight loss: here I come!
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