peacequeen

I forgot to mention,,it took 7 tries to get an IV on me today..they finally got it on the underside of my upper arm,,the soft tender part of my arm,,and they blew the vein..UGGHHH I have a great big ole honking bruise on my arm that looks like a giant hickey..just to top it all off for the day. I'm not normally a wimp,,they kept saying,,you are handling this so well,,I was just gritting my teeth.

I feel so bad tonight, I see everyone going through and I am so happy for each of you. But I just can't seem to get a break. I've been in this process over a year now. Because of my health issues, I have to get clearance by my surgeon even though I've been approved by my insurance. Over a week ago I had a series of cardiac tests and the nurse called me 2 days later and told me all looked great and they were clearing me,,they would fax over all my results and the clearance form. I went in today with the hopes this would be my last pre op test,,the EGD. Afterwards my surgeon told my husband all went great and to go over to the office and talk to the scheduler to see if she could help me with the next step,,well she was in a meeting. The receptionist then told me they hadn't ever rec'd my cardiac test results or my clearance letter. WHAT??? So they left a message for the scheduler to call me,,she did and told me I would have to call the cardio place and tell them to fax all of it over..so I did,,well they could only find half of my tests, they said I would need to talk to the nurse,,but had to leave my number and she'd call back,,she didn't..yet. OMG,,I just need some words of wisdom,,some words of comfort and support. I'm having a pity party tonight and back on the phone in the morning to chew someone out (probably not but want to). I just need this surgery so bad, and they won't give me a date till they get all the results to every test and clearance letters stating I'm good to go..even though my surgeon is the one who did the egd himself! I'm so sorry to rant, I know everyone is so excited in this post and I'm happy for you all..I'm just feeling down and hopeless tonight. I was hoping for a dec date because of insurance issues I'm running out of time.

You are such an inspiration....you look amazing.

I love reading all the numbers, thanks to all of you for posting and congratulations for all of your successes!!

MakingChanges, that was a stunning prayer that I could feel all the way in Ky. God bless you and your loving words.. Thanks so much.

Bless your heart, my heart was hurting for you as I read your post. But you are right, your doctor sounds like he is really looking out for you.

Maybe stock up on bottled water..flavored water if you like it. I also wonder if we could have sf suckers??

It sounds to me like you are doing great! 9 pounds in 2 weeks is not shabby when you consider the swelling and all after surgery,,so it's actually been less time because you had to heal. It seems to be so different for everyone. I've read where several have run into the same issue and others offer the advice to change things up a bit and see what happens. I'm pre op so not good to offer advice but I don't think you should be discouraged at all,,it's too soon. Ask others in the post op forum, you'll get alot of great tips from awesome people. Good luck!!

Thanks,,I kept looking and using different key words but it wouldn't pull it up. Thanks for the link!

Thank you, ladies. I should've thought about the food section :blush5:

I never rec'd a bill, I have a secondary insurance so it was paid in full. It's similar to an Endo but I think the endo is a little more invasive because you are usually put under so the cost of anesthesia might differ..maybe less. Call the facility that will be performing the procedure and ask them how much it costs then call your insurance company and ask them how much you will be paying out of pocket. Hospitals set their own prices for different procedures so what I might pay may be different than what you would. I will say this much, if it helps, it's a pretty simple procedure. I got a local anesthetic along with the numbing spray. They put a skinny tube down your throat. You are hooked to a machine and they will have you swallow as they slowly remove the tube bit by bit as you swallow. Each time you swallow the pressure is measured inside your esophagus and this will tell them if you have any kind of swallowing issues, reflux, etc.. It's painless. Good luck,,I know it's a bummer having to have all the tests but your doctor wants to give you the best care and take every precaution which is a good thing

I was going through a different hospital and they did one on me. I was awake but they use a numbing agent. For various reasons, I switched to a different clinic,,I now have to have an EGD.lol Go figure,,there is apparently an issue with swallowing. I suffer from Myasthenia Gravis so guess that is the reason for the precautions for me. It's also a move they make if you have Gerd, reflux, barret's esophagus, etc.

Congrats MsBoo! I'm sure you're going to do great,,my prayers go out to you.

Way to go,,congrats..and great attitude!

Sasicas, do you have a thyroid condition? I was diagnosed with hypothyroid/hashimotos about 20 years ago. Some times with a thyroid condition, your tongue can become thick.

I have to use a bi pap. Have any of you that are post op gotten off of your c pap or bi pap for good?

I'm looking for some variety outside of shakes. Can anyone recommend a light protein powerade type drink and some protein soups? I ordered the unjury chicken soup, I hope it's good.

You can see at the bottom of my post the route I had to take. It's taken me over a year. I have alot of medical issues including Myasthenia Gravis (a form of muscular distrophy) so I'm having to go through alot of testing. My last test is Dec. 5 and hopefully soon after, I will get a date. It is a bit stressful but I've just been going with the flow as of late. I've let God have it and will get it in His time instead of mine Good luck and don't give up.

Are you talking about a Psych doctor or a "Nut" (nutritionist)? If it's the psych doctor, I think many of us have had to fill out forms and do questionaires. I would follow the instructions given and if you have any question as to what you are supposed to do with the forms sent home, just call the office and ask them what you are supposed to do. That is their job and they are there to help you. Don't settle for less. Good luck on your journey!

I'm stressing over the same things. My husband and I have always shared time by eating out. Winter in Ky, I couldn't be sleeved at a worse time,,there's nothing to do in our town so we are racking our brains trying to figure out what we'll do in place of eating out. I've been searching for protein too. As for trying to get prepared, I've compiled a list of things to get for the first week after surgery but haven't bought the first thing yet. I'm trying to keep my head in the game to stay motivated. At my surgeon's request, I had cardiac test this morning and fried chicken afterwards was not smart..this is the kind of thing I need to work on. I hosted Thanksgiving and told family I won't be doing anymore dinners like that for a long time. It is alot to plan for! I told my husband it was likely I would have nothing to wear in a couple months,,what do I do? I'll have to follow this post, it's a good one!

I am pre op and have had to go off of celebrex for now. I have osteoarthritis and I will admit it is painful and difficult for me to walk at times. I'm hoping it will be worth it. I was told by my dr's that my arthritis and the pain that goes with it will improve. I feel for you.