I will what I want

I had an out break of shingles over July 4th weekend. Over the next three weeks I had new symptoms and rashes (uncommon, according to my pcp). Also, my pcp said it was a mild case, which I believe. My WLS is scheduled for Aug 25th. I still have a little-bit of pain and itching - although all rashes etc are gone. It's pretty far out from when I first got shingles but I'm super concerned about going into surgery not at my best. I spoke to my pcp about it a couple of weeks ago - when I was in my full misery - and told her I wanted to reschedule and she agreed. However, I think she was just reacting to my miserable state....(also, she is a new doc for me...my other beloved pcp moved recently). I will, of course, speak to both my pcp again and my surgeon about what I should do AND I wanted to see if anyone on this site had experience with having shingles before any type of surgery. Thanks in advance for your time in replying.

To the vets: At what point did you start to feel normal after surgery? (I get that it's a new normal.)

I have no dog in this race. People can and should choose whatever solution works for them: diet and exercise, vsg, RnY, lap band...whatever. However, there are huge differences in the metabolic advantages provided by vsg and RnY. Here is one of many studies:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3410227/ And....even though vsg and RnY have huge metabolic advantages...still doesn't mean either are right for everyone. Make your choice and then empower that choice.

I'm not gonna bore you with a long tale of woe. Just this: run!

Have you gone onto the NJ state site that has info on his malpractice suits? I was once referred to a "well respected" local doctor and on a whim I looked her up on the California medical board site. I found that she had been sanctioned by the state. In California the full licensing board report is available... and I was appalled by her. She had a history of making the same egregious mistakes in surgery....The more I read the more convinced I was that she was bad news and that I had dodged a bullet. The very last report was a recommendation that her license be revoked. I'm hoping for your peace of mind you can find out more about his record from the state. Best of Luck!

Thanks for your insight. I am postponing by about 4 weeks - I'm terrified of having a poor recovery so while I am disappointed, I am relieved to have the support of my medical team in pushing out the date.

I love acupuncture - my body has always responded well to it - so I don't think it's strange at all that your friend found relief. I did do a couple of treatments for shingles and it helped... but because of child care issues I could not go very often. I've postponed my surgery until Sept 22 now and my plan is to use acupuncture in preparation for surgery and post-op to help healing. Thanks!

How are you doing now? I've been thinking about you and Mistletoes....crossing fingers.....

How are you doing? Been thinking about you and keeping all fingers and toes crossed....

Linda - what a drag - I'm so sorry you had shingles at all - much less so soon after WLS. I know from your other posts that you are thrilled with your new stomach and life so I'm happy to know it didn't slow you down for too long! I am 47 so I am not yet eligible for the vaccine - although I'm going to see if I can get it anyway after I'm fully recovered. This damn virus stole 2 months of my summer when I'm home with my kids. We still had a good time...lots of narcotic pain meds got me through....but still. Best to you!

Thanks for your support. I am postponing for a month. I'm so sorry you and others who have posted have had to go through shingles. I had no idea... My pain is much better now but I'm definitely not up to major surgery and a major recovery. I figure that pushing this out a month is a small amount of time given a lifetime of obesity. I want to be set-up for the best possible recovery. These things have a way of domino-ing and my worst nightmare is aBad recovery or complications because I rushed it. It is disappointing ... I've got a lot of other plans that have to get pushed out as well...but I know it's for the best.

In response to a post above: I had three rashes... Very unusual case, apparently. The first did blister. The second 2 did not. When it started I had terrible back pain into mid-back. After a few days of that it wrapped around my left side and under my left breast. Terrible pain. The rash itched like crazy but I thought the first one was bug bites. Then the pain under my breast started radiating into it. That was how it started 2 months ago!! It's been a long two months since. To All: I'm still fatigued from two months of fighting Shingles so I am choosing to delay my surgery by 3 to 4 weeks. I'm sad but also relieved. I'm just not up to it yet. Thanks for your support!

What's the green zone?

. This is very moving to me. I was a huge runner...back in the day. I would run 13 hill miles before Breakfast. I loved it. Running has always been meditative for me and a way to put myself back together. I am going to post a big sign in my room that says: I am a runner. Thanks for sharing your journey and inspiration. You made a difference to me tonight. Rock on! PD

I love you more every time I read one of your posts! Hooray for RJ!

Finally; compassion.

Hi. When I signed up here I didn't get that my user name would show up everywhere. It's my first forum and I'm a bit of a dinosaur. I've realized that my user name makes me somewhat identifiable and I'd like to change it. Is that possible? Thanks!

Thanks! You are awesome.

I like your thinking on this one!

I've considered getting a medical card for back pain....does it always give you the munchies? What if you just do a little? I'm worried about back pain post vgs since I live on Aleve now (and I'm so hoping my pain goes down after weight loss!)

I don't have any advice. Just sending you a virtual hug. Actually, the one thing that comes to mind is a suggestion to give acupuncture a try in addition to whatever you are doing with your surgical team. I've found relief over the years from many ailments, especially those that don't seem to have a cause the doctors can find. Just a thought. As for hoping they find something - that makes total sense to me! Get well friend!

I'm sure you are productive! I've always been pretty square, and just the other day I found out just how square. Turns out I am one of the only moms in my group that doesn't have a medical card (I'm in Ca) And believe me, these women are way responsible and productive. Good to know its possible to have the equivalent of one drink!

I had no idea a c-section could cause that much scarring. I had a section 7 years ago with twins so it's a little wider than most And I have lots of tenderness 7 years out. I've always assumed it was adhesions from the surgery. My surgeon is very experienced so I hope he has seen everything.... I'm gonna talk to him about it further at my pro-op in a couple of weeks. Thanks for sharing your story, otherwise I would have had no idea to talk to him about it. I'm sure I've got scar tissue considering how tender I am.... Please keep us posted about how your healing with the leak goes...sounds like you have a great surgeon and I'm sure you will heal. Please keep us posted! shellie

Am I reading you correctly, your vgs surgery was 5 ½ hours? Why did it take so long? My understanding is that the surgery is around an hour. Did yiu have surgery in the US? I am so sorry you are having to go through this. From what I've read teaks do heal in time...keep us updated!

I think he was insane. What's truly odd is that he could also be a very though and impeccable doctor. Regardless, I never stepped foot in his office again and neither did my husband.