Dutchgrl59

Prayers going out: Kat: Peace and comfort for Rick as he undergo's surgery and that his heart would be completely healed and return to normal function. And for Kat and her band that the acid disappears and that she remain in good health. Kinsey and her fracture. How do you tie down a moving object. Hugs Mandy: Rest and healing from your surgery. I want to tell you all about the new submarine voyage at Disneyland.... I went opening day! As for me.... I just typed up an appeal letter for insurance. They denied my $400 EKG for my surgery. They say I wasn't covered! I really need this to fly thru -- it's causing stress. And then there is work. I spoke with a union rep for my school district and I will be meeting with him thursday to discuss disipline and my unsatisfactory work conditions. They say I did something -- but I didn't. It's all rather ugly. Me and my band seem to be getting along... tomorrow is 1 month! Yeah!

Dianne: I know you are on your way to your families house, and yes I will pray for all your needs during this time. I am truly sorry this had to happen, so totally confusing. Hugs,

Morning, I don't want to burden everyone, but life here is not good. I have trouble at work, my insurance won't pay for my pre-op stuff and those bills are here, the ex owes me lots of back cash and did I mention the wage garnishments(they just took the 2nd one) the fun never quits. I am just exhausted from having to fight for everything. I will be post-op one month June 14, so all this and I am not 100% yet. Sorry to be such a drag. I'm getting dressed, heading for the thriftstore in search of a paperback. Then home for a blockbuster movie. Still on mushies but won't get on the scale until next week. My undies don't fit. My summer plans include a 4 night stay at the Raddison hotel, a repeat of last years vacation, but I added a night. The kids are very excited. Also received our membership to the Long Beach Aquarium, so when our house gets too hot, we can go hang out there! OK, I feel better. Bye.

Hey you Guys! I was just catching up on posts and I'm here crying for Cindy and how Kat and Mandy rallyed around her when she needed someone. The women here are just fantastic and I feel blessed to be among such strong and wonderful friends. Cindy: I have no special words for what you are going through. I will pray that it's resolution is quick and your heart be protected. I want to hug you SO bad, I am hurt and upset that this had to happen to you, my dear. Do you have something more fun planned this summer? Tell me! Kat:Your story was the most incredible event I have ever laid eyes on! I swear you were making it up..... but I know you didn't. Your telling off your relatives and holding back the pictures was brilliant. You were right, and they were wrong and secrets and lies will be revealed and the good guys don't finish last. You amaze me! OK I finally went to work -- ugh. I don't want to fill the page with drama but I had some.... My manager thought I should have started work on Tuesday and called my home. Uhhhh, I had a post-op appt and didn't know when I was going to return. I could tell she was upset. She then said that I was supposed to tell the district office when my leave began and when I was to return, except I never gave them a return date. I called personnel and cleared it up by producing a docter note and a return date -- Friday! When I got to work, a cool reception. I had scads of paperwork to clean up and just a handful of ordinary cuts and scrapes to care for. After lunch a teacher came up to me and in the middle of the office announces that she had the same surgery too! I quickly pull her into my office and ask "who told you I had that surgery"! She says, My daughter robin. I must have looked puzzled? Robin?? I don't know a robin. OH, she says, you must have told someone? OK, I have not told anyone in my school district about my WLS and this teacher is assuming I had bypass. After I put 2 and 2 together here is what transpired. 1. My best friend Lynne told the health aid Maggie at her school about me. 2. Maggie then told her best friend Robin the health aid at Clegg school. 3. Robin then told her Mom Joan who is a teacher at my school Hayden 4. Who shouted it out in my office! AND I DON'T WANT ANYONE TO KNOW :( The rumor mill is alive and well here in Southern California. Now, what do I do??? I hate being watched by people and defending my choices. I hate, hate, hate, hate whats happened. I want to die.

Morning All, I have all the kids back -- yeah! I got them up and fed and off to school! Now my Mom and I are off to the dr's so that I can go to the nutrician class. Mushies has been wonderful, I ate mashed potatoes last night and they were delicious! I need more ideas for lunch since I start back to work tomorrow. Lets talk later...... bye!

Post-Op day 16. I went for my 2 week appointment and have lost 13lbs! I spoke briefly with the dietician and she said I could do mushies. I have eaten refried beans and dinner last night was 1/2 cup of cottage cheese with pureed peaches - yummy. Tomorrow I attend a nutrician class. Incisions are looking good and I will be going back to work on Friday and I will be getting my kids back home tonight. On Monday(Memorial day) I took the kids to Disneyland and used the stroller to lean on but got tired quickly. I went on one slow ride and covered my port in case the vehicle moved to fast. It was really great to be out and with my children and doing what we normally do. I was SO happy to be in the magic kingdom I cried a little bit, mostly because a few months ago it was getting difficult to walk long distances and with my band I am feeling so much better. Everyone here seems to be doing fabulous -- keep up the great work!

Kat: Loved your stories..... you made me laugh and that makes my port hurt -- luv ya! Thanks for the birthday wishes WE had a great time at Disneyland, but unfortunately the twins friend Andy didn't get to go with us. During the high school evcauation when they were getting kids out of the rooms, many of the kids were told to just head for the field -- they were to take nothing. Dear sweet Andy following orders left his backpack in his room..... well his Mom was REALLY REALLY ANGRY and his punishment was that we couldn't take him to Disneyland . After we got the sad news we still headed to the park and did whatever the boys wanted. We have a new ride opening in 2 weeks and hoped that they were letting guests test the attraction before the official opening -- no such luck! But I got out my camera and took some really nice photos of our re-surfaced Submarine ride, it's truely magnificent! As we walked around I started to get a bit dizzy, it's the longest that I have tried to walk and I forgot my protein powder at home but I took frequent breaks and drank alot. We then took a raft over to Tom Sawyers island that has been changed into Pirates Lair where we ran into Captain Jack Sparrow..... OK, not the real one but a really cute actor who does a fabulous acting job! The island has all kinds of hands on pirate stuff and a dark scary cave with skeletons and other special effects -- very fun! By the days end, the boys Dad met us and I hugged and kissed them bye.... I went home happy and tired and went to bed. TODAY was my Post-op appointment. A bit curious about what the scale says, but more interested in starting mushies. OK, I lost 13lbs in 15days! Pretty cool! Then I came home and ate cottage cheese with puree of peaches -- didn't finish my half cup . I'll be on mushies for 2+ weeks and then on to regular diet. Sherry: I am now dreaming of those chicken enchiladas -- yummmy! Things are finally moving in the right direction and I am cleared for work for this Friday. Oh, and my Mom is visiting with me this week and that makes me extremely happy. She will help me as I try to juggle getting kids to school and me to work the first day -- I just love her! Gotta sleep now -- bye!

Morning all! Where is everybody??? Now that the shock & awe of the high school evacuation is behind us we have a BIRTHDAY to celebrate. My twins turn 15 on Saturday!!! And guess what..... they don't really want anything! Well, I won't let the day go by without something so I think I will taking all the kids to a matinee to go see Pirates 3 and maybe lunch out. The children aren't home with me yet but this gives Dan a chance to breath for a few hours. He's been watching the kids for 2 weeks now. The other thing the boys and I have been discussing was to invite the boys friend Andy with us on a day trip to Disneyland. I am only concerned that Andy's strict vietnamese family won't allow him the time to go out. Poor Andy spends most of his time on the weekends studying. Lets pray that Andy gets to go and all the kids have the time of their lives! OK, I have got to get dressed, and go gift shopping. Everyday I seem stronger and get more done. Com'on everybody.... where ya hiding??

Mandy: I am so worried about your surgery. I hope your doctor has some positive info for you tomorrow. And I think about Abi all the time. Good thinking about taking your own car to the field trip. Lewis has his trip the following day to a nature center. His cardiology appointment that I made 1year ago was on the date of this field trip and since this is ALL that he talks about I broke down rescheduled his dr visit so that he could go with his classmates -- whats a Mom to do? OH, and just a word about having the twins home to help me..... not always the best thing. Both boys have Aspergers and just simple commands take extra, extra explaining and that just exhausts me further (thats without my new incisions). Tasking for the boys is a huge problem, which is why my Channing never turns in his homework. He will finish all but 1 problem but since it isn't done he won't turn it in. Flunking 2 classes. But since I am on medical leave that will just have to wait. I am truely the center of their world but I am FINALLY taking some time for myself. I will not rush my recovery. OHHHH, I forget to tell you all yesterdays fiasco...... The High school here got EVACUTATED FROM A BOMB THREAT. I was So totally emotional, I felt like I was in a movie. My Ex called me to tell me that the twins had called and asked to be picked up from this evacuation. At that point no one had any information. I then turned on the TV and there was a breaking story about a 14year old with a backpack and hostages. Hours later, they arrested the kid and there were NO explosives. The school did the right thing by clearing the school and we all were nervous wrecks for the rest of the afternoon. When Dan drove up with the boys, they ran from the car into my arms. What relief. I recorded the news report and they wanted to see it. I gave everyone lunch and we just relaxed. A happy ending on post-op day 9.

Melissa: You went bathing suit shopping :faint: Oh Nooooo! Girl, lets go get a pedicure/massage. You need to be pampered. But I agree with the other gal, keep the suits that you like but give yourself some time. Hey, Sarah Jessica Parker just came out with a new clothing line called: Bitten in sizes 2-22 and all under 14.95! The clothes will be out on June 7th -- com'on let go shopping -- by then my swelling tummy will be down. Wenjea: Thanks for the pat on the back :biggrin1: I will be seeing the kids this afternoon -- a hug makes me 100% better. Something healing in a childs hug. After the holiday I'm gonna ask to bring the children home. Mischievous1: Thanks for the warm thoughts. ..... That line about pregnancy had me rolling on the floor! You're such a clever girl! When I get up in the morning my band is tight, but I am very thirsty. So I either have gatorade or coffee but my shakes begin at 11 or 12. So, since I am feeling rather good, I will take my own advice and go get a sporty pedicure. I will paint my toes a summer color and ask for an extra leg massage. A week ago I wasn't ready to venture out, but today is the day. Bye, now!

SillyWillyMommy:Thanks for the Mom encouragement. I have 3 sons with Aspergers Syndrome a very confusing disability. Learning for my kids takes 10X longer than those without the disorder. Let me illustrate: most Moms just say...... go brush your teeth. For me it would be 1. go to the bathroom 2. turn on the light 3. get your toothbrush 4. turn on the water 5. wet your toothbrush 6. turn off the water 7. brush your teeth top and bottom. 8 turn on the water 9 rinse your mouth 10 rinse your toothbrush 11 turn off the water 12 put away your toothbrush 13 turn out the light 14 come back here. My situation is overwhelming at times. But I want to tell you that I have GREAT kids and every year we learn to overcome some major difficulites and rejoice in our accomplishments. Last year we took our first ever VACATION and I don't have the words to explain how wonderful that was! Mischievous1: Muhammed Ali has several daughters. The gal on Dancing with the Stars is his youngest Laila. The gal who wrote this book is a bit older and WOW she had done great with the band. Makes me be a proud owner of one! I hope that helps.

Good Morning! Chris:Who is that beautiful lady? You took my breath away! Thank you gals for supporting me, this first week had it's moments. The children came to visit me yesterday and my big 14 year old actually cuddled with me, something he hasn't done in ages. They are desparately in need of a soft place. But I can't take them home just yet. Last night I went from my first grocery shopping trip and by the time I got to check-out my incisions felt "hot". When I got to the car I called my girlfriend and asked if she would meet me back home and unload -- it was one task I knew would send me over. I promised myself I would not push and taking on the kids at this time would be recipe for disaster. My Mom called last night and she arrived home from Hawaii. She sounded real tired but glad to be home. I worry for her every since her heart bypass and sometimes I think she does too much. I feel better knowing she's here in california. Mom wants to come see me next week and I think she will be arriving on the day of my post-op. It's also the day that Garrett go's off to science camp so I will be plenty emotional and will want to tell her all about waving bye to the yellow bus. Well, my big plans today is to get a pedicure and take a nap. Com'on girls..... check in! :guess

Hungry and depressed. I was completely alone yesterday and so I called the kids, it was 11am. Taylor answered the phone and told me his dad and trish went house hunting at 9am in Perris which is an hours drive away. The kids sounded OK but I was upset that Dan would do something this thoughtless. I called back at 1pm and the kids were still alone and they had not eaten lunch. By this time 4hrs have passed and I was getting real mad. I got Taylor & Channing involved with lunch making by giving them instructions ie; someone get drinks and the other one prepare the microwave food. As soon as I knew they were eating I hung up. What idiot leaves 4 kids with disabilities alone for 5+ hours! The boys told me that a toliet overflowed and they didn't know what to do -- what was Dan gonna do in a real emergency? Yes, I leave the boys to get my hair done but I am no more than 5minutes away and my girlfriend lives on the property. This is exactly why I have a hard time leaving the kids and why the delay in surgery was never a real issue. How can I recover knowing that my children aren't being cared for. I am one week out and should I take the kids back even though I can't bend over, cook meal or drive??? I just want to report the bastard. Maybe losing complete custody might rattle his cage! I am venting, lonely and depressed. I miss the children and am sick over it. Need to have a good cry.

What a difference a Week makes! I too was banded on 5/14 and after reading posts we are all doing the same thing. Hungry, less pain and slight cases of depression. I was completely ALONE this weekend. No visitors or any one to take me for even the shortest drive. Sooo, I got in the car, drove to the store bought some soup and was exhausted when I got home. Since I am trying to wean myself off pain meds I didn't dose before bed (Sat nite) and didn't sleep as well.... which makes me MORE tired and I take a couple of steps back -- vicious cycle! Last night, after fighting the hungries ALL day I finally take Loratab and slept until 9am today. I feel better. Part of depression is my stupid ex-husband. Yesterday at 11am I phoned the boys and discovered that on Sunday at 9am, my ex and the wife left all 4 boys to go house hunting in another city an hours drive away! When I phoned they had been alone 2 hrs. I phoned back at 1pm and the adults were still gone! I urged the kids to make lunch and maybe play a game, they told me the toliet overflowed and they didn't know what to do. This is EXACTLY what I feared would happen if I took some time for myself and now I don't know what to do. Take the kids back and hinder my recovery or report the bastard for neglecting the children. Sorry, the need to vent apparently strong. Yes, I am feeling much better but to care for the 4 boys and not being able to wash, clean, cook and pick up is overwhelming! Hey, thanks for listening.

Margaret, Thanks for managing our MAY calendar. Sending up a prayer for you...... but I know you will do great. I am on day 6 Post-op and am constantly hungry..... liquids stage is very challenging. Need clear soup recipes, any advice?

Hello Friends, Day 5 Post-Op. Very lonely. My Mom is is Hawaii and all my other friends are at Disneyland for the World Premiere of Pirates of the Carribean: At Worlds End. I went to the last 2 Premieres and kinda feel left out of all the festivities. A day without Johnny Depp is like a day without sunshine.....OK that was kinda sappy, but it was fun to type! Anyway, I having been trying to keep busy today, I washed my hair, tried to take a nap and then decided to make homemade French Onion Soup.... anything to keep the hunger at bay. I watched "wedding crashers" and later will be watching "dejaVu". Last night I finally "learned" to sleep on my left side(I think thats where my port is" and I got a good 5 hours in, which has made a world of difference in how I feel. Thank you all with all your suggestions and tips. I know I'm not really alone..... just missing the children and girlfriend (she went out of town yesterday). Pat: Was that you really posting!! I have missed you EVER SO much. So glad to have you visit! Eileenie: Thanks for being a mother hen.... I lifted a few groceries and felt very tired -- but OK. I will behave. Super glad that you house is OK. Sherry:Plateau from Hell? Down, bessie..... you've had alot on you plate, but if its encouragement you need then, go get that fill! :guess Cindy:Your friends funeral must have been very difficult for you...sad. Glad that you had plans for the graduation tea today. Eat something for me! OK... it off the have more jello, popcicles and protein shakes. Bye!

Hello May-folk, I am on post op day 4 and the most challanging thing is finding a comfortable sleeping place. I don't own a recliner, so without that option I have been rolling up quilts and sleeping on the side of the couch with lots of pillow to support my incisions. About every 3 hours I need to move. Because my head isn't kind of elevated my shoulders have been hurting alot, and thats where that heating pad comes in handy as well as the ice pack. It really does get better day by day. Today is also the first day that my incisions are starting to ITCH. I guess I'm on the mend. How is everybody else doing that had surgery this week?

Halllooooo Eileenie......I've missed you sooooo! Yesterday I finally got really hungry. The protein shakes are getting too sweet for me, so I read all the stuff on the liquid stage thread -- no real answers there either. I'm supposed to be on liquid for 2 weeks (low fat, low sugar). Last night I made egg drop soup and that made me feel better. I want to water down a commercial soup but don't know if that is allowed. I finally feel well enough for a short trip to the grocery store, maybe later. My list doesn't say anything about cream soups, though I am allowed skim milk. I didn't realize there are SO many ways to post op diets. Some drs say clear liquids, then shakes, then mushies and then I've read 1, 2 or 4 weeks for the liquid phase. Mind boggling. I've never desired taco bell as much as I do now! I think I'm gonna phone the nutritionist for ideas.

Kat: This procedure you describe, sounds amazing. Do you have a date for this? I just really want Ricks heart to work better. Thanks for the encouragement. Wow, I am doing so much better! I got up at 8:30 this morning with just a bit of soreness. I want to imagine a painfree day.... not yet. I am not hungry but I'm thinking of adding a bit of protein to a carnation instant breakfast. I talked to Taylor yesterday and all the boys are going to visit me this afternoon. VERY EXCITED!!!!! :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: I even want to bake brownies for them. Don't worry, I won't be tempted, remember..... Me No like chocolate! Just happy!

Hey, it's me again, Whew! Feeling much better cause I figured out how I could take loratab. I dilute it in a small juice glass and sip it, after I drink alittle shake to coat my stomache. I finally had a whole nights sleep! Walking is much better too! I feel well enough to be able to mix up some jello and watching a movie later. Before I didn't feel well enough to concentrate that long. Still have a tiny bit of left shoulder pain, but rocking chair and heat pad does the trick. Tomorrow I want to see the kids, will call to invite them over. Everything is ducky

I had my surgery on Monday May 14, I hit a rough patch but doing much better today on day 3. I was really affected by the anesthesia, it made me dizzy and bad nausea. They gave me shots in my IV of Zofran and it did nothing. Everytime they got me to sit up I dry heaved. Finally I got Phenegran in my arm and that did the trick. I got up, walked to the nurses station, I peed, and drank the required water. I was discharged at 10:30 at night! I was there from 8am -- at least they didn't charge me extra. Once I got home I made a shake and tried to down a liquid tylenol but couldn't stand the taste. I was afraid to take the loratab because I have such a sensitive stomache and the nausea a recent reminder. I went to bed at 11:30 and got up at 1am, 3:30 and 6:30. The fluid from the IV was making me pee. My whole midsection very sore, rolling over in bed very painful. Sleeping sitting up made my neck hurt and the gas was lodged in my left shoulder. The doctor told me that they repaired a hernia above my diaphram -- I forgot to thank her. Yesterday was my most painful. Taking cat naps wherever I was comfortable. Putting a pillow over my tummy and adding slight pressure felt good and ice behind my neck helped also. By late yesterday I discovered that 3 teaspoons of liquid tylenol in a small juice glass dilutes the meds and I could sip that. Later at bedtime I did that with the loratab. I first had a few sips of my shake, then the watered down loratab. No stomach upset and I slept the whole night. Walking this morning has been "almost" pain free! AS everyone says, each day does get better. I'm still in my nightgown, maybe tomorrow I will get the sweats on and can have visitors -- I want to see my children. Thats my story. Best wishes for Wednesday and Thursday. Hugs,

Well, I did it.... I have my band! It has been a long and painful journey. I was really really affected by the anesthesia and had the dry heaves as the nurses kept pushing me to stand and walk. That was at 3pm. I was visited by the assistant dr and she told me that they repaired a hernia above my diaphram. I stopped using the pain meds at 7pm cause it was making me dizzy. Right now I feel everything in my stomach. I finally got up and walked in the hospital and drank some water and used the bathroom. They discharged me at 10pm. I was in bed at home by 11:30. My girlfriend had to leave but that was OK. I was up at 1am, 3pm and again 6:30 having to pee alot. I mostly hurt in my left shoulder from the gas and it has moved to the back of my neck. If that would go away I wouldn't be so uncomfortable. Using my heat pad and trying to drink some tylenol.... but I don't like how it tastes. I gotta sleep now, hugs to all my prayer partners, looks like summer will be wonderful:D

Morning, I leave in 10 minutes..... surgery at 10:30. Good luck Paulette, we are an hour apart. See, ya in bandland!

Well, this is it...... SURGERY DAY! I got up before the alarm, took my blood pressure pill and then showered with a surgical scrub(yucky smell) all over my stomach. My bag is packed and now I'm posting so I don't think about wanting to drink, I'm not hungry. Just praying that I don't get the nausea and I trust dr kelvin on his promise to make sure that doesn't happen. Thinking happy thoughts, I will write again when I have arrived in BandLand. HUGS,

Happy Mothers Day :guess I just got home from Universal Studios -- Heart Camp was GREAT! Since we attended last year, I knew exactly what to do this year. Park car, pick up packet, get lanyards for each boy, get camp t-shirts for every boy, find the camp leader and get them assigned a tour group, kiss them all goodbye and breathe! I learned some really cool stuff this year, it's called a MEDICAL PASSPORT. Looks just like a blue passport but contains medical information for emergencies. Better than just wearing a bracelet. Then the speaker shows us a flashdrive and says, "this is the wave of the future" Kaiser is going all electronic and with a flashdrive ALL medical information can be stored on your keychain! Surgery notes, doctor visits, xrays, cat scans, ekg results and echocardiograms and current medications/dosages. My jaw just dropped! The doctor then said to us, that we were all getting a free flashdrive in our goodie bags! The lady next to me said "I feel like I'm on the Oprah show"! Sooooo, I just wanted to pass that along because that tiny flashdrive could be used for hundreds of other purposes, like certificates and diplomas or research projects or drawings for employers -- the list could go on! I felt so priviledged to have attended yesterday. The boys and I stayed the night at the Hilton, courtesy of my MOM. I was very grateful that I didn't have to drive in evening traffic. And when we got home the boys had homemade cards for me. Taylor has packed a suitcase and they are just playing with legos right now, I a few hours they will be leaving with their Dad. I kinda don't know how thats gonna feel . I was told on Friday that my time at the hospital tomorrow is 8:30am arrival with a 10:30 go time. I will post as soon as I can, and I will tell my girlfriend how to post to let you know that I came home. You are the ONLY reason that makes me believe that I can do this. And without support I would have given up long ago. Heart Hugs, PS I will try to post again when I get up tomorrow.