Bethanne63

I just want to say Congrats! You keep up the great progress!

Sent from my QTAIR7 using the BariatricPal App

Medications...YES!!!... I have been a chronic pain patient most all of my adult life. I am now in my 50's. As a child I had Scoliosis, deformed spine and a spinal degeneration that our family's Dr. just told my mother to not worry about it, I would most likely outgrow it before I get out of High School. Well, that was not the case. It only got worse. However, I married my soulmate at 23 and had my first of 30+ surgeries to fix what should have been done as a child. 30 years later I finally found a Trauma Surgeon willing to tackle my case. I spent so much of my life in pain, bedridden, in a wheelchair and going to Pain Clinics for the past 2 decades. This is no quality of life for anyone. Because of my health, I can honestly say I have been on more meds than I could have ever imagined a single person in their lifetime to ever take. My problem was that my body had been on so many meds for years that I was unsure if I was even benefitting from them anymore. (Turns out, I can't tell a difference so I know it was the right decision.) It started when my husband found the magnificent Trauma surgeon who eventually gave back to me something I was never born with. He built me a spine with an "S" Curve. The spine I was born with was not only twisted but was flat and crushing nearly every nerves along its length. That was step one. Step two was physical therapy, and finally step three... Med Reduction. I had the Gastric Sleeve because I needed to reduce the amount of meds my body was taking in each day. Because if something didn't change soon, my kidneys would be failing and then that would be it. I figured if Diabetics would be able to possibly stop taking their insulin...well then maybe I could stop taking some of the meds I've been on for years. I've talked to many DR's about it for over 3 years. I did a lot of research, found people with the right answers and was lucky enough to get the team of Dr's. that were 100% behind me in helping me achieve my goal. This last Dr informed me he has had several patients, who were on meds, who eventually reduce substantially or even stop them pills completely. That's all I needed to hear. I started my journey to have The Sleeve and now being 3 months post, I have stopped taking my Gabapentin (2700mg day) Cymbalta and a few other numerous meds. I am clearer in my thoughts, brighter in my eyes and more aware that my Kidneys are no longer in danger. I was Stage 3 Kidney Disease for over a year....no more. My numbers are almost back to normal. So YES it can help reduce your Meds...I am proof it happens. Sent from my QTAIR7 using the BariatricPal App