Mrs. Bubba

Morning..... I have a morning off as I took baby to the sitter for a few hours.. Needed some time to myself to catch up... Took her at 8:30, came home and sat in the hot-tub..... have now just finished coloring my hair and having a nice shower..... It's good to relax a bit... 1Day, OMG, I'm so glad you got this thing early on... A ruptured cyst on my spleen is what they think did the number on me that almost killed me.... I don't know if I'll ever just wait for a pain to subside again.... Apples. emjoy your time away with DH.... Could go for some of that myself....... Peas...... I'm with Janet, I think it's an age thing... And some days I feel young and some I feel old!!! Hope all are well.......gotta go relax some more!!!! Julie

Welcome Home, Long, and Happy Birthday...... Glad you had such a good trip... It must be great to be able to do all that walking... We have a trip to the east coast planned for October and that's what I'm worried about, especially with my recent medical episode and being so weak still... But I'm working on it... Off to water aerobics soon... I'm still staying in my doctors guidelines for not "dieting", but am really ready to go totally back to my "band" way of eating.. Two weeks until I can start my fills again, so I'm going to try to get back to my old routines... No more bread!!!!! That's my weakness.... So eggs and cottage cheese for breakfast!!! Then swimming and then my little one comes. We start our new schedule today... But I'm thinking I'm ready for it..... Just have to do it smart! She's very energetic, but kind of used to me being a "sit-down" grandma.... I was ready for outside walking and such in March, but the weather didn't cooperate.. then I got sick..... Now I'm going to have to work up to the outside stuff with her.... I do have a harness if need be.. That way she can't get away from me.... Well, better go get ready for my class...... Hope all had a great weekend and are refreshed and ready to tackle a new week.... Julie

Morning..... It's a fresh 26 degrees here this morning.. Would appreciate that more if it were March instead of May!!! But we are to be on a warming trend now, so 63 for a high today and 75 for tomorrow.. This I can handle!!! I went to water aerobics yesterday.. Took it very easy and did quite well... Was able to pull myself up and out, but I can feel the strain in my left side this morning.. Will go very easy on myself today... Otherwise I seem to be holding at 293-294 as the doctor asked... Can't wait till June 1st when I can get my band going again.. I feel myself slipping into that lazy stage of eating whatever I want... Don't want to go there again... Janet, I used to sleep like you said you are.... We finally had to get a new mattress and that has really helped.... Of course some of that waking up I think is just from the age we are...... I know there are two different views on weighing often.. Janet believes strongly in once a week... I, on the other hand, like to weigh almost daily... I was talking to my nurse at an appointment recently about just that.. She asked if I journal my food intake..... I don't...... I hate doing that and I really just know how much I'm getting without doing it... But the weighing is my way of being aware.. I keep in mind that the body fluctuates with many variables, but this keeps me on track much better than journaling.. I guess we each have to find what works for us and keep doing it... "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!!!", my dad would always say.. So, I weigh most mornings, naked, before eating and after a BM..... Works for me...... Did laundry yesterday, but need to go put all the clothes away now and straighten up my basement.. Will work slow so as not to strain anymore... I have lots of planning to do, too.... got put in charge of a Memorial Day program at church next Sunday, and organizing a supper our church will serve to 150 in June, and organizing a homemade ice cream and pie social that will be at my house in June during our town's annual celebration... I told them I can organize but I can't do much of the manual labor this year... Everyone agreed, so I've got lots of thinking to do... You all have a great weekend... Julie

Hi all, been busy so have just read all the posts to get caught up... Glad most had a good weekend... Apples, I'm familiar with that lonesome feeling.... It's manageable, but it still leaves one feeling a bit blue... I'm positive you are very appreciated by your family as much as you do for them all the time.... Farming is quite a life.......most who haven't done it don't understand that.... I do....... Well, daycare is going okay... I try very hard not to lift or pull on her... Difficult sometimes as she is a very active 2 year old with lots of mischevious ideas... She hates a wet or soiled diaper, but still won't get interested in the potty chair.... So, she pulls her diaper off when she doesn't like it..... Can get "hairy" sometimes..... She just turned 2 a couple weeks ago and it's early, but I'm very ready for her to catch on to things... Took her to a sitter yesterday as I had to take Mother to Bismarck for dr appts.... All went well.. Today is last day of sitting this week and then DD starts her new regular schedule next week... Then we can get a routine going... She will be working 12 hour nights............ leave at 5:00 pm.. home again at 6:30 am...... That includes the 40 minute drive... So will have to get used to her sleeping here overnight... We'll figure it out... I got permission to start filling again June 1st.... Just got an appointment for that day... Hope they do a rather good first one!!!! I don't like this being empty... It's so easy to do the wrong things... I love bread and I can eat any of it right now... Try not to, but have been weak over the weekend.... I cooked dinner Sunday and have too many good leftovers.... Will rid the frigde of nasties today...... Anyway, I'm anxious to get that security blanket back in place after my ordeal.... Well, DH has the day off due to storm and rain last night... Better go see what he has up his sleeve for the day.. Baby just finished Elmo and wants my attention. You all have a good day... Julie

Hi everyone, hope you all had a nice, restful Mother's Day. We went to church and then I made dinner for my mother, daughter, granddaughter, brother and his 2 daughters and 1 baby granddaughter... That was only 9 with the 2 little ones... Grilled steaks, baked chicken, lots of veggies and salad..... Homemade angel food cake with berries and whipped topping for dessert... I tried to make it more heart healthy for my brother... Everyone was happy... I, of course, did something dumb and tried to eat chicken breast and it stuck and hurt for a while but didn't come up.... I settled on the salad and veggies after that.... My back was really hurting when I finished the meal, but then I just sat and rested most of the day.... Managed to get my kitchen back in order..... Today I'm back with my little one... Had to stay the night at DD's as she had to leave for work at 5:00 am... Baby got up at 7:30 and then got her ready and brought her to my house... She's napping now and we have been doing okay.. I'm being smarter now and don't try to man-handle her.. I make her come to me... This is working better and I think I am a little stronger now, too... Don't have much more to do today with all the leftovers in the fridge.... Joann, glad you are home safe..... I hate those overseas flights..... I can never sleep either.... Now you are home you can rest up and settle back into your life.... congrats on doing so well while gone... Laura, take a breath and re-group... things will come back to normal.... Welcome to the new ones again... I understand the "lurking"... I did it quite a while, too... Glad you'll be joining us.... Well, better go do something while Mimi's still sleeping.. I have a meeting here at 6:00... Should get things in order and make a little list or two.... Take care......... Julie

Morning to all, Phyl, sorry to hear about your knees.... My mother has suffered with that pain and it's difficult.... Maybe because of the referal from your doc, you can get the PS done on your legs covered by insurance for medical need.... Wouldn't that be nice!!!! Good luck with your appointments... LVJ, I hear you about the pain not subsiding after losing weight... I have a lower back problem and it hasn't gotten better even after 95 pounds.... Chiropractor says it will take time for my body to adjust to the change in weight.... You would think it wouldn't take that long to feel the difference... I guess we have to keep hoping it will change... Gloomy, rainy day here today... Think I might try to do some cooking and baking today... I can sit through part of that... Am feeling a little better everyday.... Did lose a pound, and although that makes me happy, my doc might not agree just yet... I'm choosing to think it's okay... As long as I don't lose too much too fast I should be fine until my waiting period is over and I have my strength back again... Happy Mother's day to everyone.. Hope you have a nice weekend... I'm going to fix an easy dinner for Mother, DD, GD and brother and his daughter... Heart healthy meal plan..... DD will help me.... Anyway, enjoy ladies.... Talk to you all later.... Julie

Morning gals, DH and I had a nice anniversary supper last night.. I did well, with protein and just a few carbs... and a lemonade.... at Applebees...... Shared a little shooter dessert, too.... Strawberry cheesecake....... it was good, had two bites, and don't feel guilty at all... It was a nice treat.... Went shopping a little after and found the tanks I was hoping for.. So it was a good night... I seemed to sleep pretty well last night.... better than some night.. Stayed in bed until almost 4:00.... so, I'm rested today and should be able to get a few things done... May try to walk around the block.... YaH!!!!! 1 Day, sounds like you need to give yourself a break..... Relax and try not to let things get to you so much... This is coming from someone who has been there... It just does no good and hurts you.... I did it for years but have mellowed in my old age I guess... Wish I would have done it years ago... Things will get better.. A little time and a lotta prayers!!!! Janet, have fun with your kids..... So good to have them come.... Wouldn't want it the other way. I have 2 steps who never come.... We only see or talk to them if I make the effort or they need something.... Even DH doesn't try.... Sad, but true.... So we concentrate on the daughter we do have who wants to be part of our lives.... and our little Mimi!! Well, should go get dressed and start my day... I seem to get a little stronger every day, but still feel so whipped after any little effort... Yesterday I made the mistake of getting on the floor to clean out a corner cupboard and nearly didn't make it back up by myself.... Just still so weak..... So, no floor jobs today!! Everyone have a good day.... Oh, and welcome to all you new people.... this is a good place to be.. Julie

Morning............. We have another nice day scheduled, except the wind is supposed to blow 40 mph.....ugh!!! It's our anniversary today so we are going to Bismarck to supper tonight.... Have to settle on a good place to eat..... Kidder..... sorry you are having such a tough time.. Have you tried going back to the basics? The after surgery routine your doc gave you.... Many refer to the "5 day pouch test"... You can google it if you aren't familiar... Getting off track and trying to get back on it so hard to do... It's like falling off a diet!!! See your doc and confide your feelings and let him help you find your way... And stick around this site.... It's such a good place for support of all kinds.... Take it easy on yourself.... You'll make it.... I'm missing my baby, but this is good not having to wrestle with her for a few days.. My daughter started a new job on Monday and she loves it... Maybe she can finally get herself up and out of the rut she has been in.. She's had so much to deal with... Pregnant by a man who turned out to be her worst nightmare.. He abused her routinely, but she didn't tell us..... Then the baby came and it got worse.... She finally told us when she got scared for baby.. We chased him out of here and filed charges on him... Turns out he has 8 children and doesn't take care of or care for any of them... He's the worst kind of man........ It's taken so long for DD to just not be afraid he is coming for her.... We have been doing all we can to help her move and and make a good life for the 2 of them... I think she's getting there.. If she could just get a little more financially independent it would be wonderful.. Maybe this new job will do the trick.... I'm praying that things will turn around for her soon.. In the meantime, daycare is what I can do for her to help with $$$.... I'm glad to do it, but it will be good for baby if she can continue at the sitter at least part time... We'll see how things go.... Well, should go find a chore to accomplish today.. Hope everyone has a good day.... Julie

Hi there, I've just come back from my brother's house and he is doing well..... doesn't need me right now as his girlfriend was busy cooking and such for him... It's a beautiful day here in ND.... 70 with no wind... almost perfect. I enjoyed being out.. Had to drive past the place where my baby is at the sitter and she was playing outside with the other kids.. I watched from a distance so she didn't see me.... Yes, this is very good for her, but I do miss her little face.... I've been spending time on my clothes the last couple days... My "out" pile has grown to 3 - 33 gallon garbage bags.... Gosh, what a mess.. May try to have a garage sale with my daughter some time this summer.... My closet is now just things I can wear or are maybe a bit too small.... there are a few holes, like some white tanks to wear under outer shirts and such.. Guess I can fill those in easily.... But I'm thinking I'm okay for the summer now.. That's a relief... Next winter will be the challenge as I will be in uncharted sizes and should need most everything new by then... Can't wait for that... Long, refresh my memory, where are you off to and when.....? JoannMarie and LVJ, thanks for the words... I'm trying to take all the good advice... It's amazing how far down one can get after surgery.... Apples, I just love reading about your activities... No wonder you can't gain anything.. You run it off... Company just came, gotta go... Julie

Hi everyone, it seems like this site has been very quiet for a few days... I don't feel so guilty about not getting to the computer to post.. Everyone must be out enjoying life and spring...........at least I hope that's what's happening!!!! I have been just trying to settle back into a sort of normal life... Was able to make it to church yesterday, but took my pillow for back support. My severe nerve pain is gone, but has been replaced with a plan old bachache that doesn't go away.. I know that will come with time. I did gain back 2 pounds....figured I would just from getting hydrated again.. I have a hard time drinking very much these days... But I'm working on it... I'm eating okay, not doing too much of the wrong things... What I haven't done is get back to my band routine.... Protein first... I haven't had the energy to cook, so have been going for what is handy and what someone else makes... I'm still at 293 and if I can hold there until my band gets reactivated I'll be very happy.... I hired a sitter for my granddaughter for the week.. Daughter is very nervous about it, but I just need another week without the strain of anything phsical with a 2 year old... I'm very close and can run to her if I'm needed.. It will be good for Mimi to have the interaction with other kids.. I think she'll be fine, but DD is a worrier like her mother!!!! I'm tring to work on my closet... Soooooo many clothes to move out and get rid of and try to find what I actually have for summer in the size I am now... It's a big job and will be doing it slowly.... At least it's finally warming up around here some and I can do capris and not worry about my too short pants!! DH left for work awhile ago and I should go do a little something now so I can rest again... Brother will be coming home from hospital today... He is divorced with 3 daughters... One grown with her own baby, who will be staying with him for a bit..... one, 17 who just had knee surgery on Friday, and one who is 11...... He has a semi-serious girlfriend, who will help with care, but lives in Bismarck and works.... And of course the ex, who causes all sorts of problems..... Anyway, they share custody and live about 2 blocks from each other... My mother, daughter and I went to his house yesterday and washed his bedding and straightened up a bit.... Will try to get some good, healthy food there for supper tonight if I can think of what to do... He is a smoker with bad eating habits who is going to have quiet a bunch of changes to make in his life... He and I are close, so will try to help as much as I can..... Hope everyone is refreshed from a good weekend... Have a good week...... Julie

Hi everyone, sorry I missed "support Janet day"... but I sure do... Glad you are getting past the blahs.. We all know you know just what you would tell us...... but it's always harder to take one's own advice!!!! I saw my surgeon yesterday and got the last drain removed and was told to call him if I need him, but he thinks I'll do fine and just need to concentrate on getting my strength back... And of course he told me not to diet while recuperating.... Such words can be hard to handle... fortunately I don't have much of an appetite yet and mostly he just wants me to eat plenty of good healthy food..... He wants me to wait at least another month before trying to restart my band.... I think I can handle this plan..... I am so weak, though, that I can't do much of anything.... But I guess time will help all of that..... To add to things my 44 year old brother who I'm very close to had unexpected triple by-pass surgery yesterday, so I was at the hospital all day for that, too.... He's coming along okay, thank goodness...... Too much stuff..........I'm ready for some plain old boring days...... gotta run..........Julie

I just got home from Bismarck and my appointment for the abscessogram...... All went well and he removed that darn cathetor....... What a relief... He didn't see any more pockets of air or fluid.... The sharp pain has subsided, but the soreness is still there... A few days should help that... Now I see my surgeon tomorrow and maybe he'll remove this other drain.. I want to get in my hot-tub so bad and soak all this soreness away......... I'm wiped out, it was a long day... Daughter took me, but my mother had appt, too, so a long day with all 4 generations....... talk to you all soon.... Julie

Hi all, I'm still here, but not doing very well... can't seem to improve and the pain is so bad... I'm starting to get worried... and depressed...... Had a little break down last night and scared my husband good..... Finally get to see a doctor tomorrow, so maybe I'll find something out then... Keep your fingers crossed for me... Thanks...... Sorry, I can't keep up with all your news...... When I'm better I'll try to catch up....... Oh, ya, wanted to tell you I'm down to 291, but I'm not that proud of that as I think it's just from being sick and my body is getting so flabby I could cry........ But I guess lost is lost....... Julie

Afternoon all, I'm having a rough day. Evidentally I over-did it yesterday.. Started feeling bad about 8:00 last night.. By 9:00 when I tried to go to bed with pain meds I was miserable. Couldn't lay down flat... Managed to get back up and to my chair.. I slept some, but feel like I went backards a few days with this pain..... Thinking back on yesterday, I just did too much..... Won't make that mistake again if this pain ever goes away.... I'm done babysitting until Tuesday now, so that should help me get back to closer to where I was...... And DH will be home for the weekend, so that will help emmensly.... The exercise thing sounds good... Good exercise any where you can get it is a good thing... I can't right now, but hope to get started once this pain escapes me.. I understand about the sweets binge.... It has happened to me where one just leads to another and then you thing what the heck!!! Just gotta shake it off and start again..... Apples, glad you are enjoying your road trip..... Talk to everyone later...... my Tylenol is kicking in and I should go rest a bit.... Julie

Hi everybody, You all sound so up-beat and happy.. It's nice to read all the good stuff..... I'm doing okay... I've been able to do daycare for my little one, but she wears me out and I crash early in the evening... I do think I'm getting better a little at a time... See the doctor next Thursday and can hopefully get these drains pulled out... 1 day....... glad you found an answer to your pain... Mine was an ordeal with surgery,16 days in the hospital and now a long recovery. My band was totally unfilled and I have to start over when they give me the word...... I should go grab a nap while baby is sleeping... Take care all... I'm going to try to do better on here soon... I haven't been keeping up well at all..... Julie

Morning, waiting for my baby to come.... Could be an interesting day.. She is feeling back to her old self and I am not!!!! But I don't have to do anything but keep her content for a few hours. I should be able to do that and if not...........call 911 (have friends on call in case of emergencies, like temper tantrums or such!!) 1 Day....... yes, please go to the doctor... Severe pain in my upper left quadrant is what started off my big mess here....... I've had a heck of a time!!! have them check you out good..... I'm getting better, but still have some pain... Nicey, congrats on onderland.... Can't wait, but I did finally make it to the 2"s....................... I was 295 this morning... Losing weight while still weak is a bit scary, but I'll take it and hope for the best.. I'm trying to eat as well as I can.... LVJ....happy birthday.... missed just which day is the day, but good wishes to you.... the cake sounds great.... Time for my girl, so must say goodbye for now.. Everyone have a great day... Julie

Hi everyone, I'm back at home and trying to get back into a normal swing.. Not an easy thing when you feel rough... Got home Friday afternoon and just crashed.... But I did sleep most of the night in my bed.... Last night I made it from 10:30 to 6:30, so this is good..... I do still have the pain in my left upper quadrant that is very weakening... It just zaps me, but I keep it managed for the most part.... I only take pain meds at night and use Liquid Tylenol during the day if needed.... It's been busy since I got home, with lots of family and friends stopping by and such... Have tried to do a few things, but it will mostly wait until I feel better. DH starts his summer job today, just left, and I'm on my own now... He was supposed to start 4-1, but wasn't able to... I said he should go and I will figure things out as needed... Others will come to help out with the baby so I can do daycare for her... She will be 2 on Sunday and can be very active!!!!! I'm not up to chasing her yet..... I've just read all the posts and wish I could comment on each.... I doubt I'll be able to, but wanted to say congrats on the new baby..... sorry they have to stay away so long... Our grandson was 13 months old before we got to meet him and then 3 before we saw him again... That was hard, so I'm glad you got to be there... Yes, keeping the soldiers in our hearts is the only thing to do... I had my husband and son over in Iraq at the same time in 2004.... What an experience that was... don't want it again.... Hope all are doing well... congrats on the pounds lost... and good luck to those who have been struggling and are finding their way back... I'm hanging in there.... I'm totally unfilled now and don't know when I might get to start re-fill.... but I was down to 296 today and that's the right direction.. I'm going to do my best to get my strength back without gaining any back... That might be a challenge when I can hardly walk yet...but I'll give it a good try... Take care all.... Thanks for listening.. Julie

Hey gang, how's everyone????? I read about rain, snow, blizzards, 70's, 80's, and 90's.........don't know what it is here....I don't have much of a view.......BUT, I get to go home today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yeah......... I'm very weak and the pain is still there, but I;m ready for some fresh air..... My pastor just stopped in for a visit....nice to know the prayers are still going out... He's a very nice man..... Anyway, I'll be back when I get settled at home.....Thanks all......Julie

Hey, I'm here....Had the procedure at 8 PM last night.. Found the pocket, put in cathetor and drain....LOTS of new pain.....Expected pain, but it has knocked me on my kiester!!!!! I had weaned myself off of the morphine, but it's back, thank goodness.... Pain should adjust soon... Good news is that I've been able to have liquids today... going down fine.... He said that I won't be getting my band re-filled anytime soon... I told him I was okay with that now and that cream of wheat was about as far in the future as I've dared look... He said maybe tomorrow.... Wish I had the strength to comment on all the posts, but I'll have to catch up later... Please know that I am thankful for you and for your concerns for me.... Take care........ Julie

finally got my test results.......More fluid build-up by slpeen and diaphragm. He was relieved because he was afraid he'd have to go back in and do a major surgery on the bowel... He sais he just kept thinking it had to be a bowel thing... But he says no, just a local procedure to draw the fluid out of that pocket. Will be coming to get me soon..... and then I can probably have liquids tomorrow.... I guess this is good news, only there is still no answer to what really happened to start with..... But I guess we just have to accept somethings as unknown...... As long as I get better..... I'm feeling a little less hopeless right now.... Thanks for hanging in there with me.... I'll be back when I know more....Julie

Hey, thanks for asking about me..... I did not have my liver knicked during surgery...... Don't know where that came from.... Anyway, I was banded in August 08.... This has nothing to do with my band, but they did do a complete unfil... Something inside burst or ruptured for whatever reason and they had to do emergency surgery to save my life... I was becoming septic.... But they can't figure out what happened and why, so are doing what they can to make sure I'm healed up before letting me start eating and drinking again... I had a very severe attack on Tues 3-30 that started this whole mess......I'm ready for it to be over.... Had a test this morning and waiting to hear whether I can start taking anything by mouth again.... I'm very anxious and concerned about what happens if I can't. Have a good day everyone...... Janet, glad you're back...we don't give you much chance to rest up, do we...... Julie

hi everyone, I'm still here, but I'm starting to lose my grip a little.....Today is my day to have a CT to check on things... Haven't had any food or drink for 2 weeks and then they bring me 2 big glasses of gunk to get down......not going down very easy...... My spirits are just deflating...... I asked to be weighed today..... Last time I weighed at home I was 300.4................after I was here a couple days it was 312.........wow....that;s a lot of fluid....... Today was 298.6..........Guess I should be happy.......I am.....just........................??????? Thanks everyone for the good wishes and cards and prayers... It means a lot....Talk to you again later when I know how this test comes out.....Take care...Julie

Long, the picture is wonderful......You should be so proud of yourself.... Congratulations..... I am a bit depressed today..... It's getting to be a long time and I hurt and I want to quench my thirst in the worst way. And it's Saturday. Things slow down here on the weekend's.. Haven't had any company and only a couple calls, so the time has been so long... Only so much laying around before I get agitated. I've walked the halls and done what I can, but it's still what it is.....boring... Hoping for better tomorrow.... Nurse promised me a backrub later when I'm ready for bed.. Thanks for thinking of me, I'll be okay, just having a bad day..... take care... Julie

Hello everyone...Nice to see so many new people on here. It's a great place for support and a good kick in the butt when needed.... Welcome.. I'm still the same today.....Dr said again, CT on Monday and then food......Can't even imagine how that will be anymore.... I did ask about my band this morning. He said that when the time is right we will re-start the fill process.. He also said that he still doesn't know what happened to me, but I have incredible adhesions in and around my organs..... Why me, I just don't know!!!!!! I'm now getting hospital bed bachache.....I try to walk it off, but it just comes back... Maybe only a few more days.... Keep your fingers crossed for me... Taking care and have a Blessed Easter..............Julie

Janet, I wish they would or could tell me how this happened... I just don't think they know... I believe it started a while back and has been building until this big pain attack I had on the 30th...... I have asked as many questions as I know how and don't get any real answers. Even though I seem to be improving while off food and drink, I worry about what happens down the road again.... When I asked about whether my body would "clean "itself up as time went by, he just shrugged and said he didn't know,,,, I'm a little nervous about the whole thing....Just keep praying that everything will work out... I'm not ready to die.... Thanks for asking and for caring... If I find out news I'll pass it along..... Time to go for tonight... Have safe Easter activities with you family...... Julie