Kat817

I think I would do it that way ONLY if YOU are feeling like a fool...she would have every right to clobber you!!!!

My DH is likely to meet the same end then!! He was "ask" at work to put a different shirt on, as his said "I am not Anti Bush, I am Pro Intelligence"....and with the company he works for that was a no no. He did not by the way cover it or change it! I hate that Tina is going to be so distraught. I mean I would be scared to death, but would also want to be strong for Rick. So it would be another 3 weeks if you opted to wait for an appointment where Tina could go with you? How do you think she would react to knowing there was a chance---if you told her while she is in NY? Would it give her a chance to process the info, or make her to wigged out to get home safely? I would want to know, but others my Mom for instance would be a total and complete basket case...so waiting would be a necessity. What about discussing this with your son/daughter---Brooklyn's parent---sorry I don't know which it is! Get their take on it all. Kat

There is a saying around here---liquids in=liquids out. You can likely expect the diarhea to stick around until you begin taking in heavier liquids. When they placed your band they pulled your lower stomach up and stitched it over the band to hold it in proper position. To eat food now, would cause your stomach to work in a kneading fashion to digest and pass that food. You take a serious risk of popping the stitches holding things in place if you eat ANYTHING before you are supposed to! Get up, walk, go outside and walk---do something, do anything to get your mind off of food! We all did this and so can you. Someone told me if you lie your head down on the bed, and stick your hiney up in the air, it redistributes the air in the abdomen. It does not "let it out" it just eases some of the pain. Hang in there!!! NO FOOD!!! Kat

Well I am glad that you will have the CD with you, so you can ask questions, and see things for yourself as well. When they showed us my SIL's you could literally see white spots on the brain. The Dr. was willing to answer anything she ask him, unfortunately all of our questions occurred to us AFTER we left. Now she takes a shot every Friday night. She feels kinda feverish and crappy for part of Saturday, she usually sleeps late, but by evening she is perking up...feels good through the week, winding down to Friday, when she gets her next shot. She has excellent insurance--we thought it was a good thing because the shots are over $500.00 a piece! BUT my niece has something that is in the MS family, and she is without insurance---and the meds she takes are actually paid for by the MS society. So regardless of your ins. status it seems to be well cared for, I thought that was amazing! How do you feel Tina will take this---if you were to assume it is this "D" stuff? Kat

Sounds very much like the description I was given when my SIL was diagnosed (I was with her at the Dr.). Is there a cause---a reason the "coating" is wearing off? Does the research say what the treatment is? How fast it progresses? Is there a certain area of the brain it tends to do this in? Sorry for all the questions--- Kat

I have a SIL and a very good friend both my age (46), and a 1st cousin who is 38, all with MS. They all take a different form of interferon (sp?) in injection form, and are pretty much symptom free. My cousin has a 2 year old, and she tires pretty easy--but that happens with a 2 year old around MS or not! I will keep you in my prayers---that whatever this is, it is something simple. Kat

And that research told you what else?

WOW TOM---hoping some of our medical minded friends pop in here with some idea of what the elusive diagnosis might be---. Whatever you find out, my advice would be tell her when she gets home. Let her get home safe, but to hell with the birthday, she is not in a birthday party frame of mind anyway, and I would resent having life changing news withheld from me. She is likely to feel guilty for not being there when you got the news anyway---so I wouldn't hold it back from her. Does she know you went to the Dr. for the test? If she asks---what are you going to say? Whatever is going on, you will need each other---no reason to deny yourself the comfort you know she can provide you with. Any more than you would want to be denied being able to comfort her. MS is not good----but it is not the worst diagnosis you could get either. Have you tried researching it, and seeing if you see the word? Or can you call the Dr. and ask? No sense in wondering and worrying if you can begin to research. ((((hugs)))) We will be here pulling for good news. Kat

I flew home 5 hours in the air and another 5 in the car on day 3. I did it with minimal discomfort, and only took a dose of liquid Tylenol. Now if I had an option, I likley would have waited---but I needed to get home!!! Will you be able to stay somewhere and drive back the next day or so? Plus make allowances for extra time while driving to get out and walk around frequently. Move your feet around while sitting in the car as you are being driven. Do NOT wear knee high socks, or hose---nothing with a band tight on the leg. In fact support hose might even be a good idea. Blood clots are quite common following surgery---do what you can to prevent them. You will also need to take whatever you can drink, and keep something handy to be sipping on. Good Luck! Kat

I eat small bites....about what ReneBean said---and I do try to chew it well. When I put a bite in my mouth I sit my fork down. I chew, and swallow, THEN I pick up my fork, and get another bite ready. Not taking it until I know the other bite went down fine. It seems really slow if I am alone. But if I am talking to DH, or out with friends eating, it isn't so noticeable. And yes, now it is habit. I occasionally forget to chew well enough---but sitting my fork down after each bite is normal to me now. I pay attention to how I feel. Usually after I'd say what would amount to abour 2/3 to 1 cup of food, I start getting sniffly---feeling like my nose is going to run. That is my soft stop signal---I better quit then--or I will be too full! One of 2 more bites and I get loud painful hiccups, and one more bite, and I am hurting!!! So yes I eat small bites---but not pencil eraser small like I have heard. I too have eaten bigger bites, just chewed well, and swallowed in parts. Like to take a bite of a hamburger---I chew and swallow in stages. But slowly---speed is the key for me. Kat

Doesn't that open up a world of possibilities---a new way of using or placing the band, not really to a point of restriction to food, but just to stimulate the nerve. That is one of the wonderful aspects of this band---if they find a way to do that in the next several years---we have not re-routed our insides, and it is a viable option for us as well. On another topic, but all still band related, he also stated they are finding a relationship to the release of hormones in the stomach with the band, that makes a cure for diabetes a distinct possibility---in the not too distant future. He said it might involve cutting the stomach as in bypass--or a similar banding. But so what if you have to eat smaller meals the rest of your life---you would have a resst of your life!!! Shocking the things the band is teaching them, involving all kinds of other health aspects. Kat

I agree with enterprise here---plus the person you were talking to may not have a lot of restriction. I could eat much bigger bites and swallow larger pieces before I had good restriction. Kat

During my seminar the Dr. said that when you reach a good restriction level there is usually enough pressure put on the nerve that you no longer feel hunger as we knew it. Something happen---I don't. I have not felt hunger since my second fill. He said there is even a case occasionally where the band itself comes in contact, and the person will lose their weight without ever needing a fill. Kat

Have to say that would freak me out. But so would the idea that my passed on loved ones hang out around me all the time. I mean C'mon Grandma, stay on the other side of the bedroom door---pleeeease!!!! There are some places I don't want company dead or alive!!!! Kat

My former best friend and I had been friends since 5th grade. We were in each others weddings and threw one anothers baby showers. We supported one another through our following divorces. We raised our daughters -- helping out one another here and there, $20 bucks til payday, etc for years. We went to court with one another as we tried in vain to collect child support. Through the years my friend developed a drinking problem. she worked in a pub---and often stayed and drank too much. She eventually had 3 kids with 2 different husbands---and divorced both times. When I married my DH, she knew him well, we had all gone to school together, and got along. When she needed something done, we helped---we continued to loan her $$$ as needed. Well years passed, and our oldest DD's now had babies---2 days apart. Her DD had moved to Minnesota, mine to Hawaii. So a couple of years ago (making us 44 at the time---so this is a LONG standng friendship), not long after my DD moved back to the area, her DD come for a visit. She told me she spent so much $$ with her coming home, that she needed to borrow some money to buy her son some boots, I said ok, and wrote her a check. she told me she was overdrawn at the bank, and would have to cash it the next Tuesday when she went to work. When my DD come over I decided to take her out to the new place she was living so the girls could get together with their babies. Not sure who was most surprised....me, her, my DD or my EX HUSBAND who was living with her!!! Yep---I am loaning her $$$ to help support the asshole who refused to support his child. I spent $27.50 stopping payment on that $20.00 check! Money well spent. She tried telling me all about how they just fell in love when they met up at the bar.....yadda, yadda, yadda....then let it slip that it had been going on for almost 2 years, but they had only been living together for 7 months. In that 7 months, I had loaned her money, my DH had fixed her car, hauled trash to the landfill for her---all kinds of things. The absolute worst part was she put my DD and I into a couple of serious arguments. My Ex would call me and know things about my life that he should have had no way of knowing. My cancer, a dog we had got when we were together had died...that kind of thing. I ripped my DD---telling her I never questioned her about anything to do with her Dad and I did not want her telling him anything about my life---I felt she was violating my trust. She swore she didn't. Stupid me, I thought "who else?"---and let her know I didn't believe her. I will NEVER forgive her! I am lucky that my DD is as loving and understanding as she is, she forgive me! Now fast forward 2 years, and he has left her for another woman he works with. the former friend calls my DD wondering if she thinks I will forgive her. She was told NO. So a couple of days later I am in Walmart when someone calls my name, and it is her Mom---she proceeds to tear into me, telling me how ungrateful I am for the years of friendship, and that her daughter is suicidal, and if she takes her life, she will blame me! I was horrified, and embarrassed---I did nothing except walk away from the friendship. I feel without trust you have nothing to base a friendship on, and we obviously have no trust. I would feel horrible if she were to take her own life---I cannot imagine it, she has 2 kids still in high school. But MY fault??? I thank God for my good friends still to this day---but I am always going to be more observant! Friendship is a 2 way street.....but the way I see it, is any street occasionally needs construction, and is only a one way road. That is what is so wonderful about true friends, the give and the take. IF this friend had been honest about it, it would have changed the dynamics of the relationship, but I would have dealt with it better than the deceit! I am so much better off with the EX friend---AND the EX husband!!! Kat

Littleman---nerves get to all of us!!! If it ever gets overwhelming, or you have questions---do not hesitate to ask. We have all been in your shoes!!! You also need to remember, many people who are not having any problems, are not here posting everyday---or the boards would be full of threads like "Another GREAT day" or "I'm not hungry"....but when we have a problem or need a question answered, this is the place to go---so the numbers seem a little out of balance---but there are really less complications than it can seem. Like I say---ask away---if we don't know the answer, we will help you hunt an answer down! Kat

I remember reading during the last election, when ask about her original cancer diagnosis, that she was unafraid to die, and looking forward to the day that she was reunited with her son. If they have this attitude still, and it seems they do...then that takes the fear factor out of it somewhat. As a cancer survivor myself, hearing of these cases always gives me a jolt---and I can be honest and say, I know I could not have handled it in the manner they are. It won't affect my vote in any way. Kat

Welcome to LBT---we are glad you are here. I cannot say enough good things about my band. It was without doubt one of the best things I have ever done for myself. I am healthy again, and active again---and looking forward with excitement! For sure if you are scheduled for April 07 --go check out their thread---it is an amazing help to have people going through the same stages as you are---keeps you on your toes, and have someone to share food ideas with...question the odd and occasional twinges or something. I am an April 06 bandster, and I love having my group. Another group you might check out is the NJ group. Now be forwarned, not all of us are from Jersey!!! I am in New Mexico---and there are several Texans in the bunch!!! But they are friendly, helpful, and obviously accepting! Right now we are chatting under NJ march chat. I understand and remember the nerves---but it is sooooo worth it!! Hang in there---you'll be glad you did!!! Once again---welcome! Kat

BJean, that was my only point in speaking of Sylvia Brown--she at least does not go around trying to destroy lives. While I find it hard to believe any of it, making up hurtful things like that with no purpose...is just beyond my understanding. Many "believers: woul dhave let your experience ruin the marriage---that is awful! Kat

Morning all- Deb--PB is Productive Burp---which I find a little misleading, that makes it sound mild and unconcerning, which they are not!!! They are basically vomiting for me, without the acids---yucky, and not good! Hope you find time to rest, but it should be fun family time--I always like having a fun surprise for the kids. Mary---speaking of surprises for the kids---how's yours coming along? Eileenie---loved the joke! Back 25+ years ago, my DH wore an earring (1) for awhile....oh how my Dad hated it!!! He also claimed Ricks hair was too long! I told him to pick his complaint, if his hair was too long, he never would have seen the earring!! Funny now to see him to remember his long hair---and yes it was the old mullet days---and his was to his middle/lower back!!! Now I buzz him with a 1/4" guard on the clippers every week!!!! In fact he went from it being long, to a buzz cut in minutes. He was at work, and had to pull it out of the wheels on his creeper, and that was the last time he decided!!! It has been short since---although not always buzzed! No more earrings either. Man we ARE old! Betty---hope your back gets better soon---between your foot and now your back, your poor bike is gonna forget you! Heal fast---Spring is PERFECT riding weather! Are the wildflowers blooming on the roadsides in TX yet? Sherry---girl you better slow down, and not be cutting glass when you are tired! Dianne---how goes the healing? Hope you didn't overdo with your day out. How is the inlaw situation? Darcy---same for you? How is FIL? Actually, how is DH taking the withdrawal, of his accepting help? Chris---you busy, or upset? We miss you! Patty---you are ALWAYS welcome here---we have been worried about you and the boys! Keep us updated! Mandy---how did the meeting go? Did I miss you saying? Beannie---Sorry things are in such an uproar right now work wise, sounds like you made a wise decision. Especially considering the $$$ was a better fit than you expected. I know we can't base every decision in our lives on money, but it matters!!! Well it looks like my cat may have been part of the poisoning. He was old, and already sick, but that also explains why he went down so fast. I wasn't real concerned until I heard the symptoms--and then I got cold chills. Poor Bailey drank all day---drank and cried. When he become disoriented, and lost, I thought maybe the ear infection was at fault. He vomited a couple of times, but that too is not uncommon with the infection he had. But the water was odd for him. So I looked into it. I still have 4 pouches of possibly affected food. I was planning on discussing it with DH when he got home as to what to do about it, but before he got home the vet called, and I discussed it with him. He gave me a link, said I could at least recover my vet costs. I don't know what to think or what to feel. Just sad, I miss him, I hate that this might have been what caused him to pass in pain as opposed to maybe just going to sleep in his bed peacefully. I don't want to deal with it....I want to bury my head in the sand. I go to donate blood today---that means I need to plan a way around the cookies!!! Then the DW repairman is supposed to come and fix my DW---thank goodness! So will be back later guys! Kat

One thing about it---if that turns out to be true---we'll be in good company---and all be there together to get even with the morons who laughed AT US!!!! Kat

I'm down almost 90 pounds----I'll let you know WHEN it happens!!! Hasn't happen yet---just the band size, cup size has increased. But with all the back fat, and under arm fat lessening, I look smaller. Kat

I had to have my old cat put down last week because he suddenly was so sick. Now keep in mind he was 16 years old. But I took all of his food to the shelter the day after I buried him....now I just wonder. I fed him a variety of canned foods, some of which would have been on the list. I have no idea whether he died of complications with old age, and an ear infection he had, which I thought the infection had spread. I know he drank like a fiend the last day...then he was totally disoriented, and got lost in the yard. He was staggering and crying---and I felt cruel making him suffer. So I called and had him put down. I brought him home and buried him on the hill behind my house (our property). Then 3 days later, the vets office called and begin asking me questions. I have no idea---he fit the description, but she said the disorientation could have been caused by the ear issues he had combined with age, and general illness. Guess I'll never know. I do know I miss him. His name was Bailey, and he was beautiful, big, long haired black and white, with the most horrible temperment!!! He was not nice and loving until the last few months. He never liked anyone but me, and my 16 yr old niece I babysit for for years, they grew up together! I always figured I have a bad attitude and they let me stick around, my folks kept me....so I kept him bad attitude and all!!! I still miss him! Kat

Yes TOM---but if she had sounded like a porn queen, then possibly a bunch of us women would have to go and see if we could bring out the tantric side of our husbands!!! I once tried coming out of our tent looking very nonchalant, took 2 steps and my panties fell out of my pant leg---no wonder I couldn't find the damn things!!! Must be something about the fresh air when you're camping!!! Kat

I hope there is no way this man can exploit your husband, or use him in any manner. I don't know what either of their professions are---but a man who would treat an ill wife of so many years so callously---I would doubt would have much regard for a friend. He sounds like the kinda man who would use anyone including your DH to step on as he climbs up....especially with the "caretaker" behind him shoving. Not a person I would turn my back on. Especially since he surely knows you disapprove. I know you hesitate to step between their friendship---but I would watch him closely. Brings to mind the old saying "keep your friends close and your enemies closer"---not sure even in your DH's case which he will fall in! Without trust---what is friendship---and do you think after this your DH really has the same trust and faith in the longtime friendship he did before? How could he? Kat