Kat817

I have had the opposite experience for the most part. In all fairness, I do have one "friend" who has acted rather aloof since I made the decision to have the band. She did not want me to do it from the get go. She is a control freak, and me not complying with what she said is the issue, more so than me getting banded. But when I began losing the weight, I regained soooo much confidence, I have refused to attempt to appease her. What it will do is show you who your friends really are, and what type of friendships and relationships you have pursued. Besides her, my true friends, have been great, and if anything it has added a new dimension to our friendships. Where we used to "go to dinner" now we go bowling, and we have went on a jeep trip, and went hiking---all kinds of things that I kept them from doing before. The ideas were bounced around, but I always declined. Now we go! 4 of us couples all went out and cut firewood together, we take out the dirt bikes/ATV's, I ALWAYS chose to stay home for that! Now it is a blast! I am not thin yet, but my weight is down enough it doesn't hold me back. I bought 2 new pairs of jeans yesterday, and one is going back, it is going to be too big very soon, and it is a size 14!!! Now my girlfriends and I can shop together, in the same dept.! I feel blessed by the friends I have, they have supported me, and helped me along, and if I ever feel like this is taking too long, or that I am never gonna get there---they bolster me back up, and make me see this amazing change as it really is! I have also found on here, on this site, a group of friends, that I fully intend on meeting someday---they understand the band, and give advice, and support...a HUGE help. No friend, in person or online wants to talk about nothing but your weight loss, or your surgery. It is like talking to someone who has nothing to say except what cute things their doggie does!!! Friendship is give and take, and IF you have a friend who does just that---gives when you need it---and is accepting when she needs it, then your friendship will survive. It is a friendship of the heart, or of the soul. If it is a one sided thing---it will likely go by the wayside. I have had my share of those following my divorce...and it taught me to make and handle my friendships differently! So if you do lose friends---I fully believe sooner or later it would have happened. Such is my case, if I had remained unsure of myself, and valued her opinion more than my own, the so-called friendship would have survived. I didn't remain that way---I found my backbone, and she found that it come between us. I am better off without her negativity. I hope your friends surprise you!!! And DH as well, when he sees you CAN eat, and you CAN have a normal life, and what a hottie you turn into (not that you are not now!!!), he may change his tune. And by the same token, if you do start seeing him for nothing other than the shell of the man he is, look for the qualities within him, that make him WHO he is, not what size of belt he wears. Something made you fall in love with him, try to focus on that! And SHOW him it can be done---he might just follow suit! Good Luck!!! Kat

I ate about 1/3 of a med. sized cheeseburger last night. I don't eat them often, because they have a lot of wasted calories, I usually try to eat more "efficiently". But DH wants burgers on occasion, as well as other things, and I just eat them, I am only able to eat a small amount in comparison to what I used to eat tho. As has been said before....all things in moderation, has worked for me. Could I have lost more weight in less time, avoiding cheeseburgers and the like? Probably so. However, I try to look at this as a way of life...I was sick to death of dieting, so I just refuse to diet! I will likely have the occasional cheeseburger the rest of my life, same with birthday cake, and everything else---I just eat small amounts, and don't do it everyday....the really weird thing is--I don't want them everyday, who would have ever thought that could happen?? Kat

Welcome Tiffaney! Sounds like you are off to a great start. You might need to up your protein intake to get some energy back. Not the greatest tasting stuff in the world, but it is not horrid, is Zero Carb Isopure, it is in bottles like a Sobe drink, available at GNC,and it has 40g. of protein per bottle. Try to check protein amounts on your broth etc, get some protein powder, I used unflavored Unjury (www.unjury.com) you can add it to most anything. Sugar free popsicles help during the clear stage, and I sucked on SF hard candy---kept my taste buds busy! As you heal, and the weight drops, you will find yourself looking forward to exercising---as hard as that is to believe!! You will be so glad you did this while you were young!!! Welcome--habg out ask any questions you might have---we are glad you are here!! Kat

In my original seminar, they said the first few months could show an increase in acne conditions as the body flushes itself of toxins, because of the type of food we had been used to eating. And for women, the increase in estrogen flowing through the body, as they lose fat, it can increase it as well. Not sure if that is what is plagueing you---but maybe! Kat

I like you was restricted for 2 weeks post op to CLEAR liquids. Nothing creamy, and it had to be able to pass through a straw. It was hard...I tried to stay busy---I began crocheting again, because you cannot crochet and eat---your hands are busy! I was allowed popsicles, and ate a lot of the SF ones. I drank a lot of broth---both homemade, and from packets---canned seemed really weak. I finally got some SF hard candy, and having it to suck on helped me a lot. When they placed the band they pulled the lower stomach up and stitched over the band, to hold the band in place. When you eat any type of food that sits in the stomach, yoru stomach goes into a kneading motion, to digest the food, and push it through. At this point in time that causes undue stress on the fresh stitches. You do not want your stomach "working", just allow it to heal. It is hard---but it passes--and in hindsight, carrying that extra 80+ pounds was much harder than the forced diet. When it gets really bad, go for a walk, or give yourself a manicure---something besides food at that point. Or come here and vent how miserable you are right that second!!! We all understand! I found several of the FUZE drinks I liked for a change of taste too. The Isopure is not tasty that is a fact...but if you get to feeling tired, or grouchy or just like you may be coming down with a cold, it is usually a sign that you need more protein---it is very important to healing too---so close your nose and sip away---soon it will be over, and you will be 20 pounds less, and your pants will be baggy, and you will KNOW it was worth it!!! Hang in there!!! Kat

You obviously have great determination to have accomplished what you have so far. I hope for you that they can repair it as you want. If it has to wait awhile, I have faith in your ability to follow lessons learned, and that you will have the ability to control your weight until you are healed enough to have it replaced. Believe in yourself---you CAN handle this!!! Kat

I do light free weights with my DH every other night---I don't likely lift anymore than I could have when I was at my high weight, but I can now SEE the definition! Woo Hoo!!! I also go to Curves on the off days from lifting. And I walk minimally a mile and a half each night...cold & wet I do it on the DREADmill---nice outside, I walk out there. I now miss moving if I don't do something. Who would have ever imagined that??? Kat

Jack my Dad agrees with you 100%. He usually tells people that men only have a set amount of hormones, and that if they choose to waste theirs growing hair, that's their business. Kat

Awww Cutie thanks---but please before you would even considerleaving, stop by some of the threads, not dedicated to a problem---search out your state room---or find one that you like--I ended up in a New Jersey room, and I am in New Mexico!!! But someday I am going to meet these women, who in actuality are from all over (TX, IL etc). I also have a group fo us who were all banded in April of 06 ( Hi Boo!!!) I chat with daily. They have all made this journey with my band a totally life changing event! They shared their lives, family stories, when my DH was critically ill, they surrounded me with emails, and cards, and prayers---this site adds sooooooooooo much to the banding experience--you just have to scratch beneath the surface, and find the threads of support. If EVER you feel a need to find something besides the scary side, email me---I'll do my best to help! Kat

If you will go to the home page, and look at how many members are on LBT,and compare that to the number who are posting with regularity, you will see a vast difference! That is because most find themselves without problems, and are off living their lives. When they have a question or a complication they come here---which is why it seems like the complication rate is so high---when it really isn't. Some people like myself, have just made wonderful friendships, and come back for the motivation, and support...I'd be lost without my friends who went through this with me! But all of us without problems are not starting threads....Or the board would be full of "Having another great day", "Down another pound", "My pants are too big"! They are out there---and we post the comments in all other threads too, but when there is nothing to ask for help with---we just quietly share with one another, and try to chime in when one of us does need some help. It is kind of like taking a poll about feeling good in a Dr.s office!!! I too can eat almost anything---I do have problems with yeasty donuts (like I really need them anyway!!). I am not hungry, I do not htink about food non stop anymore. When I do eat, I eat much less, and stay satisfied for hours on end. I choose now to eat healthier higher quality foods, because I can only eat so much, so I try to make it count. But to call it dieting? I wouldn't dream of it---when I "dieted" I had foods thatwere off limits, and I felt deprived---I do not feel at all that way now. I eat ice cream with my grandbabies, and I can now run with them too---me????run???!!! What a concept, a year ago I would have laughed in your face! I can now go in any store, and buy clothes off the rack, and not in the Plus sizes anymore! I cannot remember the last time I was the biggest person in the room, and I always felt that way before! I don't think there is too much information available to you, but I think you need to consider why it seems so imbalanced. I could not be happier with my decision to be banded---it gave me a life back that I never even dared dream about! A life where I can move, and relax with myself, and enjoy my family, I can eat, and not over eat...I feel...dare I say it???? normal??? Kat

Hi Betty! Haven't been around here much, but have been thinking of you and Alan, and wondering if you had scheduled th 2nd echo. Keep us posted. I continue to walk each night, but my knee throws in the towel at about 1 1/2 miles--so I try to do something, to make up my time, not sure if it should really count---but I am ok with it, I know I continue to try to move each day, and that was my goal. I realize it may knock me out of the challenge not to increase it, but at least I know I did something!! I know exactly where you are right now, wanting to get it done, if it has to be done, get him fixed, because you want him well. I am glad your son has come through it, even with his complications, because he can provide an insiders look for your husband, plus the knowledge, that while not fun, this is not the end of the line. My Dad had been through 2 sets of bypass surgery (23 years apart) but he could talk to Rick, and prepare him, and help him see that even though he had the surgery, and was almost 30 years older than Rick, he was still going strong. It give Rick faith, that even though it may be tough for a few months, he would be ok in the long run. He really needed those thoughts, he got to being quite fatalisic on me for awhile, but that has thankfully passed. I went and spent too much money on Valentines for the kids today---but bought them each a small stuffed toy, a little heart of chocolates and an outfit apiece. Clothes are just outreageous!!! Jeans for the 6 yr. old are as expensive as mine! Now you could make 3-4 pairs of hers out of one of mine, but they cost the same. And they are making the kids clothes, look way too adult for me---she does not need to look like a 21 year old out clubbing~aaarrrggghh!! Well I need to go get some things done---ignoring them is not making them go away. Kinsey is with her Daddy today, I should have got a lot done, instead I went shopping! See y'all later. Kat

My entry today is being sent in for my neighbor, and my DD! I was reading the new posts when my DD come in, and she so related to Jachut's comments on diapering! She too cloth diapered. I did not, I lived in a walk up apt. with no washer, I did disposable. Then again, we still had square cloths and pins---and nasty plastic/rubber pants. My DD used cloth diapers, they had snaps, and velcro, and fleece liners, and she made woolies to go over them, little knitted wool panties, that work like the old plastic/rubber pants. In fact she and the neighbor now make and sell them via ebay(and make shocking $$$$)---and that leads to their peeve---friends and family who EXPECT to be given the product...but if left to buy it, would not. Thereby ignoring that neither the materials nor the time is free---but they don't care. Kat

Morning All--- Beannie--have a safe and fun trip--as much as it pains me, I do love hearing your food porn...even my tummy lives vicariously these days!!! Mandy--sounds like you never got your sinus infection completely cleared, and now have a secondary infection. I say that like I know--was DH's experiences too--and that is what the Dr. told him. He did another round of antibiotics, and finally kicked it. There is mono going around here---yuck! Darcy--how long til the parts for the treadmill come in? I need to update my ticker, I have yet to miss a night of walking. And although I don't count it, I have walked to the store twice--the girlie loves to be outside, and it is so muddy, I strap her into the stroller and we walked down and picked up tortillas one day, and a loaf of bread another day. DH and I are still lifting weights (very light) every other night. But still my scale sits, and slowl inches down, then jumps up 2 pounds, then slowly inches down, then jumps---aggravating as hell!! Betty--sounds like our weather is being similar. It hasn't even got down to freezing the last 2 nights, it has rained pretty steady...which finally melted off all the snow, now there is MUD everywhere!!! The oilfield trucks come back into town and leave mud everywhere. Rick hates that, because then even if he gets a nice day, there is so much dirt and sand on the road, he won't take the bike out. And it is supposed to stay this way until tomorrow, and then the temp is supposed to drop and it should turn to snow. Happy Valentines Day---yeah! Mary--I see you here at the same time I am, so I will likely miss your post----hope the little guy is ready to go back to school, and feeling good again! Car hanging in there? Did you ever let anyone know what kind of jeans you are interested in? Chris--as everyone has said---your pics look great---keep up the good work. Hope you feel better soon, and that your date is as good as he sounds! Anne--how's the job going? Did you survive the orientation? Cassie--we need a wedding fix--tell us whats going on! Dianne--how's MIL? I thought about you at Curves yesterday...a woman there had become the first here to lose 5 feet. One of our instructors/workers, fell coming in the other morning on some ice, and broke her leg. She was supposed to be leaving the 16th to go on a cruise. The cruise director managed to get her rescheduled, even though it is supposed to be nonrefundable. Eileenie--I totally dislike how boss-man has made you unable to chat withus---it sucks! Cindy--Sugar Free Mini Brownies??? I didn't know!!! I bought a box--have decided to make them my evening treat, when I want something sweet so badly! Patty--come tell us what's going on---we will do our best to help and support. The boys ok???? I know I am missing some....I can't scroll back any further to see what's happening. I read it, then poof I forget, until I read an update---my poor mind is shot!! Hope everyone is off to a good week! My former SIL has the little one today, so I am going to call a friend and see if she wants to do lunch, since I have no kiddo!! BBL Kat

I was not ever told I couldn't have it!! I would say as soon as you physically feel like it you would be fine. Just find a position that doesn't put pressure on your incisions, and if it hurts...quit. Surely you realize we ALL wondered this!!!! Kat

Well I have gone from a 48DDD to a 40E...and just now feel like they are starting to be a separate "thing" as opposed to just another roll. Now I am getting looks AT them again....not at me as a whole, but just at THEM. I have seriously considered a reduction for several years, but have not come to terms with the loss of sensation. That surgery along with the TT, will wait until 6-12 months after reaching goal, so I can see what is sitting/hanging where!!! I have always (since jr high) had large breasts----so I have no idea how to think in other terms---but would love to buy a bra or lingerie off the rack!! My DH loves them---and he says the reduction is up to me, but I know him, he would hate for me to go below a D..... Kat

Boo is right, April is an ideal month to be banded!!! I also chat in the April '06 threads...and we do exercise challenges, but have also grown to a comfortable support group. Being banded in April was ideal for me because it allowed me to be outside walking right away. Winter was mostly over, and the weather was pleasant to be out in. I walked in the begining almost exclusively because of my weight, to do much else was too strenuous. I have some bone issues that do not allow me to run, but I have joined Curves, and I play with my grandbabies...life has changed in this year---you have such amazing things ahead of you!!! ENJOY---and come join us! Kat

Following a lot of dental work many years ago, I began using straws to keep cold liquid off of my front tooth that was temperature sensitive. I have used them every day since. I used them in the hospital following surgery...and never had any issue with gas, or air being sucked through them. Straws, are just one of many, many things that each Dr. does differently, and is insistant that his/her way is best!! Since you deal with your Dr. do it the way they want I'd say! Kat

I am so sorry, for you and for your friend. This hit close to home---today was the funeral of a lifelong friend. He was 47, left behind a wife and 3 sons...I can still see his smile, and feel his hugs. When it hits, allow yourself to be sad for awhile--it will feel better to let it out, then pick up and go on. Keeping it all in is not healthy. ((((big hugs to you and your friend))) Kat

They had some awesome deals on treadmills last month---I bet you can still get good prices! Think of the motivation the new one will give you---you can challenge yourself to see just how many miles YOU can log onto it----be kind of exciting! Cindy---just stopped in to say...with DD gone for the night, it sounds like you have a free Saturday night---time for a romantic early Valentines Date with DH!!! Have fun! What size of jeans are you looking for Mary? I have some I am waiting to shrink into...but also have some that even if I fit them, until I shrink several inches in height they will not fit me!!! I only kept them around thinking, if they fit over the summer I could hack them off into capris! Tell me what size, I'll see what I've got! Well, I just got home from the funeral---was very sad. His twin (which was my good friend) spoke, and his older brother spoke, and broke down...it is so hard, knowing him, and realizing he is gone, but also realizing how hard it is on his kids, and siblings....just leaves you feeling helpless. So I need to go get these clothes off, and find something snuggly & warm. Will check in with all of you soon! Kat

I too chat in a room other than where I am from, I chat with Mandy (piercedqt78) and Betty (Iluvharleys) in a state chat room, and not a one of is from the state we chat in!!! I do think it is only fair to say though, that just because a single thread of people, or simply some on that particular thread were rude, it does not make the entire Canadian section, nor those who chat there "bad". I know things going on in our own country of the USA,right now, give all of us a bad name at times, and I know I personally had nothing to do with it! I feel we should really try to #1. get along if possible, and #2 at any rate judge the person you are dealing with by their actions, and not their nationality. I have never been ask to leave a thread--but have realized AFTER posting that I was in a "specialized" thread. I have apparently not hit the same one's you guys did---lucky me!!! I, like others have said tend to scan through the new posts, and interact when one catches my attention, never thinking to see what thread grouping it is posted under. I also have no intentions of changing that!!! Kat

Actually Darcy, my Dad says he does better on his right side too! Hadn't thought about that! Try both, but avoid your back...wonder if it could be a male/female thing???? BUT.....something to think about to relax you a bit Sherry---Darcy's DH is not banded----it is not necessarily a band issue! GERD is not band exclusive, don't panic, just see your Dr.! Kat

Yes Sherry I have been there---both prior to banding, and since. Unfortunately I am just someone who produces a lot of stomach acids. I was checked repeatedly several years ago, they were convinced they would find serious ulcers again, or possibly a new cancer....but nothing. You very well may need to try a little unfill---but in the meantime...I am sure you have already tried elevating the head, but try the elevation and sleeping on your left side. I can sit upright during a GERD "attack", and still backwash, the very second my body relaxes, it allows it to flow back. However the way your stomach (even before banding) is set into the body, if you lie on your left side, it allows it to hang down without folding over on itself. At least that was the simplified way the gastroenterologist (sp?) explained it to me. And it works for me. I had gone for over a year with no problem, even after banding I had no problem. Then WHAM, out of the blue about 6 months ago, it's baaaaaack. That's when I did the "panic". The first step we did was a fluoro barium swallow, and I am not very tight, it flows through like water. So he had me track it for awhile, and without fail, mine wakes me every single time within 15 minutes either side of 1:30 AM!! I freaked out when I realized that! He said if it is cyclic that way, it is usually an overproduction, which is more often than not brought on by hormonal issues as opposed to food eaten for example. Well I had a hysterectomy 5 years ago---and I do not take hormone replacements, so I thought it could not pertain to me. But he said stress causes excess production of many hormones. And it was about 7-8 months ago we began dealing with all of Rick's health issues, prepping for his open heart. I have eaten really spicy food, and thought I'd probably pay for it, and had no issues---then I can eat something small and mild, and be miserable...IF I lay on my left side when I am having problems, it will usually settle down. I now take Nexium, to protect my esophagus. I would look into an unfill, if I hadn't done this exact thing well before getting my band. The other thing he did suggest, was simple saltine crackers. In my case, when the problem is overproduction, it is just a simple sponge, something to soak it up, and help it pass through the system. So, I keep a small ziplock of crackers next to the bed, and if I am having problems, I munch a cracker, roll to my left side, and can usually shut it down. I do sleep on an incline, not seriously high...I think it is maybe 4 inches raised...not enough to even bother DH if he rolls over to it. I am trying to think what else he told me....lot's of water to flush your pouch before bed, will at least keep you from washing food back---eeeewww. It is so nasty, I fully understand Sherry. I too had it checked out---and would be more worried about it being band related if I hadn't went through it all before. Now I do know the band could be making it worse, and I take a chance at losing mine maybe easier than most. But I think if I dwell on that, it increases my stress---which is evil! If they do put you onto Nexium, or something similar, be sure to find out how to take it. They give my Mom the Nexium, and she said it did her no good. She has had this, severely for over 25 years! She has esophogeal damage from it---but the meds are helping now. Anyway, she was just given the scrip, and sent on her way, so she was taking it once a day with her other pills in the morning. My gastro gave me strict instructions to take it in the evening---on an EMPTY stomach. So I try to eat a fairly early dinner, and then in an hour or 2, I drink a glass of water, to start making sure that I empty out as much as possible, then take my Nexium. It has also kept me from nighttime munching, since it has to be in an empty stomach!! If I take it that way it works---does for my Mom now too! I hope you get something to help...if you choose to wait for your Dr. Sleep with yoru head raised on your left side---see if it helps. ((((big hugs)))) Kat

Hey Mandy---it really isn't a recipe I got from Wheetsin, just one simple ingredient---but DH and I really liked them!!! Grate some fresh parmesan. Line a cookie sheet with baking paper. Place cheese by heaping tablespoons on the sheet, about 2" apart. Bake at 250 until golden brown. Remove and let cool. (You can also place them overthings to cool, like a taco form, if you want to use them as containers for something else). Mary--good luck with those boys---I DO NOT miss my kids being in school. By the time we got the youngest DD out--I was fed up! I enjoyed them being in school the younger years, but HS sucked---the board changed midstream on us from a block schedule to a standard, and talk about chaos with credits!!! Sherry, your DS's problem sounds similar to what Rick is having problems with since his GI bleed where they put that balloon in his esophagus, he has esophageal spasms....they had him taking Reglan for awhile, but he said it didn't make a difference. It is worrisome, if they decide to eat when no one is around! Beannie---you and Eileenie---behave! Yeah right---well have fun then, just be sure to tell us all about it! Cindy---how do people say no to those girls in front of Walmart---they sell there, here too, and in front of Safeway---it is why I end up with cookies I do not need!!! I buy Thin Mints for DH, even though I can buy Keebler cheaper!!! If they just made one I didn't like I would be ok, but they don't! Have fun....even though it doesn't sound like much fun! Betty---what's cooking for the weekend? I have a pork roast going into a green chile stew base tomorrow. Then I have the weekend covered! Danged old Girl Scout Cookies for dessert probably!!! Sure am glad that Pat is ok---I worried about her! Now we need to hear from Patty! Darcy, Cassie, Dianne, and whoever else my addle brain has missed tonight---I cannot scroll back to see what it is I need to address!!! I do know we need to hear about how the wedding plans are going Ms. Cassie!!! Everyone take care and have a good weekend. My friends funeral is tomorrow---not how I want to spend the day for sure. Mandy and I posted on another thread where a lady was given a hard time for posting in a Candian thread----so I just want to thank you Jersey Girlies, for being so welcoming and supportive, and special to me! Kat

I am always posting things before looking what thread I am in---in fact my "regular" room is a state far, far away from where I live--luckily they let us outsiders hang out!! People disagree, on here, at home...it happens. But this is a support group for everyone, no reason for you to have to leave. I agree with Wheetsin---never allow that kind of power to be held by anyone else!! Kat ****topic hijack*** Wheetsin---the cheese crisps you told me how to make....I'm addicted! Eating them as I chat!!! Thanks! ****back to topic*****

Hi Betty--Rick is 46, well he turned 46 the day after heart surgery! I was like you I wanted it done already!!! But part of the problem Rick had with coumadin, was that he developed a blood clot in the ileac vein and artery following the angiogram prior to surgery, checking his artery function (in case they needed to bypass while they were in doing the valve surgery). So he was put on coumedin then, and even with the seriousness of the valve failure, they postponed him for 7 weeks, so that the clot could be dealt with. Then he was taken off of it 4 days prior to the heart surgery, then put back onto it, was supposed to be for 6 months, since they put in a plastic ring in the valve...but 2 months later is when he has the massive GI bleed. I fully (as in 100%) believe, our problem was in our care here. We are in a small fairly rural area, and one that is plagued with healthcare issues. Our options are few and far between. The therapuetic levels needed with coumadin leave little room for error---and I don't feel that the people here, had the knowledge necessary to maintain him at that therapuetic level. The surgeon wanted his pro time to be between 2.3 and 3.3. He was at one time up to a 7.9!!! Instead of weaning him back down as they should have (we find out after the fact), they pulled him off completely, then had him wait 4 days and start back to the 3X a week at 7.5 mg and 4 X a week at 10mg. After the bleed and when we saw the cardiac surgeon in Albuquerque, he said Rick should never have been given anything higher than the 7.5....it should not have ben necessary with the levels his blood had already reached. He explained to us the constant highs and lows, amde the tissues in Rick's body break down from stress....so that led to an unhealthy texture to the stomach/esophagus, which is what tore when he vomited. IF he had been handled in a manner which let the body accustom itself to a steady viscosity of his blood, it likely would not have happen. There is no way to know it for sure, as in being able to prove it, but I believe it to be true---it was the health care provided to him, that led to his problems. Luckily now he is off of all his meds!!! They actually pulled his coumadin 4 months ago, but he was on Toprol still, now it too is gone! My Mom fell a year ago, stepping off my porch and broke her wrist, then not long after it healed, she fell while out walking and broke her arm/shoulder way up high like you say your brother did. She too was in a sling, they were unable to cast it, because of where the break was. They Xrayed in every 2 weeks, and told he she would likely lose most of her raised range of motion. But my Dad fixed a pulley to the ceiling in the garage,with a rope through it, and as soon as the Dr. gave her the ok, she would go out and slowly raise and lower her arm. The ortho's were shocked at how much movement she got back for a 69 year old woman. He said they are notorious for NOT doing PT!!! I hope your brother is able to cope with the pain, and that you are able to cope with the brother----I can relate so well! We made a rice bag for Mom, to use as a heating pad. We used (nothing like cheating!!) an old flannel pillowcase, and filled it with a bag of plain old long grain rice, we stitched it closed, then folded it down over itself and stitched it again, so that the fabric was doubled. Then she could zap it in the microwave, to heat it, and the weight felt good, helped to hold it in place, and when she went to bed at night (in a recliner for over a month--flat put too much stress on it), we didn't worry about it over heating, or burning her because it just slowly cooled off. I'll ask he if she has any suggestions for him. Poor guy! It's not raining at your house, it really IS pouring!!! (((((hugs))))) Kat