LittleOleMeinFL

Hi guys~ It has been a quiet weekend! Nice b/c I haven't had time to read and I feel caught up already! Jewel~ WTG on the exercise and loss! You are doing great. Keep up the momentum. I remember my first semester of nursing school was my most favorite time EVER in higher education! You are actually learning things you are interested in and can use! Best of luck! Janet~ I think I forgot to post to you last time. So sorry- CRS syndrome and with all the stress going on, well, I know you understand. I know you keep seeing my FB comments and know where my head is right now. i did a lot of movement today- not really purposeful exercise, but moved. Played in the pool- cleaned up toys (lots of bending and squatting). I have DH agreeing to exercising at least 3 x week starting Tuesday. He has had the YMCA "family" plan and only Nels and I go. He hasn't been in a year. Even if he doesn't go, I am on plan for getting back on plan. School bus leaves at 7:30, will hop in car and go. Tuesdays will be my school volunteer day from 9-10, so those will be later Y days. Sorry to hear about all the drama in the home. You are such a great GM/M! Apples~ What am I going to do with you?! Squeeze and kiss you, i reckon?! Listen guys, with all she has going on... she sent Nels a care package for starting 1st grade! A very cute book (which he loves!), a truck shirt and a photo/note of Tanker. That just melted his heart and he said "awww, Mrs. Karen is the best!" Can we go see her tomorrow? I suggested a TY card first and we will work on the visit! : ) Thank you again. Julie~ Sorry to hear about the pain persisting. Thanks for your thoughts on having an only child. I just want to hug you on the bittersweet stuff of DD not needing you so much these days now that she has DF. You have been the best mom- been there when no one else has. I know deep down she knows that. I have a feeling once all the wedding stuff settles down and Mayo figures out a plan, that you will be back on track. You are a tough cookie and have come so far! Cheri~ Love to hear that you need pants altered. Can't wait to be in that place. Enjoy your days off before work. There is a special place in heaven for teachers. Glad you are getting your medical stuff squared away. You are a bit of a unique case- not the typical presentation. Glad there is no serious cause of the abnormal lab. : ) Lori~ Saw your photos of Hawaii. Hang loose. HUGS. LauraK~ Happy Birthday girl! Wishing you a hear of health, happiness and love! WTG!!! Eva~ WTG on the exercise! 25 days and counting! Good luck with the financial guys. They always confuse the heck out of me and I am good at that stuff. I hope you get it figured out. Hugs to DH. He has a good heart and I can imagine the loss of your friend is tough. Send him my thoughts, ok? Melissa~ I think some type of radiology asst is a wonderful idea! It's a job that you get to interact with patients (but brief) and you have job security. The programs are intense but doable and not too long. Best of luck if that's what you chose. I was laughing at the backpack stories! haha That's all I can remember. I am pooped and headed to bed soon. I know I sound like a broken record with the school starting stuff. I finished getting all Nels' stuff organized and in the backpacks. We went to orientation on Friday and LOVE LOVE LOVE his teacher, Mrs. Gonzales. She has 9 years experience at that school and 15+ total. The other 3 1st grade teachers are new to the school (one a new grad)- so I feel we lucked out. Tonight we took Nelson to Benihana (Japanese restaurant where they cook in front of you)- his favorite. I had scallops and barely could eat. I have great restriction despite the 1.5cc unfill last week. I will post pics- my therapy. : ) Thanks for all the support again. peasout.. Laura

Lori~ Have fun and please don't worry about the 10 lbs. Bring some of the looser clothes and just enjoy. You will get it off when you get back. Hugs. Turkish Hubble-Bubble (pronounced Hubbly Bubbly) Hubble-bubble, or Nargile is one of the oldest traditions in Turkey and has enthusiasts of all ages and sexes who find great pleasure in smoking it. In addition to young Turks, tourists who visit Turkey are attracted to the hubble-bubble and often buy them as souvenirs to take home to their family and friends. The new fashion is hubble-bubble tobacco flavored with strawberries, apples or Cappuccino. It takes about an hour to smoke a pipe full of fruit tobacco, two hours for the stronger stuff. The smoke is noticeably cooler than cigarette smoke, and lightly intoxicating. Old Turkish hubble-bubble lovers state that smoking a hubble-bubble is nothing like smoking a cigarette and also add "Cigarettes are for nervous people, competitive people and people on the run. When you smoke a hubble-bubble, you have time to think. It teaches you patience and tolerance, and gives you an appreciation of good company. Hubble-bubble smokers have a much more balanced approach to life than cigarette smokers." As long as there is a need for company and friendship, as long as people want to stop and think, there will be nargile cafés" is one of the most popular sayings nowadays.

LMAO............ too funny! That might work, but would need an unfill to eat out my fridge! : ) I took one photo of the two docs with the Water pipe. They joked and said what if one of our small town police saw them at that moment. They would automatically think it was something illegal. These "Water Pipe" bars are popping up all over the US in big cities. It's very common in Turkey and Syria. Take a look. The Hookah Lounge Today is Nelson's Day. He chooses the meals, what we do, etc. Cookies for Breakfast with choc. milk, pizza for lunch with apple juice, we played legos and made a GeoTrax train track all over the living room, went to the sand box & added a bootle of bubbles and gave him the hose! What a mess but lots of laughter. Rode bikes, looked for frogs, hosed off and then jumped in the pool! Now off to TKD. I am officially ready for orientation tomorrow. Karen, your words of wisdom on previous post helped a lot. I agree- I could use some structure. I have kept up laundry this week and kitchen of course, but have left putting up laundry, ironing and unpacking until Monday. Would rather spend the free time playing this week. : ) Love you all, thanks for the PM's of support. peasout

Good morning girls~ Linda~ I always love your posts. It is clear that you give each person a moment of your undivided attention. Really after I read it I just want to write "ditto". : ) Glad you were able to forward the poem to your DS. When we were up in NC, the night before we were leaving Nels said to me "Mommy, will you try not to cry tomorrow when we say goodbye?" (I always cry). I told him I would try but that it was hard. He then told me he would give me $1..LOL. I cried and he kept his $. Apples~So glad you had fun last night. Sorry about the dental appt. hugs. You are a tough cookie and I know the end result is what keeps you going. Jewel~ Glad you are finding your books and getting ready. Sorry to hear about your sis. As hard as things are, there is a reason for everything and we don't always know why. God has a plan. Now, about the resume. PLEASE don't worry about that now. You have PLENTY of time. Trust me, once you get out in the RN field, the only thing they care about is you graduated and passed your boards. (and in an interview you don't chew gum and spit tobacco and can act like a human). I interviewed RN candidates for 2 years when I was head nurse in the ER in a big city. I actually hated the "fluffed" up resumes that were obviously professionally done and not the person's own words. That's just one opinion. Phyl may be able to add more. But just focus on prepping for school and looking over your books- you'll have lots of time for job prep. Eva~ Glad to hear about the computers up and running ok. Sorry to hear about your back. How many days now? You should make a ticker..LOL. Gwen~Oh dear. An ortho giving opinions on bariatric surgery success?! Lord have mercy. Don't listen to him. Let's just concentrate on getting you healthy! It's very hard for those to lose weight as quickly with immobility issues. Each person has an individual journey. Kurby~ Glad you got the info re: ur surgery. The comment that your knowledge (or lack thereof) got you in this obesity mess stopped me in my tracks! Hon, it has little to do with knowledge of food (some but not much). I (as many on this thread do) have EXTENSIVE knowledge of nutrition. Hell, I have a masters in nursing (family nurse practitioner) and a minor in nutrition. (I don't spit that one out often) and it didn't keep me from getting morbidly obese. Ask Janet, she could have written a BOOK on diets and nutrition, she had done them all- it's about WANTING to change, not just KNOWING HOW. Jb~ Loved your post and so happy about your nephew. Arlene~ Keep us posted on the baby news!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! woohooooo. Yes, I agree with Dr. D. Wine and dark choc in moderation is one of the best kept secrets to happiness. : ) Lori~ LOVED hearing your stories about your kids and the first day rituals. And I don't think of you as a depressed person AT ALL. : ) Hell, with me and all the sap I am posting lately, you guys are probably thinking- there is a reason you should not go through menopause and have a kid starting first grade! LOL. The joys of being "mature" parents. I just LOVE LOVE LOVE being a mom. It's by far the most rewarding job I have EVER had. (and I have loved some of my jobs). But nothing replaces those smiles, giggles, hugs, and thankyous. Just a bit ago Nelson woke up (slept late b/c we were out late at friends for dinner). He walked in the office all sleepy faced and said "I love you mom", turned around and went to watch SpongeBob in the den. OMG.... Could I freeze that moment FOREVER?! LadyKC~Thanks for the sweet comment. : ) Well, last night we went to one of my DH's partner's houses for dinner. His wife is 6 months pregnant and has been DYING to show me the nursery and the stuff she has gotten. She is an interior designer and very organized and OCD. She is having a boy. Before we left the house I said to DH, should I bring one of his Water bottles so he doesn't spill in their new house? He thought for sure she had lids or something and had thought of that. I said, should I bring juice or something he will drink? He said naw. FF to the night. Think WHITE CARPET AND FURNITURE....... CLEAN FRESH OFF WHITE PAINTED WALLS........ holy canoli. She is also an organic/no preservatives/artificial colors/flavors kinda gal. She does eat meat. She offered Nelson water or Naked juice (carrot/mango/guava). Rather than him vomit that beautiful liquid on the white carpet (which he would have- has any of you tried that nasty stuff??), I had him drink water. All I have to say is they have a lot to learn and there is a little one in her belly just WAITING to teach them the joys of being the parents of little boys! :thumbup: I brought her a tasteful small hand painted plate that had a little blue rattle on it and said congratulations. (local artist). They had a Turkish water pipe Hookah - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia and needed lessons on using it(not the mommytobe) . So we showed them. It has fruit flavored tobacco- no wacky tobacky : ) Also the Dr's brother and GF were visiting from Miami. I ate VERY little, didn't want to PB with them. The Dr and his wife knew about the LB but the bro asked me why I wasn't eating and I just told them. They actually have a friend who had one and it was done with. : ) Was a fun night. ok... off to play with my boy. 4 days left until school!!!! peasout.. Laura

ok guys, I just feel like I have to share this. One of the gals on LBT, that also has a blog, has been one of my (other) big mentors. Yes, feel like I am cheating on Janet to admit it. :smile2: Well this gal just reached goal! Her before and after pics are just amazing. Every time I look and read about others struggles and successes, it gives me that much more hope that I can do it. I know she won't mind me sharing. Once Upon A Time...In the Land of Cheese and Sunkist Will post the pics too. Starting weight was 327 and her current weight is 168. It took her 18 months.

Yes, it is from a book. : ) Love to hear that others have given that book.

Hi all~ Having a sleepless night tonight. Thought I would try and write another note. First of all.... To Apples and Great~ When I read your posts about how you would do ANYTHING to have even one of those days back, it just brought tears to my eyes. (and I appreciate your words-I know the bus is just one of those passages of life that one needs to do). I feel my Nelson slipping away already with his newfound adventurous side and desire to have privacy in the bathroom, etc. Last night he put a note on his bedroom door (written phonetically) that said "Hibernaten- Cum bak aftah wintar" (Laughed so hard to myself. Today I took it down to copy and laminate for storage). Tonight after his shower I scooped him up while he was wrapped in one of my old bath robes and sat down on a stool in the bathroom and held him like I used to when he was a baby. (now am almost 70 lb boy who is almost at my shoulders tall) I asked him if I could rock him and he said "Mom (not Mommy anymore), I will always be your baby and you can rock me whenever you want." And I did. I hid my tears with the towel, told him to get up b/c he was breaking my knees and shooed him out the door to get dressed. Just glad to know these feelings are normal and that I WILL survive. Any other things I should know??? Any other things you guys did for them that you remember? I have been doing the special lunch notes EVERY day and he loves those. Just love hearing stories of special things Moms do for their kids- or moments they remember. Might junk up the thread... beware. Just feeling nostalgic. Get out a kleenex, this is an oldie but a goodie. I have this in a book version but just found it online to share. For those who are about to become grandparents (Lori), those who are, those who recently lost a loved one, to the moms, to the daughters and sons.... enjoy. Love You Forever by Robert Munsch A mother held her new baby and very slowly rocked him back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. And while she held him, she sang: I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, As long as I'm living my baby you'll be. The baby grew. He grew and he grew and he grew. He grew until he was two years old, and he ran all around the house. He pulled all the books off the shelves. He pulled all the food out of the refrigerator and he took his mother's watch and flushed it down the toilet. Sometimes his mother would say, "this kid is driving me CRAZY!" But at night time, when that two-year-old was quiet, she opened the door to his room, crawled across the floor, looked up over the side of his bed; and if he was really asleep she picked him up and rocked him back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. While she rocked him she sang: I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, As long as I'm living my baby you'll be. The little boy grew. He grew and he grew and he grew. He grew until he was nine years old. And he never wanted to come in for dinner, he never wanted to take a bath, and when grandma visited he always said bad words. Sometimes his mother wanted to sell him to the zoo! But at night time, when he was asleep, the mother quietly opened the door to his room, crawled across the floor and looked up over the side of the bed. If he was really asleep, she picked up that nine-year-old boy and rocked him back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. And while she rocked him she sang: I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, As long as I'm living my baby you'll be. The boy grew. He grew and he grew and he grew. He grew until he was a teenager. He had strange friends and he wore strange clothes and he listened to strange music. Sometimes the mother felt like she was in a zoo! But at night time, when that teenager was asleep, the mother opened the door to his room, crawled across the floor and looked up over the side of the bed. If he was really asleep she picked up that great big boy and rocked him back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. While she rocked him she sang: I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, As long as I'm living my baby you'll be. That teenager grew. He grew and he grew and he grew. He grew until he was a grown-up man. He left home and got a house across town. But sometimes on dark nights the mother got into her car and drove across town. If all the lights in her son's house were out, she opened his bedroom window, crawled across the floor, and looked up over the side of his bed. If that great big man was really asleep she picked him up and rocked him back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. And while she rocked him she sang: I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, As long as I'm living my baby you'll be. Well, that mother, she got older. She got older and older and older. One day she called up her son and said, "You'd better come see me because I'm very old and sick." So her son came to see her. When he came in the door she tried to sing the song. She sang: I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always... But she couldn't finish because she was too old and sick. The son went to his mother. He picked her up and rocked her back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. And he sang this song: I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, As long as I'm living my Mommy you'll be. When the son came home that night, he stood for a long time at the top of the stairs. Then he went into the room where his very new baby daughter was sleeping. He picked her up in his arms and very slowly rocked her back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. And while he rocked her he sang: I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, As long as I'm living my baby you'll be.

Quick fly by... Not much time tonight (maybe later). DH just got home a bit ago. Had Nels all day, grocery shopping, TKD, had a friend over for afternoon swim and then dinner and bath. Just turned dishwasher on & "Kitchen is Closed" as my mom always said growing up. Apples~ Sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo nice to see your green font! WONDERFUL to hear update on the arm. How long will you have to have the splint? Is it velcro or plaster? Will you have to do OT after? Sorry the delay in results. So darn frustrating. Those medical people! Gosh we've missed you and worried about you! Great~ WTG on pedi. When do you leave? buen viaje! LOVE the meatball test. Will have to try it when my swelling goes down. Gwen~ safe travels also. Wish I had known about the sealed protein drinks being allowed. Great thing to know. Julie&Phyl~ Hope you are having fun together. Hope you both start feeling better and pain free soon. HUGS. kurby~ You need to be very adamant that you get answers to your questions. (what type of surgery you had- important to know if you needed to go the ER with emergency complication or something). If they don't get back to you in a timely manner (and they didn't provide you with a detailed post op instructions with FAQ, etc), then call the physician on call. That's what they are there for and that's what you/your insurance paid big bucks for! Hope you feel better soon. It also concerns me that you don't know the difference between carbs and proteins. Did they not have a pre-op class with the dietitian? All of this should have been explained and written down for you. You can also search on this forum and whichever band you had. (LapBand and Realize has their own websites with great patient education/information) Joyce~ Praying for you regarding your daughter. I can only imagine how helpless you feel. I hope this program helps her. That's as far back on posts as I am updated. Sorry guys- this was the first trip that I really had no time to stay updated. Was busy busy. Oh, Karen, Nelson will be taking the BUS! OH MY... I am FREAKING out! The bus picks up at 7:25- that is early. He wants to ride the bus and DH told me to let him. SIGH. I am really just freaking out that my boy is growing up. Ordered his new backpack and lunch box from LandsEnd. I have all his uniforms and school supplies. It is all so real. I know you have all gone through this before. Feeling an empty nest already. The job thing looks like it will be tricky. The few jobs that are available have screwy hours. They want afternoons and weekends. I just can't do that with a kid and DH with call hours. Others are PT but NO time off allowed. WHAT? DH has 8 weeks vacation/yr. I have to be able to be off some of those weeks. So, I am thinking of doing more volunteering. There is a VIM (volunteers in medicine) clinic for working poor. (those that make too much for medicaid but not enough to have insurance or pay themselves). The hours will be flexible and the job rewarding. The pay- well, I work for free but get paid back in ways other than money if you know what I mean. Helping others always comes back around. cbl....peasout.. LAURA

Hi guys~ I am home!!!!!! Yeah : ) DH picked us up at the airport yesterday and then had to run back to work. : ( But such is life. It's so good to be home.... but miss my folks a bunch. I PB'd 2 nights ago and have been super uber tight. I am on liquids only trying to get that to calm down. (flying in small planes always does it too). ughhh. On the good side, I lost 4 lbs! BUT... I didn't drink ANY water yesterday b/c flying 3 hrs without a potty. So weight might be back up as soon as I am hydrated..LOL. I will catch up on posts soon... I hope. School starts next Monday... OMG... my baby starts first grade! Friday is orientation...OMW... I am hyperventilating! Hope all is ok. Miss you guys. Apples, are you there? Hugs to all my peeps. peasout.. Laura

So many photos... so hard to upload on here. : ) I have more on FB. Can't even sleep- so wide awake. Worked hard and should be sleeping I guess. Tomorrow is last full day here- then leave early Monday. Mom and sis are going to church and Nels and I will hang out with grandpa. Hope everyone is well. Linda~ hugs. saw your photo of your puppy. Hope it is ok, yeah- looks bad. Loved photo of gd. soooooo cute! peasout guys..laura

Hi friends. what a beautiful day celebrating my mom's birthday! Life is good. I am so blessed and so thankful for my family and my life. I just soaked in the time with everyone. I enjoyed cooking the meal for everyone, setting the table and having everything just right (like my mom likes). The joy in her face was worth every bit of it! Dad was feeling a bit better (though I think he faked some of it for her day). I hope DH and I have the love like they do after 55 years! I missed DH like crazy today- had he been here would have been PERFECT. Will share some photos. Promise to catch up on Monday when I get home and can sit down for a few minutes. peasout.. Laura

Hey guys~ Just a note... didn't read posts really, sorry. It's late, 1130 and I can't believe I am still up. I feel so behind on my LBT, FB, emails, tv shows, news, etc. It makes me feel out of sorts (although sometimes life just gets in the way of those things, right?) I miss my DH something awful. I had to fight back tears tonight talking to him. (didn't want to cry with Nels nearby. Don't get me wrong- I think it's great to let kids see/feel their feelings and we do, but it's been SOOOOOOOOOOOO stressful here and he was in a really happy place, so didn't want to be a debbie downer before bed). Update: Mom is 99% better!!! The epidural worked it seems! She has no more shooting/sharp nerve type pain. All the pain she has is "soreness" from walking crooked and compensating for so long. She is doing good. She still has her moments of tearful times. I think she has situational depression. She took herself off her Paxil which she had been on since Dad's diagnosis. She has gained weight and thinks it's to blame. They tried her on Elavil (to help sleep) but the side effects were too great and she stopped. She wants to tough it out. Which, with her go get em personality, might be ok. She is MUCH better now that she is off pain meds and xanax. The combo has her loopy and tearful most nights (and never helped pain, just made her drunk). She is smiling now, but worried about my dad. Dad went to GI guy and waiting for C dificil lab test (stool infection test). He is constantly burping and feels full after a few bites (he doesn't have a band..lol), and has intermittent uncontrollable diarrhea. He won't eat much or drink for that matter. Yesterday he had 700 cal. He needs more than that to heal and rebuild muscle. I was able to get a bit more in him today. I told him to have small frequent snacks. One hour i brought him 1/2 glass of milk with 2 saltines with pimento cheese. He was happy. Did little stuff like that. I am worried that besides the infection he has gastoperesis, which if it is is very difficult to treat. Dad just doesn't feel good. He is working with OT and PT and is getting stronger, tremors are almost gone but the neuropathy is so bad. (i can't remember what I wrote in last post, sorry if i am repeating). I worry that if the next scan is bad he will just give up. I doubt the drs would do anymore chemo. I am hoping it's ok. Just praying actually. Tomorrow we are having a birthday party for my mom. (it's really the 17th). I planned it, invited everyone, did all the shopping for the meal, ordered the cake, cleaned the house, will cook the meal). My sister has to pick up our Turkish guest who stayed in Charlotte for a few nights to see friends and shop (he will have lunch and then leaves for home afternoon). Everyone is here except my DH and my POS niece who moved to Seattle after Christmas. (My sis only child- who was practically raised by my Dad. He paid for all her college, cars, etc. and she pays him back by running off to Seattle with a guy she met on the internet and has not called, texted, emailed or written my dad ONCE since she left). Completely inexcusable in my book. I have refused to talk to her now. Not that she has made any attempts to call me either. I unfriended her on FB recently. A selfish girl with possible borderline personality who uses her self diagnosed ADHD as an excuse to get out of EVERYTHING. Sorry i got off on a tangent. Oh, the cutest thing when we were getting the cake... Nels was with me. I was talking to the bakery lady. Nels looked through the book and said, "i found her cake!!" He picked one from the movie "Despicable me" b/c it has an airplane on it. The baker asked what it should say and he said "DUH, Happy Birthday Grandma!" !!! It's really cute and I think will make her smile. I wanted to bake one, but just don't have time. I didn't read posts but glanced at the last two and saw that Eva lost a friend. OMW... HUGS. I promise to write more to you about this later. Can't even imagine. Any news on Apples? Julie, how'd your PM dr appt go? Love you all.. more soon! Going home on Monday. The pilot has some training on Sunday... and I didn't want to miss the party. peasout....Laura took this today as we were walking out the door to the store.

Hi guys, I just caught up on posts. wow, busy girls. Apples~ hugs and good luck with dentist and ortho. VERY important to go to a hand/wrist specialist. If the scaphoid bone is involved it can be very dangerous b/c it doesn't get a large blood supply. A fx there is very hard to see on plain films and usually needs MRI. Even if you have to travel for a consult, need to see a hand specialist and make sure you don't need surgery. I hope all is ok. I know you have my cell#, PLEASE feel free to call with any questions. Melissa~ good luck with your surgery. Although it is relatively easy surgery- it is still surgery. Will they go through any of your old scars? feel better soon Lori~ LOL about the missing nugget. I think I lost my nugget the other day, maybe you found it. ; ) Also made me laugh about the cougar attack (at the gym). You are so cute. : ) Let us know about the ultrasound! so exciting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Janet~ ditto what everyone else said about the bangs. looks nice. Jewel~ nice uniform. They are way too big though. They are likely 50/50 and won't shrink much but try to wash them on hot twice before having them hemmed or taken in. Do they have a draw string? If not- have one put in then they can be tightened in waist as you lose. I hear you on the child care. My Nels has only had two sitters ever other than my parents. I don't trust just anyone either. It's so hard. Good luck. Judy~ safe travels! WTG on the loss with optifast! LadyKC~ hugs on dd stuff. That is tough to deal with. Hang in there. Phyll~ make sure and get back checked out if persists. I know you know all this... but have to say it. If any loss of bowel/bladder fn or loss of sensation, go IMMEDIATELY to ER for STAT MRI. I know more about back pain than any one person should know. It was our #1 complaint at the urgent care clinic I worked in. (we did a lot of workers comp). Was at times difficult to figure out who wanted meds/time off and who had real pain. Mom has been through the wringer with hers. It's not easy. Eva~Holy canoli about the hole cover! That sounded funny and painful at the same time! Retirement. Wow, sounds so nice. You deserve it, you've worked hard for many years. I have a friend of mine who has a PhD in social work and is so burnt out with it she wants to open a dog grooming business. Why not. Life is too short. Cheri~ You are a gas! LOL. Too funny blaming kids for YOUR farts! All of those protein supplements you mentioned give me gas. I can only use isolate products (usually the ones from my dr's like Unjury or Bariwise). The whey concentrates are harder for your body to breakdown and that's why they cause so much gas. You always seem to be a bit of a medical mystery. Your RA labs are not the normal presentation (as I guess you figured out). The supplements explanation does not settle right with me. I would gather you need to explore further to rule out malignancy. (my opinion- safer than sorrier, ya know?) The treatment recommendation also- would need to do more research, as it's not my area of expertise. Let us know what your sis/MD says. Very interesting case to me. Good luck! Julie~ Hope you get some help with your pain mgt dr. They are usually very empathetic to PAIN. It's their job! Is your pain dr and MD or DO- are they an anesthesiologist or PMR ( physical medicine and rehabilitation )? After dealing with a PMR for my mom, I would take an anesthesiologist with a PAIN fellowship any day. PMRs only do 2 year residency where MDA does 6! (4 anesth. and 2 pain years) Not just saying that b/c my husband is one. I know I forgot someone- It's getting late and can't go back more pages and the connection isn't good and afraid I might lose this one as it is. UPDATE: Mom had her epidurals today. (two levels, L2-L3 and L4-5.) They had her take two 5 mg generic valium before coming but no sedation during procedure. She was in so much pain that lying on table face down had her crying. Then apparently the first one (which is worst level for her= most nerve involvement) was incredibly painful. I heard her cry out and i was down the hall inthe radiology waiting. When I got to see her in recovery she was crying and shaking. My mom is a tough cookie. 3 kids with NO meds, had hysterectomy and hemmoroidectomy in same week, dislocated knee once and had no meds to get it back in. She is not a baby and if she hurt then it had to be brutal. I doubt she would ever do this without sedation. But the good news- she is having relief of her pain. Thank God. She was walking crooked for 6 weeks so with all the compensating she is sore all over and has other pains. But the sharp, electric shooting pain is gone. I was glad my Dad didn't go today. (he had a dr's appt and my sis took him). If her heard/saw her- he likely would have had a stroke or heart attack. The dr came to talk to me and while talking he was typing something on his blackberry. I said "hello? excuse me, are you listening?" He said he had some time sensitive information for something that he is on a board of,blah blah. He really rubbed me the wrong way today and was a tad bit unprofessional (add mom's pain and not good). If she weren't going to continue seeing him I would complain. But my mom is happy there is no pain,so won't stir the shit. now we will see how she is doing tomorrow. I need to talk to them about when I leave. I wish I could stay until the 17th for her birthday but won't be able to- just too much time away. Nel's school orientation is 19th and he needs some down time. Also need to get school supplies/uniforms, etc. If she is doing ok, we will likely go back Sat or Sun., and just have an early Bday party. I know she will understand. It's also super stressful here with a house full. I have been so proud of Nels, handling this all like a trooper. Really a good boy. I think I lost 3-4 lbs so far. (need my scale to really know). But working my A$$ off and not eating much. Bonus. Hope everyone is ok. Will be better at writing when I get home. Some photos. Dad and his best friend, nels on plane. mom and i today when we got to hospital. breakfast with the BFF and an aerial shot of my hometown in FL enjoy. peasout... Laura

Hi all! Greetings from NC. I am typing in the dark as Nelson sleeps on that tiny new laptop DH got me. I apologize in advance for typos. I read all the posts but will likely not respond to all. Thinking of you all and the various things going on. Sounds like everyone is doing ok, eating ok and exercising. wtg, keep it up! Things here are very stressful! I arrived from the airport and they were waiting on us to eat dinner. SIGH. I had a 3.4 hour flight on a tiny plane with no potty- had not drinken ANY water b/c didn't want to have to pee. Well I was tight as all get out. Then to top it off, Dad can't do stuff still b/c of neuropathy of the hands, my DSis is deathly afraid of gas grills (though nothing has ever happened to her with one) and mom is out of whack with back. So, I didn't even change and turned on grill and grilled veggies on skewers and lamb chops. Half well done for guest and mom, and rest rare. I couldn't eat two bites of anything, just had air escaping/burps. It was awkward to say the least with the guest. I didn't push it and just stopped eating. I went with mom to pain management dr today. i liked him. Seemed smart, nice bed manner. Went over her MRI in DETAIL with us. Really bad herniated disc L2-L3 and L4-L5. Both with severe nerve compression on left. She told him more about her situation and that she has to get mobile to help take care of my dad. She told him she didn't want pain meds, she wants to function. He scheduled her for the steroid epidural (x2 locations) for wed. He seems confident it will help. He wanted to fill her pain meds and she said no thanks- we have meds coming out our ears. I have to be able to help my husband and I don't want meds. He said he could tell she was a tough cookie and not a drug seeker and was going to do everything in his power to get her back to normal. She is excited and relieved and scared all at the same time. I have been cooking a lot. Mom has been so thankful for the help. I am a good multitasker- get laundry started, start some of the meal- play with Nelson- get Dad something to drink- say hi to guest, etc. I feel like I am helping and it was worth the trip. My sis is a little out of sorts with me here. Happens every time. I guess i step on her territory and she feels that everyone feels that i do things so much better. I try to validate her feelings and compliment her on all she does ALL the time. I told her I am just reinforcements in this war and that she is on battlefield 24 7 365. It made her feel a bit better. Nelson is being such a good, patient, loving boy. He understands Grandma and Grandpa are out of commission and keeps writing them care notes. He's being good at keeping his toys away from walk areas. He even mastered the new IPod DH got us for trip. OMG.. it has a cable and can connect ipod to tv and use like DVD! he knows how to play all his own shows and movies! SOOOO worth it! DH is missing me bad. It always takes a trip for him to realize all that I do. I think he forgets all the work i do daily to keep house looking like it always looks (nice and tidy and stocked). He is also a good listener and lets me vent at the end of each day. He is always great at seeing all the sides of a situation and reminding me of how the other is feeling without making me mad/sad. I just love him and appreciate him. and of course, miss him too. Tomorrow am taking the guest shopping- as he has to buy gifts for his family. They like clothes so will try marshalls and tjmaxx. He knows brands and sizes well. He is VERY tasteful with clothes and knows how to match things. He buys complete outfits for wife and daughter- no problem. Then in afternoon taking dad to GI doc. He lost 10 lbs this week. Has diarrhea (maybe from last antibiotic) and burping and no appetite. If he forces himself to eat he vomits. So he eats small bites here and there. I think he has gastritis- but not sure if he is up for endoscopy. Hopefully the dr will try meds first. Mom is worried sick about him. I am exhausted, but took a sleeping pill 2 hrs ago and couldn't sleep. so now up and just folded laundry. Nels is in my room on air mattress and just LOVE hearing him sleep. Just like classical music to my ears- so soothing. I better try to sleep. Thanks for all the thoughts. Right back at ya!!! : ) Apples, are you listening? Will CB when I can. Miss you guys... peasout, Laura

Wow, Janet, GREAT job! Can I just say DITTO- I couldn't have said those replies better had I said it myself ; ) Love the deals you got. Size 0! WHAT?! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! You are my hero, my friend. <singing> In my mind I'm goin' to Carolina Can't you see the sunshine <singing again> My favorite James Taylor song. : ) Will talk to you peeps soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! xoxo Laura

Just checking in. DH took Nels "out" for the morning so I could pack. After TKD he took him to home depot (Lori, great minds think alike). He didn't know that they were having the kids' craft hour- but walked in RIGHT when it was starting. Nels and him built a school bus shaped pencil holder! It is really cute and was a nice bonding experience. THEN... He took him to a toy store. Hmmmm. He bought him something called SAND BOX in a BOX. Came with shovels and rakes and a garbage truck (and fake garbage) and REAL sand!!! He sent me a text and apologized for it before he even got home! LOL. I made him play with it outside- goodness gracious, you know it wasn't a woman who came up with that idea! Even being careful he had sand all over the table and on himself. (he wanted to play with it in his playroom). Then they went out to lunch. I got most of my stuff done. : ) later, peas.

Hi guys~ Thanks for well wishes. We leave tomorrow morning early. I have to be creative with packing since we are going in small plane. Have to pack in small duffels and has to be light. (tricky) Mom's bday is the 17th and I got lots of useful stuff at Bed, bath and Beyond. (things that were getting worn out, but are expensive and we all drag our feet to replace.) A lot of their tablecloths and placemats are 50% off. They had a Williamsburg- reversible placemats and matching tablecloth one that is usually $8/each $3- got her 12. She will appreciate a gift that gets used. Dad gets her Chanel #5 every occasion (the only perfume she uses). She is really hard to buy for. She has gained some weight this last year with Dad sick, ~ 50 lbs and I know clothes is a touchy subject for her. So don't want to go there. DH took Nels to TKD this morning. Acted like he needed a gold medal or something- urrrghhhhh. He has NO idea what i do every day to get that kid ready and to and fro. I just wanted ONE morning alone- that's ALL i asked for. And... I got him up, got him breakfast, got him to brush teeth and get dressed. All he had to do was drive there! Men. Just don't get it sometimes. I got my way, and in the end... that's all that matters.:party: Janet, yeah, I will be one of 3 classroom moms. I "adopted" the class ($200) and that goes to supplies the teacher needs. They put a little note on the wall is all. I will be able to help when I can. I don't want work full time, just PT will be enough. Not sure I will find it. I live in a SMALL town. There is no bariatric "program" at the hospital (though that would be a dream job). Just two surgeons who happen to do a few RNY and bands every once in a while. Really sad- very poor follow up here. (which is why I went to a different city for my surgery) I don't want a job with a lot of management responsibility- I like to be a NP, take care of patients, but have no desire to run an office. (which is why I won't open up my own private practice). Insurance these days is a NIGHTMARE to deal with. I want to go to 20 hours in an ER or urgent care or family practice. But not take my job home with me every day. I better go pack- need to hide the toys I got before someone sees them! Will CBL. Hugs to you all- will write more later. <having a hot flash> laura

Hi guys~ Busy day today. Had to run most of my errands that were scheduled for next week. I called and was able to get my hair (color touch up) done today. She didn't have time for cut but that's ok- just had it cut a month ago & I trimmed my bangs last week. I bought more little gifts ($1 toys) than I usually do to bring on a trip with me. (bribe/rewards) I know Nels will have to self amuse more than normal and will have to be quieter since we are staying downstairs in the room next to my parents. Usually we have the whole upstairs to spread out and let him play- but with their company there we will be in guest. I am really going to miss DH this trip. Can't do it all- taking mom to the Dr on Monday morning and she wants me to do all the cooking this week. Problem is- I didn't do the shopping or menu- and she wants certain things cooked certain ways. (b/c of the guest from Turkey). It should get VERY interesting! Will put on my seatbelt and go for the ride! (with a smile on! Apples, I could use you even with one arm tied behind your back you could run circles around me in a strange kitchen!) Janet~ hope Bella is ok. Good luck with the car. I HATE mechanics- always feel like I am getting taken for a ride. Funny that they don't give my DH a runaround. ; ) Lori~ Hope your HA is better. How was the shopping? Judy~ hugs. Hang in there. LauraK~ WTG! Wish I could get bitten by the same bug you did! WOW! Jessica~ I saw some LC III on ebay with very good prices- better than any medical supply. I didn't tell you guys yet, but I told myself that I would go back to work when Nels started first grade. I just printed some fresh resumes and will start looking when I get back from NC. There aren't as many NP jobs these days in my small town (so many cutbacks), but there are some part time ones. Only prob is many want weekends and nights and I don't want either. (just too tough with DH's schedule) I heard the health dept might want an NP in women's health 3 days a week. Hmmmm... To be continued. Haven't worked (other than volunteering at the free clinic) in 5 years. Eva~ you get out and I get in the rat race! ok, better go get some work done. CBL.. peasout.. Laura

Hi guys, writing frommy phone. Mom saw neurosurgeon and ordered an MRI for in the a.m. She has appt monday to get results and she is so nervous and in terrible pain. She just bawled on the phone- I asked her if she wants me to come earlier and she said please yes! So dad arranged for sun a.m. Pilot to get nels & I. Dh will hold down the fort. Sat they have my dad's bff coming from turkey. My sis can't cook- not sure she can boil an egg right, bless her heart. : ) so I can cook and sis will entertain nels. I will go to dr w mom on Mon. See what they say. My parents have put their lives on hold many times for us. All my surgeries/adoption, etc. It's the least I can do. Guess we will be there a week. Pray everything is ok and she doesn't need surgery. Hoping steroid epidural can help. I need to go get nels out of pool and in bath. Cbl. Peasout, laura

Lori~ WTG on the exercise! soooo proud of you. : ) OK... when talking about the outside bone you have to say palm up or palm down- otherwise they are backwards. : ) I am guessing it is the radius as it is the most common bone fractured in the arm. (the outside one if palm is up) That is good news if he let her put a velcro splint on rather than cast. If it were displaced or really out of whack he would have had to put plaster. Hope she is RICE- ing it. REST, ICE, COMPRESSION (splint), and ELEVATION. (keeping it above your heart level to decrease swelling). awwwww, apples, wishing you a speedy recovery! Nelson's fracture was on the left too! Copy Cat... OK... got my boy from Camp- they had "swamp" day and held swamp creatures that the wildlife society brought in (gators, lizards, turtles etc.) I practically boiled him when he got home. (kidding- but a VERY soapy bubble bath). gross. hate swamp germs in my house! Need to figure out dinner. I am thinking grilled fish and sautéed spinach. CBL.. Laura

Apples~ (or if anyone talks to Karen) Get a John Deere Green waterproof cast like Nelson had! You can still shower and get it wet! What bone did she break? Goodness gracious- enough is enough! We are going to wrap you in bubble wrap from now on! Julie~ WTG on throwing out the food. I had to do that too with some chocolate DH bought. Luckily I don't like most of the "snacks" Nelson has (goldfish, gummies, fruit rollups, entenmann's CC mini muffins, pretzels, pushups & popsicles) They could sit in front of me all day- zero desire. Lori~WTG on the PJ defense! I like that one. : ) I read your comment to someone about steroid epidural. (missed the posting about that). As a general rule, weight gain is NOT a side effect from Steroid epidurals. It works locally and is injected into the epidural space. It has a very low risk for having the side effects of systemic steroids (pills or injection just into the muscle or trigger points). The systemic (not epidural) can cause increase in blood sugar and hunger- which will lead to overeating. One reason people who have had Steroid epidurals say they gained weigh is usually b/c of limited/no activity/exercise b/c of the initial pain. And as Julie can tell you, chronic pain and the subsequent anxiety and depression it can cause can lead a person to stop exercising and start overeating. Hope that helps. : ) My mom is having back pain- 2 months now with meds and PT not working. She is going to pain MD today and will likely get a steroid epidural. If they screw around any longer I will bring her down here and get one of DH's partners to do it. Losing my patients with her drs. (sooooo tough to communicate with them when you aren't there). Oh, and congrats on DS getting promo!!! LauraK~ wow- 5 miles! awesome! Keep up the great work! Thanks for the compliment re: Nels. : ) Eva~ your work is so hot and strenuous. Hope the weekend will recharge you. : ) How was date night, where did you go? Post the red hair! I go on tuesday so I will look "young" for my trip. This will be the first time Nels sees me getting my hair "painted", usually I go while he is at camp/school but just didn't work out. I remember going with my mom when I was young. Of course back then it was for wash and poofing it out and curlers, then she wouldn't wash it for days. Memories. Jessica~ Glad u are back on meds. As you know, the side effects will gradually get better. It will be fine by the time classes start and you will be glad you went back on. Did you try looking for a used stethoscope on ebay? What kind do they want you to have, Litmmann cardiology II? I still use my very first one I got in nursing school. The tube and other soft pieces can be updated for cheap. They are worth it and the sound is outstanding. I know Amazon usually has good prices too. Search online, most of the med supply places have free shipping too. It's a good investment. I think you will do great! It's a perfect profession to have as a mom. When you start working they have such flexible hours and pay is great. I LOVE being a nurse. You should do a profession that you are passionate about- I always said I would do it for free (and i did when I volunteered in the Peace Corps!) I also volunteer here in the free clinic, we are on a rotating schedule, so my name comes up every 6 weeks or so. You will never regret getting your degree. Are you doing the ADN or BSN? Speaking of nurses, Phyllser~ How are you feeling? Is your back any better? Also, sorry to hear bout the dentist stuff. Ouch with the amt of that bill! Not sure if you have a dental school/program near you. The students have CONSTANT supervision by their DDS/DMD and the procedures can be done at a fraction of the $. My maid goes to the dental school here and got a root canal and crown for $100! Might be worth checking it out. Arlene~ wtg on the exercise!!! Janet~ You have me craving butternut squash, may have to go buy one. : ) Hugs on the GS stuff. So proud of you and the exercise. I am sure I missed someone- not intentional. CRS. :tongue2: I am cleaning, laundry, changing beds, cleaning toys after that playdate, took Nels to camp. Plan is to go to the gym 1.5 hrs before I pick him up. Yeppers! : ) Hope everyone has a good day.... until later. peasout.. Laura

Hi guys~ I am exhausted. I spent the day with 2 six year olds. Got really inventive with fun things to do. We transferred "sea monkeys" to their MARS home... went bike riding down near the marina and looked for manatees... played in the sand with all Nels' John Deere equipment... went swimming (make up jumping contests and races- I swam and jumped too!)... ran to McD's for lunch... swam some more and then played inside. Now the kids mother picked them both up for taekwondo- give me time to take a shower and catch my breath just in time to make dinner and do baths. I tried Lori's nugget test. I could only eat 2. Couldn't remember if that was good or too tight? I probably could've gotten in 3 but felt full and stopped. This a.m. had a protein shake with strawberries, banana, milk and whey. 36 gms protein but b/c of the milk it ran 280 cal. But was nice and full all morning and 2 nuggets and then planning on fish and veggies for dinner. All and all an active and good day. BTW, anyone is welcome ANYTIME to come visit. : ) I am half way between Orlando and Miami. Y'all come! peasout.. Laura

Karen~ Glad you are getting some rest and well needed/deserved chill time. You have been through so much and are such a strong woman. I respect you so much! Thanks for the compliment on the photo. Yes, that top is too big. It's a 2x and I wore it for our Christmas photo back in 2002! It's a silk designer dryclean only and I tried to "shrink" it in the washer. Guess it didn't work. DH even noticed and said- that's way too big. I remember buying it in Saks and it was orignally priced $150 and got in on clearance for $22. When I said let's get a photo, Nels said "uh, duh, MOMmmmmm, don't you think we got enough of these in Paris last week!" We all just laughed. He had so much fun with his Ashley. Those kids grow up- she is 2 yrs away from being an RN now. Paid her 5 x what I used to pay her last night and said she get's RN pay now. : ) If you ever need to "escape", you can come here ANYTIME! Guest bedroom is ALWAYS ready! Chair by the pool waiting. Will make a foo foo drink of your choice! I've been on a Tequila Sunrise kick for some reason. : ) I promise to write more in a bit...playdate is coming over (nick, his BFF). I am letting him play hookie from camp today. Love you guys..peasout

Hey, I missed your post about going to Argentina. When are you going? For how long? I went back in 1993 while I was in the Peace Corps. I went with my parents- we spent time in both rural and urban areas. Buenos Aires is AMAZING! Really like any modern European-feeling city! (like Paris). It was expensive, even back then. The people are so down to earth though- won't find any of the stuffiness that can sometimes be in other countries (like France). (though this trip we didn't encounter mean people- back in 2003 we did). Wow, can't wait to hear more! DH and I had another date night. It just so happened that Nelson's first babysitter (since before he was 1) is home for a month from nursing school. I felt bad that two nights in a row we were going out- but we needed the break. Went to a fancy place in Jensen Beach- we actually wore real clothes (we live in shorts here in FL). Sitter snapped this photo before we left of me and my two favorite men. HUGs to everyone- especially those struggling. I am not quite there yet with the exercising but I am eating on "plan". Even tonight I did great and was so proud of myself and didn't feel deprived. Even though the restaurant was $$$- we talked about it before we went- that it was ok to order whatever and to leave food on the plate. I wanted to taste things, but wasn't my plan to FINISH things. Awesome night. Again, in the past would have eaten thousands of calories! I love MY BAND! More tomorrow. Sleep well friends. Laura

Good afternoon girlies~ APPLES~ (In caps, which is shouting, but just want you to hear this.... I LOVE YOU! Hang in there. Tough times never last but tough people do. My mom always said that to me. She won't let me say it to her (not sure that's fair), but I will say it to you. So sorry for your losses. je t'embrasse (hugs in french I think). Lori~ WTG on that class! You & Janet are really motivating me. I did clean out my 3 car garage this morning. MAJOR lifting. It was reading 110 inside my car that was inside garage. I feel good sore- squatted- lifted and then repeated. Judy~ Thanks. Hope your sign in situation is fixed. Shall we have a new name vote for you?! ; ) (like we did with Great) GwenS~Can we call you Gwen? I agree with what the others said. Slow but sure wins the race. I was the same way- wanted it off yesterday. It just doesn't happen that way. Keep doing what you are doing (except weighing every day and beating yourself up) Julie~Sorry you had a bad night. I hope they find answers for you. Narcotics are always a temporary fix- like putting a bandaid on a big open wound. The pain rebounds. Sometimes not from the source, but from just not taking the pills. It can be a viscious cycle. Hope it gets better soon. Hugs. Janet~ Your shake sounds good. PP(pure preotein) brand gives me gas (it has the whey concentrate vs isolate in it), yet I can eat the PP bars some times. I use the GNC powder isolate, 28 gms protein, 130 cal. The vanilla can be mixed with water and fruit and is REALLY good. Sometimes I put only half a scoop if I am ok on prot. I have been having shakes every a.m. since my last fill. School starts back 23rd- and I will get back on the bandwagon with the gym. Until then schedule is so crazy, some days he has came, some not- now leaving for NC next week, maint for house this week- ac guy, handyman. I know, they are all excuses. I did the garage while the ac guy was here. : ) Melissa~Love your FB quotes. I know you are having a tough time and wish our energy would fix it. Needs to come from inside. Hugs. LauraK~ WTG Girl~ Had date night with DH last night (even though he was on call). We had two cars and ONE MEAN BEEPER. It went off as food was served. DH was able to stall the case until we were done. Wasn't emergency, didn't need to be done on Sunday anyway. So many surgeons don't want to screw up their Monday office appts with a case and want it DONE. DH was nice to do a non emergent case anyway. Oh, I ran in to a girl from my support group (LB)- same surgeon. Well, holy canoli what drama! She had lost 100 lbs. was at 170 and feeling pretty good. Suddenly started vomiting, they did complete unfill- no good. Then did barium swallow- wasn't good. Did endoscopy and then to OR b/c it had slipped up to esophagus! That was 6 mo. ago. Took them 3 mo. to fill it again (slowly like normal).... and then.. again vomiting EVERYTHING, even liquids. She said he REFUSED to put it in again and her insurance wouldn't pay for sleeve or RNY b/c she was 160 lbs!!! She has now gotten up to ~ 190 and was freaking out. She started crying in the middle of the mall when she saw me. She said the surgeon was really rude and blamed HER for the slippage. He said she must have eaten bread/large amts of food to cause it. http://arturorodriguezmd.com/lap-band-slippage-causes-and-prevention Interesting article if anyone is interested. Made me LOVE my band more... and want to protect and take care of it. If we abuse it... we could lose it!!! Last night at the restaurant had 2 calamari pieces and cup of french onion soup and 4 bites of DH's steak and was FULL... perfect! Was so happy. Left feeling almost too full, but no reflux or PB. In the past would have eaten 3000 cal for sure there. I gotta run.. will CBL.. peasout...Laura