Please take your vitamins!

Im saying this because I havent been and now I have a serious vitamin deficency! I have dry flaky skin, I'm having trouble sleeping, my hair is like straw, I have constant sores in the corners of my mouth, and I have been continually sick with colds etc, and I have joint pain, All of this has come from me not taking my vitamins. I kept telling myself that I felt fine I didnt need them and I would just take them when I remembered. I mean I am getting a cold or something every couple of weeks, my sleeping has gone to pot, the dry skins is driving me crazy, my lips are cracked, and the sores in the corners of my mouth hurt like CRAZY! My doctor must have cussed me out for about 15 minutes when the blood work results came back. I am lacking or deficent in almsot everything! Now Im taking these huge horse pills, just to try and get myself back on track. Besides that I am having SERIOUS lower back pain from the hanging skin. I am almost in tears at the end of a 9 hour work day on my feet(Im a certified pharmacy technician) so I am leaning over a counter all day typing and counting and the strain on my back is horrendous! My PCP has given me a referral to a pain management specialist because I am living on Lortab and my heating pad is my best friend. My insurance is denying my claim because of WHERE I LIVE!!!! My hubby is military and Key West is considered a remote location, there are no specialists in this area to help me. My doctor said the best thing for us to do is for my hubby to go to his command and ask for a transfer somewhere, where I can get the after care that I need. She is suggesting it for the 7 other gastric bypass patients that she sees. We know that the TT is being approved by the military insurance everywhere else that isnt considered remote, it is really frustrating. My hubby went to his command(bosses) and they said that they would try and fight Tricare first(thats the insurance) and if they said no then we will probably be moving. Thats why I havent been online too much, I come home from work in pain, take a hot bath, pop 2 lortab, turn on the heating pad and try to get some sleep. I wake up in pain all night long. My back is hurting right now sitting here typing this. Just wanted to give you all an update, let you know that I missed you all and hope that you are all doing well!! ~Nicole

nicole...i am very sorry to hear that you are having all of this problem--i have wondered where your beautiful smile has been! as for the tt and location etc--you need to do what is best for you and it sounds as if at least you have the support of dh's bosses! the vitamins-girl! you are so right! i wasn't taking my calcium for a long time- and i could feel strain on my upper back--(*i know! calcium is not a vitamin rather it's a mineral but i lump them all together!) i have even gone back to my b complex....maybe you could also add that? it seems to help even my hair! i had my annual blood drawn last week- will be very anxious to hear the results next week at my check up. i had my eyes checked two weeks ago and was disturbed to hear that i have the very very beginning of macular degeneration in my left eye- at this point the doc said the only thing to do is to continue with my vitamins...so they are important!!! it's interesting to learn that you are around pills all day long and yet have fallen behind in your own care--get yourself back on track!!!! Hugs!

NICOLE !!!!! Girl Girl Girl !!! I was wondering how you were since I have not seen you on the boards in a while... I hope you get better fast ! For the dry skin, put K & Y jelly on it. It is not filmy and it works wonders for extremely dry skin. A dermatologist told my mom about it... Be sure to take calcium citrate 3 xs a day as well. (citrical) VAL

Nicole - I'm sorry you have to be waving your arms around to warn everyone based on your own experience! Since you are now aware how important it is though I hope things can get on an even keel for you. As for the horse pills, I would ask your doc about the liquid vitamins at Costco. They have been WONDERFUL for me and they taste fine. I have heard a lot about liquid vits lately and I guess they absorb into our system better. I take a double dose just to be on the safe side. It is a lot easier than gagging down the horse pills, that's for sure! Take it easy and get into the swing of it. I of all people know how hard it is to remember to take your vitamins, but it is absolutely imperative that we don't screw around with this stuff! Good luck sweety! Dina

Sounds like you should also be taking Iron & B-12 to getthat energy back You can get chewable vitamins at Bariactric Advantage on line & they tase good too!~ Hope you get back on track & feel better soon. Marilyn, the Bearlady

Nicole, So sorry you are having trouble sweetie! I hope that you re-gain your strength back soon. Thank you for the warning. I was slacking this week with my vitamins. I am defintiely going to get back on track with them. I take a liquid vitamin from the Vitamin shoppe that is geared towards gastric bypass patients. Its a bit icky ... well real icky but it is easier than chewing the vitamins or swallowing pills (which we are never sure dissolve quick enough). I take a cap full drink and chase with milk and its done Hang in there sweetie I will say a prayer for you that you are able to have your plastics. God bless! Elizabeth M

Elizabeth - I tried the liquid Centrum which was just as gaggy as you describe yours to be. But try the ones at Costco - they are MUCH better. There are 2 different kinds there and I guess I got the less good tasting one, but it's still miles above the other stuff I had which basically tasted like bottled vomit! Dina

Hi Nicole; I'm really sorry to hear about your troubles and I hope that you get your care issues solved soon. I have never in my life been good about taking regular vitamins and other supplements until I had this surgery, but now I'm totally reliable with it. If I may make a suggestion, make sure that you take them at the same time every day. I got myself in the habit of taking my vitamins and calcium with a little 1% milk before breakfast and dinner. It's become such a habit that it's automatic..... I don't even think about it anymore.... it just happens. With all of the bad nutritional habits I've had to "Un-learn" lately, it's nice to know that I can teach myself at least one good habit. When I went for my one year post-op visit to my surgeon, I was pleasantly suprised to find that all of my levels were right where he wanted them!! Best of luck with your recovery and your insurance battles. I'm rooting for you!! Thanks for reminding us how important all of these issues are. Mike

Hey Girl long time no see.... I have been trying to call you, so much has happend since we spoke last ...I am in Ga now near the fla border..please email me at [email protected] and give me your phone number.... Loves Ya and Miss You Alot... Misty