Back to the Hospital

Hi Everyone, Well I spent 14 days in the hopistal after my 1st surgery and I was at home for a whole 5 days when Saturday night I could not catch my breath. EMT's came out and said pulse/ox was 95 so no problem. Call Dr. Lauter the next mornign and he requested I go to the emergency room and he would set up some tests. Well after a stomach ct, chest ct and chest x-ray tey found fluid on my left lung keeping it from opening fully. THey put a drain tube in with a pain I cannot describe but 1500cc came out and it felt much better after that. They also found 2 more abcesses one they actually knew about but they thought a previous drainm worked to drain it. One of them was just a hematoma about the size of a golf ball. Well DR. Lauter feels good about things I am going back this monday for the leak test and if no leaks I will start my pureed food next week. This is exciting because I have not had any food or water in my new anastamosis since March 29. Well I am posiyive as I can be and still feel good about my decision. Well Pain Meds KIcking in and I am a little loopy I will finish. THanks to all of you for your positive feedback Joel Droba

OMG! You've had a rough time. I'm so sorry to hear about all your complications. The good thing is that the doc knows how to help you. I'm glad you felt better after they drained off the fluid but that must have hurt like an @#!!! Heidi

Wow, Joel, sounds like you've been through the wringer!!! Here's to getting healed up and feeling better every day!

Joel, You are one courageous guy. I hope your troubles are over and you can enjoy your pureed food with gusto. I just know that at the end of all this is a wonderful, healthy life for you. Donna

Joel, It must be tough having gone through all that you have. Hang in there and keep your head held high. I hope you are feeling better and I will hope and pray that you have no more complications. Bonnie

Joel--Talk about a rough begining--that only means that the end will be smooth sailing. I'm glad everything is looking on it's way "up" and you are feeling a bit better. Just think how good those mashed potatoes will feel! Keep up the good attitude--we are all pulling for you! --Courtney

Gosh Joel you have been through alot, just hand in there, the best is yet to come. I am just 6 weeks out from surgery, mine went smoothly and I can say it does get better. My prayers are with you for a speedy recovery. Keep in touch...Anita

Hey Joel, I thought my extra surgery and extra time in the hospital was bad. I'm right there with you. It will be worth it. When I was in the hospital feeling like I had made a mistake, I got a roommate who had WLS 4 years ago. She had a very rocky beginning as well, with infections and surgery 3 months after the first one and the first 3 months were miserable for her and she gave me hope. She told me it was worth ever bit. That she is so happy and feels so much lighter with life and weight. That helped me feel a lot better. The good news Joel, is this time without food is REALLY going to kick your weight lose in the butt. When you finally eat you will have lost quite a bit in your first month.

Oh wow. You've had a tough few weeks. Glad you went to ER! Sorry all this is going on. Hang in there!! This too shall pass! You have a great attitude and spirit and that helps too. Keep us posted on your progress!

Wow , that sounds pretty scary. Glad things are looking up for you. You have a really good attitude, and you WILL get through this! Take care!