I'm Home (Again)

Hi guys, I'm home from another hospital stay. 12 days in December and 9 days in January (so far). They tell me my protein stores are depleated. My platlets are low. And something with adrenal glands (sp?) they are currently testing. But I'm home. I was on TPN (PIC line nutrition) since Monday. I now have a home health nurse coming in to show me how to take care of the PIC line and she'll be changing the bandages for me (OUCH - tape on flabby arm skin HURTS coming off) The plan is, if I can get in 100 grams of protein in a day, everyday this week, then I can stay off TPN!! That's gonna be a lot of eating for me though. Have a bunch of follow up apts. to make next week (hemotologist, endocrinologist, surgeon, allergist) YIKES! Don't know how much I weigh, we'll find out tomorrow how that goes. I'd be thrilled to weigh the same as I did when I went into the hospital. Thanks for all of your concern and thanks Kathy for asking about me on the MI board. HUGS Laurie

Laurie, So glad you're back home! I hope you're feeling better each day and that you are able to get in the protein you need so you can get off of the TPN. You are in my prayers. Big hugs, Wanda

Laurie, Been thinking about you alot. Glad to hear you are home. My, my, my...you've had quite a journey with this. Yea, having difficulty eating and such will cause drains on protein stores big time. This is why I'm a big believer in protein shakes. They are predigested and ready to absorb. Our bodies will take from them but will only take a percentage of food protein since we don't have the stomach acids to break it down alot and time in the intestines to help break it down - things move faster for us. Some folks do very very well with just food and others get depleted. Some don't see the depleted issue arise until they are much farther post-op. Enough of my little soapbox. My surgeon does believe in protein shakes for life. Are they checking you for Addison's disease (which I think is too much coristol being produced by the adrenal glands)? I have endocrine things going on in the next week. Non-WLS related though. An ultrasound and a needle biopsy. Probably have a surgery coming up. Gee, what fun, that's be 4 in a year! Yippee! Have they figured out the sum of your issues yet? Seems like between the couple of hospitals they were tossing around a host of diagnoses - stroke, heart problems, low potassium, malnutrition and now low protein. Have they fine tuned the list. Are you comfortable with all they are saying? Are you in excellent hands now? I hope that you can get your protein up this week and get off the TPN. But, if you need it, you need it. It'll strengthen you. You need that. It's probably been quite a while now. Lots of positive thoughts and prayers going out to you! Hugs, Kathy

Gosh Laurie, I hope you are feeling better. Caren

HI Laurie, I am one of the Maysters that doenst talk much on here but have followed everyones progress and feel like I know you all! I have been watching you very closely and hope that the Doctors are able to get this figured out SOON. I send you all my best wishes and prayers. Love from your fellow Mayster Jody

A Mayster that doesn't talk much???? No such thing.... But on a serious note.... We are all praying that 2006 will start to get better for Laurie. Kate Z

Hi Jody! We share the same WLS birthday! Nice to see you! ~Wanda

Laurie, HUGS! Hope you feel better soon! Marla

Man Laurie, I'm so glad that you're home! You've really been on my mind lately. I can't believe what a strong person you are! You've been through so much yet you still have such a wonderful and positive attitude! You are still in my thoughts and prayers. Heather 267/168/155

Laurie, Glad to hear your home, now that I wont be going to Milwaukee on the weekends (no more boyfriend) we should try to get together. Would love to see you and Erin soon! Always thinking about you and keeping you in my prayers. Cary