Hi Lorrainne, I hope spring brings a better time for all of us. My youngest daughter was diagnosed with a tumor behind her eye. They have one more test to determine what kind of tumor, and whether or not it can be removed. Poor little one, she's been through so much and now this. I'm the same, the pain is constant. I don't think I'll be working much longer. Even wearing clothes hurts, especially a bra. Scratching my back when it itches nearly makes me scream. Poor Joe rubbed some BioFreeze on last night, and I nearly passed out for the pain of getting it rubbed on. Poor guy can't even hug me. What a life for him. I'm glad my work week is over today. I can use the rest, and rest I am going to do. It's going to be cold and nasty all weekend, so I'm not going outside at all. I just hope it gets warm soon. Nona

My surgery date was 12/3/03. I have had 3 rounds of iron infusions to date. I am getting ready for one in about 8 weeks. It's quite a merry go around. I had a hemoglobin of 6.2 when they started them about 18 months ago. They are difficult on your stomache but so many symptoms went away that the side effects were minor. Raging PMS was the major issue after the iron. Breast pain, ovarian pain excruciating. Doctor prescribed effexor and in less than 14 days the pain lessened. I am told each person is different. Good Luck

going to have to start iron infusions. real nervous. anyone had then done? what were your side effects? do you feel better? have more energy? able to stop eating for that pick-me-up during the day? Any advise would be great. Thanks so much.

hello tracie, forgive my typing, i'm feeling too lazy to use caps. i am 3 years out and off track. i started at 308 and made it down to 175. over the last year i have gained and the scale flex's between 195 & 203. OMG the 2's again is all i keep thinking. somedays it seems for everystep forward i make i fall back 2. Lately i have been having some medical problems. since surgery (of which i have NO regrets and would do it again in a second) i had an inscissional hernia repair, a recurring hernia repair, and then last year i hade 5 more hernias repaired. my entire stomach region inside is mesh. no prob, right. 3 weeks ago i got the intestinal bug. couldn't drag my butt out of bed. finally went to the doctor and she ordered blood work. Well, i knew i was now anemic but the results were worse than i imagined. not only was my iron down to an 8 but my hemoglobin was a 10.3 (low is 15). i had to do the stool test. Yep, that was positive for blood. i am having an ednoscope and colonoscopy 4/10/07. after they fix what i like to call "the leak" i will have to go to a hemo specialist. They will start Iron infusions by IV. So no you know a little about me, i love to use the excuse, i'm so tired and fatigued everyday that i eat to stay focused, or alert, or to get energy. and of course i'm eating too much and the wrong foods. the more i become afraid of gaining the weight back, the more i eat. We all know that story. Since i have to flush myself out before the test's 4/10/07, i plan to use that as a good time to jump start myself back on track. the infusions should help me get my energy back, not feel fatigued, and help me sleep better. i think once i feel better i will do better. i wish you luck on getting back on track. i know what you are going through. feel free to lean on me anytime. it's always nice to know we are not alone. i honestly thought i was the only one experiencing weight gain. i would love to hear back from you. Lori [email protected]

Nona, I just got your post wondering where we all are....I graduated RN 12/16/06, took my State Board on March 1, learned that I had passed on March 3...the same time my son and his family lost their beloved pet (possibly to this dogfood poisoning) and I started a job as a school RN on March 20. Right now, I'm still in orientation at the clinic and developing my skill at giving children's immunzations.....what a challenge. I'm tired....so tired. My breakfast consists only of my cafe con leche (2) w/splenda and lunch is either FF cottage cheese and SF jello or a protein nut bar. I'm so tired when I get home that dinner is "whatever is available." I did walk in a 5k race last Sunday and made the 3.1 miles well under an hour and that was pulling my two grandchildren in a wagon behind me. So very sorry to hear about your continued pain Nona. I just pray that you will find some kind a relief thru medication and/or therapy that will improve your situation. You mentioned your weight and having lost some.....I'm still holding at goal but even with my limited caloric intake I find I am addicted to watching my weight. I need to exercise more....that's for sure. Hope others respond and let us know what is going on.....three years and almost 4 months post op for me.....Wow!