Recovery Update

Yikes, it's been a weird two weeks.  On Monday afternoon, I weighed in 10 pounds heavier than I was on Sunday.  I had been feeling real bloated and my tummy was so tight it made that hollow drum sound if tapped.  I was really uncomfortable.  I figured the fluid accumulation was causing it since the drains were pulled on the 13th.  I called Dr. Danyo just to ask about the fluid retention.  He said for me to come into the office in the morning and he could take a look, maybe open the incision a bit and allow it to drain. I got there this morning and showed him my belly.  It was pretty bad, like I was 7 months pregnant.  I was absolutely miserable and near tears.  He opened the incision and let me tell you about relief.  The fluids just poured out.  I would guess between 150-200cc leaked out just as I was laying on the table.  I asked if he could put in another drain so I wouldn't have to make so many trips upstate for him to do this...He said, "That's a good idea, let's do that."  So I have another JP hanging from my tummy.  I was so anxious to get them pulled out but not as anxious as I was to get this one put back in.  I just couldn't bear that pressure any longer.  I cried after he was done because it felt so much better.  Between Greenville and Longneck, I had to empty the bulb about 4 times, with about 60-75cc each time, so there was quite a bit of fluid in there.  I go back to see him on the 29th and it will probably be ready to take out by then.   I'm ready to get well now.  I still have a lot of trouble sleeping.  I have only slept about 10 hours, broken and not restful; over the past 2 weeks.  I am exhausted and just want to be unconcious.  Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.  Pills don't work.  Baths don't work.  Nothing works. KathyG

Kathy,  Hope you are feeling better by the time you read this.  I see that you live on Longneck.  I also have a home there, and I am here right now.  Once you finally recover you will be amazed at the changes for the better that will happen.  So hang in there, ok? Barbara

Thank you, Barbara. It's just been a rough road for me over the past 10 years or so, with failing health,  3 heart attacks, leaving a 14 year long job to move here and leaving family behind in Michigan, and trying to get established here despite the multiple surgeries since coming here in 2005.  Then last year, right after my gastric bypass, I moved my daughter and son-in-law and grandkids out here.  They stayed with us for 5 months before getting into their own place.  So I am trying to help them stay on their feet too.  I guess I just need a rest.  I know I have done too much, and given that I almost never sleep, recovery is so slow.  Daily events are a struggle to deal with when you are mentally exhausted.  Maybe I should have waited a while for my plastics.  I had to get it done before I lose my insurance. I just need to sleep every day.  I know if I could get 3-4 hours of solid rest at a time, things would go alot better.  I have tried just about everything, OTC sleep aids, narcotics, hypnotic drugs...even "recreational" stuff to try and stay asleep...nothing has worked.  My brain just won't give it up.  Maybe a sledge hammer at the bedside?  LOL. I know it will all be worth it in the end, but I just wonder if that end justifies the means.  Pity Party aside, I have just been through so much and feel like I keep taking 2 steps back.  I have already achieved so much and I am thankful for that, but the road ahead is so uncertain when you feel so mentally drained and physically wounded all the time.  Some days I feel like I am losing this battle, even though I know I am *this close* to winning.  ##Sigh## KathyG

You are right, you are trying to do too much, and just might be a bit depressed also.  Changes, especially life altering changes can cause chemical imbalances. Have you spoken to your regular Dr about what is going on?  It might help to do so.  Sleep disturbances are surly a sign that something is wrong. On another note...what about 72 degrees on Thursday and 40 today?!

Cathy, When you feel up to it give me a call. Maybe we can get a walking group together in the Long Neck Area. There is places to walk inside when it is real cold. Great for depression. I truely understand your battle. Remember we have a support group at Oak Orchard Community Church the 1st Wednesday of the month . It would be nice for all the people in the area to get together. See you lighter. Joanne

Thanks Joanne.  You are a great source of support with your words of encouragement.  I know there are alot of meetings and events locally, and that you manage them.  There is so much going on with the kids and grandkids, appointments, school issues, etc etc, I never even remember when your events are going on.  I am on this computer every day...I should make notes to myself! Ed and I were down in Shawn's Hideaway over the weekend to visit a friend but I'm not sure which house is yours or I would have stopped in.  Our friend lives almost at the end of the main road.  We really should get together.  There are a couple of other Longnecker's that might be interested...one here in Creekside and another over in Lakeside.   I don't know if what I am feeling is true depression, but it is possible.  I just want to rest and be healed and pray for it daily.  What I am going through is the least one can expect, given the events over the past couple of years.  Restful sleep would certainly make it easier to cope. Thanks for being there. KathyG

Cathy, Call me anytime. Remember I have guardianship of 2 grandkids 8 and 9. Their Dad just came home so I have a little more free time. My house is always busy like yours. I stay involved in alot but I make time for myself too. This was one of my hardest struggles. I live the 1st place onDogwood Lane. It has a ramp for my husband walks with a walker. You probly have seen him at Uncle Willies many times.His name is Bob. Call me soon and we will get together or stop in. Email me @ [email protected] for the # or it's in the phone book. Robert Hammond Shawn's Hideaway. Hope to hear from you soon. Our meeting at the church is this Wednesday coming at 7pm. See you lighter. Joanne