4-week update (complications)
Hi all,
I last posted an update a week after my panniculectomy and hernia repair, well I think I may have mentioned at that point I had a little fever, well it got higher and that day when I went to get my Iron infusion it was 102 the nurses called the surgeons service and a resident came over to see me took a look at the incision and thought it looked o.k. but gave me a script for a new antibiotic. Well it was almost 11p.m as we were at the pharmacy and they tried to say since the script was written by a doctor in training they couldn't fill it, well since I had an appt. with my PCP the next moring I figured I'd just take what I had and get something from her. Well when I saw her I still had a high fever and she immediately called both my WLS surgeon who did the hernia repair and the plastic surgeon. She ended up giving me a script for an antibiotic that would have been $1443 if I didn't have insurance, and her cell phone number in case I needed to call her over the weekend. Thankfully we didn't have a problem with insurance approving the meds. Well the next day after 2 doses of the meds, I still had a fever and my middle drain was draining nothing but puss. My PCP actually called to check on me. I told her what was happening, despite the reddness at the incision site going down, and she said call the PS number and speak with whom ever is on call.
Of course they said come to the ER to be seen and possible be admitted. I was admitted on Saturday the 16th, and they did ultrasound and catscan to see if there were any pockets of infections. They saw 2 small areas but nothing large enough to warrent immediate surgery. My PS said I had until Thursday to get the fever down or they would have to reopen the incision to clean out the area. They had already opened the T area a little, the hip to hip incision was stapled so they just pulled a few staples to let the area drain. Well after 3 or 4 different antibiotics by Wednesday I was finally just in the 100, not 101 or 102 and then Thursday I finally saw the magic 98.6.
I was released on Saturday the 23rd just in time for Christmas, my mom had to extend to stay, she was suppose to fly home on the 20th. Christmas eve she put my little tree up and decorated a bit. I helped make a few sides for Christmas dinner. I had 3 areas that needed packed and bandaged by a home nurse every day, but now only 2 need packed.
I was thinking of going back to work this Monday the 8th, because I didn't want to use up all my time, but I had missed calculated my time off, and can actually take next week off and still have 4 days of time off to use later. I'm feeling good. I'm a pretty well behaved couch potato.
I weighed 279 on my surgeon's scaled before surgery and yesterday I weighed 255. I've very surprised the swelling went down so quickly, especially in my legs with the lymphedema, I thought I would need to see my therapist for treatment, but they are doing fine. I tried on the size 14/16 hipster panties over the cotton 26/28 grannie panties I have on now...lol. and they look HOT!!! I then tried on a pair of 18/20 brief same type as the 14/16 which is my favorite type but since they are briefs I'm like nope too high and the 18/20 did bag in the front. I can't believe I'm going to be a hipster and bikini girl!!!!!
My bellybutton is looking like a BELLYBUTTON...if ever there is a silver lining in all this it's that they kept my BB...I mean I know complications could happen, and I have never once regretted doing this because after losing 225lbs, it wasn't an elective surgery it had to be done. And I was fully prepared to lose my BB, the surgeon wasn't even saying, it's a possiblity he was saying "you're going to lose it". Even that morning when the residents came in before him to mark me they ask me what I had been told about the BB, I said that I was going to lose it. So I don't know if they felt for me and helped save it, or if my WLS did something during the hernia repair to help salvage it, but basically, Betsy was still alive at the end of the 7-8 surgery so they stitched her up. And now for the first time in my life I have a cute little wrinkled edged innie....instead of a blackhole bottleless pit...that I could loss a q-tip in.
Sarah Margaret
502/462/255/A person I've known
Sarah,
I didn't realize that you started out over 500 lbs. My high weight was 565 but I have lost down to 491 when I weighed two weeks ago at the surgeons office. I am so looking forward to when I need to have plastics done. I will eventually. The surgeon told me on our first consult it's not going to be an option you are going to need plastics when you reach your goal. I think I am going to need one of those swan makeovers! LOL!
I am glad that you are doing better. Enjoy the time off and relax. You'll be back to the salt pits soon enough.
Well I better get off of this computer and get my leg up. You of all people know how it hurts when you have them hanging down with cellulitis!
Take care! Be well and put your hands anywhere you want too. I know it seems funny to have a lap now doesn't it?
Kat
Good morning! Good to see you posting! I'm glad you can take that extra week off - do it and relax!!! You are so brave!!! You've been through a lot and still come out with your strong spirt shining bright!!! Congratulations on the 255!!! Wow! You must be thrilled!
Have fun with the new clothes!!!! You go girl!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hugs from Miami, Jeanne 
PS would you be willing to come to one of our support groups at Mercy Hospital? You'd be a phenomenal inspiration to those preparing to have surgery!
PS would you be willing to come to one of our support groups at Mercy Hospital? You'd be a phenomenal inspiration to those preparing to have surgery! Sure...I think awhile ago I would say no because I felt like I've kinda been a failure at the RNY part because I feel like the I didn't really get the full restriction from it, etc. But with that said...I think people need to hear that...despite the fact I didn't get that full feeling, I stuck to measureing food and even when I hit platueas I kept on the journey of a healthier me.
Sarah, been waiting to see you update. Girl I am so proud to read you have really stuck to your guns and it paid off. I had to admit with the denials from your insurance I wasn't sure you would get through all this but your tenacity has paid off. Congratulations and I hope you have continued weightloss and no more set backs.
~Ginny
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