Hi, Update sort of

Well ladies, It seems like I have not been here in forever and it is almost 2 am which explains why I have the computer to myself right now. I am STILL out of work- they think that the back and neck pain is from the weight loss and that the pain is the cause of the depression. I finally got an appointment with a doctor at pain management (1st time I have been there since September's 1st visit and that was with a PA) I will see the Dr Friday Jan 12th. My STD ends the 15th and IF they approve LTD, I will start getting half pay once a month and then have to pay my insurance premiums separate. We were going to take Larry's plan but mine includes the Flex spending and that is so handy when you need your meds and have no money - or co-pays etc and the cost differance is not that much. Now for the good news- insurance has approved my panni, Bad news, dr will not do just the panni for me- says it would be a disservice to my body since almost all my excess skin it in that area. He will only do the LBL. Good news, my dad is loaning me the money for my part ($11340.00) to be paid back at $150 a month. Not sure how that will work with the huge paycut but we will figure it out. Also Mitchell, my oldest has decided that he thinks home school would be better for him so we are trying to get all that set up before the end of this week so he can start Tuesday the 16th. We are looking at about $300 up front on that. I miss you all but all the meds I am on keeps me asleep ALOT of the day. Hopefuly this visit on Friday will fix some things. Pray for me. Love you all! Terri

terri!!!!! im glad to see you post..... i missed hearing from ya... sorry yout still dealing with this stuff.... hope you get well soon

Hi Sweetie, I just realized that I did not give a date for my LBL- it is 2 weeks from Thursday on 012507!! I am so scared of the pain I am expecting. What did you have done? Miss you, terri PS your picture looks great!!

Terri, I'm sorry to hear you're having such bad back problems. Believe me, I can relate!! The LBL helped with my back problems and I hope it will help with yours, too. I did not think the LBL surgery was all that bad. After 2 vertical C-sections & a vertical hysto I thought the LBL was actually a little easier. Yes - there is pain but it was not as bad as my hysto a few years ago. The first week, getting out of bed is difficult and you'll walk all hunched over but with the pain meds this phase passes quickly. Things that helped me: LOTS of extra pillows! I used a dorm bed pillow (you know, the kind of wedge with arms that you use to sit on the bed and lean against to read or study) turned upside down to make a wedge pillow for my back & shoulders. On top of this I placed my regular bed pillow and I slept just fine. I also used a long body pillow on one side of me and two regular pillows on the other side of me to keep me from rolling over during the night (had to sleep on my back for several weeks). A MUST is a pillow under the knees to keep your body bent in a sort of "W" (bend at knees & bend at hips). I tried sleeping in a recliner that I took to the hotel with me and it just wasn't as comfortable as propping up with pillows in the bed. Stock up on soft foods & protein that are easy to eat. Your appetite will be a little off the first week or so. I don't normally do protein shakes but I did after each of my plastic surgeries b/c I just wasn't that hungry and I knew I needed the protein. Take stool softeners & try to drink lots of water. Don't let yourself become constipated! Owie!! Owie!! Get some baby shampoo b/c your surgeon may not want other kinds running over your incisions after you're finally allowed to shower. I used the hospital's no rinse liquid soap when bathing - sponge baths & showers, until I ran out. By then it was OK to use my normal soap. Also get a long white shoe string. You can drape it around your neck and pin your drains to it while you shower. If you still have them, pull out some old "fat" nightgowns & robes. You may get drainage on your night clothes and you don't want to mess up your nicer, new things. Plus, with the drains, binder or compression garment having something loose on was more comfortable. The abdominal binder is a pain but wear it anyway. It really does help reduce the swelling. When you get your compression garment I would suggest buying a 2nd one if your doc only gives you one. That way you can have one on and one you've washed hangingup to dry (they can't go in the dryer). Once you master getting in & out of the compression garment you'll like wearing it. It made me feel "supported" and comfortable. I'm over 6 months post LBL and I still wear mine when I know I'm going to be up & on my feet for a long time or if I'm riding in the car for a long trip. It helps with my back, too. Good luck & keep us posted on your progress! Vickie J.

Vickie, This is exactly the kind of advise that I needed. I have printed it so I have everything ready! The surgery is 2 weeks from today! Terri

Terri, So happy to see your post. I often wondered why you haven't been around. That depression stuff is allot to handle. Try adding some Omega 3's to your vitamins. Makes an amazing difference. Okay on the the good stuff...if your insurance would cover panni then why won't they cover LBL if he feels it's "medically necessary"???? I would consult another dr in your network first before forking over that amount of money. Only cost me my co pay which was 25. for being in overnight. Either way I am happy to hear you are moving forward. Good luck and please come say hi more often. ~Ginny (changed my username)

Ginny, It takes forever for my company to complete an appeal and my coverage was to end the end of January so we are going to appeal after the surgery with more pictures and in-depth surgical reports. This surgeon came highly recommended by my GB surgeon who I trust with no reservations, so this is who I want to use. The checks were mailed yesterday and received today so it is too late to back out now. Thanks for the good wishes and I will update as soon as I can. Terri

Terri, Hi! I am so happy to hear from you! I have emailed you a couple of times. I figured you had a line for the computer at your house too. Anyway I am happy to hear from you and that you are getting your surgery. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you. You know I am only about 15-20 minutes away from you and can be there in a jiffy! Great tips from Vickie! Hoping that I will get my heart cath in a week or two. I was scheduled for Jan.3 but Insurance snafu caused it to be cancelled but thatis OK because I was very sick all last week. Waiting patiently for it to happen. Well Terrie you take care and call if you need me. Once again my ph number is 743-7192!!!! Don't be afraid to use it my friend! Kat

Thanks so much Kat, I appreciate the offer of help but you know I would have to be in a really bad place to ask anyone for anything. Once I get over the worst of it, I'd love you to come visit. Just in case you don't have my number, it is 904-962-0849. Terri

Hi Terri, Get well soon! You are in my thoughts and prayers. Kristen