Miss me?

Hello all! I am sorry i was MIA for a while there. I have had so much going on. I just needed someone to talk to and I know you guys are the best bunch of listeners..so here goes... At Thanksgiving, a very close girlfriend of mine underwent a surgery (exploratory laparotomy) to figure out if she had any cysts or anything because she was having pains for quite some time. When they got in there, the doctors discovered that at the age of 26, my friend Kerri had ovarian cancer. They performed a hysterectomy (she never had the chance to have children--one of life's biggest goals). From the surgery, she had a difficult recovery because she was "morbidly obese" (she's never had WLS or anything). She wasn't able to walk around as recommended after surgery due to horrible charlie horses and cramps in her legs. Unfortunately, Kerri developed blood clots and spent a few more weeks in and out of the hospital on oxygen and cumadin. She finally got to come home in mid December. She was rushed back in to H. Lee Moffit a few days before Christmas. Kerri passed away yesterday due to complications of pulmonary embolisms. I have been so sad and upset about this, nobody saw it coming. She left behind a mother and fiance, and many, many friends who loved her. I just wished that she could have expierenced more and not been in so much pain before the end. Now, I have my surgery coming up and I am scared...I know she didn't have WLS, and I have had at least 10 successful surgeries in my medical history...but blood clots are a scary thing. Did everyone else get as scared right before surgery? ok...now that I have made you all somber...thank you so much for listening (or reading)...I really needed to get all of that out. -Phoenix

HELLO PHONEIX. I KNOW THAT THIS IS HARD FOR YOU. BUT GOD HAS A REASON FOR EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENS IN OUR LIVES. IT IS A BLESSING TO KNOW THAT SHE HAD A LOVING FRIEND LIKE YOU BY HER SIDE DURING THOSE TIMES. I WILL BE PRAYING FOR YOU. AND I KNOW THAT YOU WILL DO JUST FINE AND HAVE A BLESSED RECOVERY. KEEP THE FAITH. HAVE A BLESSED DAY. RUTH B.

Phoenix, I am so sorry for your loss! You and her family will be in my prayers! The wonderful thing is she had someone so loving like you to be with her in her time of need! God has a plan for us all and though it may not be apparent at this point things will get better for the whole family! Phoenix, It is normal to get scared prior to a big surgery. Prior to my surgery I also lost someone close to me due to blood clots from a surgery.(NOT WLS RELATED). Just keep thinking positive and keep praying! You found in your heart to make this decision and now you have to find peace to go thru with it! You are in my prayers! MICHELLE

Dear Phoenix, I am so sorry for your loss of a close friend. Obesity can impact our lives in so many ways....I think before I had surgery I would have denied that my weight could ever prevent my recovery from anything. It's understandable that her situation with the PE's would frighten you so close to your own surgery, but this is how I look at it--no matter what complications could arise from WLS, even death, I went into it believing that with a positive attitude that I would come through it just fine. Without having surgery to (in my view) save my life, I was dying a slow death anyway. You have this chance to improve your health and your life....it's normal to be scared, but wouldn't you rather take this opportunity for a healthier life knowing the risks than to continue on the way you are out of fear? I know you aren't implying that you want to back out of surgery. These concerns are normal. My thoughts are with you in your time of grief. Sincerely, Kim

Sorry for your loss. It is normal to get the gitters, you have more reason. Just put your faith in God's hands and he will take care of the rest. Just remember to walk, walk, walk. It helps. Keep in touch. tina

Phoenix, I am so sorry to hear about your friend's passing. It is always so hard to try to sort out the reasons why but I hope you and her family/friends can find peace soon and remember all the good things about your friend. As far as your upcoming surgery, most surgeons I am aware of take many, many precautions to prevent PE after surgery. You should have nurses and aides reminding you to walk or actually helping you maneuver the halls, you're given meds to prevent clotting and you'll wear the massaging sleeves on your legs. Once you are home, the burden falls on you to get your walking in so your fear will become motivation to move, move, move. You friend's situation was completely different, but heaven forbid, you are unable to walk then you and your husband and/or family should demand methods available to prevent clotting. PE can be prevented. Hang in there, Girlie! Amy

I just wanted to say thank you to each and every one of you who posted for me!! (By the way Amy, you look great!) It makes me feel good knowing that so many of you will be thinking about me! I spoke with Kerri's fiance today, and he is grief stricken, but he told me he prayed and found some peace in it knowing she is not in pain anymore. As for my surgery, I am determined to proceed, just a little nervous. I fly out to california for a media interview next wednesday, so wish me luck! ttyl -Phoenix

Oh Phoenix, I am so sorry about the loss of your friend. Now I know you will have your wls with either Dr Dietrick or DiCicco and I would tell you this... tell them about your loss and fears. You know we who have sx via Thw WISH Center will give ourselves coumadin 3x a day for 14 days. And you will be up walking. The Drs D are very VERY good about post op checking your legs and will support you well post op, especially if you share your loss hon. Many blessings, Tina

I am do sorry for your loss of a friend. It is so very hard to understand things like this when they are so young. You have to try to relax and get yourself ready for your surgery. Just remember that your surgery is completely different and even though we all get nervous before our surgery, we know we are doing what it takes to become healthier. I will be praying for peace of mind for you. You will be fine. Just try to walk as soon as possible and stick to doctors orders about that. We are here when you need to talk. Carol