First Visit

Hi I am scheduled to have my counsultation in early October. I have been researching sites here on the computer. Plus I have talked to numerous poeple who have had the surgery. I have lost count, but it is well over 50 people, and all but 2 people said if they had it to do over again, they would. I am scared, but am also scared not to. I am 44YO and I am in terrible health. I take 8 pills every morning and more at night to help me relax and sleep. So far I have been diagnosed with: Fibromyalgia, which is very painful. Hypothyroidism : which I am tired all the time, Coronary Artery Disease: my cardiologist in Iowa City told me my arteries are as bad as an 80YO, High Cholesterol, Chronic Hematuria, Stress incontinence, painful irregular mensus, Depression: which at times I hate to even get out of bed, I hate my life, I hate my job, I HATE ME!! Anxiety Attacks, and to top it off my PCP says I have a tumor on my adrenal gland, which was discovered during a CT scan when I complained of pain in my lower right abdomen. But my PCP says "come back in a couple weeks and we will check your blood" I told him I have been feeling VERY FATIGUED for a couple months. I don't know if I will make it to the counsultation date, I feel worse everyday! No One seems to understand. or care. I just get fatter and fatter, and feel worse and worse! I am at my wits end...I don't know where to turn. My work says I can't have time off for the surgery until I can bank enough hours to cover the time I am off. I can't stay healthy to keep any time! I just missed a week with Bronchitis and strept throat. It is a vicious cycle!!! I guess I must sound like a pathetic soul....but I don't know what to do next. Please keep me in your prayers!

Ohhh Kathy, do I ever know just how you feel. I want out of my body sooo badly! My 1st consult is in Grinnell with a wonderful surgeon named Dr. Eibes. I understand they are extremely quick to get insurance approval. I just cannot wait. I will keep you in my prayers~ Do you know Deb Hoskey? She is my aunt and she lives in Toledo. She is now home, post-op from her open rny surgery. She is doing great! I'm not too far from you either, State Center. So you can email me for ANYTHING! I could use a "pen-pal". Good luck Kathy. God Bless and ((((HUGGS)))))~Tammy Potter

Kathy, I will definitely keep you in my prayers. Where do you work? If they employ more than 50 people, they have to let you take time off for the surgery under the Family Leave Act. I know exactly what you mean about trying to bank time off, it seems like I am always missing work due to back pain. Try to hang in there. Feel free to email me if you need to talk. Sheila