CRUEL REMINDERS

HI all. I am a frequent (daily) reader and an infrequent poster. Does that make me a lurker? ? I had my 2nd opinion and blood work last week. Both reqired by my insurance company. So now I have been through all of their hoops and am awaiting approval. I need to share my experience from this last weekend. Friday I went shopping with my sis and mom in Ames. Lots of walking, of course. Then Friday night we went to a show at the Civic Center in Des Moines. More walking. And 7 'flights' of stairs, (nose bleed seats). I am too stubborn to ask about an elevator. Fitting in the seat was a treat. Wasn't bad, once I got in it. More walking after the show, to the parking garage. More steps at the motel. By now it feels like I am walking on stumps. Then Saturday, I attend the Farner Bocken (food and product vendors) show at the Varied Industries building at the fair grounds. (Went with my sis who was there through her job) We parked at least 2 1/2 blocks away. We were there about 4 hours, walking around. I was embarassed to have to ask my sis to sit down 3 different times but she was cool about it. She herself is not a skinny minny. (She is also my best friend and biggest supporter for WLS). Then I needed to use the restroom.......well, now there was another treat. I generally use the handicap stall but it was in use. Those other stalls were so small that my elbows and knees literally rubbed the walls. I almost cried. I was so depressed by the time we left I was at my wits end. Sunday I could barely walk, my legs hurt so bad. Today is better. What a cruel reminder of some of the reasons why I want and NEED this surgery. This site is such a God send and you all are my heroes!! I wish I was on the losing side so I could join you at Adventureland!!! I know I could now, but I wouldn't be much fun, always looking for a bench!! Thanks for listening to my long post. I know you all understand. Some people in this world don't have a clue.... thanks again Sheila

Oh Sheila, I to am going threw the leg pains you are, I can barely walk as it is, I even have a motorized wheelchair that I use in my house almost every nite, the pain gets unbearable by nitetime. You are such a trooper for doing all that walking, suppose to get all the exercise you can before surgery so it's a bit easier but hell man, it hurts so bad to do it at times, I just cry threw it, gotta do it right? I hope and wish the best for you getting your approval. Try to stay positive, it will happen. I have surgery the 3rd. of May after waiting almost a year. If I can do it then I know you will get your wish soon as well. Good luck to ya and you are so right, this messageboard is filled with awesome folks, keep in touch, we all will try and help you threw your journey. Hugs to ya girl, Take care of you.~~~~~~Tina

Hi Sheila: Thanks for posting, this means you are no longer a lurker. I can remember not too long ago feeling alot like you. I just wanted to wish you luck on getting your approval. I'll keep you in my prayers. Keep us posted on how your process is going. Good Luck, Eileen

Hi Shiela, So glad that you are no longer lurking! We love it when people use this site for what it is intended for - support! You will find a lot of that here. I'm sorry to hear that you have gone through some hard times. I remember all too well the exhaustion walking up stairs, walking an amusement park, fitting into seats at a theater, etc. Keep working on your approval and keep us posted. God bless, Andrea