Thanks To All

Thanks to every one who has been so supportive. I am absolutely confident in the power of prayer, am so appreciative to all here who kept me in their prayers, and am blessed to be here. My surgery was 2/25/05. I was released on 3/3/05. I couldn't have asked for a better outcome regarding the surgery. The entire digestive system has functioned well since the first day out. Haven't ever upchucked, have not eaten anything that caused a problem, have had several occassions where I couldn't eat the entire meal, and a couple times when I took 1 bite too much. My g tube has been more pain than the incision or any other aspect of the surgery. Hopefully it'll be removed in another two weeks. A relative, who is an RN and a ostomy patient solved the problems with it for me. She put an adhesive shield and ring device around the tube, and then attached a bag to the ring which keeps all the leaking acids off my wound and skin. OH how I love that lady!!! My major failure is drinking enough water. Just haven't succeeded in getting it in. I keep trying, but no joy. I haven't been on line to post a message until now, things have been "challenging" since returning home. Basically I've had an infection and fever since the surgery. It has made me extremely weak, and has been complicated by a balance problem and some type flu. I was re-hospitalized once, a week ago. Since have been on a strong antibiotic, Cipro. Seem to be making progress now, but have a long way to go. From the posts I've seen here, Sheila Justus whose surgery was the same day as mine, is doing OK, I sure hope so. Sheila, I have tried to e-mail you, sent the message three times, hope you finally got it. Am looking forward to whipping this infection and regaining some energy and stamina. Dick Coomes

Hey Dick, so glad to know that you are doing better. I got your e-mails and I sent you a couple back, but I guess something wasn't right somewhere...so sorry about that. Yes, I am doing well, I too am still struggling with the water intake, but I keep working on it each day. I didn't have to have any type of tubes, or drains, or anything like that and for that I am so thankful, because I've heard others talk about having the same problems that you talked about. Hopefully you'll get yours out soon. My food intake is doing OK...I have upchucked once, and once I took in a little too big of drink of water, and it came back (after a few seconds of agonizing pain). My problem is that no matter how much I drink, I remain crazy thirsty and I want to GULP instead of sip. Before I had surgery I had questioned this, and I knew it was something that I had to work on, but it is still hard when I stay as thirsty as I do. Well, I was glad to see you post here, and I hope everything continues to go well for you. Take care, Sheila

P.S. Happy one month anniversary to us!!!

So glad to hear you are doing better!! Hang in there with the water. It will come in time. I think it was at least 2 months before I got the all water in for the first time!! The important thing is to keep trying. I can almost always get all my liquids in now. remember your protein and popsickles count as liquid intake. I did not like the G tube either!! I was very happy to get that taken out!!! It did feel weird though when the nurse remove it. It may make you feel queasy. I did for a few minutes but then I was fine and happy!! Hang in there because each day will get easier for you. Have a wonderful Easter!!! Better wait until next year to have a chocolate bunny though!! I think I'll wait too!!! Blessings Tonya

Mr Coomes I'm so glad to hear you are doing well...or at least better...it will take time.. and don't worry too much about the water..as the swelling goes down in your pouch you'll be able to drink a little more..and yes it's sip sip sip..or it's painful painful painful!!! i've only upchucked about 4 times..2 of which was over eating and 2 was trying captain d's broiled fish??? I've not had that "tube" you're talking about..but it doesnt sound pleasant..best of luck when that comes out.. i'm down about a 110 lbs since 8/26/04..it just kinda melts off.. keep in touch renee