I'm home........................

finally, that was the longest 54 hours in my life. I am doing well though. It was rough going there for a little while though. When they first did my swallow test they didn't think it was flowing well enough. So I went 24 hours thinking I may have to have another surgery. This morning, friday mornng, when I did another upper GI everything was flowing better, so I was released arough 3:15. I was so glad to get to go home. The trip home was rough, you've got to love these louisiana roads. Once I got home all I could do was take my pain meds and a shower. Then I got in my recliner and slept. I seemed to be really sore today. I hope I am feeling much better on Saturday. I've always heard the third day after being operated on is usually the roughest, I sure hope so.....because I am ready to feel better. I find I am almost scared to move, I felt like I could feel everything today. Tell me it is going to get better really soon. PS Dr Richardson was great, I felt very comfortable with him.

First, I'm glad you're home and that you didn't have to have another surgery. As far as the pain and all of that, it DOES get better and really quickly. You'll be amazed. Even with an incision that became infected, I was feeling SO much better within a few days of being home. Being home is the trick -- you can relax and not have to worry about them poking and prodding you. I really hope you start to feel better soon.

Lin, Thanks for your reply. I am feeling better already this moning and I have only been home a little over 12 hours, so I am really looking forward to the next 12 hours. I have read about what you are going through. I pray that it gets better really quickly for you. I can't wait to be at 4 weeks out, because I know then I will feel so much better. Take care and keep up informed on your progress. I have been following you posts for some time - I was so happy for you when I read you had had the surgery. We are both going to be so much better off a year from now. Darla

I am so glad you are home and I promise every day will be an improvment. Just a little warning. This happened to me and I seem to see it with others. At week three I got very tired. I felt like I just wanted to sleep all day and night. It was an exhausting week for me, plus I hit my first stall. Don't know why it is week three this happens but I see more and more people post this. Even with warning, it still freaked me out. Hope your husband is doing well too, now you two let your kids wait on you and you guys take it easy. Hugs, Jodi

Thanks. Jodi for all of your supportive compliments, it really helps. I am counting on it getting easier. I do have to admit that I do feel much better today. I think the ride yesterday just about did me in. I will keep in mind about the three week tiredness. My husband is doing well, he did go with me the day of surgery and I don't really think it was the best thing for him. That ride was rough on him also. I'll keep you informed and thanks again for the kind words. Darla

I'm SO glad you chose Dr. Richardson... he's just plain amazing... It says a lot about the skill of a surgeon, when the nursing staff that work with his patients postop, choose him... and I can tell you of at least 5 nurses that I worked with on his unit (not counting me) that have chosen him for their RNY A little "factoid" for you... in the year that I worked at that hospital... not once did I see one of HIS patients return for problems that were related to a mistake in surgery. It's quite amazing... there were maybe three of his patients (where he did the original RNY surgery) that returned, and all because they weren't drinking enough and got dehydrated. All of the above are reasons why *I* chose him too... for when I do finally get approved to get it done. Good Luck!!

Thanks Kat for your reply. I have been really pleased with Dr Richardson. I was not real happy when I thought there was a possibility of me having to go back in, but I did feel comfortable with what he was doing. I know he had my best interest at heart. And you are right, every nurse that I had taking care of me kept telling me of the nursing/hospital staff that had had him do there surgeries. I think I was caught off guard by the news of possibly having to go back in. Dr Richardson bed-side manner, as was Dr Kim (I believe) and Dr Worley ( he was great) was very caring and that was a comfort for me. How is your process going? I think about you often. I was a big time lurker for several years and really didn't start posting until I had my own date. I know you date is coming, just remember that it will happen when it is best for you and your family, God knows what he is doing. Keep us Louisiana folks informed because I know there are a lot on this board that care a great deal about you. You have done so much for so many here. Thanks for all you do. Darla

I'm still crossing my fingers for a date in September or October insurance confirms I'll be eligible to reapply for approval after September 2.... my current contract ends September 23.... so I am VERY hopeful for a Sept/Oct date! Now to just save the $5000 copay UGH Kat

Pssst... Hi, Kat! Any info on Dr. Kennedy's stats? Thanks!

Hey, Darla! So glad to hear you're doing better! How are things going now?