Gemma rachal

ok guys , i expected a bigger response when i posted prior message. This message board is about support , not just ourself. This lady has been very sick. To refresh one's memory, she is the angel who had her surgery in a New orleans hospital right when the hurricane struck. She survived with very little nutrition, or health care, and from her story was descrimanated against because of her obesity. Needless to say, she lost weight very, very fast, and is suffering physically, to regain her health. I had the pleasure of meeting this woman. She has a great spirit, strong motivation, and a very supportive , loving husband. This board i believe is about supporting each other, not just bragging when our surgery is , or how many pounds we lost. Please send get well cards, or encourgement to: olol hospital, c/o Gemma rachal, 5000 hennessy room # 662 , baton rouge la 70808. It doesn't take much effort to send a card. And most important keep her in your prayers..... sincerly , gastricbypass friend

Well, I just read your other post and this one. And I haven't been on much cuz I've been really sick myself. Could be a bad stomach virus (it's been 2 weeks now) or I could have parasites in my well from the hurricane (which Allstate refuses to test and treat my well). I am glad you posted because any time I do come on here I look to see if there is an update about her. I can relate to what she went thru cuz I use to live in NOE (New Orleans East) for 13 years, and before that I was still in the greater New Orleans area. I agree the board is about support. However, I also notice this board runs really slow and you just posted that other post yesterday. I can't remember the last time, if any, I have even posted my weight loss, other than when I hit the century club. I have been too consumed with the aftermath of Katrina myself. Obviously she needs our support, and since we are planning a get together for OHLA next weekend, maybe some of us could go visit her. She is not forgotten, unfortunately there is just so many of us affected by Katrina and Rita, that we are just trying to deal with our everyday lives as well. An idea is to post on her page again, and since you work at the hospital, you could print it for her and she can see our support. Here is the link: http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/status.php?N=R1046674249 Also, I noticed Gemma doesn't have an angel yet. Possibly you could volunteer to do this, since you are at the hospital, and can post updates, and can bring her her surgery page. Support after surgery works much better when an Angel is involved. I'll post her link on the board with a separate post and the main message board also.

Good Morning KelliJo, I'm like you .... I just don't have the time to log on here everyday, But it does not mean I am not thinking of people. I sure hope you get to feeling better soon. I too was sick for 3 weeks. I was no good to no one, not even myself. I'm much better now though and back to daily duties. Rhonda, thanks for the update on Gemma. I agree with KelliJo. Maybe you could print her up the support pages to show her everyone's support. I will make a note and call her later today to wish her well (If she's allowed phone calls). Thanks again Rhonda and hope you have a great day!! Dee

Thanks Dee. I am a bit better, and got some good news today that it is just a virus. Although a bad one, it is better than the other conclusion they had, which was I had parasites in my well from the hurricane. Glad you are feeling better also. Take care.

Sorry I was out of town this weekend and just read your post. I did send her a card on friday before I left. I hope she got it. Thanks for helping to look out for her. Tina

thanx for all ya'lls support, i realize you just had surgery also, im not sure if she is still there, because friday night was the last night i saw her, then i had to go in the hospital myself for chestpain, heart cath, but all is well, no blockages, just stress.. hope you are doing well!!!! rhonda

I'm doing good, you better be taken care of your self, and don't let things get you so stressed out. Take it easy and get some rest. Tina

It's nothing personal, but I have had my own very intense issues to deal with. I am glad that Gemma is getting support... and when I was able to give support, I did... but lately, I am just plain "tapped out"... Those of us survivors who also serve to ensure the safety of others have a unique position at this time. It is our responsibility by chosen profession to supply aid to those who are in need. We often are required to put aside our own needs to see to the needs of others... To that end, I have found myself "tapped out" with very little left to give emotionally, at least until I am able to recharge and renew with a little support for myself too Thus the reason I have hoped to renew the OHLA group and my connections here among my OH family, now that I can access the net a bit. Hopefully in time I will be able to again return the support. Kat

I understand what your saying, i could feel this board with issues im dealing with , I to am a nurse, and I was not in N.O. during that time, but we got many evacuees in our hospitals, streets, university, and our homes. I had 8 extra people, 3 extra dogs living with us. I stayed at two different hospitals to aide to evacuees during that time. It was and is a emotional rollercoaster for all here. I hope you and your family hit solid ground soon. Sounds like you are a strong person. Sometimes as people, (nurses are bad about taking care of others first) we have to stop and take care of yourself. I hope that is your time now. Thanx for helping keep obesity la alive.

yeah, "emotional rollercoaster" is a great way to describe it... Hopefully it will lighten up soon... my one "reward" that keeps me pushing... is my surgery... it's my hope... and my one reason for continuing to endure the conditions of working in New Orleans and being away from my family... knowing I can get my surgery from an amazing surgeon, and costing me less than $1000 out of pocket... I just can't throw that away just because it's hard on me and my family. Unfortunately, because my family needs to be in Denham, and I need to be working at this hospital, not much is expected to change... I'm on as much "solid ground" as I can expect for about the next 6-8 months. But thanks for thinking of me... When you do get the chance to see Gemma again, let her know I have several more boxes of clothing for her And let her know I am still trying to get her some more protein supplements HUGS