one month post op

Hi all. I went for my one month post op appointment on Tuesday. I am down 36 pounds since surgery. Dr Chapman said he was pleased with my progress and that I was right where he wanted me to be. I have been having some minor problems though. I apparently have what he termed the "blahs". He said that some of his patients, around one month, lose all their energy. I can relate, I feel like my limbs are made of lead. Also, I've been having some fainting spells. I was very dehydrated, so they doubled my water intake. At this early stage of the game, I'm having difficulty getting 2 liters of water down, but it is getting better. I'm not so lightheaded and dizzy all the time. Which is good, I'm tired of looking drunk when I stand up. The downside of all of this is that exercise is difficult. Between the weakness and the dizziness, it's hard to get any serious movement going. I am a better match for my aged dog though, I don't wear him out as easy. Anyway, all in all, it's not bad. This surgery is working and I've been assured that the energy will return in a month or so. I cannot wait, I have so much I want to do. In other news, I just got my grades for this half-semester. My courses run 8 weeks, so I take 2 classes on the front half of the semester and two classes on the back half. Anyway, the classes I was taking while I had the surgery were History and a computer course. I got an A in computers and a B in History. That maintains my 3.5 gpa and keeps me on the Deans list. I was excited so I thought I'd share. Hope all is well with each of you. Take care. ~Ellen

Ellen - Warmest congratulations on your loss. You know, your body is really working hard on healing. Maybe you just need to work on staying hydrated and healing right now. Work on the "exercise" component when you get past fainting and having "lead limbs." I don't know if you've ever had surgery before ... but in my experience, it takes a little while to recover. I had my leg reconstructed after an auto accident and had my gall bladder removed lap. about 6 wks after my daughter was born. And normally, you would be getting plenty of protien, carbs and hydration. Be gentle with yourself. Barb BTW ... Congrats on your grades ... What is your course of study?

Thanks for the well wishes Barb. Actually, this is my eighth surgery. I have had varying degrees of recovering time, depending on the severity of the surgery. I think what surprised me this time was that for the first couple of weeks I felt great, then I just petered out. OH well, this too shall pass... I'm currently seeking an AA in CMIS. My plan is to get that degree, get a job, then work on the four year degree. I don't know at this point if it will be in CMIS or something else. I feel like I have an extended case of senioritis. I want to do something, but I keep changing my mind as to what. Frankly, what I'd like to do is Restoration work with a library or museum. I just don't want to put in six years to get that degree, I'd be 42 by then if I went full time. Seems sort of late to start a brand new career. Take care. ~Ellen

I'd be 42 by then ************* Yeah, but you're gonna be 42 in six years anyway you may as well be doing restoration work! Best Wishes, Ellen

True Enough!

Hi Ellen, I hope this is just a little bump that you will soon be over and you will be on your way to meeting all of your goals. I really think Barb may be right. Maybe you should be a little easier on yourself for a little while and then hit the old treadmill again when you feel a little better. Congratulaions on those wonderful grades. It sounds like you are smart enough to be or do anything your heart desires. I will keep you in my prayers. Best Wishes, Judy

Thanks for the prayers and well wishes Judy. I have been taking it easier lately. The downside is that the weight comes off slower. I hate to lose any time in my window of opportunity. I went for a 1 1/2 mile walk today. Seemed like we were going so slow, but when I got back it had only been just a little over a half an hour. Part of it is perception apparently. Take care. ~Ellen

I am sorry you are feeling bad. I hope it will get better for you. Just think 36 lbs gone. I am glad you are sharing even the bad things so we will know what could happen. Very good on you grades. Keep sharing with us! ~Stacy~

Thanks for the kind thoughts Stacy. I know it benefited me so much when I read both the good and the bad on here. Really, this isn't so terrible though, just a small inconvenience. I cannot wait until I can ride a bike again, I want that to be tomorrow. The grades were a concern since my surgery was right after mid-terms. I was pleased to have done so well, it could have been a lot worse. Take care. ~Ellen