Please, let me introduce myself.....

Greetings and Salutations from Burlington, NC!!

I hope this post finds you happy, healthy and enjoying the spirit of the holidays!!

I am writing to introduce myself.  My name is Kelly Harrington. (a.k.a. CosmicKelly)  I am 39 years old and recently married (09/08/07) to possibly the best man on the planet, Keith Harrington.  Keith and I started the process of considering weight loss surgery after two of my nephrologists (kidney doctors) suggested that I look into it.  They told me that recent studies have shown that people with ESRD or renal failure (kidney disease that requires dialysis) have remarkable outcomes and other issues like diabetes and neuropathy are helped, as well.   I am interested in the surgery for 3 primary reasons: improved mobility, diabetic and neuropathy issues and preventing future heart problems. I realize that my kidney function will never return.  However, I would like to be able to walk without assistance (I am using a wheelchair now.) and know I am doing everything I can to achieve the best health and wellness for myself.

I have been to a seminar @ Duke, paid my application fee and have recently gotten my packet.  My first appointment date is February 7^th.  This seems like an eternity, but I have a couple of projects that I am working on (more about those in the next paragraphs!!) and I’m sure the time will fly by!! 

I’ve been filling out the paperwork a little at a time, as I am afraid to write in anything about my weight right now.  It’s been going steadily upward for the last little while since I’ve been wheelchair bound.  With the decrease in activity, it seems my metabolism has all but shut down.

Most of the test that are required can be done at my dialysis clinic, if they get the machines working.  I went to my local hospital on Thursday and had the barium swallow (delicious!!) and am hoping the results from it won’t disqualify me.  The radiologist said I had a little reflux going on.  I’ve never felt it, so I am hoping it won’t be a big deal.

When I am not filling out paperwork; taking medical tests; training for nocturnal, home hemo-dialysis; or playing with my wonderful pooch, Madison and husband, I am either working on my website or helping with Alpha Phi Omega, national co-ed service fraternity sponsored by the Boy Scouts.  I am hoping to unveil my site to the world sometime real close to April 1^st, 2008.  I am really excited about this site and everything I am learning to get it going!!

I have 2 huge presentations to make on the weekend after my first appointment to my brothers in Alpha Phi Omega. I am on staff for Service and Scouting and I am planning on presentation on how to have successful service projects and another one on how to start an alumni associations.  I am doing a lot of research and am trying to decide how to best present the info I have.  Both of these topics are really near and dear to my heart, so I see these presentations as something really cool, not a burden!!

It just occurred to me that you may be wondering….why is she going off on all of this?

Basically, I want you to know that I think we’re a lot more than our need for weight loss and any diseases or conditions we have. And that I’d like to get to know you and start a friendship or two. 

Have an AWESOME day!! I know I will!!

CosmicKelly  

Welcom Kelly!  You will find everyone here is friendly though we do agree to at times disagree or have different opinions which is good.  Not everything we each go through, try or experiance is the same or works for the next person but it is GREAT to have a place to question, look for suggestion, vent or just celebrate.  You will always have those on this board to support you thru this life changing process!  Merry Christmas!!

Thank you for your welcome!!  I agree with you that differing opinions are a good thing!!  They'll help to make me open to the wide variety of  possibilities available to me!!  I look forward to hearing your suggestions and celebrating with you in the future!! CosmicKelly

Welcome to the NC Forum, Kelly!  Ditto what Lynn said!

Many thanks for the warm welcome, Shazanne!!  It will be fun getting to know you!!  I thought I had reponded to your post last night.  I'm sorry if it looks as though I forgot about you!!  I didn't mean to!! Have an AWESOME day!! CosmicKelly :)

Hi Kelly welcome to OH and the NC boards. Congratulations on making the choice to have wls you have taken a huge step in saving your life. I understand about mobility issues. I have just started to be able to take my dogs for a walk something I havent been able to do for a very long time. To sum up how I feel after wls I feel free I feel a freedom I have never had. I dont have to use my cane anymore since wls.                                                        Annie Would be great if you could come to our party on the 15th I would enjoy meeting you.

Annie, Wow!!  You're officially one of my heros!!  I read your profile and we have so many intrests in common!!  I have a dog that I adore, Madison!!  (a pound puppy rescue!!) I'll post pictures of him when I finish repsonding to eveyone!!   Congrats on being able to walk!!  I am SOOO hoping I'll be able too after some of the weight comes off!!  Wish me luck!!  I'm going to really work at it and find a good physical therapist. Thanks for the party invite, I'd love to come!!  Problem is my brother is graduating from WCU on the 15th.  I'm going to his graduation in Cullowhee and will be gone all day. (Believe me, I'd really rather come to your party.....if you know what I mean!!  :wink:  Please let me know when the next one is!!! Have an AWESOME day!! CosmicKelly 

Hi and welcome to the NC boards. I am fairly new here myself, but I am also having surgery with the Duke program.  My surgery date is Dec 20.  My DH had the RNY surgery  on 4/26/07. I used to live in Mebane up until last June when we moved to Warren Co. Good luck to you!  IT sounds like you're keeping yourself busy.  Your day will be here before you know it!

Hello there and welcome to one of the most wonderful resources and sources or inspiration you can find for your new journey in life.  This NC board is wonderful!   I GOTTA SAY......CONGRATS ON APPALACHIAN WINNING !!!!  woo hooooooo!!!   *i see your flag waving proudly!!** We are here for ya!!  Visit again soon Connie

buttersmom, Hey there!!  I lived in Da Gas House (Gastonia) for several years---about two blocks away from Tony's Ice Cream.   And taught at Rhyne Elementary School. Yes, ASU ROCKS!!  If I had the money and I didn't have to be at my brother's graduation at WCU......I'd go to Chattanooga this weekend.  However, I heard they sold out of tickets within 7 hours of offering them to the students!! Armanti Edwards for Heisman!! Have an AWESOME day!! CosmicKelly :)