Recovery Is a Full Time Job
Hello Good People,
I'm so touched that I've been missed. And I am glad to report my absence from the board hasn't been on account of any major setbacks. Just a minor one and the fact that I am returning to work tomorrow and had so many things to take care of for that to happen. Yes, Gens cleared me to return half days starting tomorrow. I am very pleased. But having lost 26 lbs since surgery my wardrobe needed some attention. I made Goodwill trips three days this week, and with the help of friends and my dear sister, got several outfits washed and ironed and ready to go. All of that went very well. I am moving so much better and pain is no longer a constant of my life. But pain I have had.
Early in the week I suddenly began waking in the night with horribly strong muscle contractions in my legs (thighs, feet, calves, all over). They were terrible. I'd twist to get the leg straightened out and a cramp would start in my back or arm! Definitely not OK. Saw the doc and he had blood drawn looking for deficiencies (Mg, Ca, D3). Things are better now because xanax is a muscle relaxant and works real good. Minor problem No. 1.
About the same day I began having a mounting steady backache as the day went on right behind my sternum. Now I have fairly serious bone degeneration disease so a backache isn't unusual for me. But this was different and in a different location. I choked down Tylenol tablets and it seemed to make things worse. I longed for Motrin but did not take any. Every day was the same-pain starts about noon and by 7 pm it is the focus of my existence. Suddenly last night I wondered if the pain might be gastric? Could this be ulcer-type pain? Well, I have taken my prilosec religiously but.... I went right out to the kitchen and took two doses in a smidgen of SF pudding and had a lie down. The pain was gone in 20 minutes!!!! Minor(?) problem No. 2 I'll call the doc tomorrow but for today I am going to up my doses and take them evenly throughout the day.
I meet people all the time who have a poor opinion of this board. I have always praised it for the tremendous support it is but also because I learn more here than anyplace else. Case in point: an OH posting woke me up to the fact that I was taking the wrong form of calcium. Yep. I knew good and damn well that I needed Ca citrate and I bought two forms of it pre-op. And I began right away using the BA lozenges. But they foamed up on me and made me gag. DH came home with a box of Viactiv creamy chews. I was just that sick, just that befuddled by medication that when he handed me the box and I read "Ca carbonate" it registered with me as the right kind. With all that I was going thru it was so nice to have a form of Ca that was easy to get down. I told everyone I was taking it during my 2nd hospital stay - no word of protest or alarm from anyone. But sitting here I read a post that wakes me up and I jump up and go look at the box and I am educated and set on the right path. Thank goodness.
And thank goodness for light soy milk with only 2 g of sugar in a cup! I was growing to dread my protein drinks as they are perfectly sickening made with water (to me). Like everyone else with RNY I am having some food successes and some failures. Tuna fish - boo hiss, turkey no bean chili - Yeah! I have not thrown up I will not move off of purees until I am completely clear of the danger of re-injuring my tender abdomen.
I am going to order some Unjury protein today. I am waiting for some Isopure to arrive from Vitalady.com. I have tried 7 brands already and they are all pretty awful. Too bad because pre-op I used many that I thought were quite good. Obviously, I was enjoying the sugars and without them.....blah. But I'm drinking them and I will continue to do so - no worries there.
Well, I've written a book. So glad to catch up with you, my friends. I am off now for walkies with my dogs. This afternoon I will go to the in-laws to celebrate their successful fund-raising efforts on behalf of breast cancer research. Next year I'll be walking with them. Take good care - Treading
I'm so touched that I've been missed. And I am glad to report my absence from the board hasn't been on account of any major setbacks. Just a minor one and the fact that I am returning to work tomorrow and had so many things to take care of for that to happen. Yes, Gens cleared me to return half days starting tomorrow. I am very pleased. But having lost 26 lbs since surgery my wardrobe needed some attention. I made Goodwill trips three days this week, and with the help of friends and my dear sister, got several outfits washed and ironed and ready to go. All of that went very well. I am moving so much better and pain is no longer a constant of my life. But pain I have had.
Early in the week I suddenly began waking in the night with horribly strong muscle contractions in my legs (thighs, feet, calves, all over). They were terrible. I'd twist to get the leg straightened out and a cramp would start in my back or arm! Definitely not OK. Saw the doc and he had blood drawn looking for deficiencies (Mg, Ca, D3). Things are better now because xanax is a muscle relaxant and works real good. Minor problem No. 1.
About the same day I began having a mounting steady backache as the day went on right behind my sternum. Now I have fairly serious bone degeneration disease so a backache isn't unusual for me. But this was different and in a different location. I choked down Tylenol tablets and it seemed to make things worse. I longed for Motrin but did not take any. Every day was the same-pain starts about noon and by 7 pm it is the focus of my existence. Suddenly last night I wondered if the pain might be gastric? Could this be ulcer-type pain? Well, I have taken my prilosec religiously but.... I went right out to the kitchen and took two doses in a smidgen of SF pudding and had a lie down. The pain was gone in 20 minutes!!!! Minor(?) problem No. 2 I'll call the doc tomorrow but for today I am going to up my doses and take them evenly throughout the day.
I meet people all the time who have a poor opinion of this board. I have always praised it for the tremendous support it is but also because I learn more here than anyplace else. Case in point: an OH posting woke me up to the fact that I was taking the wrong form of calcium. Yep. I knew good and damn well that I needed Ca citrate and I bought two forms of it pre-op. And I began right away using the BA lozenges. But they foamed up on me and made me gag. DH came home with a box of Viactiv creamy chews. I was just that sick, just that befuddled by medication that when he handed me the box and I read "Ca carbonate" it registered with me as the right kind. With all that I was going thru it was so nice to have a form of Ca that was easy to get down. I told everyone I was taking it during my 2nd hospital stay - no word of protest or alarm from anyone. But sitting here I read a post that wakes me up and I jump up and go look at the box and I am educated and set on the right path. Thank goodness.
And thank goodness for light soy milk with only 2 g of sugar in a cup! I was growing to dread my protein drinks as they are perfectly sickening made with water (to me). Like everyone else with RNY I am having some food successes and some failures. Tuna fish - boo hiss, turkey no bean chili - Yeah! I have not thrown up I will not move off of purees until I am completely clear of the danger of re-injuring my tender abdomen.
I am going to order some Unjury protein today. I am waiting for some Isopure to arrive from Vitalady.com. I have tried 7 brands already and they are all pretty awful. Too bad because pre-op I used many that I thought were quite good. Obviously, I was enjoying the sugars and without them.....blah. But I'm drinking them and I will continue to do so - no worries there.
Well, I've written a book. So glad to catch up with you, my friends. I am off now for walkies with my dogs. This afternoon I will go to the in-laws to celebrate their successful fund-raising efforts on behalf of breast cancer research. Next year I'll be walking with them. Take good care - Treading
Hi Treading!
Wow, what a journey you have had so far! Now I realize how easy I have it! All I get is a little constipation here & there and sometimes food "stuck." Well, a few other things, but nothing compared to what you have been through! I can't imagine feeling the pain you have been feeling. Is there anywhere on you body you haven't felt pain?
I agree 100% with you on this board. I have learned soooo much info. I also agree with you on the protein powders. ICK! That's all I have to say! I haven't had a chocolate protein shake since surgery! I know I would vomit.
I went to Nashua Nutrition and found some great protein alternatives. The Oh Yeah protein bars are pretty good (I know you're still on mushies, but just for future ref.) I found AchievOne coffee drinks too. Now, there is some caffeine in them, but there's 20g of protein in a 9oz bottle! And the Mocha Java is GOOD! Hazelnut, not so good. There was a bunch of other things too. The hot chocolate was yummy and 15g of protein. Check out their website!
Well, you hang in there. Good for you for walking the dogs! Best of luck at work. Don't over do it!
Lisa
Wow, what a journey you have had so far! Now I realize how easy I have it! All I get is a little constipation here & there and sometimes food "stuck." Well, a few other things, but nothing compared to what you have been through! I can't imagine feeling the pain you have been feeling. Is there anywhere on you body you haven't felt pain?
I agree 100% with you on this board. I have learned soooo much info. I also agree with you on the protein powders. ICK! That's all I have to say! I haven't had a chocolate protein shake since surgery! I know I would vomit.
I went to Nashua Nutrition and found some great protein alternatives. The Oh Yeah protein bars are pretty good (I know you're still on mushies, but just for future ref.) I found AchievOne coffee drinks too. Now, there is some caffeine in them, but there's 20g of protein in a 9oz bottle! And the Mocha Java is GOOD! Hazelnut, not so good. There was a bunch of other things too. The hot chocolate was yummy and 15g of protein. Check out their website!
Well, you hang in there. Good for you for walking the dogs! Best of luck at work. Don't over do it!
Lisa
Hi Treading,
I am so glad to hear from you, and to know that you were fine in your absence. I am so sorry you have had such a hard time. I was hoping that everything would go so smoothly for you. To keep your positive attitude through all of this shows that you are indeed a very stong person, and you will triumph.
I agree with the boards. The people are wonderful, so supportive. I don't even know anybody, but I feel that you are all someone I want to call Friend.
Take care, rest and be well.
Martha
I am so glad to hear from you, and to know that you were fine in your absence. I am so sorry you have had such a hard time. I was hoping that everything would go so smoothly for you. To keep your positive attitude through all of this shows that you are indeed a very stong person, and you will triumph.
I agree with the boards. The people are wonderful, so supportive. I don't even know anybody, but I feel that you are all someone I want to call Friend.
Take care, rest and be well.
Martha
(deactivated member)
on 10/19/08 9:38 am - NH
on 10/19/08 9:38 am - NH
tread , I am so happy to hear you are finally on your way to recovery. The UNJURY protien is what I like the best, the van and choc are mixed with milk and the strawberry is mixed with water, which I add a strawberry kiwi flavored Crystal light mix to , and it has been my all time favorite.
I drink 1 cup of coffee mixed with 1 cup of water and 1 scoop of chocolate protein and I drink that every morning.
Have you tried the Nectar Proteins?
I also use the UNFLAVORED from UNJURY, I add a teaspoon here and there through out the day to all sorts of foods.
Take care and once we are all feeling ok enough, we should do a NH meet up???
JEN
I drink 1 cup of coffee mixed with 1 cup of water and 1 scoop of chocolate protein and I drink that every morning.
Have you tried the Nectar Proteins?
I also use the UNFLAVORED from UNJURY, I add a teaspoon here and there through out the day to all sorts of foods.
Take care and once we are all feeling ok enough, we should do a NH meet up???
JEN
Treading,
I'm glad to hear your feeling better, and OK to head back to work. I hope that you don't pu**** and if work is too much you don't push yourself. I must agree about recovery being a full time job. I feel that too. Though i was fortunate not to have a single complication, and i was back to work full time in two weeks...i feel that ALOT of my day is spent calculating, remembering to eat, drink etc. I suppose soon enough it will come second nature, and will just fall into place...but for now, its a job. Good luck to getting back to work, and it was good to hear from you.
I'm glad to hear your feeling better, and OK to head back to work. I hope that you don't pu**** and if work is too much you don't push yourself. I must agree about recovery being a full time job. I feel that too. Though i was fortunate not to have a single complication, and i was back to work full time in two weeks...i feel that ALOT of my day is spent calculating, remembering to eat, drink etc. I suppose soon enough it will come second nature, and will just fall into place...but for now, its a job. Good luck to getting back to work, and it was good to hear from you.
Kristene
all time high weight! 310lbs
at surgery 296lbs
1 year anniversary 155lbs
goal 150lbs
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