Tavia Update

Hey all, Well, we came home this afternoon from the hospital... sweet freedom! Especially for Tav. I guess sweet freedom for Tav to run crazy and do laundry and stuff. I kid you not, that's what she's doing as I type this. I know, I'm not being terribly helpful, am I? But there's no stopping Tav when she has her mind set on something, which is probably why she's succeeded so much during this time. And besides, if I did the laundry, the white clothing would become colored, and the colored clothing become white. In any case, the hospital visit this time was very special and very hopeful in many ways. First the special - we got to meet another ObesityHelp member, Tasha, and her husband. She was getting banded and spent a, thankfully, uneventful stay in the room next to Tav. She was very nice and had a smile on her face whenver I saw her... we wish you nothing but luck, Tasha! We also met another patient, who I believe needs our prayers and thoughts and I'll get back to that in a minute. I'm sure you all want to know what's up with Tav. Well, as Lisa Marie posted in another post, Tav had an "intestinal pocket," a term I used and not sure if it's an actual medical term, it's kind of like a hallow bump/hallow bubble. Basically somewhere down in the connection of the Y limbs, a pocket of intestine formed, which apparently could not be seen in tests b/c it was mostly grown in the Y connection intestine. Luckily, Tav's surgeons dug around inside of her intestines and saw this. And what a rare problem it was. Tav's surgeons commented on how they never saw anything like it before and how it is "remarkable". Her PCP said that the problem was going to make her famous, as this has never been documented before, and would name the problem after Tav. I think offered the choice, Tav would probably rather live in obscurity, thank you very much! In any case, in addition to cutting away this pocket, Tav's surgeon also widened the anastomosis that connects to the intestine. Now, ideally, this should allow the food that she eats to go straight down, instead of taking a detour to hang out in this pocket. I would say, let's all cross fingers, but I feel pretty certain that this is going to work now. Let's hope so for Tav's sake! Well, I'd like to end this post about another patient that we met. She had the old type of bypass - the notorious "stomach stapling" back in '99, I believe. Due to a problem, she had to get a revised bypass, but has had so many problems recently. She entered the hospital back in November and has been there ever since... through Christmas and New Year's. Now, that is just not fun. It's unfortunate because she seems like a genuinely nice person and very friendly. It's really sad to see someone like her bedridden for as long as she has. Tav and I definitely plan on keeping in touch with her and will probably visit her sometime next week. Because of the problems that Tav has had, and the cir****tances this person finds herself in, I think that they sort of need each other because they can relate on a level that most of us just can't. Don't know if you can call it "fate," but it certainly was something. In any case, thoughts and prayers for her (and I know I'm basically being vague... please forgive me, but I don't want to put too much information about her as it's really not my right too) would be appreciated. Well, to sum up... Tav is doing as well as one can a few days after surgery and we really feel good that her problem will be nipped in the bud this time. Take care everyone. Dennis

Hi Dennis, Thanks for the great update. While I hope Tavia becomes "famous", I hope it's not because of her pocket, but because she seems like she is an absolutely incredible person. You sound almost as incredible as she is! Thanks for sharing the hospital stories and next time you see the poor woman who has been in the hospital so long, please tell her our prayers and best wishes are with her. Ask her if it is okay for us to send her cards or greetings in some way, maybe we can help her lift her spirits, if nothing else. I wish you and Tavia all the best and I hope Tavia has a speedy and successful recovery and that this surgery will work and she can finally be herself again, instead of a scientific experiment! Hugs to all of you - Robin

Hey Dennis.....thanks for the update. I will try to call Tavia tomorrow, i have my sons 14th birthday party tomorrow, so lots of teenagers running around. I am soooooooooooooooooooooo happy she is home and feeling good enough to do laundry. However TAVIA GET YOUR REST!!!! The housework wont go anywhere. You need to give your body a chance to heal. I know you know it but you need to be reminded. I just feel so good that you are home with your man and your little man. You just keep that smile on your face. You are on your way! We all love you here and we will keep on praying that your recovery is smooth and quick. Talk to you soon. LisaMarie Oh and can one of you please email me your home adress again...I know i have it somewhere but i cant find where i put it. Thanks.

Hi Dennis. Thanks for the update. I am glad to hear Tavia is home and doing well so far. Hopefully, this will be how she feels for a looooooooooong time. I will continue to pray for Tavia, and also for your new friend. It is sad to hear that someone has had such bad complications that she has to be in the hospital for months. Please tell Tavia I said hello and that I am thinking aobut her. Have a good wekend. SH

Hi Dennis It so good to hear that Tavia is doing well sound like she is on the go a buzy bee.Thank god that her doctor found the problem and fixed it.I'm praying that this is the problem and Tavia doesn't have to see anymore hospital except for checkups.Well it's good to hear from you and everything looks ok.Oh sending my prayers for the other patient. SmoochesClaire

Dear Dennis, Thanks for the update on Tavia. I know she has been struggling for a long time and I'm glad to hear that it seems they found and corrected the problem. Hopefully that will be it and she can continue. I know from reading her posts in the past she has always been so positive and I'm sure that is what has brought her through. She has had to deal with alot. Anyway, my prayers and thoughts are with you guys and please let this other woman know that we are praying for her recovery too. I haven't been on the website in a while but when I was considering and then planning for my surgery she was always so supportive of me and I truly appreciate that. I had my surgery on October 24th and thank God am doing great -- I've lost 65 pounds -- the only problem I'm having is the mental part -- but one day at a time and it will get easier. Again, my thoughts and prayers are with you and I look forward to hearing anymore updates. Debbie Turturro

Thanks for the update Dennis. I called the hospital today, so I knew she was home. Thank God for that!! Now Tavia... you must be feeling pretty good to be doing laundry, but like Lisa said.... GET YOUR REST!!! The housework will still be tomorrow or the next day. I'll call you in the morning to make sure you behaving yourself. We all love you. Now rest!! Joanne

So happy to hear the good news. Wishing you nothing but healing Tavia. HUGS Mary

THANKS fOR THE great update DENNIS! SLO TAVIA down some...dont let her do too much. I really hope this is the full fix for tavia's troubles. WE are all positive that now she can feel well !!! AND as always thats tavia looking out and caring about others, so its doesnt surpirse me she made friends that other women while in the hospitol and will continue to visit and be her friend! WHAT a great wife you have. Well so glad all our prayers are helping tavia! TIME can only tell and were still keeping positive for her GREAT health! ALL the best lisa

Hi Dennis;I am just post-op from surgery on Monday,But i have read the boards for months,I have followed you and Tavias journey and I marvel how you have both endured these challenges.You are in my thoughts.Patsy