catching up

hi friends Its been weeks sence I have even been on to read what is going on with all of you life has been busy and hard. I am doing fine, havent lost any weight in weeks but with as hard as life has been i can live with that.  As some of you know I have an adult daughter with a condtion that causes some really hard problems called intercranial hypertension or psudo tumor. we have gone thru a few brain surgerys in the last month we had to go thru a few more and in august will have one more. She will be fine but each surgery is of concern and its just exhausting. I a eating for emotional reasons and honestly it concerns me. especially chocolate,, and tequila lol I am being really honest with all of you here so please do not judge but this is where I am at. I dont dring\k much but have realised that a shot of tequila really helps me come down rung and I really enjoy it. I am getting back on track, my husband started the adkins diet a few weeks agp and as always he has just dropped 25 lbs in a few weeks, I have thought about trying it but not sure if I should worry about it and just keep up what I am doing I miss all of you and hope we can have breakfast soon Kelly

Hi friend! So glad to hear from you.  Sounds like you are rolling with the punches.  It just has to be so hard to watch Jen go through so much - with more to come.  To let you know your normal...I remember sitting in Ava's hospital room eating caramel corn all night.  Emanuel is by the Lloyd Center where there's a place that makes it fresh.  I got it for her, but there I sat munching while she slept.  I've thrown back a few tequila shots myself lately!  There's an ebb and a flow and sometimes we do better than other times.  I ate four dark dove chocolates just about every day the entire year I was losing the big weight.  It was just enough to make me feel better but didn't seem to do any harm.  I am really looking forward to getting out of town.  We are going to Phoenix next week to attend a dear family friend's quinceañera celebration.  Then we are going to rent a van and drive to Las Vegas.  I've never been before.  I'm dealing with the fact that my husband won't let me take my two daughters to see Cher while we are there.  O.K. so the bad tickets start at $300. and go up to $950.  I couldn't really spend almost $1,000 on one night, but before I knew how much they were I was so there!  Bette Middler isn't much cheaper.  Well maybe I'll win big and be able to go after all!   Then we are going to go to Yosemite.  It's been thirty years since I've been.  It is so beautiful!  Yes I know gas is $4.29 and on it's way up - and I am driving 1,200 miles with three teenagers.  CRAZY!!  We're getting the car for free so the gas be the cost.  And truly I just LOVE my teenagers.  We have all been so busy and need some together time.  Four of the five of us drive now.  Everyone has their Ipods loaded and I've got a good book.  Then when we get back we are seriously going to buy our house.  I already like one so I hope it doesn't sell and they feel all the more desperate when I get back. Patty

Greetings, You have been through a lot and to tell you the truth, I would probably do whatever it took to calm me down too. I hope your daughter gets better and thrives in health and happiness. I am a new loser who just had RNY on 4/29. Tomorrow will be 7wks. Wow! Anyway, I just want you to know that I understand that you are doing what you need to in order to get through the rough times. I am sure that I will face tough times once in a while and if it takes a piece of chocolate, a shot of vodka, or a bag of caramel corn...  it'll sure beat feeling the blues, Good luck with everything and hang in there!

Hi Kelly, Just wanted to let you know.....we're all human.  I have been under alot of stress myself the past few weeks (involves a teenage step-daughter) and sometimes a shot of vodka is the only thing that kept me sane.  I keep telling myself to hang in there and this too shall pass. God bless your daughter and you.  And never feel that you have to censor yourself on these boards.  We always have friends here. Take care, Nola

Aw, Kelly!  I know you and your daughter (and the rest of the family) have been struggling through so much.  I hope she finally is able to get stable and move forward with her life.  Being chronically ill is absolutely no fun -- especially when everyone else you know is out having a great life. About the shot -- whatever floats your boat as long as it doesn't tank.  Of course I've heard walking also can help with the nerves.    (I don't drink but I also don't judge those who do.) If ever you need anything all you have to do is ASK!  Lori

Lori, You are such a sweet heart thanks, She is still having a really hard time but hoping she will have another surgery next month and get a new shunt and be back on track ,