Finally Home!!!

Well I have made it home today. I had to stay in the hospital a extra day because when I went down to have the UGI the yucky stuff went down to slow do to swelling, so the kept me and I had to repeat the test this morning! I got to meet Lynn while I was downstairs,I enjoyed our conversation and then they took me back upstairs, she is sweet!! Lynn I hope the test next week is not to rough on you! Will you still let me know what protien you use? Surgery was not to bad I must say. The painting that was going on was actually rougher to deal with! I took everyone ones advice and walked, walked,walked. My boyfriend has been great helping me and walking with me. ( I just might have to keep him!) . I also wanted to thank Lauralyn Bellamy for coming by to see me. She is a inspiration!! I have not found a local support group yet if anyone knows of one I would appreciate the info. I don't want to go thru this alone. Well I am tired so I think I will laydown now everyone have a goodnight!! Valerie Hyde

Welcome home Valerie, Glad to hear everything went okay. I am hoping I am not to far behind you in having my surgery. I to will be having Dr. Duncan or Dr. Hobson do my surgery also. I see Them Friday for my pre-pre op appointment . I don't know what to expect, but I hope they give me a surgery date soon . .. Where did you go for you mandatory support meeting? I hav't gone to one yet because my transportaion options are limited . I hope your recovery is quick and you will continue to be in my prayers......Beth

Thanks Beth. I hope your date is soon as well. The waiting can be the hardest part. You should get your date at the next appointment if you have your approval from the insurance. Then you will have one more group meeting and then the pre-op for final blood work and chest Xray if needed. I have not been to a support meeting. I have used this message board for that at this time because I have not located a support group in my area. I would prefer one near my home. I don't like going into Atlanta. I would rather go north to Rome or Cartersville if I can find one up there. I am hoping somone will let me know of some soon. If I can help you in anyway please feel free to contact me. Valerie

Welcome home!! I am glad to hear that you had such a nice recovery so far Where is acworth at ? Kia 284/211/155 ish

Thanks Kia. Acworth is just northwest of Atlsnta. Up above Marietta. Have you ever heard of Lake Alltoona? I am near Woodstock also. I moved here 3yrs ago. Kia is the M-ski part of your last name? I was just wondering, my maiden name is Szczepanski. I thought we may have something else in common. By the way, where is Byron, GA.? Look foward to hearing from you again. Valerie

Ah ok - not being a Georgia native I am pretty clueless as to where most things are! Byron is about 1.5 hrs drive south of Atlanta - snuggled right next to Warner Robins. The M-Ski yes stands for my last name (Markowski) thats what you get for marrying a polish/canadian man! I swear I got hand cramps for the first week after saying my vows - my last name went from 4 letters to 9 ;p Kia 284/211/155 ish

Kia; I kinda thought that you had a polish last name. My dad was in the Army and they called him Ski or top because no one could say are last name. I have a friend who married a polish guy, she would tell people that she was polish by injection!! I know what you mean about writing it out all of the time. I am divorced but decided to keep my married name just because it is easier. Where are you orginally from?

I was born and raised in Iowa, then joined the military and met my husband in California - gained a ton of weight - moved around to many different places, and here I landed in sunny Georgia. BTW I LOVE this state - just like home (Iowa) but without all the snow in the winter lol. "Polish by injection" ROFL ! Kia 284/211/155 ish

I too Love Georgia! Lived on Ft. Benning twice when dad was in service and then after dad retired and we moved to Florida, I got married and moved to Marietta with my husband. Lived here until 1995 and then went to Aladambama for eight years and moved back to the metro area in 2002. I really like it here, but I am now thinking of moving to Killeen, Texas since my parents, sister and son all live there now. I would really like to be near them, but it is so hot out there, I am not sure what I am going to do right now. Did you ever go overseas? I miss military life sometimes, I liked traveling and meeting new people! I don't miss snow ! We lived in Alaska for 3 years, that was enough for me! A little here and there is not bad, bnut months of it is not my cup of tea!

Hi Valerie, Welcome home! I am so glad to hear your surgery went fine although it is not fair for anyone to have to sip that nasty drink twice! I am so glad everything was fine. I want you to know the next few weeks may be a bit rough but it truly is one day at a time. You will feel a bit better every day (at least thats what they keep telling me, hehe). And the hormones may be out of whack. walk walk walk and when you don't feel like walking... rock! Rocking has become my favorite past time! Thank you dear Kara! Don't worry so much about what you can eat/drink the first few weeks. Just make sure you keep yourself hydrated. I still let sf popsicles melt in my mouth. And get some better than boullion. Its much better tasting and went down much better into THE POUCH. You will find that THE POUCH now rules over everything, even the brain! hmmm, what other sage advice do I have... ah yes.. pray! and no matter what please get online and post your feelings and let us know how you are doing. I tried to handle it on my own with just my family but noone quite gets it like these folks here. Heres to an uneventful recovery Barb