Hey to all!

Well I am still here. I had my exploratory surgery with internal hernia repair and adhesions fixed about 3 weeks ago. I feel aweful. I am working part time right now. The doctor has me on part time for another week. I don't go back to see him until July 11th. I am calling his office Monday morning to have that extended. I can not work 9 hours a day right now. I am a first assistant manager at Mcdonald's right now. My pain gets worse the longer I stand on my feet. I don't know how long Mcdonald's will keep me, but I have to think of myself first. I think by law they can't do anything to me while I am under a doctor's care. The doctor said he will do a scope if I don't feel anybetter when I go back to see him, but to be honest I dont' think he needs to do a scope. I think it is something else. I don't know what, but I don't think it is ulcers for anything. I never would have had the exploratory surgery if I knew it was going to leave me feeling aweful all the time. I can't take my Lortab when I am going to drive, so I take it when I get home. Tylenol doesn't help. I also have to take 2 benedryl at night when I go to bed, otherwise I would not be able to sleep. I hate having to take pain medicine all the time, but the lortab is the only thing that will take the pain away. I am sorry to ramble on like I am, but I am just so frustrated right now. It is not like me to not be able to work. Please keep my in your prayers. I sit down quit a bit at work cause when I do sit down it relieves the pain. I don't know what is wrong with me. Thank you for letting me vent..... Love to all!!! Linda

You will definitely be in our prayers Linda. I hate that you're not feeling any better. That's so frustrating, I know. I understand the feeling about it not being like you to not be able to work. I used to work so many hours, as many as I could get and being on disability still feels so weird. I would definitely go back to see the doctor before July 11th if you're still in that much pain. Or find another doctor. There has to be a reason you're in pain. I'm glad you have Lortab, but I would ask the doctor if he can prescribe you a pain med that doesn't make you sleepy. I don't know about other people, but when I had Vicodin, I was out of pain and able to do my household chores, washing dishes, etc. I was not in the least sleepy, didn't feel drugged at all, just was free of pain, so could DO things that needed to be done. Of course, most doctors won't prescribe anything that will actually STOP the pain, so I haven't been able to get any more Vicodin, which really gripes my grits because I would LOVE to be able to wash these danged dishes. I can't even imagine working 9 hours days now, but I remember working from 5:45am until past midnights on my feet day after day after day when I lived in Chattanooga. All those hours and I averaged making about $230 a week. Geez, I was cheap back then. I am so glad to see you posting! Even if it is bad news, it's still news! I am sending good thoughts and hoping you are feeling better and better before you know it. Call that doctor! Tell him you have a group of girlfriends who are going to come kick his butt if he doesn't get you to feeling better! We'll come him! Love you, Joni

Hey Joni. My problem is I don't sleep. That is why the doctor suggested I take the benedry at night. The Lortab does not make me sleepy at all. Right now I have a headache and feel nauseated. I just wish I would stop feeling the way I do. Everyone tells me give it time, but I can't wait. I want it to go away now. I hate feeling this way. You are so sweet. I am so glad I got to meet you. I hope to see you again soon. Maybe I will host a dinner at my house. I know I will at my new house. They are suppose to start builiding July 1. I am so excited. Well, of course, we have to sell this old one first. We have had several people come to look, but no offers yet. Maybe someday soon. I know we still have until November, but I am anixous for it to sell now cause I worry about it not selling. Anyway.......My head is pounding. I guess I will take some Lortab to get it to stop hurting. You are a great friend... Love ya, Linda

Linda, I'm so sorry that you're still under that much pain. I would definitely go on and check back with the doctor. Maybe you should get a second opinion. Please let me know if there is anything I can do...I'm just right up the road... Becky

Thanks Becky. My mother tells me I should get a second opinion too. I think Dr. Fernandez is nice and all and he really wants me to get better. I am going to talk to him this next time and if we can't come up with something then I am going back to my PCP. Dr. Fernandez works in the same office as Dr. Facundus. Anyway, thanks for the email. Reading the replies and different post on here makes me smile. You guys are the best... Love, Linda

What school do you teach at (if you don't mind me asking)? We live out in the county right now. We are in the process of having a house built in Oxford. We have to sell our current house before we can "officially" buy the new one. Anyway, my kids will be going to Madison city schools then. I was just curious. If you don't want to post it here you can email me at... [email protected] THanks, Linda

Oh sweetie, so sorry your having a rough time with this. Where is your pain located? Is it the pouch area, old stomach area or lower abdomen or maybe a combination of them all? I hope you do feel better soon. Ultram or Ultracet is a non narcotic pain reliever we can take, available only by prescription. I will warn you they are expensive, even with a prescription plan but Ive taken them for 2 years for chronic pain and they work well, Id rather have them than a narcotic anyday, they work so well. Ultram is just the straight drug, nothing added, Ultracet is Ultram with Tylenol added. I can work if I only take one, if I take 2 I get sleepy but not impaired sleepy and I can still work and function, drive, etc. Sending prayers your way, feel better soon! Love, Sandy

Mostly my pain has been on my left side. Sometimes I have this pressure at the top of my abdomin and it will start hurting. Sometimes I feel like someone is stabbing me with a knife or taking my insides and twisting them into knots. Sometimes I feel bloated. I don't know what is going on in there, but I wish someone would find out. When I think I a feeling or getting better I start hurting again. Thanks so much for the email. You guys are the best. Love, Linda

I would think when they did exploratory surgery they took a look at your old tummy and your new pouch. The area you mention is where my old tummy is. Sometimes it feels like pins and needles pokeing around, which I am guessing are the staples. I dont have a clue what it could be, I hope they didnt leave any instruments in there. That has been known to happen. I just hope they know soon, and you are on your way to good health! Love & Light, Sandy

Hey Linda! I'm sorry you are still feeling bad. I hope that you will be feeling better very soon. you may want to ask your Dr. about a prescription sleep aid.....I take Ambien and I rest much better than with Benadryl or Tylenol PM. I'm saying a prayer for you! Kim