Update-Lisa Morton Smith

Hello Everyone, I am sorry for the sporatic updates. I am not doing well and am not sure when I will be able to update again. I will go into more detail later, but I did see the only PS that was willing to see me. In one look, he was able to determine the reason for all my problems - I'm septic. He was actually astounded I wasn't dead. He could not believe I lived this long after surgery with this much septis, and not died. All that 'edema' was actually infection and puss. The reason my bottom opened up (about 5 inches long and four inches deep in one spot, two inches by two inches in the other), was not for 'drainage' it was because the flesh had rotted away. I am being admitted to the hospital to be put on IV antibiotics and have the wounds and skin cleaned and packed and treated daily. I now have a Plastic Surgeon, a Wound Specialist and an Infectious Disease Specialist. They have no idea how long I will be in the hospital or exactly what the outcome will be. Best case secenario, one to two weeks in the hospital, employing all three specialts, then about 6 months of out-patient care, left with a lower body full of horrible scars. Worst case, up to a year in the hospital, employing all three specialists and they can't save any tissue on my bottom and I officially become 'deformed'. Either way, all the specialists have warned me, my insurance probally won't cover any of it and I am looking at a minimum of around $100,000. I am just about at the point of a mental breakdown. I have been taking generic Valium and even it is not able to help me cope anymore. I went to CR to get everything done and save money and finally for the first time in my life - look like a normal woman. Now, I will lose my house, my car, my life savings, my job and at best, be hidesouly deformed. Hind sight being 20/20, I guess I should have spent the money and the time and had the surgery done here. Not that that would have guaranteed success, but I am thinking I would have has better follow up care and any problems would not have escalated to this point. I don't know. So, thank you all for your concern, well wishes and kind thoughts. I will write again when I can and let you know my progress. I hope that it will be soon and I hope my news will be good. Take care and I truly do thank you for all your help, Lisa Morton Smith

Hugs to you Lisa! Sorry to read about such a problem. I would probably be the same mentally as you. Don't beat yourself up....help yourself heal! Hopefully things aren't as bad as they seem right now. Its tough to stay positive but try! I will be rooting for you to pull through this well and with little deformity! Debbie

Hugs and best wishes for a speedy recovery. I'm so sorry you are having to go through all of this right now. Hindsight is so smart, but when you made the decision to go out of the country I'm sure you thought it was the right thing to do. Concentrate on getting well and let the financial things take care of themselves in the future. You may end up with bad credit and even bankruptsy, but you can protect your house through bankruptsy. Take care of your health, but see a good attorney as soon as possible which will probably lighten the burden mentally. I wouldn't ever want to file bankruptsy because I believe in paying my bills but the laws are designed to help people in your type situation. Hopefully years form now you will look back on this as a dark period that didn't define your life, but only made it a bit miserable for a time. Best of luck! You are in my prayers.

((((Lisa)))), I am so sorry to hear of your difficulties. You will be in my thoughts and prayers, hoping for a quick recovery for you. Try to remain focused and deal with each obstacle as you can. You cannot change what you've been through, what's in the past is done, focus on going forward, becoming healthy and living life. Wishing you the best! Dana

Lisa, I'm so sorry. You've been through quite an ordeal. Don't worry about the financial end of things~there are ways to work that all out. Right now you have to focus on getting well. You're in my thoughts and prayers. ((((((((HUGS))))))))) Tracy B 328/150 5'9"

Where and what type of weight loss surgery did you have. I am contemplating WLS at this time. I am so sorry you are so sick. I will be praying

Gayle, Lisa had plastic surgery in Costa Rica.

Lisa - my heart goes out to you - Hoping that the OH healing energy helps. I have considered PS out of the country but after reading this, no. So thank you for all. Please follow Pat's advice and see an attorney. Actually, I think that as long as you pay something each month, there' s nothing anyone can do. So the worry and stress are not going to help your body heal - hope that you are also getting emotional support. We're here for you. Hugs, Ruth

Dear Lisa, you don't know me or me you, I'm a newbie, but I just wanted to tell you ,you will be in my prayers!! I will be watching for updates, I know you will come through this alright!! Sandy G.

I'm so sorry for your situation Lisa. Nobody should have to lose everything to live. Before that happens, consult an attorney about the insurance company should they start to deny claims. Healing vibes and wishes for best case scenario headed out to you. Lisa