I'm back... It's been awhile!

Hey everyone!  I'm finally back on OH after some time of being away.  I'm almost 2 years post-op and my weight has remained steady - between 106 and 112 lbs.  The fluctuations haven't been too bad since I've been staying clear of anything with gluten or lactose.  My PCP is having me see a GI specialist next month to check for Celiac disease as I become very ill when I ingest anything with gluten - severe abdominal cramping, gas, bloating, migraines and constipation for about 36 hours.  In the last 3 months I've started having the same issues with lactose.  Come to find out that is very common in folks with Celiac.  I'm not sure what the specialist will be able to do since I've been eating gluten-free since this time last year.  I'll just leave it to Mayo Clinic to work their magic...

I'm also in the process of having a CT scan scheduled to check for how severe my abdominal hernias (from the surgeries) are.  If they're not deemed severe, I'll leave them alone as they only ache when I'm bloated.  If they are severe then I may be looking at surgery to remove them.  So in the meantime, I've been taking it easy at home per family orders.

I'm taking this time to continue to heal and address what seems like the never-ending health issues.  Oh and I forgot to add that I've already started to transition into menopause... according to my last PCP visit (and accompanied by my mom's laughter).  I am still doing a lot of walking and do still go for runs from time to time.

Well, I'm going to go and spend some quality time with my daughter and two dogs.  Catch up with you all again soon!

Welcome back!

Its good to hear from you again. Glad you are maintaining, sorry to hear about the gi troubles, but sounds like you are on top of things.

Thanks, Maria!  I do my best to stay on top of the GI issues; too painful to not do so.  But I'm happy that I'm maintaining and happy with my life as a whole. :)

Welcome back!  Sounds like you've been through it but you're strong and positive. 

--gina

Thanks, Gina.  I try very hard to stay positive and feel lucky to have the husband and kids that I do.  They have always been my biggest cheerleaders.  It also helps that my parents are as supportive as they are too.

Welcome back.  Sorry you are having some issues but glad you are taking care of them.  Hope you don't need more surgery and can just heal. 

Thanks, Price!  I'm hoping for no further surgeries as well.  I still have flashbacks to the complications I had that put me in the ICU and then on bedrest at home all those months.  Honestly, I feel just fine as long as I keep to the dietary restrictions and there's no cross-contamination issues (which has happened sadly).

There are three hard knots on my tummy with one that is about half-dollar size.  The largest one is the one in question because my surgeon couldn't tell by touch if it was more a hernia or scar tissue.  Only the CT scan will show for sure.  So I'm just holding out hope that additional surgery isn't needed... it's just too soon for me. :)

Hernia surgery isn't all bad... a lot of folk get a tummy tuck at the same time!! ;-)  Hmm... now let me go find something heavy to lift - I'm lusting after a TT if you didn't figure that :-D

LOL, Huneypie!  My surgeon was eluding to the idea of a tummy tuck at the same time.  The thing is there isn't a lot of excess skin that needs to be removed from there.  My tummy just looks disfigured from the open surgery.  :(