Question:
I actually have a couple questions about general well being...

Warning: This will be a long post, lol OK, here goes. :) First, has anyone had a problem with bruising easily after surgery? I'm about 14 months post-op (surgery date of October 3, 2001) and have lost 165 lb. so far (went from 335 and am at 170 lb. now...5'9" tall) and I've noticed lately that I seem to be bruising very easily. The last lab work I had done was end of June/beginning of July and everything was perfect except for my iron...was a tad high, so my n.p. told me to take only one multi-vitamin a day instead of two, then after a month or so, go back to taking two a day (which I have). I haven't had labwork done recently because I moved to Michigan and had a horrible time finding a job, and without insurance, I can't afford it. Anyway, I have a job w/ benefits now, but can't get in to see my new pcp until Jan. 22, 2003. I'm going to have it done then though. OK, I'm getting a little side tracked here, lol. Secondly, I've noticed since surgery, I seem to be getting ill a lot more often. I was always a once-a-year bronchitis victim since I can remember...no colds, flu, etc...nothing, but since my surgery a little over a year ago, I've had three yeast infections (one was from all the antibiotics I had immediately post-op) a cold, bronchitis, a bladder infection, mono, and now I think I'm catching another cold!! Does anyone else have this problem with getting sick so often, and if so, do you know what causes it? Thirdly, I noticed a couple months ago that my lymphnodes (just the ones on the left side of my neck) are enlarged. They're not huge, but they're bigger than normal. As far as I know, they could have always been that way and were just hidden by the fat, but who knows. Anyone ever heard of this problem too? Any and all advice/comments would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys!!    — Emily W. (posted on December 12, 2002)

December 11, 2002
Go see your doctor!!!Bruising and swollen lymphy's need to be seen by a doctor!
   — Scarlett A.

December 11, 2002
Yes, get to a doctor ASAP, you don't mess around with lymph nodes. Also, from what I can tell, most people hardly get sick at all after surgery because of all the vitamins we take, that is, as long as they're diligent about their vitamins.
   — Leslie F.

December 11, 2002
Maybe you should look in to going and getting a b-12 shot or something to boost your immune system and get to a dr girl like everyone else said. Just to make sure everything is going ok. Good luck
   — Starla W.

December 11, 2002
I bruise easier since my surgery too. All of my bloodwork came back fine..my surgeon says it's because I don't have as much padding as before! Check out the library on bruising, it seems that it is pretty common after surgery.
   — Brenda V.

December 12, 2002
I want to add to please ask your post surgery nutritionist where vitamins "C" and other immune boosting vitamins are now absorbed in the new system you have. Find out if there is a mal-absorption of them so you can augment them either dietarily of via suppliments absorbed better. Bruising easily and swollen lymphnodes are characteristic signs for some illnesses and only a Dr. can tell the difference. Do not wait for more labs, get assessments now. Time makes all the difference if it's illness and if it's mal-absorption, you can avoid the next cold by boosting your intakes and washing hands more regularly. Getting used to the new body will help you avoid clumsy bruising.
   — Danine N.

December 12, 2002
I AM 14 MOS OUT, HAD THE SAME BRUSING PROBLEM, MY DOCTOR SAID I NEEDED VIT. K. tO INCREASE MY GREEN LEAFY VEGS. I DID, AND HAVE NOT BEEN BRUSING SO MUCH SINCE. I HAVE FOUND THAT IF I TAKE MY VIT'S TWICW A DAY I DO NOT GET SICK, BUT IF I VARY FROM THAT, I GET SICK USUALLY RIGHT AWAY. HOPE THIS HELPS.
   — Valerie M.

December 12, 2002
Another source of the increased tendency to get sick is your move! When I moved, I was sick all the time the first year. I think each geographical area has its own version of the common cold, etc., and we just haven't build up immunity to the local germs until we've lived there a while!
   — Kathy J.