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Post by Girlrocker on Jun 30, 2012 9:36:24 GMT -5
Hello, hello, MsCello - Liria - is going through quite an ordeal with her revision. I know she recently posted more news, so at least now she and Dr. K know what they are dealing with. Besides the ulcer, she had a blockage, a stricture, and this is what has been causing the vomiting, which has also resulted in dehydration issues. She gets very lightheaded and dizzy - has already had the horrible faint/fall incident at Trader Joes. It makes walking, movement very difficult. Because of the weakness of her body/veins, getting IV fluids is not always a viable alternative. Dr. K also told her the blockage is so severe she's going to have to have it opened up at least probably twice more  It WILL heal, as will her ulcer, but she's got a road ahead. I saw her the other day, and she's exhausted. But she is diligently getting in her fluids, and still thrilled to be able to take in solid foods now. Liria is also one of those truly kind, warm hearted, generous spirits, and why she fought valiantly - and too quietly - for so long. Even so, she's still here supporting others in the their journeys, she has been not only a wonderful fellow Team Revisionista sister, she has been a wonderful friend to me as I have transitioned back to work in my very difficult, stressful job situation. So how about some cheers, some luv, some swinging so that Liria gets better, can put this behind her and rock her DS like I know she will! |
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Post by angelcake on Jun 30, 2012 9:43:33 GMT -5
((Hugs)) and an exalt to MsCello. I'm so sorry for everything you're going through and I hope you're OK soon.
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Post by MontanaGirl on Jun 30, 2012 10:00:54 GMT -5
i don't like hearing about complications. they are so disheartening but i am glad he knows exactly how to treat and get her better:) she is in great hands. i just hope she gets out of this dark spot and starts being able to live with her ds:) |
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Post by bagaof4 on Jun 30, 2012 10:34:03 GMT -5
(( BIG HUGS)) and positive energy coming Liria's way!!! I am so confident that these times of struggle will be in the past and you will be living the good life with your DS! Hope it's sooner rather than later.
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Post by California Poppy on Jun 30, 2012 10:50:25 GMT -5
Hello, hello, MsCello - Liria - is going through quite an ordeal with her revision. I know she recently posted more news, so at least now she and Dr. K know what they are dealing with. Besides the ulcer, she had a blockage, a stricture, and this is what has been causing the vomiting, which has also resulted in dehydration issues. She gets very lightheaded and dizzy - has already had the horrible faint/fall incident at Trader Joes. It makes walking, movement very difficult. Because of the weakness of her body/veins, getting IV fluids is not always a viable alternative. Dr. K also told her the blockage is so severe she's going to have to have it opened up at least probably twice more It WILL heal, as will her ulcer, but she's got a road ahead. I saw her the other day, and she's exhausted. But she is diligently getting in her fluids, and still thrilled to be able to take in solid foods now. Liria is also one of those truly kind, warm hearted, generous spirits, and why she fought valiantly - and too quietly - for so long. Even so, she's still here supporting others in the their journeys, she has been not only a wonderful fellow Team Revisionista sister, she has been a wonderful friend to me as I have transitioned back to work in my very difficult, stressful job situation. So how about some cheers, some luv, some swinging so that Liria gets better, can put this behind her and rock her DS like I know she will! Sending all good, healing thoughts and prayers your way, Liria. You've certainly been through the wringer, yet you've still been here to support others. Every post of yours is so full of warmth and compassion, your beautiful soul always shines through. So here's hoping that your road to recovery smooths out and that you're feeling better and stronger every day. And, as usual, props to Sharyl, for being a great, supportive friend! |
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Post by Gail R on Jun 30, 2012 12:45:31 GMT -5
Liria, My heart goes out to you. My wish for you is that this time of difficulty and healing passes quickly and that you regain your strength. Don't hesitate to share your worries and concerns or use us as a shoulder to cry on. I know it must be so frustrating to have a major surgery for your improved health only to have it make you so ill. I hope someday this period of time will be only a distant memory and that you will have the great health and life that you were seeking with the DS.
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Post by actiongirl on Jun 30, 2012 13:13:50 GMT -5
Hate to hear someone is struggling. I wish I could shoulder a little of the burden for you, Liria.
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Post by dsnuts on Jun 30, 2012 13:17:45 GMT -5
Liria is too damn nice to be going through this. Hope everything gets resolved soon!
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Post by Girlrocker on Jun 30, 2012 13:28:41 GMT -5
Liria is too damn nice to be going through this. Hope everything gets resolved soon! Yes, she is! You guys RULE, keep the good thoughts comin'! |
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Post by Gutless_in_Seattle on Jun 30, 2012 14:40:55 GMT -5
At least they were able to find the problem and begin to fix it.
...Stay strong and concentrate on healing...
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Post by Deleted on Jun 30, 2012 15:28:21 GMT -5
UGH - what an ordeal! But the odds are very good that this too shall pass, and soon you'll be loving your DS - try to stay on top of the problems, so they don't get away from you, but "try" (easy for me to say) not to make them what you focus on. Soon, this will be just a dim unpleasant memory.
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Post by freckled1 on Jun 30, 2012 15:39:20 GMT -5
Feel better soon! You are such a trooper!
Trina
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Post by Deleted on Jun 30, 2012 15:39:26 GMT -5
OMG. Sharyl, everybody.... THANK YOU.
Wow. I'm kinda speechless. I saw this post earlier I think -- but had it mistaken for one of those OTHER ones that have our names on them... the 'help choose a speaker' or 'help make the boards better' ones. I DIDN'T realize Sharyl had posted what was actually going on with ME.
Honestly it just sucks to be in bed, STILL dehydrated and not yet independent or mobile in my 14th week post-op.
I'm gonna share a bit more because this was all probably preventable if I'd spoken up earlier. Newbies, take note!
Because I'm a stubborn SOB I didn't complain nearly enough about all the vomiting early on. Instead I mentioned it at my 6-week follow-up appointment. But because it didn't happen immediately after eating (as is apparently common with a stricture), it usually took an hour or so -- which indicates that my esophagus, where it turns out everything was stuck and backing up, is also a stubborn SOB -- doc thought this was because I couldn't tell when I was full... perhaps a Vagus nerve issue? I left with instructions to 'be a detective' over the next four weeks and see if I couldn't get a handle on satiety and find the sweet spot of not having 'one bite too many'. Ha!
I couldn't get ANY handle on it. Instead things got worse. I was weak. I wasn't ready to go back to normal life but I was optimistic about just giving my body more time to heal and my stomach more time to get with the freakin' program. The more I tried to progress my diet and engage in life, the worse things got.
Went back to work at a client's office for a couple days in week 9 and that was it. I felt more and more strange all the time -- like a perpetual out of body experience whenever I would go outside, stand up for more than a few minutes, take a shower, etc.. It didn't register as dizziness though now I realize this was how my body was manifesting dehydration. But as it was happening I was sooooo focused on just toughing it out and being a detective, I didn't realize I needed help.
You'd think that with all the IV fluids given every blessed time I wound up in the ER or back in the hospital for vomiting, that I'd be all tanked up and hydrated now, right? Nope.
The truth is I'm still dizzy. I'm still really weak (can't yet get up the three steps to my front door without help). I'm drinking like a fish to get my reserves built back up before the stricture gets blocked again and the whole cycle of not keeping anything down resumes.
So that's me. This will all heal (hopefully very very very soon!) and I'll be fine but it's taking so much more time than I'd imagined as a pre-op revisionista.
I wanted to share some of this as it's a vicious downward spiral when these preventable things aren't understood and addressed early on.
If you're still reading, grab something hydrating and take a sip it, OK?
Peace out and thanks so much for every one of your kind words and good wishes. I've got tears in my eyes because I really don't feel alone right now... and that's soooo comforting.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 30, 2012 15:45:25 GMT -5
UGH - what an ordeal! But the odds are very good that this too shall pass, and soon you'll be loving your DS - try to stay on top of the problems, so they don't get away from you, but "try" (easy for me to say) not to make them what you focus on. Soon, this will be just a dim unpleasant memory. Very good advice, Diana... especially the not making the problem my focus. Aside from the administrative focus of getting in a lot of fluids, I'm using this pre-rockin-it interlude to play the 'What do I want to be when I grow up this time?' game. Turns out there are horses and boats in my desired future so I'm thoroughly engrossed in how to make a few dreams into reality once I get my tail into the rockin-it phase. Thanks for the reminder! |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 30, 2012 15:47:46 GMT -5
Liria is too damn nice to be going through this.... So true. So so true.  (Thanks Steve.) |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 30, 2012 15:55:09 GMT -5
Liria, My heart goes out to you. My wish for you is that this time of difficulty and healing passes quickly and that you regain your strength. Don't hesitate to share your worries and concerns or use us as a shoulder to cry on. I know it must be so frustrating to have a major surgery for your improved health only to have it make you so ill. I hope someday this period of time will be only a distant memory and that you will have the great health and life that you were seeking with the DS. Truthfully Gail, I'm only in *slightly* worse shape now than I was before... and it was only a matter of time before I'd have been about even with now.  As for having the DS, I needed it and would do it again in a heartbeat. This part isn't fun but it'll pass. So many of us have had complications. I may not make it to that wedding in Albania in August, but my ten zillion relatives will be there once I can go safely. And then again, maybe I'll rebound fast and be able to make it... trying to figure out what size formal gown to take. Ha! (Now there's a quality problem!) Thanks for the kind words. They mean a lot. |
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Post by smileyjamie on Jun 30, 2012 17:59:28 GMT -5
Wow, I did not realize that she was still having ongoing problems, and will need to have the stricture opened up another two times. UGH!!!!! So NOT FAIR!!!!! She is so inspiring and supportive to me. What an angel  |
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Post by larra on Jun 30, 2012 18:04:17 GMT -5
Revisions suck!
But you and Dr. K have a plan in place, and this WILL resolve, and you will eventually experience all the benefits of your long awaited DS.
Larra
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Post by Paula on Jun 30, 2012 18:07:18 GMT -5
I am so sorry you are having such a tough time right now, Liria. I know they say that you have to have a little bit of rain before you can see a rainbow. Well, girl....you got dumped on big time. But I really honestly believe that you and Dr. K are going to get this all straightened out and you will be on the road to loving this DS before too long. Know that you have much love coming your way from all of us and you wont be alone in this. We're all here rooting for you.
But until then, you have 3 cat-copters and a chi-copter all swinging away for you
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Post by Band to DS on Jun 30, 2012 20:50:53 GMT -5
Thinking of you & sending healing thoughts your way. Your positive outlook is truly amazing! One day soon, this will all be just a bad memory.
Best wishes,
Shelli
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Post by ginany on Jun 30, 2012 21:54:12 GMT -5
So sorry to hear your having complications. They suck. Wishing you the best. Wishing you well!
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Post by teachmid on Jun 30, 2012 22:31:30 GMT -5
Best wishes for an ever improving situation, Liria. Keep positive and do the best you can.
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Post by Leonie on Jul 1, 2012 1:53:18 GMT -5
I am praying for you. I wish I could bring you chicken soup. You could send someone to fetch some egg drop soup with extra shrimp from that place next to the comfort inn.
Are you taking extra electrolytes?
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Post by kirmy on Jul 1, 2012 2:20:29 GMT -5
My girl you are one brave cookie. I hope that this terrible time passes and you move on into your "rocking it" phase ASAP. like everyone else said you are a warm giving woman and deserve better than this. Stay the course and get your little black dress out because you will be needing it. X
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Post by Shawnie (kouklamonkey) on Jul 1, 2012 7:54:27 GMT -5
(((((BIG HUGS))))) Liria, I hope you get to feeling better real soon!! 14 weeks is a long time to feel so bad. I'm so sorry. Thanks goodness you're getting to the bottom of it, and hopefully you will be feeling strong and healthy before too much longer.
Am I understanding this correctly? All of your problems have been due to a stricture in your esophagus?
Thank you for sharing your story with us. It is so important for people to read about these issues and you are very kind for taking the time to share.
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Post by Happy DSr on Jul 1, 2012 9:44:36 GMT -5
with a good doctor, a clear path forward and such good friends, you will do well. Hang in there, and keep up your wonderfully positive attitude - that will win the day
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Post by MsVee on Jul 1, 2012 16:41:34 GMT -5
Liria,
You have been through a lot. I know better days are coming for you. Keep the faith.
I firmly believe that God directs our paths and we are where we are supposed to be. I am praying that you turn the corner real soon and all of this will be a distant memory. I know that the newbies will learn from your experience not to suffer in silence. Being proactive about your health is important for anyone who chooses weight loss surgery.
I know that you have good medical care and this too shall pass...
MsVee
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Post by Deleted on Jul 2, 2012 6:17:36 GMT -5
Hang in there (fellow cello!!)
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Post by Girlrocker on Jul 2, 2012 9:49:33 GMT -5
I'm so proud of you Liria for opening up and sharing your story. Not only is it good for you! needed, because yes, this is a time for you to do a little leaning, but you will also help so many others. Bravo, and keep resting, sipping, we've got food trucks and all kinds of fun in our future |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 2, 2012 10:06:56 GMT -5
Am I understanding this correctly? All of your problems have been due to a stricture in your esophagus? Hi Koukla, Kinda. Many people get strictures and they aren't that big a deal. The vomiting caused by the stricture is complicating things but the main thing that's been so debilitating is the dehydration. You'd think (at least I thought) dehydration would be easier to address, you get fluids and keep drinking and it goes away. So far that's not my experience. Something I forgot to mention.... this dehydration isn't showing up as so severe in blood tests. My levels are a little low, that's all. That's why they keep letting me leave the hospital. Last Monday I had a follow-up with Dr. K and my blood pressure was high 148/90, so I asked the nurse to take it again in 5 minutes. It was 57/60. No, that's not a typo! They took it a few more times over the next few minutes, it was all over the map. High, low, normal. Scary. I asked Dr. K about the weakness I feel. The dizziness that comes on without warning are requires that I sit within seconds. Also told him that I still can't get up my front steps b/c my legs won't hold me up. He saw those blood pressure numbers and said this is all caused by dehydration... even though blood work doesn't show it being particularly bad all the time. So basically what I'm understanding is I have NO RESERVES. As in none. I go from perfectly fine to uh-oh, this is an emergency, within seconds. It's SO WEIRD. So I'm drinking drinking drinking (lots of electrolytes too, Leonie!) and should be hydrated soon. Hopefully very soon. The stricture just makes it a little more dicey b/c the last thing you want to do with dehydration is vomit, and yet, I do a lot of that still. I sure hope this helps somebody else here! Sure feels like a lot of me me me.... blech. Thanks again EVERYBODY for your posts. Y'all are the BEST! |
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It WILL heal, as will her ulcer, but she's got a road ahead.
As for having the DS, I needed it and would do it again in a heartbeat. 
