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Post by Gail R on Nov 14, 2014 17:18:53 GMT -5
I am over 5 years out with my DS and have had an easy time of it. My diabetes is under control with a healthy normal A1C. My cholesterol has been great for 5 years now.I was getting prepared for plastics in the near future. A couple of months ago, I noted a few skipped heart beats. Looked it up online and got the advice it was nothing to be concerned over but told my doctor asap and got an electrocardiogram. I was then referred to a cardiologist who didn't seem too concerned but told me to come in for some more tests which they didn't schedule for a couple more weeks. After those tests, he recommended an angioiogram in the hospital and more time went by before that test, which was yesterday. I was advised that the test sometimes indicated the need for a stent and I did all the paperwork for that. I wasn't too happy about that possibility mainly because it delays my plastics for a year while on blood thinners.
During the time between all these tests I have felt fine and participated in quite a lot of physical activities including emptying half my house for necessary foundation replacement. I have been on two trips to the Sierras where I hiked miles and worked on winterizing my cabin. (7500 elevation) I have been a tired and was told it was because my labs came back with low potassium and low ferritin (15). I have tripled my potassium and upped my various iron supplements.
I had the angiogram and surprise SURPRISE! I don't need stents. I need a quintuple bypass surgery ASAP! So Wednesday I go in and have my chest cracked open. Now I know why I am tired and have a constant mild headache and what felt like a little heartburn. So wish me good luck. I am mainly worried about the very long, possibly painful recovery period in a house under construction.
The main point of this to my friends here, is to not count on your DS to exclude you from something like this. This is in no way connected to the DS except that I was certain that because my labs were perfect and I felt great that all was OK. Don't ignore symptoms. We can still get very sick from the things we thought were behind us with our new found health.
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Post by bboop on Nov 14, 2014 18:17:07 GMT -5
Having open heart surgery is no fun, but I know you will be fine. Just do what they tell you. My former husband who was an asshole, was a horrible patient and didn't do what he was told ended up having multiple problems.
It's a nasty lick you have had but look on the bright side...you will be rocking' and rollin' in no time. This i can assure you.
Hang in there sweetie, it will get better. When are you having the surgery? Is there anyone who can let us know how you are doing afterwards?
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Post by Gail R on Nov 14, 2014 19:12:46 GMT -5
Wednesday morning I will be getting this taken care of. I don't think there is anyone who can update but I will see what I can arrange. Thanks
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Post by west4thavenue on Nov 14, 2014 19:47:44 GMT -5
Gail, I wish I could give you a hug and bring you chicken soup! What a bum rap. I'm sorry you are going to go through this and fully understand your concern about the recovery vs. everything you have going on right now. These things never happen when it's "convenient".
Thank you for the reminder that we still have to pay attention to our bodies. Please take care of yourself and do everything they tell you. You are in my heart, mind and prayers.
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Post by Leonie on Nov 14, 2014 23:34:41 GMT -5
Aww, I am so sorry, but also thankful that you got it diagnosed!
I am also thankful that you have the DS and are no longer MO. It probably saved your life!
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Post by jpcello on Nov 15, 2014 6:30:45 GMT -5
I am also thankful that you have the DS and are no longer MO. It probably saved your life! Couldn't agree more!! Hopefully someone can post for you to let us know that everything went OK. Good luck. I'm sure you're in good hands. |
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Post by OnMyWay2Thin on Nov 15, 2014 9:34:07 GMT -5
Hi Gail,
I just wanted to wish you luck with your surgery on Wednesday. If it makes you feel any better, my mother is much older than you, 78 years old, and not in your good shape. She had double bypass and a valve replacement on August 28 of this year. She was up and around doing well within a month or so. She's now doing almost everything she did before. Fortunately, you're healthy in all other aspects so I have a feeling you will bounce back quickly. I'll be praying for you to make a quick recovery...
Kelly
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Nov 15, 2014 13:46:23 GMT -5
I don't know you, obviously, but I always enjoy your posts, you seem like such a nice Lady. I wish you the best on your surgery, they have become so good at doing this, for them, (the surgeons), its routine. I know it might seem easy for me to say this since I'm not the one having surgery, but, looking on the bright side, You are in SO much better of a position to do well in this surgery (which you would of needed anyway),without the extra weight being in the equation, and once you recover, this will add many years for you!! Wishing you the best!
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Post by nursemelanie on Nov 16, 2014 3:15:57 GMT -5
I am also thankful that you have the DS and are no longer MO. It probably saved your life! ^^^^^^^This!!!!!! Gail, I hope all goes very well with surgery and recovery. You seem like a spunky lady who will recover and live well after this! I sent my prayers ahead of you. Please let us know how you are when you are able. ♡ Sent from my SM-N900T using proboards |
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Post by Girlrocker on Nov 16, 2014 12:13:50 GMT -5
{{{{{Gail}}}} Oh how I wish we were not at opposite ends of our state! Wow, what a thing to learn, and I'm just so relieved you've caught it and will be taken care of. If we lived close, I'd want to be part of your caretaking committee. @robs477 you are so right! Gail IS a lovely person. She along with Joanne were my first mentors in this RNY to DS revision process, the first people who reached out to me just over 3 years ago when I felt complete hopelessness, sure my revision would fail me too as everything else had.
And of course, Gail, you share not only your own story, but still try to help others. It IS good to remember that while we are in better health, we still have much to do in taking care of ourselves. I too think you are in much better health condition to withstand this heart surgery; and will be thinking of you, wishing you a smooth surgery and recovery. We are here to support you all the way!
Gentle hugs xo
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Post by Gail R on Nov 16, 2014 14:45:13 GMT -5
Thank you Sharyl, I think I am starting to be in a better mental state over this thing. I was pretty angry and scared but now I am going with the flow. I am going to start first thing tomorrow morning to petition for a blood transfusion or iron infusion as my RBC and ferretin are just below normal range. Other than bossing my family around to try to get the house cleaned up and stocked with protein before I leave for this ordeal and making myself a few nesting spots for recovery, I am ready to get this behind me. My oldest son moved home a few months ago to begin nursing school and he has a wonderful caretaker temperament. He wanted to do something for me so he is out at Uniqlo getting me some soft warm lounging clothes and slippers. Lucky me. Half of my house is being torn out in a construction project scheduled to begin the day I get out of the hospital.Ugh Can't be put off because our house is slipping down a steep hill.Not so lucky..
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Post by Girlrocker on Nov 17, 2014 11:07:08 GMT -5
I can't even begin to imagine, gives a whole new meaning to being 'blown out of the water'. I can't believe either you have to go through house reconstruction at the same time! And, why it can't be put off. Oy.Oy.OY. That son of yours sounds like a winner, so glad to know you'll have excellent caretaking. Hopefully someone can let us know how you are when you get out of surgery, REALLY pulling for you Gail!
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derinoe
Junior Member
Posts: 75 
Surgery Type: DS
Surgery Date: 06/04/2014
Surgeon: Dr. Marek L.
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Post by derinoe on Nov 17, 2014 11:51:53 GMT -5
Gail I wish you all the luck in the world. We all be thinking of you the day of the surgery. My dad dad who is 58 now had exactly same surgery 10 years ago. Like you he went for a stress test that lead to more test and quadruple bypass Tuesday following his testing. He did amazing with the surgery and recovery. I know you will do well too. Keep that protein coming to help you heal faster. Best wishes to you sweety.
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Post by goodkel on Nov 17, 2014 19:30:35 GMT -5
Thank goodness you are in good health heading into this surgery. You've removed all the risk from diabetes, from high blood pressure, from obesity. You've hiked, been active. Probably in better shape than most of their patients heading into surgery. I feel very optimistic that you are going come through surgery in flying colors and have an easier recovery than most because of it. Look on the bright side. Home construction is a headache. The noise, the dust, the aggravation. And there you will be happily dosed with narcotic pain relievers. I don't think that it could come at a better time.  Please keep us up to date. |
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Post by ms2mrsmyers on Nov 18, 2014 0:28:38 GMT -5
Gail,
Always enjoy your posts and you are one that I have followed since before i started my own journey. Sorry you have to have a CABG but thankful you had the DS, I feel others are right in stating it likely saved your life! They have gotten so adept at these surgeries it just amazes me and likely you will be back out hiking very soon. Will be thinking of you this week and hope to hear an update soon.
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Post by aa on Nov 18, 2014 12:17:09 GMT -5
Best of luck. Will be thinking of you.
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Post by west4thavenue on Nov 18, 2014 22:22:39 GMT -5
Lots of love and hugs to you, Gail! |
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Post by nursemelanie on Nov 19, 2014 1:53:26 GMT -5
Thinking of you Gail!!
Sent from my SM-N900T using proboards
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Post by OnMyWay2Thin on Nov 19, 2014 7:53:40 GMT -5
Just sending warm thoughts and prayerful wishes for a successful surgery today. We'll be thinking of you...
Kelly
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