Update 3: RNY to DS healing (long)

[galaxygrrl]

@Settledownnow I hope that political thread did not scare you away. Here is the thing about politics. Reasonable, good people can disagree and find things in common in other areas - like the DS! - please come back.

 

[MissLisa1970]

What kind of asshole employer fires you while you're in the hospital fighting for your life?! I read that and was aghast! oh well.. onwards and upwards. I'm a firm believer of "everything happens for a reason" and you will come out of this stronger and with a better career and life. Keep on truckin!

 

[Settledownnow]

Thanks for asking about me, Larra. I'm doing fine with the worst now behind me. I had my first set of labs done and much to my surprise (and to Dr. K.) the numbers looked pretty good. My lungs continue to hurt when I breathe deeply, and I have been told that there may be scar tissue from the lung procedures and chest tubes. It stinks, but I can live with it if I have to. I continue to have follow-up CT scans and appointments with the docs from the hospital (liver specialist, infectious disease doc, pulmonary doc). I hear from Dr. K frequently via text and phone and keep him updated on the medical front. Dr. K. has been a big help in helping me to stay encouraged and keeping my spirits up over these past several months. I have accumulated about 30K in medical bills and am staying busy working to get everything paid off (heavy sigh). I should not complain because 1) I am well enough to work now and 2) my insurance paid about 750K already! All that aside... I have lost over 60lbs and am enjoying feeling "thin" at 195#. I am eating at least 100 grams of protein a day (often more), drinking water, and walking every day. In summary, I'm good. Thanks for asking.

 

[Larra]

I'm so glad you're better! 30K in bills sucks, but being able to live a healthier life is worth more than any amount of money. I hope the deep breathing will improve. And you are allowed to complain all you want after what you've been through!

 

[DSRIGGS]

Good news Hon, but sorry about the possible lung scar tissue. Cameron has scar tissue in his lung from a PE when going through chemo and then from when had his Nissen Wrap redone and the surgeon invade the pleural space and he required a chest drain for almost ten days.

I am sorry for the bills...that just bites.

Hang in there and keep healing.

 

[galaxygrrl]

I'm glad you are doing better!

 

[Settledownnow]

It is funny how many people (mainly doctors and medical staff) have asked me, "Was it worth it?" or "Would you do it again knowing what you know now?"
I cannot even think in those terms because the situation is what it is and there is no going back. I looked at the facts and risks involved with the RNY to DS revision and made the best decision I could at the time

Something I did not mention previously (but you might have guessed) is that I have PTSD from the hospital/medical experience. I am bothered my memories of procedures and events and the tears flow. My heart pounds and the anxiety builds when I pull into the hospital parking, and as I walk through the building for another CT scan or other test. I cry and become anxious after talking about future surgeries and medical procedures. My PCP set me up with a clinical social worker come in to talk to me about the hospital trauma. In the moment I thought it was so silly but as I talked to the social worker about my experiences I could not stop crying. It was quite a relief actually. I learned it is quite common to develop PTSD after a prolonged hospital stay.

However, I can say that at 5 months out, it feels very freeing to be rid of 60# and have that physical and psychological burden of that extra weight removed. I am still only 50% to my WL goal and I already feel the benefits. My BP is normal without meds-- that is amazing. Prior to surgery, I was starting to become a homebody and did not want to go out or see people. Now, I am getting out and making plans to return to horseback riding, bike riding, traveling, socializing, and just doing so many other things I could not (or would not) do at a heavier weight. It is freeing not to be psychologically and physically burdened with that weight. I see lots of good things in the future provided the healing stays on track. The supplement schedule is not a big deal and pretty similar to what I was doing with RNY. I learned a lot about myself in that I am physically and psychologically stronger than I thought and that far more people care about me and were ready to help than I would have ever imagined.

I cannot answer the question, "Was it worth it?". I can only say there have been trade-offs.