I've been very ill.....(My 2 & 1/2 weeks in the hospital)

SnowWhite · 06-01-2008, 08:00 PM

Gosh...I don't even know where to begin.

As most of you all know, I had multiple hernia surgery and partial panniculectomy in mid April. I was OK for a few days when I got home after my initial 5 day stay at the hospial....but things turned very bad. I began to get chills and fever every day (all day), I was extremely weak and dizzy, I wasn't eating or drinking much because I got the sensation of being full very quickly, I became very very pale and sick looking, I was draining way too much from my drainage tubes and the worse part was that I began to drain from my incision to the point that it leaked all over the floor every time I stood up. I ended up being ambulanced to the ER after nearly collapsing with a 104 fever and a 155 resting heart rate (A -fib)...The fever and heart rate went back to normal while in the ER....and all testing for infection turned out negative so they sent me home. I attempted to recover at home for 2 weeks but I just kept getting sicker and sicker...even my memory and thought process where affected. I was so scared. I was a puzzle to my doctor...He FINALLY hospitalized me on May 13th.

Most of you know I had gastric bypass surgery back in 2004. I was happy to lose the weight but I have to admit that I have not ever felt totally "well" since the surgery. I had a zillion tests performed on me. I was described as "FAILURE TO THRIVE"...that was really scary to hear. Ultimately, I was diagnosed with chonic/severe anemia, malnutrition (due to my body no longer absorbing vitamins and minerals appropriately), I have a very sluggish bone marrow, my albumin and pre albumin levels are very low, and I now have underwent surgery 6 times since April 22. I am wearing a wound vac since my wound from the original surgery isn't healing properly. I went from 262lbs to 233lbs in a month due to illness. I began seeing a Hematologist, and Interal Med doctor as well as my 2 surgeons while in the hospital. We were afraid that I was dying at times.... I spent hours praying every week if not DAILY.

Now the bright side.....

After a bus load of iron infusions and blood transfusions and bone marrow biopsy, my iron level is finally getting better. My albumin level is inching it's way back to health. I am on a strict nutritional program with lots of supplements and protein. I was released from the hospital Friday May 30....I still have large gaps in my memory and thought process due to a lack of oxygen to the brain, but as we get the malnutrition and anemia under control I should get better soon.

So, here I lay in my hospital bed in my living room which my insurance company supplied for me.....right next to my wheelchair.....and my wound vac......and of course...all my prayer books, bible, Holy Water, and Rosary.

Please pray for my healing.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

Kim in MN · 06-02-2008, 05:04 AM

Oh Melissa - praise God that you are on the road to recovery.

I will add you and your family to my daily prayers.

skeopple · 06-02-2008, 05:16 AM

Melissa,

Lifting you in prayer. Asking for healing and strength. Praising God for your beginning to get better!

Do they honestly think this goes back to your WLS? Wow, that's a long time on the road to your illness.....take time to heal. Turn it over to God.

Kim-what part of MN? I'm across the river from Taylors Falls.

JUNEBUG2 · 06-02-2008, 06:21 AM

Welcome back and wishing you the best of health. You have really been thru the meal. Prayers going up for you.

May God wrap His loving arms around you and nourish you with all you need.

Yankee.Belle · 06-02-2008, 06:39 AM

I just returned to this board a week an a half or so ago and I was wondering about you. I don't expect you to remember me as I can't even remember what my name was back then...but I almost asked about you then didn't. I figured that maybe you'd just stopped coming here. I'm so sorry to hear that the reason you weren't here was due to health problems. My heart ached for you as I read this post. You've been through so much. I will definitely keep you in my prayers

**Lola** · 06-02-2008, 06:49 AM

I am so sorry to hear about this. Hoping for a speedy recovery. It's really scary that they sent you home from the ER when you were so ill. Man that makes me angry.

I'm glad that your doctors now know what is going on with you. Keep strong and keep the faith.

heidiheidi · 06-02-2008, 06:52 AM

I am glad things are slowly getting better- HOW SCARY!!!

pooticus · 06-02-2008, 09:17 AM

Mels

I've been wondering how you were...

Gosh I'm so glad they are getting a handle on things! I hope you keep building strength daily and that they get everything squared away with no more complications!

Will put you in my prayers!

Kingschild · 06-02-2008, 09:54 AM

Melissa! I'm so sorry to hear about your ordeal.

You take care and I've already started praying for you.

RoxanneRoxanne · 06-02-2008, 10:01 AM

I'm praying for you!

Kdlee · 06-02-2008, 01:02 PM

So sorry to hear of everything you've gone through. Though I don't post much, I often look around for a post from you to see how you did after your surgery. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.

TaDa! · 06-02-2008, 04:11 PM

I am so sorry Melissa. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Pauline

Happy Granny · 06-02-2008, 04:17 PM

I'm new here since you've been gone for your surgery...but i'm praying for you..

Cindy P · 06-02-2008, 04:31 PM

Fast healing and

to you.

mom2carli · 06-02-2008, 07:05 PM

It seems that things are looking up for you after a horrible couple of weeks...my gosh. We will keep you in our prayers...stay positive!!!

iamcrazy · 06-02-2008, 08:07 PM

Welcome back, wishing you nothing but good health from now on!

alabama sunshine · 06-02-2008, 09:03 PM

Melissa my prayers go out to you.God is good he will heal you.

ShonaGK · 06-02-2008, 10:03 PM

Oh Melissa

Please, please...IM me if you'd like my home phone #---I would be happy to help in any way I can.

Susan

pattysparkle · 06-02-2008, 11:25 PM

Dear Melissa,

I have been absent from the boards for a long time, but often thought of you. So sorry to hear what an ordeal you are going through, you are on the right pathway.

Jesus has brought you through some amazing things and he WILL NOT fail you now.

I will be praying for you.

Love,

Patty Ann

Maja · 06-03-2008, 09:56 AM

I'm sooo sorry you have to deal with all this

. I'll be keeping you in my prayers!!

ummrashid · 06-05-2008, 01:37 AM

and

for you.

MaryMary · 06-07-2008, 01:40 PM

Melissa, I am so sorry to hear you are ill. I will keep you in my prayers.
Mary

Kingschild · 06-08-2008, 07:50 AM

Mel - when you get a chance give us an update. I think about you all the time, girl.

debkeversole · 06-08-2008, 08:03 AM

healing prayers are bing said...i was so hoping there would be no complicatons you have came so far

vee716 · 06-09-2008, 08:35 AM

I hope you are continuing to recover, Melissa! I'll be thinking of you.

Jennyl · 06-12-2008, 01:01 AM

I hope you are doing well. I've thought about you a lot and am worried

DEBI IN OHIO · 06-15-2008, 08:28 AM

u have not checked back in or posted since June 1----hoping your doing well

Southern-Dahlin · 06-16-2008, 07:34 AM

Melissa..........hope you can post soon and let us know how you r doing.

TracyinKS · 06-16-2008, 09:29 AM

Mel: Gosh woman! I've been missing you like crazy around here.. as always you are in my thoughts and prayers

06-01-2008, 08:00 PM	#1
SnowWhite Lounge Chef & Typo Queen!! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Texas Posts: 14,456 Gallery: SnowWhite Stats: 450/ 231.6/160 WOE: I'm on "The Beach" Start Date: 5/26/03 * WLS 1/15/04	I've been very ill.....(My 2 & 1/2 weeks in the hospital) Gosh...I don't even know where to begin. As most of you all know, I had multiple hernia surgery and partial panniculectomy in mid April. I was OK for a few days when I got home after my initial 5 day stay at the hospial....but things turned very bad. I began to get chills and fever every day (all day), I was extremely weak and dizzy, I wasn't eating or drinking much because I got the sensation of being full very quickly, I became very very pale and sick looking, I was draining way too much from my drainage tubes and the worse part was that I began to drain from my incision to the point that it leaked all over the floor every time I stood up. I ended up being ambulanced to the ER after nearly collapsing with a 104 fever and a 155 resting heart rate (A -fib)...The fever and heart rate went back to normal while in the ER....and all testing for infection turned out negative so they sent me home. I attempted to recover at home for 2 weeks but I just kept getting sicker and sicker...even my memory and thought process where affected. I was so scared. I was a puzzle to my doctor...He FINALLY hospitalized me on May 13th. Most of you know I had gastric bypass surgery back in 2004. I was happy to lose the weight but I have to admit that I have not ever felt totally "well" since the surgery. I had a zillion tests performed on me. I was described as "FAILURE TO THRIVE"...that was really scary to hear. Ultimately, I was diagnosed with chonic/severe anemia, malnutrition (due to my body no longer absorbing vitamins and minerals appropriately), I have a very sluggish bone marrow, my albumin and pre albumin levels are very low, and I now have underwent surgery 6 times since April 22. I am wearing a wound vac since my wound from the original surgery isn't healing properly. I went from 262lbs to 233lbs in a month due to illness. I began seeing a Hematologist, and Interal Med doctor as well as my 2 surgeons while in the hospital. We were afraid that I was dying at times.... I spent hours praying every week if not DAILY. Now the bright side..... After a bus load of iron infusions and blood transfusions and bone marrow biopsy, my iron level is finally getting better. My albumin level is inching it's way back to health. I am on a strict nutritional program with lots of supplements and protein. I was released from the hospital Friday May 30....I still have large gaps in my memory and thought process due to a lack of oxygen to the brain, but as we get the malnutrition and anemia under control I should get better soon. So, here I lay in my hospital bed in my living room which my insurance company supplied for me.....right next to my wheelchair.....and my wound vac......and of course...all my prayer books, bible, Holy Water, and Rosary. Please pray for my healing. XOXOXOXOXOXOXOX __________________ 2003 - (443lbs to 429lbs) 14 lost, 2004 - (429 lbs to 306lbs) 123 lb lost (WLS 1/15/04), 2005 - (306lbs to 260lbs) 46 lbs lost, 2006 - (260lbs to 236lbs) 23 lbs lost, 2007 - 21 LB GAIN (236 (AFTER HAVING BABY) - 257 ) 2008- (257 - 218.4 lbs GONE! <>< Dear Jesus, Help me to carry this cross of mine <>< GOAL: 200 by Dec 2 FAMILY started South Beach on 8/18/08 Mom - down 16.9 lbs, Dad - down 30 lbs, Son #1 - down 22 lbs, Son #2 - down 12 lbs

06-02-2008, 05:16 AM	#3
skeopple Senior LCF Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Northern Wisconsin Posts: 214 Gallery: skeopple Stats: 336/???/159 WOE: Atkins forever Start Date: 1/14/08	Melissa, Lifting you in prayer. Asking for healing and strength. Praising God for your beginning to get better! Do they honestly think this goes back to your WLS? Wow, that's a long time on the road to your illness.....take time to heal. Turn it over to God. Kim-what part of MN? I'm across the river from Taylors Falls. Last edited by skeopple : 06-02-2008 at 05:18 AM.

06-02-2008, 06:39 AM	#5
Yankee.Belle Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Alabama Posts: 145 Gallery: Yankee.Belle Stats: 310/282/170 WOE: Atkin's Start Date: May 23, 2007	I just returned to this board a week an a half or so ago and I was wondering about you. I don't expect you to remember me as I can't even remember what my name was back then...but I almost asked about you then didn't. I figured that maybe you'd just stopped coming here. I'm so sorry to hear that the reason you weren't here was due to health problems. My heart ached for you as I read this post. You've been through so much. I will definitely keep you in my prayers __________________ I'm learning to think outside the bun! ~Theresa Start: 5/23/08 310 ~ 5/30/08 305 ~ 6/6/08 301 ~ 6/13/08 300 ~ 6/20/08 296 ~ 7/4/08 290 ~ 9/9/08 282

06-02-2008, 05:04 AM	#2
Kim in MN MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Depends...under the blistering sun w/humidity or in a snowdrift...depends on the season Posts: 2,367 Gallery: Kim in MN Stats: 275/271/Healthy WOE: Weight Watchers Start Date: 9.1.2008	Oh Melissa - praise God that you are on the road to recovery. I will add you and your family to my daily prayers.

06-02-2008, 06:21 AM	#4
JUNEBUG2 MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 1,345 Gallery: JUNEBUG2 Stats: 338/271/180--tight28w/22/20ww/16 5'8" WOE: atkins Start Date: april 24, 2006--new beginning july 11, 2007	Welcome back and wishing you the best of health. You have really been thru the meal. Prayers going up for you. May God wrap His loving arms around you and nourish you with all you need.

06-02-2008, 06:49 AM	#6
Lola Senior LCF Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 592 Gallery: Lola Stats: 380-313-160 (#67 gone) WOE: F-Factor	I am so sorry to hear about this. Hoping for a speedy recovery. It's really scary that they sent you home from the ER when you were so ill. Man that makes me angry. I'm glad that your doctors now know what is going on with you. Keep strong and keep the faith.

06-02-2008, 06:52 AM	#7
heidiheidi Senior LCF Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Portland, Or Posts: 844 Gallery: heidiheidi Stats: 267/228/150 WOE: started w/Atkins +unlimited l/c veggies Start Date: August 30 2007	I am glad things are slowly getting better- HOW SCARY!!!

06-02-2008, 09:17 AM	#8
pooticus Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: May 2004 Location: somewhere over the rainbow Posts: 15,846 Gallery: pooticus Stats: 314/268.4/150 WOE: PersonalPlan Start Date: Nov.20, 2007	Mels I've been wondering how you were... Gosh I'm so glad they are getting a handle on things! I hope you keep building strength daily and that they get everything squared away with no more complications! Will put you in my prayers!

06-02-2008, 09:54 AM	#9
Kingschild Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Beautiful Colorado Posts: 4,766 Gallery: Kingschild Stats: 270 / 205 / 140 WOE: RNY - May 19th, 2008 Start Date: 2003 - re-start February 2008	Melissa! I'm so sorry to hear about your ordeal. You take care and I've already started praying for you.

06-02-2008, 10:01 AM	#10
RoxanneRoxanne MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 1,394 Blog Entries: 30 Gallery: RoxanneRoxanne Stats: 285/236/185 Start Date: Re re re re restart: 3/17/2008	I'm praying for you!

06-02-2008, 01:02 PM	#11
Kdlee Senior LCF Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ohio Posts: 360 Gallery: Kdlee Stats: 265/217/150 WOE: Lap-Band 6/30/08	So sorry to hear of everything you've gone through. Though I don't post much, I often look around for a post from you to see how you did after your surgery. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.

06-02-2008, 04:11 PM	#12
TaDa! Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 9,989 Gallery: TaDa! Stats: 236.5/128/130-135 & 5'3" tall WOE: Atkins (Vegetarian + Fish) Start Date: 6/03 & Goal! 5/06	I am so sorry Melissa. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Pauline

06-02-2008, 04:17 PM	#13
Happy Granny Senior LCF Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: PA Posts: 204 Gallery: Happy Granny Stats: 285/273.2/where ever I feel good WOE: Atkins Start Date: May 17, 2008	I'm new here since you've been gone for your surgery...but i'm praying for you..

06-07-2008, 01:40 PM	#22
MaryMary Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: New Hampshire BMI:57/24-Maintaining Posts: 4,837 Gallery: MaryMary Stats: 376 lbs/155 lbs//Age 60// 5'7" BF%:47+%/28.4%/25% WOE: GSA Cambridge Greysheet "www.greysheet.org" Start Date: Atkins 1/22/01; GSA 12/23/03 - Total Loss 221 lbs.	Melissa, I am so sorry to hear you are ill. I will keep you in my prayers. Mary

06-02-2008, 04:31 PM	#14
Cindy P MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: South Georgia Posts: 1,149 Gallery: Cindy P Stats: 347/278/150 WOE: atkins/again after slacking off :( Start Date: june 18, 2003	Fast healing and to you.

06-02-2008, 07:05 PM	#15
mom2carli Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Way up North Posts: 691 Gallery: mom2carli Stats: 301/160('04-'05) 248.5/185/150(current) WOE: Atkins Start Date: Restarted: April 10, 2008 (After baby 4)	It seems that things are looking up for you after a horrible couple of weeks...my gosh. We will keep you in our prayers...stay positive!!!

06-02-2008, 08:07 PM	#16
iamcrazy Senior LCF Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Canada Posts: 963 Gallery: iamcrazy Stats: 285/265/150 WOE: Atkins Start Date: August 5, 2008	Welcome back, wishing you nothing but good health from now on!

06-02-2008, 09:03 PM	#17
alabama sunshine Senior LCF Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: alabama Posts: 518 Gallery: alabama sunshine Stats: 430/ WOE: Atkins Start Date: 02/01/2008	Melissa my prayers go out to you.God is good he will heal you.

06-02-2008, 10:03 PM	#18
ShonaGK Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 3,059 Gallery: ShonaGK WOE: Atkins	Oh Melissa Please, please...IM me if you'd like my home phone #---I would be happy to help in any way I can. Susan

06-02-2008, 11:25 PM	#19
pattysparkle Drama Queen Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: 3-2-1......Blastoff !!! Posts: 3,109 Gallery: pattysparkle Stats: 425/286/199 WOE: Atkins Start Date: January 2002-Atkins/ June 2006-	Dear Melissa, I have been absent from the boards for a long time, but often thought of you. So sorry to hear what an ordeal you are going through, you are on the right pathway. Jesus has brought you through some amazing things and he WILL NOT fail you now. I will be praying for you. Love, Patty Ann

06-03-2008, 09:56 AM	#20
Maja MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,702 Blog Entries: 25 Gallery: Maja Stats: 270/236/170 Start Date: March 2008	I'm sooo sorry you have to deal with all this . I'll be keeping you in my prayers!!

06-05-2008, 01:37 AM	#21
ummrashid Senior LCF Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: born NY'er living in United Arab Emirates Posts: 248 Gallery: ummrashid Stats: 322/284 and pregnant/150'ish WOE: ?????? Start Date: March 9, 2008	and for you.

06-08-2008, 07:50 AM	#23
Kingschild Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Beautiful Colorado Posts: 4,766 Gallery: Kingschild Stats: 270 / 205 / 140 WOE: RNY - May 19th, 2008 Start Date: 2003 - re-start February 2008	Mel - when you get a chance give us an update. I think about you all the time, girl.

06-08-2008, 08:03 AM	#24
debkeversole Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: southern ky Posts: 7,857 Gallery: debkeversole Stats: 370/333/199 WOE: curves challenge Start Date: jan 2006	healing prayers are bing said...i was so hoping there would be no complicatons you have came so far

06-09-2008, 08:35 AM	#25
vee716 MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Oakville, ON CAN Posts: 1,975 Gallery: vee716 Stats: 340high 297/165/159 WOE: WLS(1999) - low-carb Start Date: September 5, 2003	I hope you are continuing to recover, Melissa! I'll be thinking of you.

06-12-2008, 01:01 AM	#26
Jennyl Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: calgary Posts: 23,491 Gallery: Jennyl Start Date: manana	I hope you are doing well. I've thought about you a lot and am worried

06-15-2008, 08:28 AM	#27
DEBI IN OHIO Blabbermouth!!! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 6,114 Gallery: DEBI IN OHIO Stats: 247/191.5/150 WOE: Diabetic.lower carbs Start Date: 05/01, restart 2/22/08 again	u have not checked back in or posted since June 1----hoping your doing well

06-16-2008, 07:34 AM	#28
Southern-Dahlin Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 7,595 Gallery: Southern-Dahlin WOE: Fresh Frog-innards and all...	Melissa..........hope you can post soon and let us know how you r doing.

06-16-2008, 09:29 AM	#29
TracyinKS Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: BandLand Baby Posts: 3,204 Gallery: TracyinKS Stats: 272/176/150ish WOE: Trying to keep it LowCarb Start Date: Many Many times since 1999!	Mel: Gosh woman! I've been missing you like crazy around here.. as always you are in my thoughts and prayers