My HCG Journal. Looks like I need to start one!

[CherylB]

If that surgeon was notified of your complications and he still didn't show up or call or send an associate, that is unconscionable! You are "post op" and he did the "op"ing. @$$+oL3! (Hope that made you smile! But no laughing! That might hurt.)

I'm so glad you are receiving the healing that we are all sending you from above! Frankly, (speaking of the Dr's again,) the anesthesiologist should be contacting you with all the respiratory problems you've had post-op. You had to have been under general anesthesia, right? So they intubated you. I think there has to be something going on related to that.

You had the surgery on Thursday and the compression garment can only be removed by the surgeon? Oh, man. I'm getting pissed off now. (Hope that doesn't get bleeped.)

I wish things had gone much more smoothly for you, Marie. I wanted this to be such a great experience (as great as being cut open can ever be.) We love you and will continue to pray. Hang in there, girl. It's going to be better very soon.

Will add your DH to the prayer list, since he's such a gem! Glad your Mom is coming for a while to care for you. What the heck. I'll say a prayer for her, too.

Have a good rest tonight after your last breathing treatment! May you go at least 4 hours between pee's.

[tay65]

Marie, I'm sorry about all the problems with the dr, the surgical center, the shower issue.... man! I always say when I lose all my weight I want to lose, I want a tummy tuck and a boob lift! Now I'm rethinking it. Maybe I'll just accept what I end up with.
I do read labels on pkgs, but theres no label on the little creamers. didn't matter anyways! The "up" on the scale was TOM coming.
I'm glad you liked the ride on the horse. They are truly beautiful creatures. I was lucky to always have the opportunity as a child and teenager to ride whenever I wanted.
My mom's friend had paid me while they were in RN school to ride her horse for her bc she didn't have the time. She was an EMT and going to school full time. I loved that!!!
Well, cheryl, you had a heck of a shopping day! I have those days too. And glad ya went ahead & bought a coffeemaker. Enjoy it!

[CherylB]

Tammy, I just wish I'd foreseen how long it was going to take to get my carafe even with paying for "expedited shipping." (Har-har.) When I think of the money I spent just on coffee this week it makes me want to hurl.

My sister had a full-body lift a few years back! Talk about guts! She had so many stitches she looked like a rag doll. Drains in multiple areas, etc. She suffered greatly for a long time, but just because there were so many incisions healing at once. I don't think she ever regretted having it done, though. She was very proud of her accomplishment and Marie, you be proud, too. It will be worth it. Just doesn't feel "worth it" right now.

Anyway, back to coffee talk. I bought a tall metal one; the kind that you can brew (perk) up to 30 cups at one time.) It has the little spout on it and that way I'm not handling a carafe everytime I want a cup. And if I ever have a party, it will come in handy. It just happened to be on sale this week for $20!

[tay65]

WHAT A DEAL!!! Where did you get that coffeemaker for $20???

[CherylB]

It's just one of those metal percolators designed for parties. It was normally $25 but was on sale. I bought it at a discount store to begin with (Love my Ocean State Job Lot.) Do you have that store near you? It's my favorite place to shop.

So tomorrow I will make my first pot in the new percolator and then the carafe will be deliverd the same day. No? Just watch! That's the way my life goes. Either way I'll get good use out of the new percolator. Now I just have to figure out how much coffee for how much water and that will take a few tries.

Past my bedtime! Nite-nite, ladies. Marie, angels watching over you. They're in your room right now.

[tay65]

and o.m.g.!!!! A FULL body lift! That has to be awful pain! Thats kinda like getting both knee replacements at the same time! OUCH!!!!

[tay65]

No, we don't have that store here. I always thought those kind of coffeemakers cost more than $25. I'll have to look around. The way coffee gets drunk here, I should buy one. we have a real nice coffee maker now, but we get about 4 mugs out of it. Noone here actually drinks 1 CUP of coffee at once. My cups hold more like 2!

[TerriMM]

Hey Marie,
Big hugs and prayers headed your way! Glad you're doing better. Hope you continue to improve without any more complications!

Hey Cheryl,
Cheers on your first cup!!

Congrads on hitting the first goal Tammy!! WTG!! How’s your son doing?

[tay65]

awww, thanks for asking about my son! Hes healing up & staying around the house. Puts us at ease when he isn't out with his friends. He knows he cut it close.

[cheri]

Originally Posted by Cruzcrzy

I agree Paula. All I was expecting was a hello, sorry this happened, glad you are doing well. He comes with glowing reviews from many in the community, but, he definitey falls short is this arena. He may think I blame him, but, I do not. I do realize things happen. My friend feels horrible, and she should not, and it is really bugging her that he has not made some sort of appearance. Dh went home for a bit so maybe there is something on the machine, but, I doubt it. I know that they know I am here, but, we called again this afternoon to confirm they did indeed check me in, so they can not say we didn't tell them.
We also realized we didn't get a "follow up" call from the Surgicare Center where I stayed either like they said they would be doing in our outpatient paperwork. Oh well, I am choosing to dwell on the positive, and there is much, but, do feel I must be completely honest about the WHOLE situation.

I hope you don't mind me posting on ya'll's thread here but I was just asking about you on my tummytuck thread and went to see if you posted. I am so sorry you are going through some stuff.. I really hope you are doing a whole lot better. Did you end up having bloodclots or something in your lungs? Or did they say you are ill from the anethesia? Did they do all the surgery on you? I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers hun.. I hope you have a speedy recovery!!!!

Keep us posted on how you are doing.. We do care about you!

[Cruzcrzy]

Quick fly, sending much love and thanks to you wonderful gals. My vitals are better, but, still not sure if I am leaving the hospital today. I hope so because today is my birthday, and I am thankful for so much. God is good.

Cheri, I ended up in ER with a fever. We acted right away which was my saving grace or I would be dealing with pneumonia now. The respitory therapist said I was very close to that happening. My blood oxygen levels have been low so I am being treated for that. For some reason my two lower lungs were/are compressed. I didn't even realize my breathing was labored. I was in the 70's when I showed up in ER, long story, but, only by God's grace did it all end up that way. I am so thankful. I am not angry, and blame no one, but, perplexed with the non-action of my surgeon since being admitted to the hospital. My post op appt is tomorrow if I am out by then. My pain has been very minimal, mainly the first 48 hours. I have only needed muscle relaxers since being in the hospital. They've also been treating me with steroids. I am so puffy, lots of swelling, due to the surgery, but, I think all the fluids too. I am thankful they have been pumping me full of antibiotics and more. Cheri, I will be praying for you...really do your resp. work, okay? Have to go take a walk.

[privatediva]

Happy Birthday Marie...hope you are on your way home very soon to recover and eventually enjoy the results of your surgery. Much love and prayers for your continued recovery.

[Cruzcrzy]

Thanks, Deb! Great news, they are doing my DISCHARGE PAPERWORK. Also, the nurse informed me that my surgeon finally called the hospital this morning inquiring about me. This makes me glad. More another time. Thank you all for everything.

[CherylB]

Originally Posted by tay65

and o.m.g.!!!! A FULL body lift! That has to be awful pain! Thats kinda like getting both knee replacements at the same time! OUCH!!!!

I know it. I think she was nuts!

Originally Posted by tay65

No, we don't have that store here. I always thought those kind of coffeemakers cost more than $25. I'll have to look around. The way coffee gets drunk here, I should buy one. we have a real nice coffee maker now, but we get about 4 mugs out of it. Noone here actually drinks 1 CUP of coffee at once. My cups hold more like 2!

That's me, too. If I'm drinking coffee, I'm drinking all day and into the evening. A pot (12 "cups") or more. So even if I just fill it to the half-way mark, that should be enough. I hope I like it! Still didn't use it yet today. I use mugs that hold about "2 cups", too. Amazing what they consider a cup, isn't it? I notice that with instant hot chocolate, too. "Add 6 oz of water and stir."

Originally Posted by TerriMM

Hey Marie,
Big hugs and prayers headed your way! Glad you're doing better. Hope you continue to improve without any more complications!

Hey Cheryl,
Cheers on your first cup!!

Congrads on hitting the first goal Tammy!! WTG!! How’s your son doing?

Hey, Terri! Nice to see you again. Since I signed off of that Skinny for the Holidays thread, I don't see you around much anymore. I just couldn't keep up with all those threads! And so many of the people on them also post on multiple threads so it was so redundant for me. We seemed to be posting the same information on each thread. Anyway, I hope all is going well!

Originally Posted by tay65

awww, thanks for asking about my son! Hes healing up & staying around the house. Puts us at ease when he isn't out with his friends. He knows he cut it close.

Glad to hear that, Tammy!

Originally Posted by Cruzcrzy

Quick fly, sending much love and thanks to you wonderful gals. My vitals are better, but, still not sure if I am leaving the hospital today. I hope so because today is my birthday, and I am thankful for so much. God is good.

Cheri, I ended up in ER with a fever. We acted right away which was my saving grace or I would be dealing with pneumonia now. The respitory therapist said I was very close to that happening. My blood oxygen levels have been low so I am being treated for that. For some reason my two lower lungs were/are compressed. I didn't even realize my breathing was labored. I was in the 70's when I showed up in ER, long story, but, only by God's grace did it all end up that way. I am so thankful. I am not angry, and blame no one, but, perplexed with the non-action of my surgeon since being admitted to the hospital. My post op appt is tomorrow if I am out by then. My pain has been very minimal, mainly the first 48 hours. I have only needed muscle relaxers since being in the hospital. They've also been treating me with steroids. I am so puffy, lots of swelling, due to the surgery, but, I think all the fluids too. I am thankful they have been pumping me full of antibiotics and more. Cheri, I will be praying for you...really do your resp. work, okay? Have to go take a walk.

I really suspect the anesthesiologist here. Too coincidental for me. I'm so glad your vitals are better! I'm also glad there is little post-op pain.

Originally Posted by Cruzcrzy

Thanks, Deb! Great news, they are doing my DISCHARGE PAPERWORK. Also, the nurse informed me that my surgeon finally called the hospital this morning inquiring about me. This makes me glad. More another time. Thank you all for everything.

... and that you're GOING HOME! The surgeon probably needed to see if you'd be able to make your appointment tomorrow in his office. Cynical? Yep. I'm thrilled you are going home, Marie! Write us again when you get home and get all settled.

So, did Cheri also have a recent tummy tuck? I'm a bit in the dark since I only post on the threads I'm subscribed to. That alone keeps me busy! Cheri!

As for me, I am having a crazy scale day. I don't know if it's because the scale doesn't enjoy the house being about 65 degrees or what. The first time I stepped on it, I was hoping for either 166.0 or 165.something. It said 153. Went to weigh on my old scale that is usually 2+ lbs more and it said 168.something. Back to the newer scale that I use daily and it was working its way back up. Finally it said 166.8 so I took it.

So that's day 3 of the same weight and it's a bit of a bummer, but that stuff happens. I think in the time I have left before January, I may be able to reach 155. (Maybe that 153 was a kind of premonition!) Just for fun, let's say I'll be at 153 by the New Year.

[CherylB]

And I totally forgot to say , Marie!!!!

[CherylB]

Originally Posted by CherylB

It's just one of those metal percolators designed for parties. It was normally $25 but was on sale. I bought it at a discount store to begin with (Love my Ocean State Job Lot.) Do you have that store near you? It's my favorite place to shop.

So tomorrow I will make my first pot in the new percolator and then the carafe will be delivered the same day. No? Just watch! That's the way my life goes. Either way I'll get good use out of the new percolator. Now I just have to figure out how much coffee for how much water and that will take a few tries.

Past my bedtime! Nite-nite, ladies. Marie, angels watching over you. They're in your room right now.

Did I say it or did I say it! Carafe came today. I may return the percolator since it's still in the wrapping, unused. I could use the $20 much more than the coffee maker.

Why, you ask? Because my car is in the shop as of an hour ago. I took the doggie and we drove to a neighboring town to pick up something I was given from a fellow Freecycle-er. I parked in her driveway which was on the steep side, so I set the emergency brake, put it in park and turned off the motor.

When I got back in the car with my booty (four bed risers), I turned the key, applied the brakes and released the emergency brake. Just then the brake pedal felt funny. I couldn't put my finger on it but something wasn't right. So I backed out of the driveway okay but just a few seconds down the road, I felt the brake pedal going all the way to the floor and it only slowed my car a bit. Not enough to really stop it.

I pulled over and put it in park. Popped the hood and saw I had brake fluid in the reservoir. Checked the trunk for brake fluid, just in case. Found none. Dropped the hood back down and reset the emergency brake and released it, just to see if was something "glitchy." It wasn't.

So I sat there for a few moments, wondering how to handle this situation. I was within a short walk back to the Freecycler but I didn't want to do that. That was no answer. So, I then considered calling AAA for a tow. Didn't like that idea, either. I chose option 3.

I used my emergency brake sort of in the way one would use a clutch in a stick shift vehicle. I had the emergency flashers on but then I turned them off a while later. I had the GPS on so that helped me to see how long I had to go before I needed to make a turn. I drove slowly and watched far ahead of me (the way they teach you to do in Defensive Driving school.)

I made it back to the mechanic I use, which is just 1/4 mile from my home. And thankfully I had taken my dog's leash and collar with me this time. Sometimes I think about doing it, "just in case" but often I don't bother. That "just in case" happened today.

I hear a hissing sound when I press the brake pedal to the floor so I think it's going to just be a brake line. What I fear is any damage I may have done to the emergency brake, using it in that way. I asked them to check that, too. (And the labor costs.)

They can't look at it until sometime tomorrow. I had no real need to leave the house tomorrow except to pick up some boxes (also a Freecycle gift.) I guess she can give me one more day to come for those.

I'm telling ya. What next? I am down from about $1,500 of cash savings to a paltry $400 and that's about to go down even more. I was going to take $50 out for Thanksgiving food costs but now I'll be down maybe a few hundred more. Why does life need to be such a continual uphill climb?

[obraxton]

Originally Posted by CherylB

I'm telling ya. What next? I am down from about $1,500 of cash savings to a paltry $400 and that's about to go down even more. I was going to take $50 out for Thanksgiving food costs but now I'll be down maybe a few hundred more. Why does life need to be such a continual uphill climb?

Wish I knew the answer to that!

[CherylB]

How are you, Dessa? I haven't been on your journal for a long time. I'm going to duck over there and see if I can get caught up. From your comment, doesn't sound like you are going to have a lot of good news. I hope I'm wrong!

[TerriMM]

Marie

Glad you're headed home!

Cheryl, just a quick drive by

[tay65]

Marie, glad you're home!!! Its always better to be home in your own bed. Now you can rest!
Cheryl, take a deep breath and everything will be ok.
Talk to you tomorrow.

[CherylB]

Thank you. I know this too shall pass.

Marie, did you make it home? I surely hope the discharge was not postponed. That is much worse than if you just thought you had one more day to go. I hate when something looks like a sure-thing and then it's gone! I really hope I'm just running off at the mouth and you are tucked safely in your comfy bed at home.

Nite ladies! This is one day I'm glad to close the books on.

[Cruzcrzy]

I am home. I'm sorry I didn't make it back to let you know. We are EXHAUSTED and adjusting to being home. It's nice to be home, but, we are now learning our way. I am happy my mom will be coming on Thursday. Thanks for my birthday wishes. I wish I could catch up with everything, but, it's not possible at this time. Thank you so much for your love and support. God is good! I will try to update this evening on my appt. with the surgeon this morning. Much love to you.

[privatediva]

Yay, Marie, glad you're home! Rest.

[obraxton]

Originally Posted by CherylB

How are you, Dessa? I haven't been on your journal for a long time. I'm going to duck over there and see if I can get caught up. From your comment, doesn't sound like you are going to have a lot of good news. I hope I'm wrong!

The weight, its slow right now but it doesn't bother me like it used to, just makes me wanna fight for the rest of the year. Just was agreeing with your statement bc the year's been a challenge for me as well in many ways. But all will be well I do have moments sometimes when I want to scream and I do complain more than I should. But like you said, this too shall pass. Last month we have a horrible snow storm one Saturday that kept me home the entire day, shaking and rattling the house. It didn't make natural sense b/c it was the beginning of October, why is it an ice and snow storm outside? The next day when I got up for church it was the most beautiful summer/fall Sunday. It felt like God was illustrating to me, that even though an unexpected and difficult storm has come, it won't stay and on the other side is calm.

Hope you're having a good day

[CherylB]

So glad you're home, Marie! Just being home in your own bed and your own environment will brighten up your spirits and help you to see that maybe it was a good thing to have the surgery in the long run. Rest and come back to talk when you are able.

Hi, Deb and Terri! Hope your day is going well. What's new in your worlds?

Dessa, it's true that the "sun will come out tomorrow." (Song from "Annie". That plays in my head sometimes, unfortunately.) LOL. We got that storm badly, too. I don't know if you lost power but mine was out for 3 days and I set up camp beside the fireplace. I was about to pack up the dog and I and find a hotel, somewhere toward the CT shoreline and then the power came back up! Tens of thousands were without power for 11 days or more in CT. Quite the fiasco.

My question that I posted before about "continual uphill climb" (which can't be answered, just posed in frustration) was because the calm periods seem to come to allow you to be better prepared for the next un-calm period. Then the next trial comes in a way we do not expect and so again, we are unprepared.

Not to belabor a point, I just wonder sometimes why that is.

So, on to today's news. It's almost noon and so far, no call about the car. I'll call them in a while just to be sure they didn't write my number down wrong. I'm down 0.2 lbs today after a 3 day stall. It doesn't seem to matter how much or how little I eat when this happens. I ate nothing but coffee with cream until almost 10 pm last night. Then I reheated some chicken and ate it with some mayo/sour cream mix that Dazy told me about. (It was goooood. Each neutralized the other and it made a lovely combination.) Then I ate 4 string cheeses as dessert. (Is it desert or dessert? I always confuse the two.)

"Bernice" is a big issue lately so I know that's part of the problem. But I don't dare take anything for that when I may be walking to get my car today.

Going off-plan for Thanksgiving isn't going to help matters. That's only 2 days away! Amazing how time flies by sometimes.

I just realized I don't have the mechanic's phone number in my phone address book and I'm having trouble remembering their name. I'm doing a google search but not coming up with it that way either. I must go and put all of my attention into it until I have it in my hot little hands.

Hoping everyone has a lovely day!

[verbqueen]

Crossing my fingers for good news about your brakes, Cheryl.

And I'm with you on the mysterious lurches and stops and starts with the weight--having that myself just now. It's just how weight loss goes. As old pros like you and me know so well, weight loss is NEVER predictable or linear!

Have a good one, friend.

[obraxton]

"My question that I posted before about "continual uphill climb" (which can't be answered, just posed in frustration) was because the calm periods seem to come to allow you to be better prepared for the next un-calm period. Then the next trial comes in a way we do not expect and so again, we are unprepared."

Yes, that's exactly what I though and exactly what I had been dealing with. The unpreparedness and panic bothered me more than anything.

[CherylB]

Originally Posted by verbqueen

Crossing my fingers for good news about your brakes, Cheryl.

And I'm with you on the mysterious lurches and stops and starts with the weight--having that myself just now. It's just how weight loss goes. As old pros like you and me know so well, weight loss is NEVER predictable or linear!

Have a good one, friend.

Nope! Not linear at all. GOT MY CAR BACK! They called me about an hour ago and said it was ready to pick up. I asked how much the bill was and it was just under $150! Could have been so much worse. I'm very thankful! And it's wonderful to have wheels again!

Originally Posted by obraxton

"My question that I posted before about "continual uphill climb" (which can't be answered, just posed in frustration) was because the calm periods seem to come to allow you to be better prepared for the next un-calm period. Then the next trial comes in a way we do not expect and so again, we are unprepared."

Yes, that's exactly what I though and exactly what I had been dealing with. The unpreparedness and panic bothered me more than anything.

Dessa, the unpreparedness was tough but the not knowing how long it was going to be before the power turned back on was even WORSE! I had a radio tuned to an AM station and I listened to locals calling in and talking about the situation. They were predicting a full week of black-outs and there was no way to know which town would come up next. (Actually, my Mom told me of a way to text your zip code to a certain number to get an estimate but it wouldn't work for me.)

It was the worst weather event we've ever experienced, as far as wide-spread damage and length of time without utilities. It still looks like a tornado blew through in many places. Trees are just obliterated! Clean up continues and will for a long time to come. I need to go deal with my front yard but I keep telling myself that it's the bank's problem. (Yes, still living in a home that doesn't belong to me anymore.)

So, thrilled to have my car back and thrilled to still have a few hundred in the savings envelope. After Turkey Day expenses, it will be down to $200. I have let go of cable tv and still the cost of living is so high that I can't manage to put aside money to pay for movers, first and last for an apartment, yada, yada, yada. OH! And I have to take my dog back to the Vet this Saturday for persistent eye drainage. Actually, that will take care of the last of the $200.

Her eye started to leak clear watery tears just four days after her last vet visit. I've been treating it myself but nothing is helping. I counted back to the day the leakage began and it has been 37 days. I admit defeat.

COME LORD JESUS! Take us out of this place! We want to go home to be with YOU. Living in the borderlands is just too hard to do. This world is not our home.

[Cruzcrzy]

Hi Cheryl,

I am praying for you this morning! God loves you and so do I.

My post op appointment went well. My drains were removed and I was moved into the next level compression garment. I was also massaged. This is also something I will need to do daily. I go back again Dec. 2 and think I will have some sutures removed? My swelling is going down. We are still tired over here, and not feeling quite myself yet. I think my "energy" in the hospital was the steroids and my determination to get out of there! I feel like Thanksgiving and Christmas are a swirling whirlwhind and I am just in the middle. My pain is still very manageable, and not much need for pain meds, but, am taking my muscle relaxers regularly. I am eating healthy, but, not tracking or caring much about any type of diet. I am walking and using my breathing thingy. For peace of mind we invested in an oximeter.

I appreciate everyone's love and support. I wish I could do personals, but, I'm just not there yet.

More another time.

[obraxton]

I love the evelope idea...I think this would be a good idea for me to do again. I tried it once years ago to manage my finances, I could really use that discipline the way things are right now. I will be on a "financial fast" I read about once in the month of January