A Lesson in Life

[JONAH'S GRANNY]

Hello to all. I guess I fit somewhere between a New Maintainer and a Vintage Maintainer. I guess it doesn't really matter as long as I Maintain.

Since last Friday Afternoon (a week ago yesterday) I have been on a rough journey, for me, that is.

First of all I never realized how lucky and blessed I have been my whole life with good health. The few problems I have had have been so small in my 55 years. Not until my life was truly threatened did I realize this. Laying in a hospital bed with antibiotics being pumped into me, a catheter in me, a drainage system, needles stuck into my stomach for five days with nothing but liquids, did I find out a little about pain and discomfort and shear weakness because my poor little body had been racked with poison from a ruptured appendix. They also pumped me so full of good fluids, gases, etc. I almost died and in the end all I could do was pray, be thankful to be alive, and thank the young surgeon who finally realized I was on my way out. For some reason, it is hard to diagnose even appendicitis in older adults. It took the local emergency room two days to finally determine what my problem was through a Catscan. Why, I really don't know but plan to find out when I feel better. By the time they did find out my appendix had been ruptured for probably at least 24 hours. I was first sent home with a virus. Anyway, the rest is history. I can remember even when I first went in, any IV, anything they gave me sent terror through me. Even in my pain all I could think about was how much sugar was in it. I just flat told them I didn't want any sugar although I was not diabetic. I'm sure that went far. Even the 32 oz. of crap I had to drink to coat the inside of my body for the cat scan was probably loaded with sugar although they promised me it was mixed with Crystal Lite. I know they thought I was some crazy gone off the deep end. When I woke up in the Recovery Room I decided I CAN'T worry about how much sugar was being pumped into me. I decided that staying alive and getting well was much more important. I did ask them to only bring me sugar free drinks, jello for my liquid diet. If I was in doubt, I didn't drink (such as juice). Well, here I am at home, again thankful to be alive, still feeling mighty weak (finally got to take my first shower yesterday). Its all I can do to sit in front of this computer and yet I'm hoping to go back to work for a few hours Monday.

I look like a scarecrow right now with a tummy, or maybe one of those children from a third world country with the "big bloated midsection". When I left the hospital Thursday afternoon I liked about three inches being able to fasten my pants I had worn in there over the weekend. I have four punctures in my tummy but did not have to be cut. I know the swelling and puffiness will eventually go down. I have to continue to be very careful with what I eat, I have no appetite and most things cramp me and go right through me. I cannot even eat the BB Lite Yogurt I loved so much. The last thing the doctor said was to drink my liquids. He said I could not do much of anything for at least three weeks with walking as my mode of exercise. I wouldn't weigh right now because I am so bloated but I do know I can tell I have lost some weight. I really do look like a "bag of bones" and a little old frail lady.

What I have learned this week, it that I am not invincible. I was taken down quick and all I can say, is Thank God, I'm alive and all I want is your prayers for a good recovery and to regain my strength, and to realize, GOOD HEALTH is the most important asset one can have. Thanks for listening. Ann

[Loretta V]

WOW!!!! Ann what a sad event to have happen to you.
We never know what awaits us. I can understand the problem with your diagnonsis because of the age factor.

An experience like that sure puts things in perspective for us. There you were about to die and you were worrying about sugar. God love ya.

Yes thanks to God for drugs like antibiotics that will rid the body of those toxins. Iv fluids too, to replace lost body fluids.

Thank you for sharing your story. Hope you mend up quickly.

home.

[LoveMontana]

OMG Ann, I'm so sorry to hear this. Thank God you are recovering.
I would have some serious questions for the doctors as to why you weren't diagnosed earlier. Dear Heavens!!

Rest and relax and concentrate on getting your strength back.

Linda

[mmmommmy]

and

for a quick recovery.

[shawneesioux]

What an ordeal

Blessings!

Shawnee

[Lowcarbrgrl]

I lurk in The Maintain Lane regularly, (prepping for my future )
Ann, I am so sorry you have gone through all of this
Wow, it is so amazing what can happen , and how quickly things can change for us, take care, be lazy, get well soon

Did you get to see this thread someone started about you?
News About Jonah's Granny

[kbgardengirl]

I'm certainly glad to see you posting. My what an ordeal. But it's amazing isn't it how quickly they get you on the road again. I can't believe that you are actually considering going back to work already. You don't want to rush things and end up back in the hospital with those iv's running again. It amazes me what they can remove through those little holes they put in you these days. Ann, right now the most important things is regaining your strength and health. Just eat healthy. I'm sure that when you weigh you will probably be below your lowest weight. Right now there may be some water weight. Don't let that discourage you. The bloated tummy will go away. You could use a little more meat on those bones. Did the doctor and hospital personnel know you were on Atkins? Did you get the usual lectures? I bet you set them straight if they did. I think that if I were that sick and on the verge of death I wouldn't care what they put in me if it would help me recovery. We do have to be realistic here. Of course you will be in my prayers for a speedy and complete recovery. We need you here and have missed you greatly. Welcome back!!!

[Jewels]

Ann, I just saw your post. I knew you were in the hospital and am so sorry you had to go through all that. Yes, thank God you are alive. That was one scarey ordeal to endure.

Like Loretta said, isn't that just like us, worring about the sugar they were pumping in ya. God bless you. You made me cry and laugh all in one fell swope. Take care and get well. We will be keeping up the prayers for your recovery until you are fit and strong again.

[JONAH'S GRANNY]

You are all so sweet. I cannot emphasize how important it is to me to have my good health. I truly DID NOT realize it until I had to start fighting for mine.

Although I am feeling much better than I was a few days ago, I am so weak and fragile compared to what I was. Also, I did not realize just how good I did feel and just how much energy I did have before. I'll be go glad when the doctor takes me off restrictions (about three weeks) so I can get back to trying to get rid of this awful bloated swollen tummy I now have (exercise, etc.). I know drinking a lot of water will help that but it will also take time. Sometimes they say it takes months to get the flat tummy back. I just can't wear any of my pants or tolerate anything the least bit binding. Thank God, I have plenty of big ole loose jumpers, etc. to get me through for awhile. I had even kept a few pair of drawstring pants/capris which will help too. Everyone tells me I look like I've lost a lot of additional weight. It is really hard to tell since I'm so bloated. My guess is I am around 90 lbs.(if I weren't bloated). I would love to gain about 10 back if I could just do it the right way and not develop some cravings I don't need. I'm getting my appetite back and would love to do it the right way. I would like to resist all the carby junk foods I was getting addicted to such as Z carb bars and ice cream. At first, I could not even eat the yogurt but my taste is coming back for it.

Anyone got any ideas on the best approach? My guess is just eat clean with lots of good carbs; enjoying all the good fresh fruits and veggies of the Summer.

[Jewels]

Ann, you have such a good attitude towards all this. Your plan sounds good, just eating fresh fruits and fresh vegi's.The Vitamines and nutritents will be the best for you too. It's not like you can NEVER have a treat of your ice cream but to heal, it seems you know what to do. The bloat will come off and even if it takes awhile, be patient, rememeber how precious your life and and health are. Keep smiling.

[Juleemaree]

I hope you feel better soon

[kbgardengirl]

Right on Ann. You don't get fat on veggies and fruit. But you certainly do get healthy. There are so many valuable nutrients that you can't really go wrong eating veggies. They are also low in calories . Why don't you try an opposite approach to Owl. Instead of just jumping back in full force. Just add in extra veggies and fruit at 5 grams a week. As long as their is no giant leap in weight gain you know you are doing okay. Just aim for a pound or so a week so you don't get in trouble by stirring up cravings and setting off binge eating. Remember, you can create more health problems by being underweight. I think I've said this before but it is better to be a few lbs overweight then underweight at our age.

[Jewels]

Originally posted by kbgardengirl
I think I've said this before but it is better to be a few lbs overweight then underweight at our age.

Karen, you are so right about that. If we do get sick, we have no reserve. I must remember that. LOL

[jvryden]

So glad to hear you are doing better, Ann! I will continue to send prayers for your recovery! Sounds like Karen and Jewels have given you lots of good advice.

[THINNER-2003]

Ann! Ohmygoodness I'm just now reading this thread- I'm so glad you are okay!!! How scary.... ack!

Praying for you to have a quick recovery- and no more scares like that!!! Don't know what I'd do without you girl!

[JONAH'S GRANNY]

Thinner - Thanks for your sweet comments. Welcome back. How was the vacation? Did you find it easy to stick to your WOE? Let me know how you are doing.

[MichelleM]

AHH Ann. Your posts have always been inspiring and uplifting to me. What I can tell (and what comes thru on most of your posts is that you are a very special , kind and warm person.)

I find your hopefulness and attitude refreshing even in the midst of this horrible ordeal. Sometimes we go thru crisis's to make us stronger. I think you will come out of this stronger and more appreciative of your life!

SO glad youre ok!

[sugarless4life]

Ann,

I am so sorry to learn of your ordeal. I've been off the board for quite awhile and I didn't even realize you had been sick. YOU POOR DEAR! You're in my prayers that God will continue to strengthen and heal you.

Eat your veggies and fruits as mentioned before. Stay away from empty carbs (lc junk foods) that have no nutritional value. You need to eat lots of good stuff right now!!

Take care dear and post when you feel like it. We definitely need you on this board.

Betty

[JONAH'S GRANNY]

Thank you sugarless. I was beginning to wonder where you were. I knew you had probably been busy. Yes, I'm eating my veggies and really enjoying them. Even eating some of that ole high carbby corn. Oh well, a couple of pieces a week hasn't hurt me yet.

Hope your run goes well. I'm hopping to soon be back up to speed with my jogging. Have a good 4th.

Ann

[SuSUN]

WOW! Ann that was a tough ordeal!

Sounds like your BODY did a good job at fighting for your life!
The work that you had already done probably contributed.
Thank God you were blessed to come back to us!

Here is to HEALTH, let's not ignore it!

SuSUN!

[THINNER-2003]

Originally posted by JONAH'S GRANNY
Thinner - Thanks for your sweet comments. Welcome back. How was the vacation? Did you find it easy to stick to your WOE? Let me know how you are doing.

Oops- sorry I haven't responded before now. I've been having major computer problems where I couldn't browse online (email only) -it was bad and things still aren't fixed for sure.... we'll see.

Our vacation was wonderful! Didn't want to come back! LOL
No, I didn't stick to my WOE. I tried where it was easy to do so, but there were times I would have eaten just a salad to eat on my WOL and I wasn't about to eat only salads on vacation. LOL That might have drove me to smoking again! HAHA just kidding. But seriously- I think I did pretty good... I drank a lot of water (because of the sun and the alcohol at night) and tried to eat as good as possible (ie: as lowcarb as possible). I did drink mixed drinks- so I'm sure my carb count was high but I don't drink much... so it wasn't sky high. I didn't get a whole lot of exercise though- mostly relaxing on this vacation. LOL
I came home with a few lbs gained- but lost it quickly... I'm sure it was water retention because I probably still didn't drink enough water while there.

I've been doing okay since then... I still haven't gotten back down to goal weight -kept getting on track then off again, over and over.... I don't even have the cravings to smoke cigs anymore but for a fleeting moment I entertained the idea of smoking again simply to help me lose weight again! (either because it helps my metabolism or somehow gives me the strength to say no to the evil Doritos devil/etc. LOL) but I don't want to start smoking again... that was just a last ditch desperate effort in my mind to figure out a way to lose the weight again. Ohwell.
I've finally gotten myself back on track I think...Started about 2wks ago and only had 1 cheat meal that first week-none the 2nd... so I'm on track now I think. Lost 11.2lbs in that 2wks (as of yesterday) -so I'd say I'm back on track wouldn't you? LOL Still have a ways to go... just to get to 120 again - THEN work on getting lower than that again! LOL Oh to be as thin as you....

Thanks for asking!
How have YOU been????? That's the more important question.