Jewel, How are You?

[jazzcat]

Just wanted to know how you are feeling. I'm sure others want to know as well!

[Jewel]

Jazz, you are too sweet...I'm feeling fine. I'm a bit on the depressed/scared side right now, but that's all because of a stupid appt I have with the doctor tomorrow. Making a long gross story short, I have a drainage tube. Drainage tube hurts. Drainage tube is coming out of a little hole in my, um... lower region. They won't remove this tube until I'm NOT pulling much fluid out of my body. I'm supposed to have this thing removed tomorrow, but right now, the measurements are showing that I'm still pulling too much fluid. If they DON'T take it out tomorrow, then I have to go back to work next week wearing it, and that will be not only uncomfortable, but very HARD to do, considering what I have to wear to work. I also cannot wear sweats to work, which is pretty much what I've been living in! The only thing I can do is say my 'slow drip' prayers tonight, and hope that the measurements are down tomorrow morning. I can't live with this thing another 4 or 5 days!

But on the positive side, I HAVE A FLAT TUMMY!! I have a waist, hips, and a new belly button!! The belly button is kinda funny. I gained 140 lbs between age 21 and 22. When you weigh 270 your belly button is kinda nonexistent. I mean, it's there, but it's very hidden! My new one is right there on my waistline and facing forward! Nurse asked me the other day if my 'old' belly button was an 'innie' like this one. I told her I couldn't remember!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif At least this one is in the right spot!

I'm still 10 lbs or so overweight, and I've still got windsocks hanging under my arms, and big, gobby blobs 'o fat on my inner thighs, but I've got a flat tummy and a waist! Yippee!!

If anyone knows a 'slow drip' prayer for my drain, please say it tonight! I have to get this thing removed tomorrow!! Thanks again for asking, Jazz, you're a sweetheart.

[jazzcat]

Jewel, I didn't see this until this a.m but I will say a prayer for you. You are in a different time zone so I'm sure you are not at the Dr.'s office yet. Happy thoughts!!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif Good Luck

[Mandy]

Jewel, are you back from the doctor yet? What did he say? Did you get it taken out? We hope so!

[Jewel]

Thanks, Mandy, I'm leaving in about 20 minutes. My 'goal' for removal is 35cc's, and I was at 50cc's this morning. Here's hoping that he thinks my body can absorb the extra, and this pesky thing gets removed today. I'm very worried about infection in that area also, so I feel it should be removed so the area can heal! I'll let you know...and thanks again. Not exactly the topic of 'Great Food', but sometimes 'Great Friends' can take precedence. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[jazzcat]

Again, GOOD LUCK

[maizeyoats]

I am thinking "Happy Thoughts" for you while you are at the doctors. Hope they are working.

[jazzcat]

Happy Thoughts, Good Thoughts. Let us know!

[Pat]

Hope everything went well at the doctor's office and you are rid of your tube!

[chefbec]

I see you're still awake from another post. So, how did it go at the doctor's?!

[Jewel]

Well...It's kinda gone and kinda not, and I'm actually in more pain than I was yesterday, if you can believe it.

Doctor said he didn't feel comfortable removing it, since it could cause so many problems if the fluid took on a 'life of its own' in my abdomen if it's trapped there. (medical term: seroma). But, he understood that the 2 foot long tube is a pain, along with the plastic grenade that's attached to it and pinned to my girdle! Makes it really hard to shower and even move without it pulling. He also realized I had to go to work next week...so, his solution was to CUT the tube a half inch from my body, and anchor it with a safety pin. I pull the remaining 6" of tube (still inside me) out an inch or so per day and cut it off till its gone. DH is thrilled with the prospect of helping me with this one. I keep reminding him about 'sickness and health'. He says Plastic Surgery wasn't in the contract! Seriously, though, he's been wonderful, he's just had to develop a stronger stomach.

Hard part is that the tube is now resting on a nerve, they say, and I'm in constant pain. No going back now, I just have to live with it till around Monday night or Tuesday morning when I get the whole thing out!

If anyone is seriously considering cosmetic surgery, talk to me first! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/tongue.gif I'm trying to remember that a flat tummy is worth nearly any price!

[SoCal]

Oh Jewel, they say 'No Pain, No Gain' but you've gained, so to speak, and have had more than enough pain (mentally and physically). I feel for you and am sending good thoughts your way. I'm sure it will be all worth it in the end. You are such a positive person despite everything you've gone through. Hang in there, tube and all!!

[Carolyn]

Hang in there Jewel! Somehow the surgeons never tell you quite how bad it would be. (I suppose none of us would ever go thru surgery if we really knew all the problems we were going to have afterwords.) But surgery (and the resultant pain and problems) is usually worth it. In these painful times, I usually say to myself: "This will pass and it WILL be worth it!" And usually it has been. There is no good way I know of to get thru this stage. Just know that if you can endure this period of time ALL WILL BE WELL! You have a lot of people praying for you and that has got to be worth a lot in the long run. You will get better! Keep up your wonderful faith and spirit!

[jazzcat]

Hi Jewel, I'm sorry to hear the tube is not completely gone. Better the tube for a couple more days than the other complications which your Dr. explained. You have come so far, and I'm sure in a couple days or so you'll remember this has been worth it, alot of hard work on your part and soon you can enjoy the benefits. This is so easy to say, but you are a strong person and I know you will get through this. My thoughts and prayers to you for less pain and happy thoughts. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[jazzcat]

Originally posted by jazzcat:
Hi Jewel, I'm sorry to hear the tube is not completely gone. Better the tube for a couple more days than the other complications which your Dr. explained. You have come so far, and I'm sure in a couple days or so you'll remember this has been worth it, alot of hard work on your part and soon you can enjoy the benefits. This is so easy to say, but you are a strong person and I know you will get through this. My thoughts and prayers to you for less pain and happy thoughts. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

P.S I hope you can enjoy your weekend. Oops, sorry for the double post, I just meant to edit this. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/eek.gif

[This message has been edited by jazzcat (edited 05-25-2001).]