Blood Test Results

I received the results of my pre-op testing in the mail this weekend. They found me to be vitamin D deficient. This isn't really a surprising result since I live as a hermit in sun deprived Maine. Along with the test results, there was a prescription for 50,000 IU of vitamin D to be taken once per week. Every time that I reduce the number of prescriptions that I have to take, I get a new one to add to my regimen. I will have to hope that it is all for the best.

Soon, November 2, I will begin my 2 week pre-op liquid protein diet. I will let you know how that goes, of course. Thank you all for your wonderfully supportive comments!

Not much happening.

Not much has been happening. I have just been biding my time until it is time to start the pre-op liquid diet. I did go to the hospital lab yesterday to have the pre-op blood work done per my doctors orders.

My sister came over today to take pictures of me so we would have some before pictures to compare to, since I don't tend to pose for pictures often. I have lost 43 pounds so far, but I don't see where it is missing from in the pictures below. Well, truth be told, I have noticed that I can't fill out my bra anymore. TMI? Ha ha! I had the picture taken in front of the door for size comparison. I mostly fill up the space here.

You may notice that my stance is quite wide. That is due to how bad my hips are. I am unable to place my feet any closer together than what is pictured. However, I have been able to give up my walker! I can only hope that my mobility will improve even more with more weight loss.

Progress...

I few weeks ago I informed you that I was told that per surgeons orders, I had to go off my arthritis medication....forever. I started by cutting out one of my two daily doses and replacing it with Arthritis Strength Tylenol.

At first it was agony and I became quite depressed, not only from the pain, but also depressed to think that the rest of my life I will have to endure this much pain. Then a strange thing happened. I forced myself to go to the pool, and found that even though I was in pain, I was happy. When I was happy I dealt with the pain better.

Once I realized this, I called my doctor and explained to her what I was experiencing. We decided together that my Lexapro (which I take for anxiety, but it is also an antidepressant) should be increased. She doubled my dose from 10 mg per day to 20 mg per day and I have been able to handle the increased pain levels much better.

Actually, as of this past Sunday, I am completely off my arthritis medication, only taking 3 doses of Arthritis Strength Tylenol per day for my pain. It isn't comfortable, but it is manageable. This means that I have succeeded in conquering yet another hurdle in getting my weight loss surgery!!!! Nothing is going to stop me now!

I Have a Date For Surgery!

Finally, I have a date for surgery! I knew it was coming yesterday, because while I was at the pool, Ray took a message from the surgeons office for me to call them back. Unfortunately, when I called back, the scheduler had gone home sick, so I had to wait for her to call back today. You can imagine how antsy I have been with anticipation! I didn't dare tell anyone that I might be getting my surgery date today, in case she was still sick today.

This morning I was awoken by the phone ringing. It was better than caffeine for giving me instant alertness. I was told that my surgery would be scheduled for November 16th. I asked if there was a cancellation list and if I can be on it. She said there is, and she will add me to it. This means if anyone cancels before that date, I could be contacted to have my surgery even earlier. Since I am not working, I don't have to be concerned with requesting in advance for time off. I can be ready anytime!

Now I will wait for the packet to arrive from their office with my pre-op instructions and a lab request for blood work to be completed approximately one month before the surgery. I will also start acquiring the protein shakes and other accoutrement that will be needed for the 2 weeks of pre-op prep and post-op lifestyle.

I am so excited. It all feels so real now. It's not just a dream anymore. My life is about to change in such a drastic way. I just want to be healthy and regain my independence. I have had drastic changes before, but they were out of my hands. This time, I am orchestrating the change in my life. I am taking charge.

Pain and Stiffness

When I saw the surgeon one of the things that she wanted me to do before I have surgery was to stop taking the nsaids that I take for arthritis pain and stiffness. I knew that she was going to ask me to do this. It was part of the education materials.

So, in anticipation of this request, I had brought this up with my PCP a few months ago and she told me to discuss it with the surgeon instead of her. When the surgeon brought it up, I asked her what I should take in place of the nsaids and she told me to discuss it with my PCP.

Where does this leave me? Very frustrated. I am not going to let this keep me from having surgery, so this weekend I took it upon myself to start the process of weaning myself off the Etodolac. I normally take 2 doses per day. As of Friday, I have only been taking the morning dose and I have added in 2 doses of acetaminophen. One is at dinner time and the other is at bed time.

So far, this has left me aching all over and very stiff. I had expected that my hips, knees and back would give my grief. However, I was very surprised by how badly my hands have begun to ache and throb. I have noticed that the higher my pain level gets, the more depressed I am getting. I think I will have to request a higher dose of Lexapro from my PCP.

I am hoping that by next Friday, I will be able to stop the remaining dose of Etodolac and substitute 2 more doses of acetaminophen in its place. Please keep your fingers crossed for me.