Lisa's Hope

Well, I had a call today from my primary care doctor's office and was told that the bariatric hospital said that something showed on my chest xray. I haven't been feeling well lately and think that I may be coming down with bronchitis or something. I passed the PFT with flying colors. My 02 sats are 98 percent. I'm not sure what could have shown up. I'm really scared. One lung is fine but there is a small something on the other. "SIGH"... I have to have a CT scan on Friday. My surgery is supposed to be on the 21st. I'm just so sad and worried now. I try not to put the cart before the horse, so to speak, but oh good Lord above what if its .. well..... cancer???? Well, nothing I can do but wait and see. I hope it is just the start of pnemonia maybe. Lord knows I don't want that either but its better than the alternative. At least I can get antibiotics and be well before surgery. Please pray for me. I really need it. I know you guys don't really know me but anyway it doesn't matter. Prayer is prayer. Thank you! I will blog again when I find out the results.

So, I spent ALL day at the hospital doing pre op tesing which consisted of the normal, EKG, LABS, Chest Xray, and PFT. Also, had my meeting with the nutritionist about pre op and post op diet. After nutrition class, went to visit my surgeon for the first time. He is such a busy man!! I couldn't believe how many people that were in the office that had surgery already and/or about to have surgery. I really like Dr. Follwell and feel I made the right decision in choosing him. My surgery date is set for May 21st as I first thought. I'm a little worried though because since I've seen a cardiologist before for PVC's they may want clearance with him before I have surgery. I explained to them that I've had evey test under the sun for my heart and I'm fine!!!! I don't want to have to go through any more testing. I've even had a heart cath. There were no blockages at all! My PVC's are considered to be benign. So, I'm just hoping that doesn't delay my surgery. I paid surgery fees today so I think everything will go according to plan. I still don't know a time as of yet. Of course, I'm still nervous, scared, and excited all at the same time. I was noticing people that came in for their one week post op appointments today. Most didn't even look as if they had surgery. I was so surprised. I was expecting them to be more in pain or sore or something! LOL But they seemed great and happy. I pray that is how I feel one week after. Well, I start my pre op diet next monday. Still trying to figure out which protein powder to go with. My diet consist of 5 shakes a day and of course popsicles, sugar free jello, and clear broths. I can also have 4 oz of 100 percent fruit juice mixed with water, 3 times a day. I sure hope I do well. I know it will be hard but I'm going to do the very best I can. I'm just so excited. This is the real beginning of my journey. Can't wait to be on the other side.

Good Luck and God bless!!!

Thanks girls! Maybe I can calm down and stop being so whiney...lol Ugghhh.. I will be glad to be on the other side!! Now I'm trying to figure out what to buy for the 14 day preop diet I start on 5/7. Any ideas anyone? I love this site! Everyone here is soooo nice and helpful!

Thanks Lissa. Did they give you those in while you were in the hospital. I'm just wondering if I should take my own meds with me.. LOL

Thanks Blackberry. My pre op testing is Monday so I will be sure to ask. I guess I'm just concerned because I will be out of it and I just can't miss those meds.. I worry too much!

I've been concerned about something and wondering if anyone can help. My surgery is scheduled for 5/21 and one thing that is bothering me is I've heard that usually patients are taken off their BP meds after surgery. I am on a beta blocker that CANNOT be stopped abruptly. If that happened, I could have a heart attack!! I've been on these meds for over 20 years for PVC's and BP. I'm also on another BP med but not too worried about this one being discontinued due to it is a very low dose anyway. I'm so scared about this!! The beta blocker is called atenolol and does not have a diuretic in it. So, my question is do you still get your regular' medication after surgery???? I'm also on synthroid daily which I can't miss either. How do they give you meds if you can't swallow anything?? Please help! Thanks!!

The anxiety is killing me too! My surgery date is 5/21 but may be 5/14. I'm not sure until I go for the pre op on Monday. How do I stop being scared out of my mind. I try to be positive but everyday I read about complications.....ARRGGHHHH... why can't I just not think about the negatives!? I'm still happy though. My faith is in God and he will bring me through or not.

Awesome!!! You give me hope!!!

Thank you Annie!

LOL!!!

I just love love love reading post like these!! I pray to the good Lord that I don't have any problems and feel the way you guys do. I do expect to have SOME problems but I hope no leaks or strictures. I'm trying so hard to think positive and be positive!! My surgery date is 5/21. Please keep posting cause I'm so scared out of my mind! Anxiety is killing me. I still keep going back and forth. I don't think it will hit me until I wake up in recovery that I actually did it!

May 21st here!! Excited and scared to death!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm sooo sorry you are having all these problems. My surgery date is coming up and I go back and forth about this decision every day. I will pray for your comfort. Please let us know how you are doing.

Congratulations! Let us know how you are doing!

I'm sure you will get right back on track! Saying a little prayer for you that you don't have complications with your heart. I know how it is to be scared like that. I was blessed to find out nothing is wrong after having a Cath, echo, and wearing holter monitors. What is your condition with your heart? If too personal, its ok Keep your faith and you are right. "step by step with Jesus"... I like that!

So So sorry for your wife's loss. Such a terrible thing. I just read this post. I will pray for you and your family's comfort.

Hahaha.. this made me giggle... I think I feel like you did. I feel like I'm just thinking about it and I'm going to back out at the last minute. I pray I have the same experience as you! Thank you for sharing.

Thanks Kathy! Yes, I'm still going with Dr. Follwell in St. Louis. I'm so nervous!

This post is amazing Shelley. Most of what you wrote in this post describes how I feel exactly. Thanks for sharing this. It just reinforced what I know to be true. I have to do this no matter what. I just found out my surgery date will be May 21st. The date my life will start again for the better. Postive attitude and prayer will get us through and we will be successful!

Yeah.. Elizabeth, I was thinking today that if we pay for this surgery before we have it, what if something happens before or we change our mind? Do we get our money back?? LOL It is really hitting home with me too. I do have 3 weeks but all kinds of things are going through my mind. I'm sure we are doing the right thing. I know we are like everyone else on this site and need and want this so much that there isn't any other choice. I pray you have an easy surgery and speedy recovery. Keep me posted on how you are doing. Who is your surgeon?

Congratulations! Those numbers are amazing. I just got my surgery date today and as everyone knows on this site, I'm scared!!! LOL But ready! How did your surgery go? Much pain? How did you do right after?

Thanks! I know what you mean by roller coaster, Carol. It has definately been a ride so far just getting to this point. I'm ready to be coasting down the other side now!!

Congratulations!

I received a call today from my surgeon's office and my pre op testing is scheduled for 04/30 and if all goes well I will be having surgery 05/21/12!!!! It is so exciting but at the same time I'm sitting here in a daze experiencing all other emotions as well. I didn't think I would be a may sleever!! I'm so happy! I'm so scared!!!! I'm really doing this!!!