Home and recovering

[Tiffykins 673]

I had my band removed June 3rd and revised to the sleeve. Revision surgery went semi-smoothly, the surgeon had to remove large amounts of scar tissues and a few adhesions from the band, port and the tubing.

Recovery went smoothly until the 3rd leak test on Friday, and low and behold a leak was found. I went back to surgery, spent 4 days in ICU, but am recovering at home now. I was discharged yesterday, and have done quite well. I have a central line and a TPN bag and am completely NPO until the 22nd. Pain has been minimal, no hunger, mainly uncomfortable gas. Walking, walking, walking, resting, resting, resting that's about all my days consist of.

My mom drove from Texas on Saturday to pick up my son. They wouldn't allow John to come home from Afghanistan because I had more than 10% chance of pulling through the leak repair. My in-laws have been here since June2nd and are heading home today. I have a home health nurse coming in once a day to change my TPN bag, and make sure I am doing it correctly.

Anyways, I appreciate all of you that have kept me in my your thoughts and prayers. I'm on my way ! ! !

[WASaBubbleButt 41]

I had my band removed June 3rd and revised to the sleeve. Revision surgery went semi-smoothly, the surgeon had to remove large amounts of scar tissues and a few adhesions from the band, port and the tubing.

Recovery went smoothly until the 3rd leak test on Friday, and low and behold a leak was found. I went back to surgery, spent 4 days in ICU, but am recovering at home now. I was discharged yesterday, and have done quite well. I have a central line and a TPN bag and am completely NPO until the 22nd. Pain has been minimal, no hunger, mainly uncomfortable gas. Walking, walking, walking, resting, resting, resting that's about all my days consist of.

My mom drove from Texas on Saturday to pick up my son. They wouldn't allow John to come home from Afghanistan because I had more than 10% chance of pulling through the leak repair. My in-laws have been here since June2nd and are heading home today. I have a home health nurse coming in once a day to change my TPN bag, and make sure I am doing it correctly.

Anyways, I appreciate all of you that have kept me in my your thoughts and prayers. I'm on my way ! ! !

OMG you poor thing! At least they were able to fix it, right? How scary!

It's a risk, and risks triple with revisions from band to sleeve for leaks. At least you are home and safe. (HUGS)

[Elisabethsew 50]

I'm so sorry to hear of the complication but am glad that you got through it all and are on the road to recovery. Keep posting to let us know how you're doing.

[Oregondaisy 2,020]

I am so sorry to hear you had a leak. I am glad to hear you're doing better!

I can't remember, who did your surgery?

That goes to show how important it is to have this surgery done in a hospital and not a clinic.

[Tiffykins 673]

Dr. Nye (Civilian Pensacola Fl) did my initial band sugery 10/01/08. Since my needs were not being met, and my pain proceeded to get worse with the flipped port and other complications. I went back through the Tricare system and chose Dr. Michael Michel (Major Michel USAF) at Eglin AFB, FL for the revision.

The leak was fixed immediately. My lungs did not want to cooperate once the leak was repaired and that is what landed me in critical condition. I had chronic asthma as a child, and the surgeon believes that 2 surgeries were just too much plus the stress of the leak was too much for me to recovery smoothly. I don't remember last Friday, Saturday and Sunday, I remember waking up Monday and was in ICU. I can't say enough about wonderful things about the staff at Eglin AFB hospital, especially the ICU nurses.

Dr. Michel knew the revision was going to be tricky since I had all the 'tugging' from my port, and pain I was describing he knew the scar tissue and adhesions would complicate things. The initial surgery went so smoothly, and no one knows why the leak happend, I was still NPO, and was feeling quite well. I was supposed to be discharged that afternoon. As soon as I swallowed the contrast, something felt totally wrong, and I knew in my heart of hearts that I had leak. I had a bit of an anxiety attack, and just couldn't wrap my head around why all this was happening. I am so grateful to be alive. I do not regret my decision in my surgeon, or my decision to go through with the revision, I believe my case was not the norm, and a leak could of occurred regardless of who the surgeon was behind the scalpel.

[burnsun 27]

i KNOW THAT TPN SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Spent nearly 25 days on it at home and in and out of hospital........waiting for the baby to mature enought so if he had to be delivered when the took the band it would be safer fo him!

I have no words of wisdom for how toget through it......it was the most horrible time in my life! I am so happy you family is with you........ thinking good thoughts for your speedy recovery!

[WASaBubbleButt 41]

The initial surgery went so smoothly, and no one knows why the leak happend, I was still NPO, and was feeling quite well.

That's the thing about leaks. Sometimes it isn't anyone's fault. It just happens.

Glad that you are doing well now!

[Malaika 50]

Tiffy -

SO GLAD to see your post. I knew your story; however, didn't believe it my place to post in your behalf so I am glad you finally feel up to posting, which means you've got to be feeling so much better than when I talked to you and you were still in ICU. Hopefully the worst is over, the 22nd will be here before you know it and you'll be on your road to a full recovery with wonderful results. I think you tend to heal better when you're at home in your own surroundings and your own bed. I know I'm ready to sleep in my own bed tomorrow night!

Keep in touch and know that you've been and will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.

[Ruthi 60]

God bless you. I know how it feels to wake in the ICU, totally scarry, I am sorry they wouldnt let your husband come home. He must feel lost and totally out of control being so far away but I am sure that he gets lots of updates. Good luck with the rest of your recovery. We are all thinking of you