Friday, March 25, 2011

More Surgery Ahead

Since my last post (5 months ago) a lot has been going on in my recovery! I ended up having an ultrasound to try to determine the cause of the pain I felt in my upper abdomen. (I had rested vigorously for a whole week and felt much better, only to have the 'sharp pain' return whilst hanging out the washing one day). The ultrasound did not show up anything relating to the pain I was feeling, but it did show that I have gallstones.

I had a follow up appointment with my surgeon, Dr Nathanson in November. He was ecstatic to see that I have regained my regular weight and that I am a 'picture of health'. Upon examination, he has discovered that I have small ventral hernia just above the incision sight, and of course, recorded the fact that I had gallstones; something he tells me is quite common in gastrectomy patients post surgery. We decided that the best course of action was to have my gall bladder removed and have the hernia repaired at the same time.

I had not had any symptoms from the gallstones until mid January of this year, when I experienced the most excruciating pain I have EVER experienced in my entire life. Touch wood, I have not had another 'attack' since; and do not particularly wish to experience that pain again. I am on the waiting list for surgery, so I may go in within the next 3 months.

I no longer have pain (from the hernia) but I do feel a little cautious of this region in my abdomen. My core 'stomach muscles' are not very strong at all and I feel that once everything has been sorted out in there, I may feel more inclined and more confident to work on those muscles with some gentle exercise. From time to time, I feel a little discomfort (relating to the gallstones) and it scares me. A feeling of being 'winded' or strangulated around the diaphragm overwhelms me at the oddest of times.


All in all though, I am feeling great! Since November 2010, I have been taking Fefol slow release Iron Tablets (once daily) and my iron levels, even though they are still very low, have increased slightly. I am still having a B12 injection every 8 weeks, and have now added a women's multi vitamin to my daily regime. I have also just reintroduced taking magnesium powder once a day, to help with cramping, sleeping and energy levels, particularly around the time of my period. I have found the magnesium to be very effective. I have had a bone density test and will now have one every 3 years to watch for calcium deficiency. I have tried taking a powdered calcium supplement but it tastes horrid so I am taking a break from it for the moment.

I am eating VERY well and even indulge in a glass of wine 3-4 times a week. I do have to ensure that I balance my protein with carbohydrates at each meal or snack time to avoid any dumping symptoms, and a small meal at about 9 or 9.30pm aids in being able to eat well at breakfast. My weight is fantastic at around 60 - 61 kilos and I am so very pleased about this. If I do happen to 'get sick' and lose a couple of kilos, I know that I have that little buffer of weight that will ensure that I do not look 'sickly' or too thin.

My life is very busy. I completed my Teacher Aide studies and I am now continuing with more study this year in the field of Children's Services. I have been working as a Relief Teacher Assistant between 2 - 4 days per week for the last month as well as continuing to do Tupperware parties and deliveries 1-2 days per week too. From time to time, I do have a day where I will just 'crash' and not be able to manage to do anything but nap and snack all day; that was the day I had today. A little sleep in on the weekends is always nice too.