tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38314154219359950012024-03-18T21:59:14.416-07:00HDGC & MeTammy Aysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15091560373551865943noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3831415421935995001.post-91043724119431527742013-08-04T20:06:00.000-07:002013-08-04T20:06:54.766-07:004 Years On & Still Kickin On!<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I recently 'celebrated' my 4th year post gastrectomy anniversary. My initial thoughts on that day were "wow, has it been that long?" and later, "wow, its only been 4 years". I am still in awe of what our amazing bodies can do and some days, marvel at the fact that I can live such a normal life with some pretty remarkable new plumbing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has been so long since my last post as I have been 'getting on with life'. Both my husband & I have celebrated 40th birthdays in the last 2 years, and continue to enjoy our marriage and family life. Our children are now 7 & 8 and keep us busy with school, extra curricular activities and we all have a very active and healthy social life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I returned to work as a teacher aide and after a year decided that this new career choice was not for me after all. The long hours and constant physical activity did not agree with me. Fortunately I was offered an opportunity to return to a previous role as a Shiseido Beauty Consultant and I am loving my work again. Short 5 hour shifts, 4 days per week with a 4 day weekend every 2nd week.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After my initial weight loss, I maintained a steady 61 kilos for some time until early this year when I embarked on a get fit & get healthy phase. I adopted an 80% Paleo Diet for 3-4 weeks and dropped 3 kilos around my middle and increased the level and frequency of exercise to at least 3 times per week.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have maintained my new weight of 58 kilos by continuing to exercise each week with a Zumba class, some walking, some occasional jogging and bike riding, and by cutting back on the amount of processed food that I had been consuming.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My B12 levels are great and I now have an injection every 12 weeks. I had an Elevated Liver Function result late last year, with some debilitating pain similar to that which I experienced, prior to having my gall bladder removed. All test results were inconclusive and as yet, I have not felt this pain again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I continue to have an annual Mammogram and MRI with no cancer having ever been detected. I made contact with the Brisbane Genetic Counsellors recently and was surprised to learn that the risk for CDH1 Gene Carriers like myself of contracting Lobular Breast Cancer in our lifetime, has now increased to 60%!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My life is full, fun and I have many things on my 'bucket list' that I wish to enjoy in the future but every day, in some little way, I am reminded of what my body has been through. It may be a few minutes of nausea induced by swallowing a handful of vitamins, an explosive bowel motion, the onset of yet another Urinary Tract Infection, a few moments of dumping syndrome or hypoglycemia, thirst, or, just wishing I could eat a whole bowl of icecream and an entire chocolate bar again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My sister Trudy & I are both looking forward to organising and raising awareness about our first Brisbane NSFC Walk 2013 and so shall be busy over the next 3 months!</span></div>
Tammy Aysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15091560373551865943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3831415421935995001.post-17677760199150088932011-03-25T04:28:00.000-07:002011-03-25T05:20:56.047-07:00More Surgery Ahead<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwchjtobRWRTOfwkK3OyYN7ozsoSojnww6wNtzkoKFYZRAFQy7cffc0gh6-ukDWscItIkZRlsMHjVihbLBVK_PuC5BjWP7rlrwTPBfQ2HIf8Yhezik9Wn_zRBOEnYt9bISgupIDExgpgY/s1600/DSC05016.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587990527440504338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwchjtobRWRTOfwkK3OyYN7ozsoSojnww6wNtzkoKFYZRAFQy7cffc0gh6-ukDWscItIkZRlsMHjVihbLBVK_PuC5BjWP7rlrwTPBfQ2HIf8Yhezik9Wn_zRBOEnYt9bISgupIDExgpgY/s200/DSC05016.JPG" /></a> 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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /></div>Tammy Aysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15091560373551865943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3831415421935995001.post-10594531274760608252010-10-04T05:53:00.000-07:002010-10-04T06:20:10.501-07:00Oh no...I seem to have 'pulled a muscle' or something in the area where my stomach would have resided, behind the scar. It feels like a muscle tear and I am hoping that it repairs itself in the next day or two. The pain when I sneezed earlier on this evening, was more excruciating than the pain I felt just after the surgery itself. I hope that it is not a hernia. I don't know what a hernia may feel like, so I shall just wait and see what happens, and try to take it a little easier. What a bugger! I am a little cranky with myself, I think this has occurred simply from over extending my stomach muscles, not that there is much strength or muscle tone in their to begin with...<br /><br />May be suffering a little from constipation; stopped taking the Iron tablets due to this problem occurring and switched to a liquid iron supplement. Have been taking about 4mls every other day and still don't seem to be as regular as I was a few months ago. I should really become a little more vigilant in this area as I need to ensure that my Iron levels increase significantly. I could definately benefit from drinking more fluids too. Still not able to drink water on its own; have been mixing a little Gatorade powder in with my water and I seem to be able to tolerate that ok.<br /><br />Back onto full cream milk, which surprised me. Not that I have much anyway, just a little in my coffee/tea and cereal from time to time. It tastes just fine. I have actually come to a point in my journey through my recovery post gastrectomy where I have 'run out of things to try and eat'. I have tried everything! All the yummy treats, the fast foods, the pastas, meats, dairy, nuts, alcohol, breads and cereals, fruits and vegetables; I can eat them all! There is nothing left that I would like to try and eat again, I've eaten it!<br /><br />The biggest changes for me post gastrectomy thus far are:<br />1. I no longer like ice cream or chocolate - they tend to make me feel 'sickly' after eating them.<br />2. No desire to drink alcohol - I can drink it, but it just doesn't 'appeal'.<br />3. Water - drinking water on its own makes me feel nauseous.<br /><br />I have actually GAINED some weight ALREADY !!! I can't believe it! I have put on about 1.5 kilos (3lb's) in the last month following a holiday to Ballarat Victoria. I actually feel a little uncomfortable around my middle. . . .mmmm, may cut back on some of the junk food.Tammy Aysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15091560373551865943noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3831415421935995001.post-90617493648152699592010-07-14T21:59:00.000-07:002010-10-04T04:35:53.379-07:00First Anniversary<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPW3XZ36oK1kLT5zL2RMjluJfKQQT80sq6mnq2fZnEU4n6Uc1EtyWH7IGx3cotgJOlbJTlAbnpUX2R_vKUtiYsaekN9OuccYGSKSuZMRK_EiE0Xpus0FbDGs_IKFJ2zHf8pD0V2-j-j3E/s1600/DSC04477.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524153175686056594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPW3XZ36oK1kLT5zL2RMjluJfKQQT80sq6mnq2fZnEU4n6Uc1EtyWH7IGx3cotgJOlbJTlAbnpUX2R_vKUtiYsaekN9OuccYGSKSuZMRK_EiE0Xpus0FbDGs_IKFJ2zHf8pD0V2-j-j3E/s200/DSC04477.JPG" /></a> A whole year has passed since beginning my journey through life without a stomach. I feel like celebrating! I've made it! And I am doing really well.<br /><br /><strong>Eating</strong>. No major dramas. I eat everything and anything. Still a little cautious with white rice. I pay particular attention to eating rice slowly because if I don't, it often finds its way back up. If I gulp my food or take too large of a mouthful and don't chew it up really well, this too can cause some discomfort. I am eating breakfast, morning tea snack, lunch (usually left overs from dinner the night before), afternoon tea snack, dinner at about 6.30pm and another small dinner at about 9pm. Sometimes I may also have a small meal at about 4pm, if I am at home. I no longer desire icecream or chocolate and rarely partake in these indulgences. Its hasn't stopped me from trying though. . . This has been a BIG change for me as previously, I would eat copious amounts of icecream!<br /><br /><strong>Drinking</strong>. Still not able to drink water confidently. I do attempt sipping some from time to time and I am very aware that I need to pay some more attention to increasing my fluid intake. I will have 3/4 of a cup of coffee in the morning, a soft drink (can of coke, lift) or juice, half a cup of tea in the afternoon and a juice or sips of water in the evening. No desire for alcohol but have enjoyed a couple of sips of beer from time to time. I have switched to A2 milk (an easily digestible milk) and use it in my coffee, tea, cereal and protein shake.<br /><br /><strong>Weight</strong>. Stable. I dropped 1.5 kilos in the second week of May when I picked up a head cold (typical for me at the start of Winter each year). I just didn't feel like eating very much for two days and poof! I shed 1.5 kilos (3 pounds). This freaked me out a little and prompted me to add in the 9pm meal of an evening. Have gained back just .5 kilo. Currently maintaining 59.2 kilos (130 lbs). I have a healthy BMI of 22 and I am in the middle of the recommended weight range for my height. Total loss to date, 17.4 kilos (38 lbs).<br /><br /><strong>Vitamins</strong>. Just received my 12 month (post gastrectomy) blood test results today. My Iron levels are too low and I have to begin a supplement of Iron tablets every second day. B12 levels are good, having B12 injections every 8 weeks. Drinking an ISOWhey Protein drink most days, mixed with A2 milk.<br /><br /><strong>Exercise</strong>. Haven't been to the gym in several months now. I was going at least twice a week but found I was getting very tired and headachey, particularly on the 'gym' days. And my life is SO very busy, I am finding it a real challenge, fitting it in. Planning to begin a new regime with the more achievable goal of attending the gym at least once a week (at least until my membership runs out at the end of the year). Will reassess then. Do lots of incidental exercise, particularly with the kids.<br /><br /><strong>Work/Study</strong>. Doing 4 - 6 Tupperware parties per month and managing well with this workload. Attending evening meetings twice a month. Lifting large and awkard boxes (filled with Tupperware) and carrying heavy bags in and out of the car and homes. Studying to become a Teacher Aide at TAFE, attending the college every Thursday morning. I completed two weeks of Vocational Placement (prac) as a Teacher Aide in a kindergarten in May, working 6 hours a day, five days a week....was very challenging. The first two days of each week I endured a massive headache and was very exhausted during, and for a about five days after the prac. Not sure if I am looking forward to another 2 weeks of prac in August as I am concerned about coping physically. The work is not difficult but I think that it is more of a challenge for me as this is the first time I have been back to 'fulltime work' since having children, and it is an entirely new and unfamiliar work environment. I am thinking that maybe working 3 days per week would be more manageable for me at this point in time, and in my life.<br /><br /><strong>Life</strong>. Very busy! With a husband, two children under five, a dog, a household, groceries, washing, ironing, cooking, baking, swimming lessons, school and kindy drop off and pick up, studying, assignments, and a half a dozen Tupperware parties thrown in here and there....I never seem to stop! And don't want to either!Tammy Aysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15091560373551865943noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3831415421935995001.post-20668491004203097872010-03-01T22:58:00.000-08:002010-10-04T03:48:55.214-07:00Where does the time go....<strong>Seven & a half months</strong> have passed since the day I had a gastrectomy. I can still recall that morning with such clarity.... I was so upset.<br/><br/>And now even I am amazed at my recovery. All of a sudden, about 1 month ago, the vomiting (or regurgitation as I have referred to it previously) <strong>just stopped</strong>. I couldn't believe it at first....and didn't tell <em>anyone</em> until at least a week had passed. (I was very excited). Now, it is only on the odd occasion that during those first few mouthfuls of a meal, I may feel something similar to a lump in my throat, but rather, a lump down lower, perhaps where the join between my oesophagus and intestines sits, and then a light 'hot flush' feeling overcomes me. I just stop, put my fork down and take some slow, deep breaths and wait 30 seconds or so until it passes, and I'm good to go!<br/><br/>I've even started <strong>drinking coffee again</strong> and I'll have one most mornings. My family all went to dinner Sunday night for mum's 60th at a lovely Thai restaurant....I ate so much food! And with no consequences! I even ate <strong>white rice</strong> with my Chicken Panang Curry. (I did come home and just sit for about a half hour or so as I felt rather full). This full feeling is different to the full feeling I had felt prior to the surgery. It actually feels like I filled up my intestines with so much food, that it was 'brimming over the top', up into the chest area and I had to just wait until I passed some gas and the food that was 'brimming over the top' had a chance to slide down a little further. <em>(Sorry about the detail.....).</em><br/><br/>Something else I realised whilst reflecting recently is that I haven't had hiccups since the surgery! Bazaar..... And I still <strong>don't have an appetite</strong>. I never feel hungry or have any 'hunger pains' or tummy rumblings. I do feel something that I can only describe as a 'bubbling' in my oesophagus that occurs now and then, and this triggers me to stop and think about when it was that I actually ate last. Usually, it had been a few hours and can be fixed with a snack or a meal.<br/><br/>If I have eaten too much at any one sitting, for example a heavy pasta dish of the same serving size pre surgery, I will sometimes get the <strong>shakes and feel light headed</strong>, about an hour later. I think this may have something to do with my blood sugar levels increasing rapidly? I settle it down quickly by having something to eat. (Yes, more food...weird, I know!)<br/><br/>I had a <strong>blood test at 6 months</strong> and waited ages for the results to come in. Finally, a week later, I called the surgery and found out that they had no need to call me as my <strong>results were all normal!</strong> That was a surprise. I am taking a sublingual B12 and Iron tablet each day and have had three B12 injections in 7 months. Last week I got to a point where I just couldn't focus on anything, everything became very vague and I was becoming flaky. I had to check how long it had been since my last B12 shot, it was 9 weeks. I might make a note in my diary for about the 8 week mark....the B12 boost certainly makes me feel more energised.<br/><br/><strong>My weight is</strong> <strong>still exactly the same</strong>, 60.2 kilos. That surprises me too. I have stopped obsessing and only weigh myself once a week now. I am happy with my body shape & size and it would be great if I can maintain it, as it is.<br/><br/>Something I don't think I have mentioned previously is that between months 3 - 6 post surgery, I was <strong>shedding</strong> a larger than usual amount of hair. My hair is collar length, fine and naturally wavy and there is a lot of it. Or should I say, was a lot of it. At first, I just thought it was the usual summer moulting, but I was <strong>losing handfuls of hair</strong> each time I combed it of a morning, more on the days I washed it. Even my hairdresser noticed the difference in the volume of hair, but she was quick to point out all the new growth occurring. The hair loss has settled down now and I will just have to deal with lots of little fly aways as this new growth comes in. I think hair loss has something to do with the trauma the body has been through and perhaps a lack of protein.<br/><br/>To wrap it up, <strong>I am remarkably well!</strong> We (my husband, 2 kids & I) even went camping a couple of weekends ago with the car club for 2 nights. Food was not an issue and I even had a beer! And for the first time ever, I drag raced my husbands 1972 Valiant Charger....now that was an adrenalin rush.....<br/><br/>P.S. Thank you Karen & Cindy, I really appreciate and value your feedback and comments.xTammy Aysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15091560373551865943noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3831415421935995001.post-3627494703859735512010-01-14T00:39:00.000-08:002010-10-04T04:28:29.583-07:006 Months Post-Op<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUrreeb1z6q5n5XrYcVMq8esqKhUemAYvTFK4TaKJZcRPu-c6L6EBNGqirSKeO4kIhV8s097-cq5h8U2n_rK3bmNWrFi9L0ymmvfTq67LgnK9Z7N25afvMVaN4EcNLzWa4_ln6WchHKw/s1600/DSC03725.JPG"></a><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpsW7_arLTx2mcOrB3CX5PC2DOpaWqioswI-SAvIgawR5vp22d_5RgHZ9wqC4cn4ODdbNyevymoNH30lsqnKAKd3c79gU6XUc7SGT0Jw_3b3YNMFQ0lBlBwLda7U4g2MnW057uOLCDsk/s1600/DSC03775.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524149402843211234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpsW7_arLTx2mcOrB3CX5PC2DOpaWqioswI-SAvIgawR5vp22d_5RgHZ9wqC4cn4ODdbNyevymoNH30lsqnKAKd3c79gU6XUc7SGT0Jw_3b3YNMFQ0lBlBwLda7U4g2MnW057uOLCDsk/s200/DSC03775.JPG" /></a> It has been <strong>6 months today</strong> since I had my stomach removed. <em><strong>Wow!</strong></em> I ate a <em>whole</em> iced doughnut today whilst walking around the local shopping centre with my children. Three months ago, I would have gagged on the tiniest nibble of this <em>very naughty</em> treat. Sometimes I just cannot believe what I am able to eat! Big beautiful ham & salad crusty bread rolls, fat homemade hamburgers, spaghetti & meatballs and my best Pizza eating effort so far has been <strong>4</strong> <strong>slices</strong> of Pizza Huts Super Supreme Pan Pizza.<br /><br />I still have some drama from time to time. That feeling of food 'getting stuck' as it is on its way down still occurs. I little bit of regurgitation later and I feel back on track and able to finish my food. I have decided that the best way to beat this is to remain calm, relaxed and stress free whenever I approach food. Every time I am in a relaxed state, food is my friend. The moment I let a little stress or tension take over my body, the drama begins. (Even the <em>tiniest</em> amount of stress can cause problems). <strong>And I love eating out!</strong> No stress there....no need to decide what to cook, when to cook it, prepare the food, present it, do dishes or clean up.....!<br /><br />I have dropped another kilo since my last post and have now maintained <strong>60 kilos </strong>(132 pounds) for about 6 weeks. <em>My perfect weight!</em> Smack bang in the middle of my recommended BMI range, and also my goal weight. I am a little obsessed with weighing myself each morning and I record my weight in my diary every Tuesday.<br /><br />I have been managing to get to the gym about twice a week, where I <em>really</em> enjoy the Pump (weight training) and Combat (martial arts style workout) Classes. I endeavour to become a little more disciplined in attending at least <strong>2</strong> <strong>regular</strong> classes per week.<br /><br /><strong>Still staying up way too late at night.</strong> This will need to change dramatically within the next couple of weeks as my son Cooper starts school at the end of the month and I will need to up bright & early and out the door each day at 8.30am! The trouble with staying up so late is that by mid afternoon, I am in <strong>desperate</strong> need of a nap, barely able to keep my eyes open, even more so by the third or fourth day. And then as soon as I have a nap, I am not able to get to sleep at a reasonable hour, and thus the cycle continues. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkabu11LxtGwxkyMfxsi9VTJ8rPLPdlCRzj2oYNnVKXai4lrCxNx8pU2GpbTpIq0XJrfy6W4vzm0mA8S4ppUdpgNBlpE1jgNJXh7livaCSTF2hlFF4OaLepmZ36YMru0SJbB37TNmqgJk/s1600/DSC03756.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524150234161598498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkabu11LxtGwxkyMfxsi9VTJ8rPLPdlCRzj2oYNnVKXai4lrCxNx8pU2GpbTpIq0XJrfy6W4vzm0mA8S4ppUdpgNBlpE1jgNJXh7livaCSTF2hlFF4OaLepmZ36YMru0SJbB37TNmqgJk/s200/DSC03756.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Still not able to drink water with ease. I have discovered that a can of Coke goes down <em>really</em> well; not a good habit I intend on keeping. (I <em>never </em>drank Coke prior to the surgery). I am also drinking the kids Popper Juice at the moment (no more than 1 a day) as it seems to quench my thirst (250ml Pine Orange Juice in a box). Have had <strong>3 cups of coffee in 6 months</strong> (BIG deal for a 2 cup a day lady....) and have completely gone off tea. I can't really remember the last time I drank any sustagen or gatorade....have just been getting on with living!<br /><br />Work wise, I have stepped down as a manager, which relieves a lot of pressure, however I am continuing to be a very active Tupperware Demonstrator. My goal is to average 2 parties per week so that I can pay for my childrens private schooling. This is a very achievable goal and a comfortable one too that I feel I will be able to manage physically.<br /><br />I made a doctors appointment for Monday; just thought that I might get a blood test to see where my B12 and Iron levels are at now that I have reached this little <strong>6 month 'mile stone'</strong>.<br /><br />I think I have covered everything! Had a <em>wonderful </em>Christmas & New Years break with a lovely holiday to Noosa on the Sunshine Coast with my family. And its also where I decided that <strong>my goal for 2010 if to remain relaxed and stress free</strong>. (Mainly for my own healths sake, but also for my family). I am now <em>really looking forward</em> to my journey through the 'next 6 months'.<br /><br /><strong>Happy New Year!</strong><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524149598946143714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgZvSBnt5lyBS9EGxZUr0c1ZK-YTqTBnhcl-Kl25hewUquAIIwQnx1KNJKapVakPU29Cx7dLXYuKHiG7wpa2eDDsdKTK8_VbIVuUmq95xIiwgZxhoPCt6N-osAMi0vzD4-9fL9_i7wWCQ/s200/DSC03725.JPG" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="mceTemp"></div></div></div>Tammy Aysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15091560373551865943noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3831415421935995001.post-84227866869963042622009-10-28T14:10:00.000-07:002010-10-04T03:58:02.884-07:00The Results are In<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5ipF_ICPV5P-ED_9tBqYpzvSSTX6dc_aewITT__FmqIZk3hnWPXV5FcU_aU8jYc_VuX9nwaNkOjPwmMELZnQWJJBANerWyWlIkl8ICTGzReORjI32Zt_WCu1w8o8geHB9OSWQHfa_x0/s1600/Grant+%26+Courtney%27s+Wedding.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524143350524297618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5ipF_ICPV5P-ED_9tBqYpzvSSTX6dc_aewITT__FmqIZk3hnWPXV5FcU_aU8jYc_VuX9nwaNkOjPwmMELZnQWJJBANerWyWlIkl8ICTGzReORjI32Zt_WCu1w8o8geHB9OSWQHfa_x0/s200/Grant+%26+Courtney%27s+Wedding.JPG" /></a><br /><div>The results from my first blood test post gastrectomy came in showing that my Iron levels are very low at 5, with the normal range being 10-33. And my B12 level is on the decrease as well, 365 with the normal range being 160-800. My GP recommended I begin an iron supplement immediately and a B12 injection asap.<br /><br />Within a week of beginning the iron supplementation and after my very first B12 injection, I began to feel much more energectic. I am no longer getting sleepy in the afternoon. It seems as though I can do so much more now!<br /><br />My appointment with my surgeon has been post poned until the 17th November. I am still experiencing difficulty eating a meal, with it not going down and staying there....however the frequency of dramas occuring seems to be less. I was regurgitating about once per day and then it became once every 2nd day and now it is even less than that.<br /><br />I have been eating less, sometimes it is so much easier to just not eat to avoid any drama. And sometimes I just try to snack lots, all day. Last night I felt like having a beef stir fry with lots of fresh vegetables and a little bit of rice. Well, <strong><em>I</em></strong> may have really wanted it, but my body just didn't want to take it in. I kept trying and trying, and finally after some really gut wrenching vomiting, I managed to eat a very small portion. Later, I heated up 5 frozen cocktail springs rolls and ate them just fine, with a little sweet chilli sauce.<br /><br />I just bought some A2 Milk, a full cream milk that is supposededly easier to digest. I tried it last night as I finished the night off with a sustagen milk shake, and it seemed to settle better in my tummy than my regular light milk. Will keep this up.<br /><br />I am still losing weight, now weighing 61 kilos (134 lbs). (Have lost a total of 15.6 kilos or 34 lbs). People are now really noticing how different I am looking. I look good!<br /><br />Joined a gym. Can't wait to start doing some Pilates classes and using the weights machines to build up my muscles and strength. I really need to do some toning! And of course, exercise always makes you feel so much better. Will stay away from cardio for the moment. I will see how my weight is going after Christmas.<br /><br />My brother's wedding was just beautiful. A gorgeous day and the entire bridal party looked so glamourous! I am pleased that I managed so well to last all day and right through until 1am. The food was lovely and I thoroughly enjoyed eating ALL of my creamy ravioli. That was the entree, but served me fine as a main.<br /><br />Another busy weekend ahead as we celebrate Cooper's 5th birthday with a party with 14 of his friends! Aaaah, what have I got myself into!!!!<br /></div>Tammy Aysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15091560373551865943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3831415421935995001.post-61391152607549232522009-10-09T23:09:00.000-07:002010-10-04T03:48:55.234-07:00'Has it only been 12 weeks?'It has been almost 3 weeks since I re-visited the hospital and spoke to a surgeon regarding the eating dramas I have been experiencing. The appointment went well and the outcome was pretty much to take it easy, slow down and give myself some time. (It had only been 10 weeks since my op). We discussed the possibility of there being a stricture at the join site and the surgeon agreed that it could be likely however they are reluctant to do anything about it so early post surgery. I have another appointment to see Dr Nathanson (the head surgeon) on the 20th October to see if there have been any changes or developments.<br/><br/>Basically what has been happening is that at least once a day, during either lunch or dinner (mainly), the food that I am eating will get 'stuck' or won't 'go down'. I begin my meal and shortly after eating just 2 or 3 mouthfuls, I feel an incredible urge to bring up that little amount of food. Sometimes just those couple of mouthfuls are expelled, sometimes it is clear, frothy, sticky saliva. Sometimes I am reduced to an incredible vomiting episode involving tears streaming from my eyes and mucous dribbling from my nose. Most times I am able to resume, and finish my meal, sometimes I cannot.<br/><br/>I have really been paying more attention to my eating since my appointment recently and I am trying to really make sure that I am snacking all the time. This helps. I also just discovered that if I snack on something like some crackers whilst preparing, and just before dinner, I seem to be able to eat my entire meal without any dramas. Almost like having an entree I guess.<br/><br/>Last weekend was my future sister-in-laws' Hens Weekend Away. We started with lunch where I ordered a Caesar Salad with Avocado and Salmon. I ate a couple of mouthfuls and then it all came back up. (In the bathroom of course). I tried again to eat a couple more tiny mouthfuls and again, it came back up. Determined to 'eat something', I tried again, and again, it all came back up. Not good.<br/><br/>Looking back now, I realise that it had been a good <strong>4 hours</strong> since I had eaten anything prior to attempting the salad, and perhaps I will just be one of those people that will need to snack ALL THE TIME.<br/><br/>Later that afternoon I snacked for hours on crackers, dips and cheeses and then ate a small meal of Gnocchi (drenched in pesto and oil) with not a single drama. I also enjoyed a couple of sips of wine, a Smirnoff Ice (vodka and lemon drink) and a small 'fruit tingle' cocktail over about a 5 hour period. I was very impressed with this effort as it had been the first time since my surgery that I had drank any alcohol. We danced the night away until 4am! <br/><br/>I visited my GP on Friday to have a blood test to check my B12 and iron levels and will have those results back Monday. I am finding that I am 'crashing' about every 3rd day or so, needing a sleep in the afternoon. (It doesn't help that I am <em>still </em>not getting to bed very early of an evening either). I may have to start B12 injections soon, something I would much rather avoid. I have been taking a sublingual B12 (1mg) tablet each day but it is apparantley debatable as to how much B12 I would actually be absorbing via this method. (It just dissolves under your tongue). I guess I will find out Monday!<br/><br/>My weight seems to have stabilised for now. I am 64 kilos (141 pounds) which is the weight I would sit at in the past when not dieting. I am scared of losing more weight now. Really scared. In my mind, I have this figure of 60 kilos as being my 'goal' and I guess I am now focussing on eating more frequently so that the weight <strong>stays on. </strong>Mum is taller than I and weighs a tiny 50 kilos (110 pounds), 3 years post gastrectomy. She keeps telling me that I will lose more weight, that it is still early days yet.... and that is scaring me. Time to step it up Tammy, and be <em>more</em> positive than I have been before!Tammy Aysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15091560373551865943noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3831415421935995001.post-49156760541706826902009-09-10T22:10:00.000-07:002010-10-04T04:14:27.897-07:00Annoyed.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkPQtK7YOmnZ7502QxVSzboAVxruVLqTjm-iZBRPTt1vJBq1KNDtviGm43rB8hg7Tufgau_JI7XaqaUXWcLGHL5kkYeWJzdUou_Hkrb-FRwTyI5Vl4Cl_zp3gYbzk-QKDYzLRxD_mP-sI/s1600/DSC03340.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524147648946924370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkPQtK7YOmnZ7502QxVSzboAVxruVLqTjm-iZBRPTt1vJBq1KNDtviGm43rB8hg7Tufgau_JI7XaqaUXWcLGHL5kkYeWJzdUou_Hkrb-FRwTyI5Vl4Cl_zp3gYbzk-QKDYzLRxD_mP-sI/s200/DSC03340.JPG" /></a><br /><div>It has been almost 2 months now since I had my stomach removed. Wow! I can sum up my feelings at the moment with one word...<strong>annoyed</strong>. I am annoyed that I am not able to eat 'normally'. I am annoyed that I cannot skull a big glass of water. I am annoyed that one day I will manage some foods just fine, and the next, not be able to tolerate them. I am annoyed that I can feel nauseous for a whole day. And I am annoyed that I look so great, and feel so physically great but cannot hold down those first few mouthfuls of food at a meal time.<br /><br />Part of me knows that this is a phase. But gee its annoying!!!!<br /><br />Even more annoying is the fact that for the first 6 weeks post surgery, I seemed to eat anything and everything that I tried with good results. It stayed down. But now, I take one or two mouthfuls and I am overcome with nausea as the food feels as though it 'gets stuck going down' and I need to bring it back up again. This feeling can last from anywhere from a few minutes to 45 minutes at its worst.<br /><br />I have made an appointment to see the surgeon in another week or so. I feel that he will probably say that this is all part of my body readjusting to its new plumbing. A part of me needs some reassurance that everything is ok.<br /><br />I am still discovering new foods and drinks that I seem to be able to tolerate well...the latest being banana smoothies...yummy! When I have a day where my food intake has been barely anything at all, I make sure that the next day, I resort to more soft foods like poached eggs on toast and homemade pumpkin soup. Maybe I am expecting too much of myself, too soon.<br /><br />I have lost just over 10 kilos (22.7 pounds) and am sitting on the high end of my BMI Scale. I can 'afford' to lose another 6 kilos (13 pounds) before I will start to look 'too thin' or gaunt. The good side is that I am now fitting back into my regular wardrobe (gained 12 kilos prior to the surgery) and I am feeling more comfortable weight wise.<br /><br />Weight loss doesn't worry me at the moment, I would just like to feel great on the inside.<br /><br />I must say that it was at about the 6 week mark, I remember waking one morning thinking to myself, "ooh, I don't have any belly pain". It was as though my body had recovered physically from the stitching and incisions. This is a good thing. I am still careful though, not to pick up the kids for too long, and especially not to carry them around.<br /><br />It took me almost a whole afternoon to make 3 beds and vacuum the house! I took my time but still felt a little strained on the inside near to the larger of my incisions. I was too tired to mop the floors after that effort so that will have to wait for another day.<br /><br />My new version of washing the car is just hosing it off. Oh, and don't eat at your Tupperware Parties Tammy; I ate a small piece of a chocolate muffin that I had demonstrated at a party the other day and I had a terrible wave of nausea come over me... I walked away from the guests promptly and busied myself with my packing. They were none the wiser....and I am so glad that nothing else eventuated from that 'taste test'.<br /><br />I might go and make some popcorn soon, that will be a nice late night snack....<br /></div>Tammy Aysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15091560373551865943noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3831415421935995001.post-75569645288592261582009-08-19T13:47:00.000-07:002010-10-04T03:48:55.245-07:00'Diet for life'.The novelty is wearing off now. In the first couple of weeks since my gastrectomy, eating and drinking was all new, and wondering each day 'what will I try today?' was almost fun. Its not fun anymore. For the past 15 years I have been on countless diets, gaining and losing around 6 - 10 kilos each effort. Since my gastrectomy, I feel as though I have been on <em>another diet,</em> only now, it has hit me that this 'diet' is FOR LIFE. I am sad that eating and drinking will never be the same again. Because I feel so great (and normal!?!), I sometimes attack my food with the same gusto that I used to, until I forget to chew enough and it gets 'stuck' going down and a wave a nausea and pain overcomes me. Last night whilst eating my lovely homemade lasagna, I made the same mistake and after the first mouthful, found myself vomitting over the kitchen sink. This in itself was an usual experience (only that mouthful came up) as it was the first and only time that I had vomitted since leaving hospital. (Whilst in hospital I vomitted saliva 2 or 3 times during those first sips of fluids).<br/><br/>When I wake in the morning, my 'tummy' feels fine and settled and I can manage to eat my bowl of porridge beautifully. But as the day goes on and I eat more food, the <em>gurgling</em> and <em>bubbling</em> increases. I am getting used to it. Sometimes it lasts for 20 minutes after eating, sometimes up to an hour. This is rather annoying for someone who loves their food! Its a strange feeling to not have an appetite too, but this does not bother me. Occassionally I have felt <em>something</em> and wondered 'was that my tummy rumbling?', knowing full well that it wasn't. I finally got my period after an absence of about 7 weeks. That was a little concerning but not shocking; my body has just been through some trauma. I know that this will be making me feel a little more tired than usual this week. And perhaps my B12 stores are lessoning now too. (It also doesn't help that I stay up too late at night!).<br/><br/>My weight seems to have stabilised for the moment. I have lost about 8 kilos. I thought that I may have lost more by now. (I do have a little excess and can certainly do with losing about another 6 kilos). And I still haven't sorted out my 'fluid intake'. When I did the shopping the other day, I bought about 6 different types of drinks, ranging from sustagen and gatorade (powders), to ribena, cordial and soft drinks. I feel that I need to drink more and often feel thirsty. Oh, and I bought some ice blocks which I just LOVE, particularly the Frosty Fruits. I have gone off ice cream for the moment, one of my favourite past times, and I still haven't had a coffee. It just smells foul! This is difficult as I so REALLY loved my morning coffee. I can manage to drink about a third of a cup of sweet tea and will put some chamomile tea on the shopping list for next week (willing to give anything a go!).<br/><br/>Well today I feel much better than I did yesterday, and will endeavour to get to bed earlier from here on in!Tammy Aysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15091560373551865943noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3831415421935995001.post-58100959401729842062009-08-09T22:56:00.000-07:002010-10-04T04:13:09.422-07:00All is Well !<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1wqhPMfrgQYRW5jrCkiiDyrokyIcQuaVWiEz7n43nnOJYqh4Jy1B-TgpYPE9zOkxf6wDNV9QSBfgXXgALCqGks6MMImwv2OEtF3Eg9t8pak3NuaoCqUrCrdMetxWqHFA46WC5_KW2pvc/s1600/DSC03122.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524146957254227954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1wqhPMfrgQYRW5jrCkiiDyrokyIcQuaVWiEz7n43nnOJYqh4Jy1B-TgpYPE9zOkxf6wDNV9QSBfgXXgALCqGks6MMImwv2OEtF3Eg9t8pak3NuaoCqUrCrdMetxWqHFA46WC5_KW2pvc/s200/DSC03122.JPG" /></a> <div>Well I cannot believe how remarkably well I am! My life is almost back to normal..... It will be 4 weeks tomorrow since I had my stomach removed. A lot has happened since then, and every new day has certainly been better than the last. I met with my surgeons last week, they were just delighted with my recovery so far. I had the J-tube removed (yay!). I won't be needing any tube feeding anytime soon; I am eating so very well! My pathology results were clear; although I can't remember all of the details so will request a copy of this soon.<br /><br />I have been to a couple of work meetings, although this only involved sitting down for most of the day, I managed just fine. I have been out for dinner and did a little bit of dancing! I've helped out at a BBQ Fundraiser, spent a full day out at Willowbank Raceway, been to a fair, and done grocery shopping. I started driving again about a week and a half ago, with some little trips to start with. I do know my limits and find myself taking that 30 minute nap in the afternoon if I feel like it. But that is not everyday.<br /><br />Sometimes I wonder if my 'bubble is going to burst' and I will crash all of a sudden one day soon...I have just exceeded my 'recovery expectations' so much! It took mum such a long long time to get to where I am at the moment (14-15 months) and she suffered terribly with dumping syndrome, not being able to eat a large variety of foods and dramatic weight loss. To date I have lost 8 kilos, 4 of those whilst in hospital. I am eating whatever I like; just smaller portions. I find that breads, pastas and rice fill me up quicker than they used, or maybe its just that they are taking longer to break down than before. Not sure. I haven't had any alcohol, nor do I have the desire, and I haven't gone back to coffee. (I missed it for the first few weeks). But I do enjoy a half a cup of tea every now and then.<br /><br />I find it difficult to drink water and consequently had a mild urinary tract infection strike me at the end of last week. I can drink my glass or two of sustagen each day with no worries, but water just doesn't go down well. Will keep practising. Ice cream goes down well!<br /><br />My kids have been great....Cooper is such a compassionate, caring soul. He kisses me goodnight and tells me 'I hope you feel better really soon mum'. I caught him singing a song to himself the other day, it was very tuneful...some of the lyrics were, 'and my mummy had her stomach removed...and grandma and grandpa came to look after us when mummy was in hospital....and grandma did mummy's jobs...'. Its very cute (for a 4yr old) and makes me laugh and feel very loved. Zara is more into the technical side of things, throwing out comments like 'did they take your belly out mum?' and 'but I can still see it'. A very inquisitive soul, who has also tried to take advantage of mummy and got out of going to day care because of comments like 'but I neeeeeeeed you mummy' (tears included). I am so very glad that I have been so open and honest with my children, as young as they are.... And so my life now goes on, with swimming lessons for the kids tomorrow morning, a business meeting for me tomorrow night and an all day sports day at Cooper's kindy on Wednesday! And tomorrow I shall feel better than I did today........ <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524147123720864962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWM0MjwCMghqC_5urFcgd8HtpmnCZgGRgeX6nF76aTFGQac1Sn5VB8wEVfLufXvD7Zew_rZf7RpqAIjE-QXLdPHxwnmWhq-zq70C39Z6gxjGxcMPxDLzG7OQQPQh557O1jIEVS2rxKRfM/s200/DSC03194.JPG" /></div></div>Tammy Aysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15091560373551865943noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3831415421935995001.post-12311659279101033492009-07-21T21:40:00.000-07:002010-10-04T04:55:40.559-07:00'One week later....'<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0vWpgHEzno4RvjIQoCdhytMtWpzdr76GWeeO5RVKdbDL7LhOBNmki8tcJIs2ITY-yn3OGRY2qWyR-OGmVSXRH9Po0l1lXPyCgMVHdwOEFfIQ6725aamM3JLnCwRZ6PObR0J9nbhLN-Ts/s1600/DSC03056.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524145675455211522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0vWpgHEzno4RvjIQoCdhytMtWpzdr76GWeeO5RVKdbDL7LhOBNmki8tcJIs2ITY-yn3OGRY2qWyR-OGmVSXRH9Po0l1lXPyCgMVHdwOEFfIQ6725aamM3JLnCwRZ6PObR0J9nbhLN-Ts/s200/DSC03056.JPG" /></a> I had a mini melt down last Tuesday, 14th July 2009; but it wasn't until I had been admitted into the hospital and went up to the theatre department and started changing into my 'theatre robe'. There were a few tears as I waited on the theatre trolley and as I said good bye to Mark as I was wheeled away to theatre.....I barely remember Tuesday evening. I know Mark was there, holding my hand. I barely remember Wednesday and Thursday either....Friday was a really crappy day. I was connected to sooooo many different things; the nasal gastric tube was really uncomfortable, a catherdar, drainage tube, feeding tube, canular drip with fluids and morphene. I think I was really 'aware' of eveything Friday; but I just kept thinking that today will be over soon, and every new day will be different and I will be a little brighter and stronger.<br /><br />Mark visited every night except Sunday - he deserved a night off. No, I did not make it out by the weekend. I came home last night, Tuesday 21st July 09 at about 6.30pm. It was so much more comfortable being at home to sleep. So, out on day 8. (The doctors wanted me to stay until this morning but I just didn't want to spend another night in.....). Sunday was a lovely day of rest, and a day of getting rid of most of my attachments, with the remainder coming off, or out, Monday morning. I showered myself both Sunday and Monday mornings....I even washed my hair Monday - that felt great! And getting into my own PJ's certainly felt great too.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47Vgi5afDaxYy0SLvLMU78hTATNdn_e2egbmVNpnGdfylTWgKgdBDlI7lj2gF85Ovh1yST81VwhjuzHtOjLdnQEjUSPGIte3jtZoB5yjWBegt6XblxvI5GTJclHlarn9itvfj_jhHyeU/s1600/DSC03060.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524145765377204562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47Vgi5afDaxYy0SLvLMU78hTATNdn_e2egbmVNpnGdfylTWgKgdBDlI7lj2gF85Ovh1yST81VwhjuzHtOjLdnQEjUSPGIte3jtZoB5yjWBegt6XblxvI5GTJclHlarn9itvfj_jhHyeU/s200/DSC03060.JPG" /></a><br />My belly looks fine....3 tiny incisions which are uncovered and healing beautifully - they look like fine scratches. The 4th incision is 7cms long, running across the left mid section of my belly, and again is uncovered and healing well. The drain sight is covered - this one may take a little while to heal. I also have a tiny feeding tube inserted into my lower bowl that I am to carry around with me for the next 6 weeks....more on that one later.<br /><br />I almost cried when mum rang me in hospital yesterday and I said "I'm eating...". I'm eating! Yes, I am eating; today I had a vitabrit (cereal), some yoghurt, a boiled egg, some roasted vegies....not much, but I know that this will improve. Don't want to stay up too late so I will wrap it up for now. I am a little amazed that the only pain killers I have to take are some soluble panadol when I need it....will go and do that now.x <p align="left"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524145942893644274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZtqFZs3NeQ7n8RyRUcYxu3f4QPtEdqKVpC52VvtK5sVIrZCam8SvrdhB-VOltW5QSmHFqfxoU0ZeZ4Q4ZeEspKCuMaRUhBjo8xmPcxa7AJ-xaKLcvDbGX4KD-Ay8vEj7JyRLaSGRuhyphenhyphen4/s200/DSC03064.JPG" /></p></div>Tammy Aysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15091560373551865943noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3831415421935995001.post-39021056546286401352009-07-10T21:34:00.000-07:002010-10-04T04:03:00.660-07:00A toast......<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2JZe0AaBVUkiUvU5y-ydgptTwd4ztGj-zp0NWF3wBxzz0a8kRKp9cLEhfErdMwml-BLxWGFjlzfmPifj6Be_pbWaiU7yjqn834IIFVs9EwP1dST-D-uQdXlo3vHZAuNoaZ8WDVMwzJao/s1600/DSC03039.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524144624176884610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2JZe0AaBVUkiUvU5y-ydgptTwd4ztGj-zp0NWF3wBxzz0a8kRKp9cLEhfErdMwml-BLxWGFjlzfmPifj6Be_pbWaiU7yjqn834IIFVs9EwP1dST-D-uQdXlo3vHZAuNoaZ8WDVMwzJao/s200/DSC03039.JPG" /></a><br /><div>We all went out for dinner tonight......Mark (my husband), the kids & I. When our drinks arrived, Mark & I toasted to 'my last restaurant meal with a stomach'. It still doesn't feel real. Every now and then I catch myself 'daydreaming' about what I will 'feel like' next week, laying in the hospital bed, wondering, how much pain will I really be in....? My goal is to be out by the weekend...we'll see how my body reacts. I pick up my in-laws from the airport on Monday; they will be here for 2 weeks. The day they leave is the day my sister-in-law arrives. It is actually very reassuring to me knowing that someone will be living in our home and taking care of Mark & the kids for me, for 3 weeks. Mark's family is so very generous and un-selfish in this regard. And my mum is just around the corner....and she would do anything to help out where she can. I managed to have my blood tests on Thursday afternoon when I picked up my beautiful sister Trudy from the hospital. She had a gorgeous baby boy on Wednesday morning and I was fortunate enough to have the honour of being with her through the delivery. It was the most remarkable experience! One that I will cherish forever.... I did my last Tupperware party today and it was really lovely. I really enjoyed it! I punched all the orders this afternoon so I might even get a chance to clean the oven tomorrow..... after I wash the car and do the floors, the dusting and attack that huge pile of ironing! </div>Tammy Aysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15091560373551865943noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3831415421935995001.post-21876049490770477702009-07-07T01:27:00.000-07:002010-10-04T04:00:42.673-07:00One week to go.....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmxu8IRHOodRCF1DIfx15El6ZBuXgJdydmZ4uXD7ysi3pel60YUb-fSOqnF3VuDRIHAYjhyphenhyphenYPAkl_JgTDOX7qvUn9F-c6FhcSmFzPSJg4MGC3T_5oLxYO91jmizzLJCymlKKgP7P9vCP8/s1600/A5x7.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 143px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524144032311618594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmxu8IRHOodRCF1DIfx15El6ZBuXgJdydmZ4uXD7ysi3pel60YUb-fSOqnF3VuDRIHAYjhyphenhyphenYPAkl_JgTDOX7qvUn9F-c6FhcSmFzPSJg4MGC3T_5oLxYO91jmizzLJCymlKKgP7P9vCP8/s200/A5x7.jpg" /></a><br /><div>I rang the hospital today to confirm that I have confirmed my surgery.....<em>what the? </em>I have no idea why I did that. I started drinking the Nestle 'Impact Advanced Recovery' Pre-Surgery nutritional drinks today. The dietitian from the Royal Brisbane & Womens Hospital sent them to me....they taste like a thicker version of Sustagen. Luckily, I like Sustagen. Even though I have had quite some time to prepare, I seem to be cramming a lot into this week. Finalising work issues, haircuts for the kids, vet check for the dog (he even got a bath on the weekend!), waxing, tinting, grocery shopping; I've even done some Christmas shopping and have the kids birthday gifts sorted! Need to finalise my tax and clean the oven. I have eaten at my favourite restaurants and had my favourite take-aways, twice. I enjoyed mum's Pierogi's (a traditional Polish dish of cabbage, potato & noodle), twice. I've had plenty of white wine and beer, and <em>too many</em> packets of cheese & onion chips. Needless to say, I have gained 10 kilos. (I worry now that this may hinder my recovery in some way). I must remember to have my blood tests on Friday. I wonder when this is all going to sink in...................<br /></div>Tammy Aysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15091560373551865943noreply@blogger.com1