After two long weeks in hospital, I finally came home yesterday. To say I've been "through the mill" over the last two weeks is an understatement.
My condition was more serious and out of control then even I had thought and it has scared me quite a bit - seems I'm not infallible after all.
I was given a complete overhaul by my Doctor, I had 2 MRI's,a bone scan, a colonoscopy,gastroscopy,barium swallow,bone density, not to mention donating a litre of blood for blood tests.I had consults with Immunologists,Orthopedic Surgeons and Upper GI specialists - god know how much this is all going to cost as I went in to a Private Hospital - at least my insurance covers the hospital accommodation at $800.00per day - FARK!
We did get some answers to some things, my bone problems are not solely a condition of the steroids, but more related to my immune disorder. My immune system is fighting my body and attacking different parts of my body primarily my joints,colon and eyes causing different problems in each area.
My foot isn't fractured as first diagnosed, is it just being attacked by my immune system causing inflammation and fluid build up between the joints and severe degeneration of the cartilage in the ankle and foot joints. The orthopaedic surgeon I saw told me the best thing I could do was lose weight - DOH! What a surprise - NOT! He told me when we walk we exert 5 times our weight on our joints, so me at 127kg is exerting over half a tonne everytime I take a step - how scary is that!!
The other bad thing is I cannot do any weight bearing exercise at all, I was told strictly non weightbearing like stationary bike or swimming, not only for my ankles and feet but for my back as well,in fact I was advised by two Dr's to seriously consider getting Lapband surgery in an effort to reduce my weight as I was wasting my time dieting on my own. I was given all the information to read about and have to give them an answer when I go for my follow visit in 3 weeks, so I have some thinking to do.
I'm feeling kind of shot at the moment, as part of my treatment I was given 3 IV infusions of steroids. I usually take 10 mg a day - I got 750mg a day for 3 days straight. It's left me feeling shattered and bloated and feeling more of a beached whale than normally. Even though the scales say I haven't put on any weight I feel like a Sherman Tank.
OK, better sign off as I'm getting really tired and sore, thanks for all your wonderful support, I'll be back soon.
WELL DAMN
14 hours ago
11 comments:
I think a hug, and a KISS are in order. What a story you are telling us.
I was stunned by the time I read it. You have a major decision to make. And however much I disgust the thought of an operation. I think you should do it.
As you doctors say it is very hard for you to lose weight as you cannot do the exercises which would benefit your weightloss most. It would be a slow process, and that is the kind of time your poor bones cannot really give you.
Am I reading it right? Good luck Celtic Girl, I will be rooting for you, saying a prayer!
Hug, kiss,
Willow
Sending you lots of hugs during this time.
What a decision you need to make. I thought about having lap band surgery but decided against it in the end. All I can say is that lap band surgery itself is no magic cure but an add to help you lose weight. Please read the information carefully and research it.
Good luck with your recovery and with the decision that you make.
Sounds like a crazy stay. I hope you get everything taken care. Hang in there. Rest up too!
WOW!!! What a thorough going over. It must have been so traumatising for you. Yet it was a good thing to know where you are health wise.
What the Dr. says re your weight makes good sense. I know many people have negative attitudes towards the stomach surgery but I'm not one of them. I think different things work for different people and each of us needs to do what we need to do to save our lives.
Sending lots of good energy your way. (((Hugs)))
Honey for once in my life I say "get the surgery"... it could well save your life and make the rest of it worth living!!!! Go for it girl... you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. I am sorry you have been through hell... and don't envy you the bill to follow as well!
It sounds like you've been through a bit of a harsh reality these last couple of weeks! And you definitely have some serious thinking ahead but please make sure you consider all the factors! A lot of doctors don't believe people can do this without surgery, but maybe they need to be proven wrong, especially if it's NOT what you want to do. Hang in there, weigh up all the pros and cons of the surgery and come to YOUR decision and then stick to your guns! You have a lot of support out here whatever option you choose to be the best for you.
Oh my goodness! I don't think there's anything i could say that wouldn't sound patronising :o/
So i'll go along with what everyone else has said :o)
I wish i had known you were in hospital. I don't know what i woulda done, but i have a freind who travewl back and forth to Sydney for work. Maybe i could have visited and annoyed you to death, taking your mind off your woes [anyone who knows me would surely tell you my greatest talent is annoyance! lol]
Hospital stays really suck :o/
But i'm glad you're home :o)
[[Hug]]
Hells Bells thats a lot you've been through. Can only say what the others have and stress we'll all be here to support you.
Big Hugs xx
Wow, glad to see you are back. I am very sorry about your health issues. Why are you taking steroids? It seems that they are the main problem. If you can't stop taking them, then you do need to get the surgery.
Normally I have railed against those who get the surgery due to it being a character issue, IMHO.
However, when it is a health issue, it is OK and I think that even if you are just overweight, if you are losing the war to the point that it is seriously hurting your health, then by all means use the NUCLEAR OPTION and get the surgery. It is better to save your own life than to do it the hard way!!
To be honest, now that I have been stuck at the same weight for nearly two years I am thinking about getting the surgery too. My life is passing by and I am stuck in obese mode. Good luck, whatever you do.
Many prayers to you.
I'm sorry to hear all that you are going through and just to let you know I'm thinking about you!
The surgery option is a hard one. I don't think it's one I could do but you have to weigh the pro's and cons. There's always a risk w/ surgery. One thing I do not like (as I have a friend who had lap band) is that she can only eat a few bites when we all go out to eat and also it's hard for her to get all her nutrients. I think it is within you and I for that matter to get control of our weight. I still have hope though it does seem like a big battle to get to a healthy weight. Either way, I wish you all the best and hope you can get some relief.
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