Natasha B.
My Surgery
Aug 24, 2008
WOW - what a ride that was. I am a week and 5 days out from surgery and feel great. I can't believe it's over and done with. Someone pinch me please.
We arrived at the hospital at 6:45 and I went and did the admitting paper work. Then they took me back to the prep room, I got my iv and a shave. Dave came in to sit with me after that. We sat in silence most of the time. I was just enjoying his company.
Dr. L came in to talk to us before surgery, told me and Dave what to expect, and how long it should take - 4 hours - I would be done around 1:00. He left and the anethisiatologist came in to explain what was going to happen. I didn't have a single question. Then it was time to go in - they gave me something in my IV and I was immediatly stoned. WOO HOO here we go I said. Gave Dave a thumbs up ( I was not nervous at ALL) they slid me onto the table with some help from me moved some stuff around and then said ok Natasha - and I was out. It felt like a MINUTE and I heard them calling my name - Natasha - take a deep breath (I was intubated, and didn't even feel a thing) they took it out - and I crashed again.
I woke up in the recovery room with a great recovery nurse. I don't remember his name. He was not impressed that there was no bed ready in ICU for me. BOY was I stoned! feeling pretty good tho and NO pain. Out like a light again. I woke up in ICU and Dave was sitting next to me. I had cordes coming out of me everywhere - I had a centeral line in my neck, and IV in my hand, oxygen, an NG tube , 3 drain tubes, and a cathetar.
My ICU nurse was great. He was Canadian - I'm sure I talked his ear off, but probably didn't make sense I was so stoned. NO PAIN. I loved that little button! The next day I was going to my room on the 7th floor. I asked him if I could WALK - and I did..I walked from ICU to my room. He was a bit floored and said are you sure you want to walk? I said YOU BET! so I shuffeled my way along while he pused my wheelchair. He joked with passing nurses that this was the new protocal to have all ICU patienst WALK to their new room. I got on the elevator and walked down to my new room. It was great!! I was sad to not have him anymore cause he was so great!
I shared my room with a vet DSer Lorraine (she is from Michigan) she is so sweet, she was in having a hernia fixed. So we talked in our druged state and she told me all about her experience. She was wonderful.
Dave was so lucky to met Angus and Shawn in the hospital waiting room while I was getting switched. Those two are amazing and made this journey THAT much easier. Angus was switched the day after me, and we had adjoining rooms. We hung out in his room ALOT - dopped! hahaha Dave and Shawn hung out at the hotel and kept each other sane. I had the pleasure of met Richard their friend. He's wonderful and bought me roses. I can't wait to see him again too!
When they did the leak test it was day 2 (I think) and I took 3 huge gulps and they layed me down and the Dr said :oh that's going down nicley, no leaks, there is a bit of edema, oh...it's travelling back up..." I yelled I'm gonna puke! They got me a bucket and all I did was spit. It was sooooo strange. But then I felt great!
The Dilated was great, but MAN did it stone me out! lol It made me itchy at one point. That yellow button was fun..but I was soooooo parinoid that it would malfunction and I would OD! lol I even cried at one point when dave pluged the IV into the wall and I got dizzy - hello drugs!! lol
Dr. L moved me up to the baratric diet, but I think I was only brought food TWICE when I was in the hospital. I didn't know that you had to call - no one told me. I had someone call me once - soooooo I didn't eat much while there.
I went threw some withdrawls my last 2 nites in the hospital. I woke up soaking wet, freezing, and I had diahrrea. That sucked!
Dr. L gave me the option on day 4 to go home or stay one more night, so they removed everything and I decided to stay one night unhooked to see how it went. The next morning I wanted to have a shower and GO home! I had the nurse's aid help me cause I couldn't do it alone.
When we got back to the hotel - he hung with Angus and Shawn Daily! We had scooter races in the supermarket, mall, and we tore up Michigan! haha
Khala was at her 1 year apt when I was having my staples removed! It was sooooooo awesome to share that with her! Her mom got some great pics of us, one of her putting my binder on me! lol
We arrived at the hospital at 6:45 and I went and did the admitting paper work. Then they took me back to the prep room, I got my iv and a shave. Dave came in to sit with me after that. We sat in silence most of the time. I was just enjoying his company.
Dr. L came in to talk to us before surgery, told me and Dave what to expect, and how long it should take - 4 hours - I would be done around 1:00. He left and the anethisiatologist came in to explain what was going to happen. I didn't have a single question. Then it was time to go in - they gave me something in my IV and I was immediatly stoned. WOO HOO here we go I said. Gave Dave a thumbs up ( I was not nervous at ALL) they slid me onto the table with some help from me moved some stuff around and then said ok Natasha - and I was out. It felt like a MINUTE and I heard them calling my name - Natasha - take a deep breath (I was intubated, and didn't even feel a thing) they took it out - and I crashed again.
I woke up in the recovery room with a great recovery nurse. I don't remember his name. He was not impressed that there was no bed ready in ICU for me. BOY was I stoned! feeling pretty good tho and NO pain. Out like a light again. I woke up in ICU and Dave was sitting next to me. I had cordes coming out of me everywhere - I had a centeral line in my neck, and IV in my hand, oxygen, an NG tube , 3 drain tubes, and a cathetar.
My ICU nurse was great. He was Canadian - I'm sure I talked his ear off, but probably didn't make sense I was so stoned. NO PAIN. I loved that little button! The next day I was going to my room on the 7th floor. I asked him if I could WALK - and I did..I walked from ICU to my room. He was a bit floored and said are you sure you want to walk? I said YOU BET! so I shuffeled my way along while he pused my wheelchair. He joked with passing nurses that this was the new protocal to have all ICU patienst WALK to their new room. I got on the elevator and walked down to my new room. It was great!! I was sad to not have him anymore cause he was so great!
I shared my room with a vet DSer Lorraine (she is from Michigan) she is so sweet, she was in having a hernia fixed. So we talked in our druged state and she told me all about her experience. She was wonderful.
Dave was so lucky to met Angus and Shawn in the hospital waiting room while I was getting switched. Those two are amazing and made this journey THAT much easier. Angus was switched the day after me, and we had adjoining rooms. We hung out in his room ALOT - dopped! hahaha Dave and Shawn hung out at the hotel and kept each other sane. I had the pleasure of met Richard their friend. He's wonderful and bought me roses. I can't wait to see him again too!
When they did the leak test it was day 2 (I think) and I took 3 huge gulps and they layed me down and the Dr said :oh that's going down nicley, no leaks, there is a bit of edema, oh...it's travelling back up..." I yelled I'm gonna puke! They got me a bucket and all I did was spit. It was sooooo strange. But then I felt great!
The Dilated was great, but MAN did it stone me out! lol It made me itchy at one point. That yellow button was fun..but I was soooooo parinoid that it would malfunction and I would OD! lol I even cried at one point when dave pluged the IV into the wall and I got dizzy - hello drugs!! lol
Dr. L moved me up to the baratric diet, but I think I was only brought food TWICE when I was in the hospital. I didn't know that you had to call - no one told me. I had someone call me once - soooooo I didn't eat much while there.
I went threw some withdrawls my last 2 nites in the hospital. I woke up soaking wet, freezing, and I had diahrrea. That sucked!
Dr. L gave me the option on day 4 to go home or stay one more night, so they removed everything and I decided to stay one night unhooked to see how it went. The next morning I wanted to have a shower and GO home! I had the nurse's aid help me cause I couldn't do it alone.
When we got back to the hotel - he hung with Angus and Shawn Daily! We had scooter races in the supermarket, mall, and we tore up Michigan! haha
Khala was at her 1 year apt when I was having my staples removed! It was sooooooo awesome to share that with her! Her mom got some great pics of us, one of her putting my binder on me! lol
Bowel Prep
Aug 11, 2008
I'm starting my bowel prep in half an hour...oh dear god..LOL...
Dave went to get his breakfast...I told him he can't eat in front of me at all today or I'll kill him..LOL..he's so sweet!!! He's bringing me up a 7 up to drink with my citro mag *shudder* I have a feeling today is going to be a long day.
My surgery got bumped down to 9:00 so I have to be there at 7:00 that's cool...it works out better. We don't have to get up so early now. I think today is going to be a long day...Dave said to me..you can still back out ...I said NO WAY!!!
I'm going to send Dave on a sweater hunt for me while I'm in the HO. Old Navy here he comes...LOL I don't want the planet to see my binder..hehehe..and I didn't bring a sweater with me.
I just asked Dave how breakfast was..he's so cute..he says oh man it was horriable. He's too cute...I said for real was it good..he smiled and said yes, I asked him if he had a waffel...he did...lucky bastard..hahahaha
He's gone to the store to get me a 7up to drink with my mag seeing that the drury had NONE.
He loves me....thank god!
Dave went to get his breakfast...I told him he can't eat in front of me at all today or I'll kill him..LOL..he's so sweet!!! He's bringing me up a 7 up to drink with my citro mag *shudder* I have a feeling today is going to be a long day.
My surgery got bumped down to 9:00 so I have to be there at 7:00 that's cool...it works out better. We don't have to get up so early now. I think today is going to be a long day...Dave said to me..you can still back out ...I said NO WAY!!!
I'm going to send Dave on a sweater hunt for me while I'm in the HO. Old Navy here he comes...LOL I don't want the planet to see my binder..hehehe..and I didn't bring a sweater with me.
I just asked Dave how breakfast was..he's so cute..he says oh man it was horriable. He's too cute...I said for real was it good..he smiled and said yes, I asked him if he had a waffel...he did...lucky bastard..hahahaha
He's gone to the store to get me a 7up to drink with my mag seeing that the drury had NONE.
He loves me....thank god!
At the Drury!! Seeing Dr. L today!!!
Aug 10, 2008
We arrived at the Drury last night around 6:30-7 - we got some food at TGIF and crashed at 9:00 BOTH Dave and I. We were so tired.
We parited hard the night before and were on the road at 8 am (I was the DD). SO many of my friends came to show their support. I have the best friends on the planet. Boston Pizza reserved the back lounge for us (there were 30 plus) Gfs from work made me a "fat free fund" box to collect around the bar for gas money, coffee, LATTES, meds, and food! They are all too sweet!! It was a wonderful night of friends, good food, and UFC!!
We went and saw Mark and Andrea yesterday on our way through Barrie. They gave me the cutest FROG and card ever..."Stinky DSer" I have named the frog Stinky! They gave me some liquid bullets...OMG HUGE HUGS....You have no idea how much that is helping me out guys! I <3 you (anyone know the short cut key for a heart on a lap top?)
We walked into our suite (OMG I am glad I upgraded) WOW it's HUGE!!! 2 - 37 inch LCDS in the living room and the bedroom. HELLO. Dave is in his glory.
I got to see Dr. L today at 1:00 - I only lost 7 lbs of the 10-15 he wanted me to, but he didn't mention it at all. I guess he was ok with that amount. Julie was great help - we went over the eating list and vitamines, she gave me a sheet for a website to get them off, as we don't have them in Canada. She then told us to go to the better health store behind the office and pick up Vit A and Vit A&D there.
When I walked in I asked the clerk for it and he smiled and said - you are lucky we just got a shipment in - 3 months supply? I Laughed and said..oh you must get alot of Dr. L's patients eh? He laughed and said we sure do!
It was a good apt. He went over what to expect on Switch day - that I will wake up with a breathing tube, but not to freak, and to take a deep breath and I should be fine. That freaks me out a bit, but hey..it's all in the name of health. He went over risks and complications and he said being so young an in good health hopefully that will be the last conversation we have about them. :) I am very confident that everything will be fine. I love his no BS to the point attitude. I know I am in excellent hands.
We went to Target and got some things - laundry soap. Then we went to Toys R Us and got Ann Marie the scooby do thing she wanted me to pick up. Then we drove to check out where the hospital was, we went to best buy, I picked up The Used Cd and Dave went to Gamespot and got a used copy of Scene it for Xbox.
We just got back from a swim. It was nice. Lots of kids in there right now. I have a really bad headache (we didn't eat luch until 3 and I was too far gone to stop it) so I am sitting here with a headache and have been to the bathroom 4 times since we got back to the hotel...my supper did NOT agree with me. I am going to be cleaned out before my bowel prep tomorrow. lol. FUN
Grams called and I got to talk to the girls. I miss them, but will be home FAST!!! We have decided to take another route to bypass Toronto. We hate the 400/401. Going to go to Ikea and get Ange her bed here - it's cheaper! lol
Thank you everyone for all of your support, advice, and great stories - you don't know how much it means to me.
Well wishes to you all and see you on the other side :)
We parited hard the night before and were on the road at 8 am (I was the DD). SO many of my friends came to show their support. I have the best friends on the planet. Boston Pizza reserved the back lounge for us (there were 30 plus) Gfs from work made me a "fat free fund" box to collect around the bar for gas money, coffee, LATTES, meds, and food! They are all too sweet!! It was a wonderful night of friends, good food, and UFC!!
We went and saw Mark and Andrea yesterday on our way through Barrie. They gave me the cutest FROG and card ever..."Stinky DSer" I have named the frog Stinky! They gave me some liquid bullets...OMG HUGE HUGS....You have no idea how much that is helping me out guys! I <3 you (anyone know the short cut key for a heart on a lap top?)
We walked into our suite (OMG I am glad I upgraded) WOW it's HUGE!!! 2 - 37 inch LCDS in the living room and the bedroom. HELLO. Dave is in his glory.
I got to see Dr. L today at 1:00 - I only lost 7 lbs of the 10-15 he wanted me to, but he didn't mention it at all. I guess he was ok with that amount. Julie was great help - we went over the eating list and vitamines, she gave me a sheet for a website to get them off, as we don't have them in Canada. She then told us to go to the better health store behind the office and pick up Vit A and Vit A&D there.
When I walked in I asked the clerk for it and he smiled and said - you are lucky we just got a shipment in - 3 months supply? I Laughed and said..oh you must get alot of Dr. L's patients eh? He laughed and said we sure do!
It was a good apt. He went over what to expect on Switch day - that I will wake up with a breathing tube, but not to freak, and to take a deep breath and I should be fine. That freaks me out a bit, but hey..it's all in the name of health. He went over risks and complications and he said being so young an in good health hopefully that will be the last conversation we have about them. :) I am very confident that everything will be fine. I love his no BS to the point attitude. I know I am in excellent hands.
We went to Target and got some things - laundry soap. Then we went to Toys R Us and got Ann Marie the scooby do thing she wanted me to pick up. Then we drove to check out where the hospital was, we went to best buy, I picked up The Used Cd and Dave went to Gamespot and got a used copy of Scene it for Xbox.
We just got back from a swim. It was nice. Lots of kids in there right now. I have a really bad headache (we didn't eat luch until 3 and I was too far gone to stop it) so I am sitting here with a headache and have been to the bathroom 4 times since we got back to the hotel...my supper did NOT agree with me. I am going to be cleaned out before my bowel prep tomorrow. lol. FUN
Grams called and I got to talk to the girls. I miss them, but will be home FAST!!! We have decided to take another route to bypass Toronto. We hate the 400/401. Going to go to Ikea and get Ange her bed here - it's cheaper! lol
Thank you everyone for all of your support, advice, and great stories - you don't know how much it means to me.
Well wishes to you all and see you on the other side :)
1 WEEK TODAY
Aug 05, 2008
I will be on the table getting switched! OMG this is soooo exciting...People keep asking if I'm scared - really I am more excited then scared. I can't wait to do this...life is good and things are working out well.
I'm not having too many "last minute things" because in the end I know I will be able to eat something again, and my relationship with food has changed - thanks to my work with Kelly.
I found now that instead of bindge eating - I'm bindge cleaning..LOL...Dave saw me on the floor scrubbing and said "How's it going over the tops?" lol The Day after, Grams and I spend the day in the yard working. It felt so good.... I can't wait for the day when I can keep up with her - she's in her 70's and is a work horse. That lady can sure kick my ass...lol..all 150 lbs of her... I told her next year I will be able to keep up with her and told her to remember this conversation..LOL...She's the best...
I'm not having too many "last minute things" because in the end I know I will be able to eat something again, and my relationship with food has changed - thanks to my work with Kelly.
I found now that instead of bindge eating - I'm bindge cleaning..LOL...Dave saw me on the floor scrubbing and said "How's it going over the tops?" lol The Day after, Grams and I spend the day in the yard working. It felt so good.... I can't wait for the day when I can keep up with her - she's in her 70's and is a work horse. That lady can sure kick my ass...lol..all 150 lbs of her... I told her next year I will be able to keep up with her and told her to remember this conversation..LOL...She's the best...
Lost my job on Wednesday.....
Jul 31, 2008
Just when I thought my day couldn't get any worse........IT DID..................
I lost my job as of 5:00 TODAY. lol $*&@
restructuring. 28 ppl lost their jobs. I got a tiny package....WOOT...
F'n H E L L
Thanks everyone for your kind words! :) I am starting to see the silver lining to the situation. I was upset when I was told (I heard therw the grapevine that cutbacks were coming again) so I was half prepared, but it's still hits a nerve.......
I worked for Zale Canada -Peoples and Mappins - I was a Sr. Admin Assistant to the DOS of Canada. It is a great company, but with the way the economy is right now, who has all that money to splurge on expensive jewellery. I know I didn't even working for them.
So I am going to take this time to relax, get EVEN more ready for surgery and then take my time..apply to EI after my pay is done and then who knows....maybe something awesome will present it's self!!
Today is a good day!!!
Love and good wishes to you all...
I lost my job as of 5:00 TODAY. lol $*&@
restructuring. 28 ppl lost their jobs. I got a tiny package....WOOT...
F'n H E L L
Thanks everyone for your kind words! :) I am starting to see the silver lining to the situation. I was upset when I was told (I heard therw the grapevine that cutbacks were coming again) so I was half prepared, but it's still hits a nerve.......
I worked for Zale Canada -Peoples and Mappins - I was a Sr. Admin Assistant to the DOS of Canada. It is a great company, but with the way the economy is right now, who has all that money to splurge on expensive jewellery. I know I didn't even working for them.
So I am going to take this time to relax, get EVEN more ready for surgery and then take my time..apply to EI after my pay is done and then who knows....maybe something awesome will present it's self!!
Today is a good day!!!
Love and good wishes to you all...
14 Days.....
Jul 30, 2008
14 Days tomorrow and I am having surgery..............
6 working days left.........
next Sunday we are driving....
This is nuts....
I finished all my tests today. I had my US done and the vitamin profile that the stupid lab tech DIDN'T do on my original blood work. I found out at the hospital that my results for that, won't be back for 2 weeks. WELL...that sent me in a panic..until I called Julie. She said that is ok. I go tomorrow to get my meds filled for pain killers, get my bowel stuff, and purchase vitamins etc..all with the help of my dr...
My reqs grew legs and disappeared so in a panic this morning, running on NO java or food - I freak and run to the drs at 9:00 - my ultrasound is at 10:30 ...get a new req and Dr. A says to me...pointing his finger and smirking "you better come back with ZERO problems or ELSE!!"" I said "or else what?" and he laughed squeezed my arm and said you are in deep shit, and so am I! hahah he's so funny....
go to the HO to get my vitamin profile done- there was virtually no one there..an hour later it takes them 2 seconds to take my blood. UGH..just my luck...cutting it close to the wire to get to my ultrasound on time. Get there and she won't tell me if I have stones or not. Cr@p! I have to wait - 2 days - HERE'S hoping I DON'T have them...I don't need more paper work...or to ask anything else of my dr..LOL
so now - I wait - tying up loose ends.
This is so rad!!!
OMG I got BUMPED!!!!!!!!!
Jul 21, 2008
My Surgery was bumped to August 13. WOW! I am so excited.
23 days to go....WOW!
I have so much stuff to do it's unreal!!
Friday July 25, I have to finish my blood work. I have my ultrasound on July 30, 2008 at 10:30 , I have my GP apt on July 31 at 2:15 to get some meds, my preop apt with Dr. L is on August 11 at 1:00 and my surgery is August 13 @ 7:30 am.
OMG! NUTS!
My last working day is August 8 - I have to get stuff arranged for that too!
wow - INSANE!!!!!!!!
23 days to go....WOW!
I have so much stuff to do it's unreal!!
Friday July 25, I have to finish my blood work. I have my ultrasound on July 30, 2008 at 10:30 , I have my GP apt on July 31 at 2:15 to get some meds, my preop apt with Dr. L is on August 11 at 1:00 and my surgery is August 13 @ 7:30 am.
OMG! NUTS!
My last working day is August 8 - I have to get stuff arranged for that too!
wow - INSANE!!!!!!!!
Thinking of Pam and Jillian.........
Jul 10, 2008
I read the news on the OH board, and I hope they BOTH get better FAST! I have not stopped thinking about them since I read the threads. They are both strong women and I know in my heart they will beat this an get better.
So Pam and Jillian, if and when you read this......I'm thinking of you and sending you healing vibes........♥
The Healing Goddess
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Test Results
Jul 03, 2008
I went and picked up my test results this morning and faxed them to Julie. I had the ultrasound booked for this morning, BUT I forgot. So I had to rebook it for August 6. I am going to call another clinic and see if I can get it done sooner. I am not worried about having stones (I have never had ANY symptoms etc) so hopefully everything is OK and I don't have to get my DR to request to have it removed.
I have a GP apt on August 12 to discuss surgery and get things in order. Get the meds I need etc.
This is pretty exciting.
I have a GP apt on August 12 to discuss surgery and get things in order. Get the meds I need etc.
This is pretty exciting.
No Sleep Apnea
Jun 27, 2008
Thank god! I got my results today - he is such a great doctor. Dr. Feige! WOW! LOVE HIM!!
He is on the WLS Wagon and is so compassionate about it - he refers ppl to Barix all the time.
On Paper I don't have Apnea - my symptoms suggest I have a mild case, but not enough to use the CPAP machine. He said that with the surgery it will improve. I'm stoked!
We talked for about 30 mins from WLS to LSD to Tattoos! ha! I swear he is the IDEAL doctor!
If anyone in the area (North Bay - Sudbury) needs a sleep test done and is looking for a specialist to help with OCC - get referred to him! He's all for it.
On a side note I got a call from Julie on Wednesday saying my surgery was approved. Then when I came home from work there was a puroletter pick up on my door. It was my letter of approval.
OHIP is great - that's a ton of cash to fork out!
He is on the WLS Wagon and is so compassionate about it - he refers ppl to Barix all the time.
On Paper I don't have Apnea - my symptoms suggest I have a mild case, but not enough to use the CPAP machine. He said that with the surgery it will improve. I'm stoked!
We talked for about 30 mins from WLS to LSD to Tattoos! ha! I swear he is the IDEAL doctor!
If anyone in the area (North Bay - Sudbury) needs a sleep test done and is looking for a specialist to help with OCC - get referred to him! He's all for it.
On a side note I got a call from Julie on Wednesday saying my surgery was approved. Then when I came home from work there was a puroletter pick up on my door. It was my letter of approval.
OHIP is great - that's a ton of cash to fork out!
About Me
North Bay,
Location
24.8
BMI
Surgery
08/13/2008
Surgery Date
Jan 23, 2008
Member Since
