Re: surgery scheduled!

[Guest guest]

Hi Tammy,

Larry is doing a little better today but we are still are on a day

to day basis as far as admitting him to the hospital. He currently

has a drain tube in between the bridge of his nose and his right

eye, and I get the priviledge of squeezing the pus out every hour or

so.

As far as the waiting, don't be like me. I worried myself ragged,

and none of it changed the outcome. When we went to a huge

university hospital, I would explore the hospital, think I had been

gone forever, then I would race back to the waiting room to see if I

had missed the doctor. I would try and prepare myself for a 5 to 7

hour wait. I know that sounds long and it is, but maybe you'll get

lucky and not have to wait that long, but if so, you will be

prepared.

Keep us posted.

Michele

> if I can just make it through the hours ahead of me in the waiting

> room...

>

> Michele, our thoughts are with you. Please take care.

>

> -Tammy

[Guest guest]

Hi Tammy,

I sure will be thinking of you and Ray ... we may well be sitting in that waiting room at the same time. (my daughter - 17) will be having her surgery in the early morning hours of September 4. So looks like that first week in September will be a big week for both of us. Her right ear sounds like Ray's left ear. Her left ear has a retraction pocket, but as yet no sign of a c-toma. It's crazy! I never heard of this term until she was diagnosed ... as is the case with most of us, then it seems like your life just turns upside down for a while. I have found this group to be incredibly helpful and am so thankful to have found them. You will be in my thoughts & prayers.

God Bless!

Dianne

tammybrasco wrote:

Hi All,We went to the ENT yesterday to follow-up on Ray's CT scan and had surgery scheduled for the first week of September. The c-toma in his left ear has worked its way back into the middle ear and started to erode the bones. The c-toma in the right ear is in the very early stages, though, so that's encouraging. We are glad to have the surgery for the first ear finally scheduled, but I know that it's going to be a long couple of months of recovering for Ray from at least two surgeries.I wanted to say thank you to this entire group for all the supportand information you've given us so far. Thanks to you all - as well as the wealth of internet resources on this group - we have really been able to understand all the information given to us by our ENT and, in turn, ask a lot of questions that we might not otherwise have thought to ask. This has been helpful for me, especially, as I am currently "the ears" of this relationship! It's a bad joke, but true. Now, if I can just make it through the hours ahead of me in the waiting room...Michele, our thoughts are with you. Please take care.-Tammy

[Guest guest]

Hi Dianne,

Do they plan on putting a tube in her left ear? That is what they did with Larry's retraction pocket in his right ear at the same time as removing the c-toma from the left.

Michele

Dianne McAllister wrote:

Her left ear has a retraction pocket, but as yet no sign of a c-toma.

Dianne tammybrasco wrote: Hi All,We went to the ENT yesterday to follow-up on Ray's CT scan and had surgery scheduled for the first week of September. The c-toma in his left ear has worked its way back into the middle ear and started to erode the bones. The c-toma in the right ear is in the very early stages, though, so that's encouraging. We are glad to have the surgery for the first ear finally scheduled, but I know that it's going to be a long couple of months of recovering for Ray from at least two surgeries.I wanted to say thank you to this entire group for all the supportand information you've given us so far. Thanks to you all - as well as the wealth of internet resources on this group - we have really been able to understand all the information given to us by our ENT and, in turn, ask a lot of questions that we might not otherwise have thought to ask. This has been helpful for me, especially, as I am currently "the ears" of this relationship! It's a bad joke, but true. Now, if I can just make it through the hours ahead of me in the waiting room...Michele, our thoughts are with you. Please take care.-Tammy

[Guest guest]

Hi Michele, Well, actually, no. They haven't said anything to me about doing anything with the left ear beyond keeping an eye on it. I will ask when we go in for the final consult though because I am extremely concerned about keeping that ear healthy, she has virtually no hearing in the right. The doctor's only comment regarding that ear was that while there was a deep pocket ... her eustacion tubes were still functioning properly, there was no sign of c-toma, no debris and her hearing was unimpaired. I'm counting heavily on it staying that way!

Sounds to me like you have your hands more than full with what is going on with Larry. I am so sorry! You're in my thoughts & prayers. I sure hope things calm down for him (and you!) soon and you start getting some answers.

Dianne Michele wrote:

Hi Dianne, Do they plan on putting a tube in her left ear? That is what they did with Larry's retraction pocket in his right ear at the same time as removing the c-toma from the left. Michele Dianne McAllister wrote:

Her left ear has a retraction pocket, but as yet no sign of a c-toma. Dianne tammybrasco wrote: Hi All,We went to the ENT yesterday to follow-up on Ray's CT scan and had surgery scheduled for the first week of September. The c-toma in his left ear has worked its way back into the middle ear and started to erode the bones. The c-toma in the right ear is in the very early stages, though, so that's encouraging. We are glad to have the surgery for the first ear finally scheduled, but I know that it's going to be a long couple of months of recovering for Ray from at least two surgeries.I wanted to say thank you to this entire group for all the supportand information you've given us so far. Thanks to you all - as well as the wealth of internet resources on this group - we have really been able to understand all the information given to us by our ENT and, in turn, ask a lot of questions that we might not otherwise have thought to ask. This has been helpful for me, especially, as I am currently "the ears" of this relationship! It's a bad joke, but true. Now, if I can just make it through the hours ahead of me in the waiting room...Michele, our thoughts are with you. Please take care.-Tammy

[Guest guest]

Hi Dianne,

Larry has finally turned the corner and we are no longer under the threat of being admitted to the hospital.

Larry's doc put the tube in the right ear because he had a deep retraction pocket and he felt the tube would keep that ear c-toma free. It worked until it fell out. I would definitely ask your doctor about this. Every time we see the ENT I always ask him " shouldn't we put in a tube just because" and he says no because after the 2 surgeries on that ear, the retraction pocket finally healed and has stayed that way so far.

Good luck to you as well. I go see my doc about my back today. May have to have surgery on that. It never ends for us I think.

Michele

Dianne McAllister wrote:

Hi Michele, Well, actually, no. They haven't said anything to me about doing anything with the left ear beyond keeping an eye on it. I will ask when we go in for the final consult though because I am extremely concerned about keeping that ear healthy, she has virtually no hearing in the right. The doctor's only comment regarding that ear was that while there was a deep pocket ... her eustacion tubes were still functioning properly, there was no sign of c-toma, no debris and her hearing was unimpaired. I'm counting heavily on it staying that way! Sounds to me like you have your hands more than full with what is going on with Larry. I am so sorry! You're in my thoughts & prayers. I sure hope things calm down for him (and you!) soon and you start getting some answers. Dianne Michele wrote:

Hi Dianne, Do they plan on putting a tube in her left ear? That is what they did with Larry's retraction pocket in his right ear at the same time as removing the c-toma from the left. Michele Dianne McAllister wrote:

Her left ear has a retraction pocket, but as yet no sign of a c-toma. Dianne tammybrasco wrote: Hi All,We went to the ENT yesterday to follow-up on Ray's CT scan and had surgery scheduled for the first week of September. The c-toma in his left ear has worked its way back into the middle ear and started to erode the bones. The c-toma in the right ear is in the very early stages, though, so that's encouraging. We are glad to have the surgery for the first ear finally scheduled, but I know that it's going to be a long couple of months of recovering for Ray from at least two surgeries.I wanted to say thank you to this entire group for all the supportand information you've given us so far. Thanks to you all - as well as the wealth of internet resources on this group - we have really been able to understand all the information given to us by our ENT and, in turn, ask a lot of questions that we might not otherwise have thought to ask. This has been helpful for me, especially, as I am currently "the ears" of this relationship! It's a bad joke, but true. Now, if I can just make it through the hours ahead of me in the waiting room...Michele, our thoughts are with you. Please take care.-Tammy

[Guest guest]

Hi Michele,

Geez, I hear ya, just came from the doctor myself ... had to have tests to see if my "brain was swollen" or if there was anything putting pressure on my optic nerve. I have been having problems with my eyes for the past five years ... three years since I was allowed to drive a car. Light flashes ... loss of vision, all kinds of good stuff. In Jan. I had three small strokes that they say were "complicated Migraine" related and now they think it might have caused some permanent damage to my eyes ... or I have some swelling around the brain. Am really counting on it not being the latter as that can be a Lupus related problem and can get pretty serious. Don't need any crisis in my life right now with 's surgery so close. Glad to hear that Larry has rounded the corner ... sorry to hear that you are looking at potential back surgery. Amazing that we all seem to be doing so damned well all in all!!!! Take care!

Dianne

Michele wrote:

Hi Dianne, Larry has finally turned the corner and we are no longer under the threat of being admitted to the hospital. Larry's doc put the tube in the right ear because he had a deep retraction pocket and he felt the tube would keep that ear c-toma free. It worked until it fell out. I would definitely ask your doctor about this. Every time we see the ENT I always ask him " shouldn't we put in a tube just because" and he says no because after the 2 surgeries on that ear, the retraction pocket finally healed and has stayed that way so far. Good luck to you as well. I go see my doc about my back today. May have to have surgery on that. It never ends for us I think. Michele Dianne McAllister wrote:

Hi Michele, Well, actually, no. They haven't said anything to me about doing anything with the left ear beyond keeping an eye on it. I will ask when we go in for the final consult though because I am extremely concerned about keeping that ear healthy, she has virtually no hearing in the right. The doctor's only comment regarding that ear was that while there was a deep pocket ... her eustacion tubes were still functioning properly, there was no sign of c-toma, no debris and her hearing was unimpaired. I'm counting heavily on it staying that way! Sounds to me like you have your hands more than full with what is going on with Larry. I am so sorry! You're in my thoughts & prayers. I sure hope things calm down for him (and you!) soon and you start getting some answers. Dianne Michele wrote:

Hi Dianne, Do they plan on putting a tube in her left ear? That is what they did with Larry's retraction pocket in his right ear at the same time as removing the c-toma from the left. Michele Dianne McAllister wrote:

Her left ear has a retraction pocket, but as yet no sign of a c-toma. Dianne tammybrasco wrote: Hi All,We went to the ENT yesterday to follow-up on Ray's CT scan and had surgery scheduled for the first week of September. The c-toma in his left ear has worked its way back into the middle ear and started to erode the bones. The c-toma in the right ear is in the very early stages, though, so that's encouraging. We are glad to have the surgery for the first ear finally scheduled, but I know that it's going to be a long couple of months of recovering for Ray from at least two surgeries.I wanted to say thank you to this entire group for all the supportand information you've given us so far. Thanks to you all - as well as the wealth of internet resources on this group - we have really been able to understand all the information given to us by our ENT and, in turn, ask a lot of questions that we might not otherwise have thought to ask. This has been helpful for me, especially, as I am currently "the ears" of this relationship! It's a bad joke, but true. Now, if I can just make it through the hours ahead of me in the waiting room...Michele, our thoughts are with you. Please take care.-Tammy

[Guest guest]

Hi Dianne,

They say God doesn't give you more than you can handle, but I've got to tell you he's pushing my buttons. I want to give up, but it's just not in my nature. I'm just too stubburn. I wonder how many members have other things going on, just like us, besides c-toma. We could make this the one-stop support shop......lol.

Take care. Hope (hope I got her name right) is as alright as she can be.

Michele

Dianne McAllister wrote:

Hi Michele, Amazing that we all seem to be doing so damned well all in all!!!! Take care! Dianne tammybrasco wrote:

[Guest guest]

Re: surgery scheduled!

> Hi Dianne,

> They say God doesn't give you more than you can handle,

> but I've got to tell you he's pushing my buttons.

Well, He installed 'em. ;-)

> I want to give up, but it's just not in my nature. I'm just too stubburn.

> I wonder how many members have other things going on, just like us,

> besides c-toma. We could make this the one-stop support shop......lol.

I'm an alcoholic dope fiend drunk. Fortunately for me (uh, and the rest of

the world, I reckon) I got sober 3,987 days ago. If the Good Lord's willin'

and the creek don't rise I'll hit 11 years on Setp. 22nd.

Other than that I'm just like anybody else, ha ha!!!!

It's tempting to wallow in the " why me " pit of despair. But I ask, why NOT

me? I don't have any special dispensation on misfortune. You take being

late-deafened, now. I'd rather it was me than my dear wife Beth. I'm sure

I'm not strong enough to be the bastion of support she's been for me, bless

her heart. For example, she knows sign language, has since before I met her.

Been teaching it to me. I can do the whole alphabet now, and some common

signs. So she helps interpret for me sometimes. I surely didn't know this

was gonna happen when I married her. Coincidence? I think not.

--

Cheers,

--Jeff

[Guest guest]

Jeff, and , and Phil, and all members,

I just wanted to say that I have been reading your messages daily and

I just haven't had a lot of time to post a response--I don't get to my

email as often as I would like. Your stories are amazing and have

touched me so much.

Jeff, my son is constantly asking why God chose him to have such bad

ears and it is hard to answer. I have been reading him a select few

of these emails so he doesn't feel so alone and I think it has helped him

a great deal realizing that he isn't the only one in the world with problem

ears. Anyway this morning I am sitting here with tears in my eyes

but with lots of hope for all of you and my son. My mother is also

an alcoholic who has been clean and sober for two years now and is now

my best friend--the struggles that we endure are definitely amazing and

hopefully in the end they make us stronger and definitely wiser.

Thanks for all of your words of wisdom and support!

Jeff Tindall wrote:

Re: surgery scheduled!

> Hi Dianne,

> They say God doesn't give you more than you can handle,

> but I've got to tell you he's pushing my buttons.

Well, He installed 'em. ;-)

> I want to give up, but it's just not in my nature. I'm just

too stubburn.

> I wonder how many members have other things going on, just like

us,

> besides c-toma. We could make this the one-stop support

shop......lol.

I'm an alcoholic dope fiend drunk. Fortunately for me (uh, and the

rest of

the world, I reckon) I got sober 3,987 days ago. If the Good Lord's

willin'

and the creek don't rise I'll hit 11 years on Setp. 22nd.

Other than that I'm just like anybody else, ha ha!!!!

It's tempting to wallow in the "why me" pit of despair. But I ask,

why NOT

me? I don't have any special dispensation on misfortune. You take

being

late-deafened, now. I'd rather it was me than my dear wife Beth.

I'm sure

I'm not strong enough to be the bastion of support she's been for

me, bless

her heart. For example, she knows sign language, has since before

I met her.

Been teaching it to me. I can do the whole alphabet now, and some

common

signs. So she helps interpret for me sometimes. I surely didn't

know this

was gonna happen when I married her. Coincidence? I think not.

--

Cheers,

--Jeff

[Guest guest]

Hey Michele,

I would imagine we all have "other things" in our lives ... that's just life! is doing as alright as possible. She still doesn't talk about this at all. She is much like my Mom, if I don't acknowledge it ... it will go away! I have yet to be successful in even getting her to read an informational pamphlet ... but you know, I don't know how much she really needs to know about this going in. I have given her a pretty good idea of what is going on inside her ear. She knows why she has to have the surgery. She has a fairly good idea of what to expect ... I think it is enough. I'll do the reading! Hang in there!

DIanne

Michele wrote:

Hi Dianne, They say God doesn't give you more than you can handle, but I've got to tell you he's pushing my buttons. I want to give up, but it's just not in my nature. I'm just too stubburn. I wonder how many members have other things going on, just like us, besides c-toma. We could make this the one-stop support shop......lol. Take care. Hope (hope I got her name right) is as alright as she can be. Michele Dianne McAllister wrote:

Hi Michele, Amazing that we all seem to be doing so damned well all in all!!!! Take care! Dianne tammybrasco wrote:

[Guest guest]

Hi Jeff,

You amaze me. What more can I say? Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I lived in the same world for a few years ... and got out of it 25 years ago! As for your wife, I would have to agree with you, I don't believe in coincidence, I do believe that God's foresight is better than 20/20 though... You have such a great perspective and I am so glad you are part of this group! Cheers!

Dianne

Jeff Tindall wrote:

Re: surgery scheduled!> Hi Dianne,> They say God doesn't give you more than you can handle,> but I've got to tell you he's pushing my buttons.Well, He installed 'em. ;-)> I want to give up, but it's just not in my nature. I'm just too stubburn.> I wonder how many members have other things going on, just like us,> besides c-toma. We could make this the one-stop support shop......lol.I'm an alcoholic dope fiend drunk. Fortunately for me (uh, and the rest ofthe world, I reckon) I got sober 3,987 days ago. If the Good Lord's willin'and the creek don't rise I'll hit 11 years on Setp. 22nd.Other than that I'm just like anybody else, ha ha!!!!It's tempting to wallow in the "why me" pit of despair. But I ask, why NOTme? I don't have any special dispensation on misfortune. You take beinglate-deafened, now. I'd rather it was me than my dear wife Beth. I'm sureI'm not strong enough to be the bastion of support she's been for me, blessher heart. For example, she knows sign language, has since before I met her.Been teaching it to me. I can do the whole alphabet now, and some commonsigns. So she helps interpret for me sometimes. I surely didn't know thiswas gonna happen when I married her. Coincidence? I think not.--Cheers,--Jeff

[Guest guest]

Good luck with your surgery - a positive attitude is your best

friend! I'd say - take that fantastic room offer - a walk in shower

is a real plus! I was on 2 crutches for 6 weeks + 90 degree

restrictions, so having some help was useful - especially fir

putting on the TEDS everyday! I envy you a beach to walk on - part

of my PT was to walk up to a mine a day even on 2 crutches - I had

to make do with the streets around my home - a beach will be bliss.

All the best

Lesley

48 yo female LTHR 17.1.04

[Guest guest]

Hi Chaz:

That offer of a room with a view sounds so tempting - I'd take it!

After a week you'll probably be ready to be in your own home. You

sound like you are in pretty good shape and will bounce back fast.

Get things arranged in both places so there aren't things to trip

over (no throw rugs and clutter) so you have a clear shot to the

rooms you will frequent. Fix yourself a roosting place - maybe a

recliner or chaise - surrounded with the things you deem essential:

TV, stereo, reading matter, phone, etc. Place frequently used items

above knee or waist height in the kitchen, bedroom and bath so you

don't have to bend over too far to get them (and break the 90-degree

rule). Prepare and freeze or buy easy-to-reheat meals. Shop for

groceries ahead of time or have someone on tap to make store runs.

For the time when you can't drive, enlist someone to give you rides

wherever you need to go. The first couple of weeks you probably

won't want to go out at all. But after that when you're feeling much

better but still can't drive, it's nice to be out and about. Anyone

who asked me what they could do - I told them, come and take me out

to lunch or for a car ride or even to the grocery store where I could

use a cart as my " walker " .

One thing: sometimes hip patients have home nursing and/or PT on

dismissal from hospital. If so, will you be able to have this during

the time you are at your friends'? Does your friend live far away

and will you have to travel far to get there?

Good luck with your surgery

> My wait for surgery isn't going to be as long as I expected. Am

booked for

> right THR June 8. I'm a 53 year old male. Until last July, I was

an avid

> cyclist, about 40 km / 3 times a week. I had to stop cycling

because of a

> shoulder injury, and then my hip quickly deteriorated. I haven't

been able

> to work for the past five months, and have been on a very high

level of pain

> meds. I'm not especially looking forward to surgery, but don't

have any

> choice, and am really looking forward to 'getting my life back', as

so many

> people on this list have said.

>

> I'll be having a modified MIS, 3.25 inch incision, combo

> titanium/poly/chrome prosthesis. Hospital stay is expected to be 3

to 5

> days. One concern is that I live alone. Good friends have offered

me a

> nice place to stay for the first week or so after surgery (large

bedroom

> overlooking a mountain stream, private bathroom with walk-in

shower).

> Question: How long before I can manage on my own?

>

> I live near the ocean, and am really motivated to get well so that

I can

> enjoy walks on the beach in July and August. Is this a realistic

goal?

>

> I've been pretty quiet on this list, but it's helped me a lot;

thanks to

> everyone!

>

> Chaz

> Vancouver, Canada

>

> _________________________________________________________________

> Tired of spam? Get advanced junk mail protection with MSN Premium

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ca & page=byoa/prem & xAPID=1994 & DI=1034 & SU=http://hotmail.com/enca & HL=Mar

ket_MSNIS_Taglines

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/18/2004 11:07:46 AM Central Standard Time, chaz_t_1050@... writes:

I live near the ocean, and am really motivated to get well so that I can enjoy walks on the beach in July and August. Is this a realistic goal?

_____

I sure hope it is, as I live on the Gulf, and haven't been able to walk the beach for 2 years.

y

[Guest guest]

Hi Chaz. I'm 55, and had the same prosthesis and MIS surgery you are

having 30 days ago today.

3-5 days in the hospital is a bit long for MIS. It is usually 1-2

days here. I was able to do almost everything for myself within a

week. All I really needed my wife to do the first week was to

change my bandage and help with shoes and socks. Not to mention,

running errands, cooking and fetching a beer or two of course. lol

Walking on the beach a month later shouldn't be too much of a

problem, but I would be careful of loose sand and your footing. I'm

going to the beach next week depending on the weather.

daniel

> My wait for surgery isn't going to be as long as I expected. Am

booked for

> right THR June 8. I'm a 53 year old male. Until last July, I was

an avid

> cyclist, about 40 km / 3 times a week. I had to stop cycling

because of a

> shoulder injury, and then my hip quickly deteriorated. I haven't

been able

> to work for the past five months, and have been on a very high

level of pain

> meds. I'm not especially looking forward to surgery, but don't

have any

> choice, and am really looking forward to 'getting my life back', as

so many

> people on this list have said.

>

> I'll be having a modified MIS, 3.25 inch incision, combo

> titanium/poly/chrome prosthesis. Hospital stay is expected to be 3

to 5

> days. One concern is that I live alone. Good friends have offered

me a

> nice place to stay for the first week or so after surgery (large

bedroom

> overlooking a mountain stream, private bathroom with walk-in

shower).

> Question: How long before I can manage on my own?

>

> I live near the ocean, and am really motivated to get well so that

I can

> enjoy walks on the beach in July and August. Is this a realistic

goal?

>

> I've been pretty quiet on this list, but it's helped me a lot;

thanks to

> everyone!

>

> Chaz

> Vancouver, Canada

>

> _________________________________________________________________

> Tired of spam? Get advanced junk mail protection with MSN Premium

> http://join.msn.com/?pgmarket=en-

ca & page=byoa/prem & xAPID=1994 & DI=1034 & SU=http://hotmail.com/enca & HL=Mar

ket_MSNIS_Taglines

[Guest guest]

Hi Chaz

I would go by your Friends place I was living with my Brother and his wife and two kids when I had my TRHR there was nobody to help me at home so I had to go to a Nursning home and that is the worst place to go to after having a Hip or Knee operation they keep you in a wheel chair most of the time I was in two differant places because I had a knee replacement also and no one to take care of me if your friend is home all the time thats great .Well I wish you the best of luck.

juneflower60 or SusieChaz T <chaz_t_1050@...> wrote:

My wait for surgery isn't going to be as long as I expected. Am booked for right THR June 8. I'm a 53 year old male. Until last July, I was an avid cyclist, about 40 km / 3 times a week. I had to stop cycling because of a shoulder injury, and then my hip quickly deteriorated. I haven't been able to work for the past five months, and have been on a very high level of pain meds. I'm not especially looking forward to surgery, but don't have any choice, and am really looking forward to 'getting my life back', as so many people on this list have said.I'll be having a modified MIS, 3.25 inch incision, combo titanium/poly/chrome prosthesis. Hospital stay is expected to be 3 to 5 days. One concern is that I live alone. Good friends have offered me a nice place to stay for the first week

or so after surgery (large bedroom overlooking a mountain stream, private bathroom with walk-in shower). Question: How long before I can manage on my own?I live near the ocean, and am really motivated to get well so that I can enjoy walks on the beach in July and August. Is this a realistic goal?I've been pretty quiet on this list, but it's helped me a lot; thanks to everyone!ChazVancouver, Canada_________________________________________________________________Tired of spam? Get advanced junk mail protection with MSN Premium http://join.msn.com/?pgmarket=en-ca & page=byoa/prem & xAPID=1994 & DI=1034 & SU=http://hotmail.com/enca & HL=Market_MSNIS_Taglines

[Guest guest]

> My wait for surgery isn't going to be as long as I expected. Am

booked for

> right THR June 8. I'm a 53 year old male. Until last July, I was

an avid

> cyclist, about 40 km / 3 times a week. I had to stop cycling

because of a

> shoulder injury, and then my hip quickly deteriorated. I haven't

been able

> to work for the past five months, and have been on a very high

level of pain

> meds. I'm not especially looking forward to surgery, but don't

have any

> choice, and am really looking forward to 'getting my life back', as

so many

> people on this list have said.

>

> I'll be having a modified MIS, 3.25 inch incision, combo

> titanium/poly/chrome prosthesis. Hospital stay is expected to be 3

to 5

> days. One concern is that I live alone. Good friends have offered

me a

> nice place to stay for the first week or so after surgery (large

bedroom

> overlooking a mountain stream, private bathroom with walk-in

shower).

> Question: How long before I can manage on my own?

>

> I live near the ocean, and am really motivated to get well so that

I can

> enjoy walks on the beach in July and August. Is this a realistic

goal?

>

> I've been pretty quiet on this list, but it's helped me a lot;

thanks to

> everyone!

>

> Chaz

> Vancouver, Canada

>

>Hi Chaz,

I'm also waiting for hip surgery in Vancouver and it sounds like it

might be another year or so before I can have it. Who is doing your

surgery and how long did you have to wait? I'm getting desperate as

the pain is horrific and it's really hard to get around now.

_________________________________________________________________

> Tired of spam? Get advanced junk mail protection with MSN Premium

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ca & page=byoa/prem & xAPID=1994 & DI=1034 & SU=http://hotmail.com/enca & HL=Mar

ket_MSNIS_Taglines

[Guest guest]

>

> > >Hi Chaz,

> >I'm also waiting for hip surgery in Vancouver and it sounds like it

> >might be another year or so before I can have it. Who is doing your

> >surgery and how long did you have to wait? I'm getting desperate as

> >the pain is horrific and it's really hard to get around now.

> >

> >

>

> Hi ,

>

> My surgeon is Dr Werry, office in 1100-block Burrard. He's the head

> of Ortho at St. 's. Took almost three months to get in to see him for

> my consult, and another three months for surgery, for a total of six months.

> His manner certainly instills confidence. You will, of course, need a

> referral from your own GP, but there's no reason why you can't be on more

> than one waitlist. Good luck -- I found waiting for an exact date to be a

> real trial.

>

> Chaz

Hi Chaz,

Thanks for the information. Sounds like his lineup is shorter than my

orthopod's.

> Vancouver, Canada

> THR scheduled June 8 04

>

> _________________________________________________________________

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aglines

[Guest guest]

,

Welcome to our world. You will never regret your choice. You will have lots of things go through your head in the next 5 weeks before you have the surgery. Just remember this is the place to come and voice your feeling, questions and ask for support. There is always someone here who will be willing to jump in and talk with you and you will have excellent support from most everyone on this site. There are a lot of people with some great knowledge on here--there are NO bad questions to ask--ask away. I am very proud that you took the first step. I had my surgery about 7 weeks ago and I feel great. I have giving lots of clothing away (too big Tee Hee) from the weight loss I have had so far. I tried a jacket on today because I don't have a lot of clothes that fits and it was way toooooooooooo big for me. I am learning to look at the smaller size clothing now.

Take Care,

Suzanne

217lbs 184 lbs 125 lbs

Staring Now Goal

In a message dated 12/14/2008 6:13:30 A.M. Pacific Standard Time, knkloth@... writes:

Well, I did it - I am scheduled for sleeve surgery on January 24th. I know it is going to be hard work - but I am so excited to start a new healthy life on the other side of this! Make your life easier with all your friends, email, and favorite sites in one place. Try it now.

[Guest guest]

:

You won't regret this big step! It will become more apparent each day...that this is a life saving surgery and your body will thank you! I am almost six months out of surgery and am so thankful each and everyday that I can get up quicker....walk faster, bend down and tie my shoes, purchase clothes from the 'regular' women's department, clothes actually are starting to look 'good' on me, not big clothes that hide my fat, but clothes that are more fitted to emphasize the more positive aspects of my figure, food is less, I eat less, I don't get the headaches, I sleep better, and have more energy for my children!

These are only a few of the things that you will notice about your new life! It just gets better and better! The first month is the hardest.....but going in knowing that, it makes it easier knowing that it does get better and better as each day passes!

Great decision! Keep us informed!

Gail

From: knkloth <knkloth@...>Subject: Surgery scheduled! Date: Saturday, December 13, 2008, 5:18 PM

Well, I did it - I am scheduled for sleeve surgery on January 24th. I know it is going to be hard work - but I am so excited to start a new healthy life on the other side of this!

[Guest guest]

Thanks Gail - I just can't wait to feel better! Both about emotionally and physically. This in itself is such a huge step in the right direction - I feel hopeful again.

Take care,

From: Gail <sweetsmile1955@...> Sent: Sunday, December 14, 2008 9:34:38 AMSubject: Re: Surgery scheduled!

:

You won't regret this big step! It will become more apparent each day...that this is a life saving surgery and your body will thank you! I am almost six months out of surgery and am so thankful each and everyday that I can get up quicker....walk faster, bend down and tie my shoes, purchase clothes from the 'regular' women's department, clothes actually are starting to look 'good' on me, not big clothes that hide my fat, but clothes that are more fitted to emphasize the more positive aspects of my figure, food is less, I eat less, I don't get the headaches, I sleep better, and have more energy for my children!

These are only a few of the things that you will notice about your new life! It just gets better and better! The first month is the hardest..... but going in knowing that, it makes it easier knowing that it does get better and better as each day passes!

Great decision! Keep us informed!

Gail

From: knkloth <knkloth (DOT) com>Subject: [Dr-Aceves-bandster s] Surgery scheduled! @groups. comDate: Saturday, December 13, 2008, 5:18 PM

Well, I did it - I am scheduled for sleeve surgery on January 24th. I know it is going to be hard work - but I am so excited to start a new healthy life on the other side of this!

[Guest guest]

Thanks Suzanne - I'm sure I'll have plenty of questions to ask.

And... I can't wait for my clothes to be too big too!

Take care,

From: "SuzanneSH@..." <SuzanneSH@...> Sent: Sunday, December 14, 2008 1:17:01 PMSubject: Re: Surgery scheduled!

,

Welcome to our world. You will never regret your choice. You will have lots of things go through your head in the next 5 weeks before you have the surgery. Just remember this is the place to come and voice your feeling, questions and ask for support. There is always someone here who will be willing to jump in and talk with you and you will have excellent support from most everyone on this site. There are a lot of people with some great knowledge on here--there are NO bad questions to ask--ask away. I am very proud that you took the first step. I had my surgery about 7 weeks ago and I feel great. I have giving lots of clothing away (too big Tee Hee) from the weight loss I have had so far. I tried a jacket on today because I don't have a lot of clothes that fits and it was way toooooooooooo big for me. I am learning to look at the smaller size clothing

now.

Take Care,

Suzanne

217lbs 184 lbs 125 lbs

Staring Now Goal

In a message dated 12/14/2008 6:13:30 A.M. Pacific Standard Time, knkloth (DOT) com writes:

Well, I did it - I am scheduled for sleeve surgery on January 24th. I know it is going to be hard work - but I am so excited to start a new healthy life on the other side of this!

Make your life easier with all your friends, email, and favorite sites in one place. Try it now.

[Guest guest]

Wow Suzanne,

That's amazing. I started at about the same weight but only had my surgery two weeks ago. I hope I can be as successful as you. Thanks for the motivation.

Joyce

On Sun, Dec 14, 2008 at 2:17 PM, <SuzanneSH@...> wrote:

,

Welcome to our world. You will never regret your choice. You will have lots of things go through your head in the next 5 weeks before you have the surgery. Just remember this is the place to come and voice your feeling, questions and ask for support. There is always someone here who will be willing to jump in and talk with you and you will have excellent support from most everyone on this site. There are a lot of people with some great knowledge on here--there are NO bad questions to ask--ask away. I am very proud that you took the first step. I had my surgery about 7 weeks ago and I feel great. I have giving lots of clothing away (too big Tee Hee) from the weight loss I have had so far. I tried a jacket on today because I don't have a lot of clothes that fits and it was way toooooooooooo big for me. I am learning to look at the smaller size clothing now.

Take Care,

Suzanne

217lbs 184 lbs 125 lbs

Staring Now Goal

In a message dated 12/14/2008 6:13:30 A.M. Pacific Standard Time, knkloth@... writes:

Well, I did it - I am scheduled for sleeve surgery on January 24th. I know it is going to be hard work - but I am so excited to start a new healthy life on the other side of this!

Make your life easier with all your friends, email, and favorite sites in one place. Try it now.

[Guest guest]

:

As for clothes becoming too big....for me it goes in cycles. I still buy elastic waste pants since they will last longer in between sizes. I have now been buying the leggings in size medium. They stretch a lot, but before my largest size was a 2X in pants. So, to go down to a 12/14 in pants is a huge drop for me at 5'3" and originally 236. Of course my legs are thinner than the rest of me and my weight was mainly in my stomach. I can wear long tops and leggings that will cover any remainding bulge, but look and feel so much better!

My clothes drop seemed to stay steady for the first 30 pounds, then all of a sudden the clothes were noticably too big and I had to go down a size. Until then I could still wear a lot of the stretchy pants and tops, but they were baggy and not fitted. Between the 30-55 lbs, I have had to buy a couple of more sizes since my shoulders, neck, and hips have gone down more and I had to buy more clothes. I have already given away five 33 gallon bags of clothes and need to give away about 5 more. I don't mind since there are so many other people who need clothing and will be able to use them.

It is always a fun shopping trip to see what size I am in now! Although I do experience a few stalls here and there, I have found that I am still losing inches and my clothes fit differently. So, we are your biggest fans out here and will definitely cheer you on in your weight loss endeavors!

Warmly,

Gail

From: Kloth <knkloth@...>Subject: Re: Surgery scheduled! Date: Sunday, December 14, 2008, 7:46 PM

Thanks Suzanne - I'm sure I'll have plenty of questions to ask.

And... I can't wait for my clothes to be too big too!

Take care,

From: "SuzanneSHaol (DOT) com" <SuzanneSHaol (DOT) com> @groups. comSent: Sunday, December 14, 2008 1:17:01 PMSubject: Re: [Dr-Aceves-bandster s] Surgery scheduled!

,

Welcome to our world. You will never regret your choice. You will have lots of things go through your head in the next 5 weeks before you have the surgery. Just remember this is the place to come and voice your feeling, questions and ask for support. There is always someone here who will be willing to jump in and talk with you and you will have excellent support from most everyone on this site. There are a lot of people with some great knowledge on here--there are NO bad questions to ask--ask away. I am very proud that you took the first step. I had my surgery about 7 weeks ago and I feel great. I have giving lots of clothing away (too big Tee Hee) from the weight loss I have had so far. I tried a jacket on today because I don't have a lot of clothes that fits and it was way toooooooooooo big for me. I am learning to look at the smaller size clothing

now.

Take Care,

Suzanne

217lbs 184 lbs 125 lbs

Staring Now Goal

In a message dated 12/14/2008 6:13:30 A.M. Pacific Standard Time, knkloth (DOT) com writes:

Well, I did it - I am scheduled for sleeve surgery on January 24th. I know it is going to be hard work - but I am so excited to start a new healthy life on the other side of this!

Make your life easier with all your friends, email, and favorite sites in one place. Try it now.

[Guest guest]

Joyce:

You will be successful! This is the tool that has been a life saver for me and many others! I know that you will do well and the first month, it seems that not much has happened.

The one thing that I have been doing and I don't know if everyone else is doing a similar chart for themselves, but every month on my surgiversary, I measure my bust, waist, hips, left and right thighs, my abdomen, and my upper arms. I also weight myself and write the weight down (no fudging on the weight either). Since I have been doing that, I see in writing the progress every month! Sometimes it doesn't feel like I am going down or getting smaller until I measure myself at the surgiversary day and I see progress. I also do not weigh myself everyday. I weigh myself once a week and that way, I don't become a slave to the scale. There are too many fluctuations in our everyday body fluids and I don't want to start my day with one pound ruling my life. So, once a week is fine with me.

I wish you the best and know that we are here for you!

Warmly,

Gail

,

Welcome to our world. You will never regret your choice. You will have lots of things go through your head in the next 5 weeks before you have the surgery. Just remember this is the place to come and voice your feeling, questions and ask for support. There is always someone here who will be willing to jump in and talk with you and you will have excellent support from most everyone on this site. There are a lot of people with some great knowledge on here--there are NO bad questions to ask--ask away. I am very proud that you took the first step. I had my surgery about 7 weeks ago and I feel great. I have giving lots of clothing away (too big Tee Hee) from the weight loss I have had so far. I tried a jacket on today because I don't have a lot of clothes that fits and it was way toooooooooooo big for me. I am learning to look at the smaller size clothing

now.

Take Care,

Suzanne

217lbs 184 lbs 125 lbs

Staring Now Goal

In a message dated 12/14/2008 6:13:30 A.M. Pacific Standard Time, knkloth (DOT) com writes:

Well, I did it - I am scheduled for sleeve surgery on January 24th. I know it is going to be hard work - but I am so excited to start a new healthy life on the other side of this!

Make your life easier with all your friends, email, and favorite sites in one place. Try it now.