Guest guest Posted November 1, 2006 Report Share Posted November 1, 2006 Hi, Phil and . I'm new to the group as well and I think that I make the third person with this type of c-toma. Bilateral. Clean now for 5 years. Seven surgeries later...and one deaf ear. PICK A GOOD SURGEON! Travel if you have to! The best advice I received was to seek a otolaringologist who also had some training in neurology. Yes, the disease, if left unchecked, can affect the brain. I did this and have had the most success to date since switching doctors. Gretchen > > Hi > > As far as I know I'm the only other person on this list who has had to deal > with " canal ctoma " . I've also had middle ear ctoma so I'm aware that there > are a few differences between the two. As with any ctoma the surgeon has to > do what is necessary to eliminate the disease otherwise it will keep on > coming back. Since canal ctoma actively eats away the ear canal walls then a > CWD would seem fairly inevitable. If the disease is caught early enough and > still localized then treating it is less of problem. You should be OK if the > only issue you have so far is mastoid invasion. Once it spreads, canal ctoma > has a serious tendency to attack the facial nerve. > > There are a couple of things about this disease. One is that it is rare and > therefore even the most experienced otologists don't know a great deal about > it - and you can bet that there are no two cases which are identical. The > other is that canal ctoma not only eats away ear canal but tends to embed > itself inside the bone and from there it can spread throughout the temporal > bone and resurface here and there even after the visible portions of it have > been removed through surgery. At least that was my experience. > > I think you can also expect to have ear suctioning on regular basis to begin > with. Not only to clean out debris from the mastoid and ear canal but also > to watch for and combat any reappearance of the disease. One thing I should > stress is that my experience with canal ctoma may not remotely resemble > yours. I have the disease bilaterally. On one side it was pretty mild and > unthreatening and on the other it was very advanced. So far I've a long > struggle and several surgeries but I am winning. > > Good Luck > Phil > > > The ear specialist looked at my ear and said I have a very unusual > type of cholesteatoma. My eardrum is not punctured, instead the > cholesteatoma is growing into the mastoid from the outer ear canal. > He thinks that it may be a byproduct of ear surgery I had about 20 > years ago to repair a perforated eardrum that I had at the time. > > I guess I'm lucky, because it was caught and I haven't experienced > any hearing loss or other problems. If it weren't for the infection, > it may not have been discovered for a long time. The ENT is > recommending surgery and says it will likely be the " canal wall down " > type of surgery. > > Can you share with me what to expect from this surgery, recovery > time, etc.? I have to admit the " canal wall down " option scares me a > little. Is there any change in the appearance of the ear? Do you have > to go to the ENT frequently for cleaning after the surgery? Any info > you can share would be greatly appreciated. I'm sure others have > asked these questions before so I apologize in advance. > > > > > > -- > No virus found in this outgoing message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.1.408 / Virus Database: 268.13.17/505 - Release Date: 27/10/06 > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2006 Report Share Posted November 1, 2006 Hi , Thanks for your support. Because of my husband's schedule, he can't be with me all day the first couple of days after surgery - so I may ask a friend to fill in during the times he's not available. Do you think I should not be alone at all those first few days? Also, I am wondering what your recovery was like. Why does it take two weeks to recover? Were you laid up the whole time, or were you able to do some light activity after a week or so? I'm a teaching assistant in my grad program and I need to try to give my professor an accurate estimate of when I can teach again after the surgery. I'm in Phoenix, I see an otologist named Dr. Fucci. He was recommended by my ENT and seems good, but I'm not sure how to evaluate him. He does know and really likes the surgeon who did my original ear surgery 20 years ago in Chicago (for perforated eardrums and who was very good) so that carries some weight with me. But how does one know if their dr. will be good for surgery? It always seems like a hit or miss business with doctors. Thanks again, > > > > Hi everyone, > > > > I just learned a few days ago that I have a cholesteatoma in my right > > ear. I had been having a stubborn external ear infection for several > > months, and one day while cleaning my ear my ENT noticed a cyst. He > > referred me to an ear specialist, but before I saw the ear > > specialist, the cyst opened up due to the infection and the ENT > > removed loads of keratin from my ear. > > > > The ear specialist looked at my ear and said I have a very unusual > > type of cholesteatoma. My eardrum is not punctured, instead the > > cholesteatoma is growing into the mastoid from the outer ear canal. > > He thinks that it may be a byproduct of ear surgery I had about 20 > > years ago to repair a perforated eardrum that I had at the time. > > > > I guess I'm lucky, because it was caught and I haven't experienced > > any hearing loss or other problems. If it weren't for the infection, > > it may not have been discovered for a long time. The ENT is > > recommending surgery and says it will likely be the " canal wall down " > > type of surgery. > > > > Can you share with me what to expect from this surgery, recovery > > time, etc.? I have to admit the " canal wall down " option scares me a > > little. Is there any change in the appearance of the ear? Do you have > > to go to the ENT frequently for cleaning after the surgery? Any info > > you can share would be greatly appreciated. I'm sure others have > > asked these questions before so I apologize in advance. > > > > Thanks, > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2006 Report Share Posted November 1, 2006 Best of luck to you! I recently had the surgery through the back of the ear (whatever it is called!) and my Mom came over and stayed with me for a few days. I would think that you should be ok without anyone with you, as long as you have the majority of aeverything that you possibly might need at your side (remote control, books, water, phone, pain pills!, etc.). It was great having my Mom around, but I don't think it was completely necessary. I was back to my normal self after a few days, and back in the office after a week and a half. I was working from home after 5 days. I hope this helps! > > > > > > Hi everyone, > > > > > > I just learned a few days ago that I have a cholesteatoma in my > right > > > ear. I had been having a stubborn external ear infection for > several > > > months, and one day while cleaning my ear my ENT noticed a cyst. > He > > > referred me to an ear specialist, but before I saw the ear > > > specialist, the cyst opened up due to the infection and the ENT > > > removed loads of keratin from my ear. > > > > > > The ear specialist looked at my ear and said I have a very > unusual > > > type of cholesteatoma. My eardrum is not punctured, instead the > > > cholesteatoma is growing into the mastoid from the outer ear > canal. > > > He thinks that it may be a byproduct of ear surgery I had about > 20 > > > years ago to repair a perforated eardrum that I had at the time. > > > > > > I guess I'm lucky, because it was caught and I haven't > experienced > > > any hearing loss or other problems. If it weren't for the > infection, > > > it may not have been discovered for a long time. The ENT is > > > recommending surgery and says it will likely be the " canal wall > down " > > > type of surgery. > > > > > > Can you share with me what to expect from this surgery, recovery > > > time, etc.? I have to admit the " canal wall down " option scares > me a > > > little. Is there any change in the appearance of the ear? Do you > have > > > to go to the ENT frequently for cleaning after the surgery? Any > info > > > you can share would be greatly appreciated. I'm sure others have > > > asked these questions before so I apologize in advance. > > > > > > Thanks, > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2006 Report Share Posted November 1, 2006 I would think a person of normal health would be down 2 days at the most. I'm usually back in the gym 7 days after the surgery. The anesthesia is the worst part for me. It takes a while to clear your system of it. Re: new member Best of luck to you! I recently had the surgery through the back of the ear (whatever it is called!) and my Mom came over and stayed with me for a few days. I would think that you should be ok without anyone with you, as long as you have the majority of aeverything that you possibly might need at your side (remote control, books, water, phone, pain pills!, etc.). It was great having my Mom around, but I don't think it was completely necessary. I was back to my normal self after a few days, and back in the office after a week and a half. I was working from home after 5 days. I hope this helps!> > >> > > Hi everyone, > > > > > > I just learned a few days ago that I have a cholesteatoma in my > right > > > ear. I had been having a stubborn external ear infection for > several > > > months, and one day while cleaning my ear my ENT noticed a cyst. > He > > > referred me to an ear specialist, but before I saw the ear > > > specialist, the cyst opened up due to the infection and the ENT > > > removed loads of keratin from my ear. > > > > > > The ear specialist looked at my ear and said I have a very > unusual > > > type of cholesteatoma. My eardrum is not punctured, instead the > > > cholesteatoma is growing into the mastoid from the outer ear > canal. > > > He thinks that it may be a byproduct of ear surgery I had about > 20 > > > years ago to repair a perforated eardrum that I had at the time.> > > > > > I guess I'm lucky, because it was caught and I haven't > experienced > > > any hearing loss or other problems. If it weren't for the > infection, > > > it may not have been discovered for a long time. The ENT is > > > recommending surgery and says it will likely be the "canal wall > down" > > > type of surgery.> > > > > > Can you share with me what to expect from this surgery, recovery > > > time, etc.? I have to admit the "canal wall down" option scares > me a > > > little. Is there any change in the appearance of the ear? Do you > have > > > to go to the ENT frequently for cleaning after the surgery? Any > info > > > you can share would be greatly appreciated. I'm sure others have > > > asked these questions before so I apologize in advance.> > > > > > Thanks,> > > > > >> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2006 Report Share Posted November 1, 2006 Wow - good for you! Of course, everyone is different and my problem was the pain. Me - I won't go back to the gym for at least a couple of weeks because I am afraid to mess up the work done. For example, my following surgery instructions indicated to sneeze with your mouth open for 7-10 days following, so no weight lifting for me, or any physical exertion for that matter! I actually did not go back to the office for 7 days because I was still taking pain medication and I did not want to drive. Turns out, I was having an allergic reaction to the antiobiotic drops and it caused a tremendous amount of pain, so I was taking the meds to alleviate the pain from the reaction (I did not learn it was an allergic reaction until I went to my follow up visit a week following the surgery). The point is, everyone is different. I have heard that some people have vertigo following surgery, and I personally have never had that problem. Some people have a higher threshold for pain and don't require as much pain medicine. The very first time I had this surgery (I have had it three times), I was laid up for a week, and I think it had something to do with the type of anesthesia used, but that's another story... > > > > > > > > Hi everyone, > > > > > > > > I just learned a few days ago that I have a cholesteatoma in > my > > right > > > > ear. I had been having a stubborn external ear infection for > > several > > > > months, and one day while cleaning my ear my ENT noticed a > cyst. > > He > > > > referred me to an ear specialist, but before I saw the ear > > > > specialist, the cyst opened up due to the infection and the > ENT > > > > removed loads of keratin from my ear. > > > > > > > > The ear specialist looked at my ear and said I have a very > > unusual > > > > type of cholesteatoma. My eardrum is not punctured, instead > the > > > > cholesteatoma is growing into the mastoid from the outer ear > > canal. > > > > He thinks that it may be a byproduct of ear surgery I had > about > > 20 > > > > years ago to repair a perforated eardrum that I had at the > time. > > > > > > > > I guess I'm lucky, because it was caught and I haven't > > experienced > > > > any hearing loss or other problems. If it weren't for the > > infection, > > > > it may not have been discovered for a long time. The ENT is > > > > recommending surgery and says it will likely be the " canal > wall > > down " > > > > type of surgery. > > > > > > > > Can you share with me what to expect from this surgery, > recovery > > > > time, etc.? I have to admit the " canal wall down " option > scares > > me a > > > > little. Is there any change in the appearance of the ear? Do > you > > have > > > > to go to the ENT frequently for cleaning after the surgery? > Any > > info > > > > you can share would be greatly appreciated. I'm sure others > have > > > > asked these questions before so I apologize in advance. > > > > > > > > Thanks, > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2006 Report Share Posted November 1, 2006 I think it is a good idea to have someone around for a couple of days. You may be a little off balance for a while and I needed help getting from my bed to the bathroom. > > > > > > > > Hi everyone, > > > > > > > > I just learned a few days ago that I have a cholesteatoma in > my > > right > > > > ear. I had been having a stubborn external ear infection for > > several > > > > months, and one day while cleaning my ear my ENT noticed a > cyst. > > He > > > > referred me to an ear specialist, but before I saw the ear > > > > specialist, the cyst opened up due to the infection and the > ENT > > > > removed loads of keratin from my ear. > > > > > > > > The ear specialist looked at my ear and said I have a very > > unusual > > > > type of cholesteatoma. My eardrum is not punctured, instead > the > > > > cholesteatoma is growing into the mastoid from the outer ear > > canal. > > > > He thinks that it may be a byproduct of ear surgery I had > about > > 20 > > > > years ago to repair a perforated eardrum that I had at the > time. > > > > > > > > I guess I'm lucky, because it was caught and I haven't > > experienced > > > > any hearing loss or other problems. If it weren't for the > > infection, > > > > it may not have been discovered for a long time. The ENT is > > > > recommending surgery and says it will likely be the " canal > wall > > down " > > > > type of surgery. > > > > > > > > Can you share with me what to expect from this surgery, > recovery > > > > time, etc.? I have to admit the " canal wall down " option > scares > > me a > > > > little. Is there any change in the appearance of the ear? Do > you > > have > > > > to go to the ENT frequently for cleaning after the surgery? > Any > > info > > > > you can share would be greatly appreciated. I'm sure others > have > > > > asked these questions before so I apologize in advance. > > > > > > > > Thanks, > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2006 Report Share Posted November 1, 2006 Here is another point of view! It will depend greatly on how extensive and invasive your surgery is. I was told NOT to do any strenuous exercise for 4 weeks after surgery. It took me about 5 days to feel half way decent the first time. It has taken me 4 weeks with this surgery. I would feel good one day and completely exhausted the next. I am 65 years old, but in excellent health otherwise. I just have had a difficult time with this surgery. The point is, you won't know until you experience it. Everyone is different. Best bet is that you tell your prof that you will need two weeks. If you are better before hand, you can surprise him! > > > > > > > > Hi everyone, > > > > > > > > I just learned a few days ago that I have a cholesteatoma in > my > > right > > > > ear. I had been having a stubborn external ear infection for > > several > > > > months, and one day while cleaning my ear my ENT noticed a > cyst. > > He > > > > referred me to an ear specialist, but before I saw the ear > > > > specialist, the cyst opened up due to the infection and the > ENT > > > > removed loads of keratin from my ear. > > > > > > > > The ear specialist looked at my ear and said I have a very > > unusual > > > > type of cholesteatoma. My eardrum is not punctured, instead > the > > > > cholesteatoma is growing into the mastoid from the outer ear > > canal. > > > > He thinks that it may be a byproduct of ear surgery I had > about > > 20 > > > > years ago to repair a perforated eardrum that I had at the > time. > > > > > > > > I guess I'm lucky, because it was caught and I haven't > > experienced > > > > any hearing loss or other problems. If it weren't for the > > infection, > > > > it may not have been discovered for a long time. The ENT is > > > > recommending surgery and says it will likely be the " canal > wall > > down " > > > > type of surgery. > > > > > > > > Can you share with me what to expect from this surgery, > recovery > > > > time, etc.? I have to admit the " canal wall down " option > scares > > me a > > > > little. Is there any change in the appearance of the ear? Do > you > > have > > > > to go to the ENT frequently for cleaning after the surgery? > Any > > info > > > > you can share would be greatly appreciated. I'm sure others > have > > > > asked these questions before so I apologize in advance. > > > > > > > > Thanks, > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2006 Report Share Posted November 1, 2006 Same for me Jen, the Dr. gave me specific written instructions to be off work for 7-10 days and no heavy lifting, sneezing with my mouth closed, blowing my nose or sexual intercourse until after my follow up visit with him 21 days after surgery. I wouldn't chance it, I would hate to ruin everything following what I had already gone through. jenvigli <jennifer.vigliano@...> wrote: Wow - good for you! Of course, everyone is different and my problem was the pain. Me - I won't go back to the gym for at least a couple of weeks because I am afraid to mess up the work done. For example, my following surgery instructions indicated to sneeze with your mouth open for 7-10 days following, so no weight lifting for me, or any physical exertion for that matter! I actually did not go back to the office for 7 days because I was still taking pain medication and I did not want to drive. Turns out, I was having an allergic reaction to the antiobiotic drops and it caused a tremendous amount of pain, so I was taking the meds to alleviate the pain from the reaction (I did not learn it was an allergic reaction until I went to my follow up visit a week following the surgery).The point is, everyone is different. I have heard that some people have vertigo following surgery, and I personally have never had that problem. Some people have a higher threshold for pain and don't require as much pain medicine. The very first time I had this surgery (I have had it three times), I was laid up for a week, and I think it had something to do with the type of anesthesia used, but that's another story...> > > >> > > > Hi everyone, > > > > > > > > I just learned a few days ago that I have a cholesteatoma in > my > > right > > > > ear. I had been having a stubborn external ear infection for > > several > > > > months, and one day while cleaning my ear my ENT noticed a > cyst. > > He > > > > referred me to an ear specialist, but before I saw the ear > > > > specialist, the cyst opened up due to the infection and the > ENT > > > > removed loads of keratin from my ear. > > > > > > > > The ear specialist looked at my ear and said I have a very > > unusual > > > > type of cholesteatoma. My eardrum is not punctured, instead > the > > > > cholesteatoma is growing into the mastoid from the outer ear > > canal. > > > > He thinks that it may be a byproduct of ear surgery I had > about > > 20 > > > > years ago to repair a perforated eardrum that I had at the > time.> > > > > > > > I guess I'm lucky, because it was caught and I haven't > > experienced > > > > any hearing loss or other problems. If it weren't for the > > infection, > > > > it may not have been discovered for a long time. The ENT is > > > > recommending surgery and says it will likely be the "canal > wall > > down" > > > > type of surgery.> > > > > > > > Can you share with me what to expect from this surgery, > recovery > > > > time, etc.? I have to admit the "canal wall down" option > scares > > me a > > > > little. Is there any change in the appearance of the ear? Do > you > > have > > > > to go to the ENT frequently for cleaning after the surgery? > Any > > info > > > > you can share would be greatly appreciated. I'm sure others > have > > > > asked these questions before so I apologize in advance.> > > > > > > > Thanks,> > > > > > > >> > >> >>"Wherever you go, there you are!" Wagemanngeowags@... Get your email and see which of your friends are online - Right on the new .com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 2, 2006 Report Share Posted November 2, 2006 I'm curious ... did it start out bilateral, or develop that way later? Mine's only one side, and fortunately has only grown a little into the mastoid, as near as they can tell. > > > > Hi > > > > As far as I know I'm the only other person on this list who has had to deal > > with " canal ctoma " . I've also had middle ear ctoma so I'm aware that there > > are a few differences between the two. As with any ctoma the surgeon has to > > do what is necessary to eliminate the disease otherwise it will keep on > > coming back. Since canal ctoma actively eats away the ear canal walls then a > > CWD would seem fairly inevitable. If the disease is caught early enough and > > still localized then treating it is less of problem. You should be OK if the > > only issue you have so far is mastoid invasion. Once it spreads, canal ctoma > > has a serious tendency to attack the facial nerve. > > > > There are a couple of things about this disease. One is that it is rare and > > therefore even the most experienced otologists don't know a great deal about > > it - and you can bet that there are no two cases which are identical. The > > other is that canal ctoma not only eats away ear canal but tends to embed > > itself inside the bone and from there it can spread throughout the temporal > > bone and resurface here and there even after the visible portions of it have > > been removed through surgery. At least that was my experience. > > > > I think you can also expect to have ear suctioning on regular basis to begin > > with. Not only to clean out debris from the mastoid and ear canal but also > > to watch for and combat any reappearance of the disease. One thing I should > > stress is that my experience with canal ctoma may not remotely resemble > > yours. I have the disease bilaterally. On one side it was pretty mild and > > unthreatening and on the other it was very advanced. So far I've a long > > struggle and several surgeries but I am winning. > > > > Good Luck > > Phil > > > > > > The ear specialist looked at my ear and said I have a very unusual > > type of cholesteatoma. My eardrum is not punctured, instead the > > cholesteatoma is growing into the mastoid from the outer ear canal. > > He thinks that it may be a byproduct of ear surgery I had about 20 > > years ago to repair a perforated eardrum that I had at the time. > > > > I guess I'm lucky, because it was caught and I haven't experienced > > any hearing loss or other problems. If it weren't for the infection, > > it may not have been discovered for a long time. The ENT is > > recommending surgery and says it will likely be the " canal wall down " > > type of surgery. > > > > Can you share with me what to expect from this surgery, recovery > > time, etc.? I have to admit the " canal wall down " option scares me a > > little. Is there any change in the appearance of the ear? Do you have > > to go to the ENT frequently for cleaning after the surgery? Any info > > you can share would be greatly appreciated. I'm sure others have > > asked these questions before so I apologize in advance. > > > > > > > > > > > > -- > > No virus found in this outgoing message. > > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > > Version: 7.1.408 / Virus Database: 268.13.17/505 - Release Date: 27/10/06 > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 2, 2006 Report Share Posted November 2, 2006 No. I started in one ear and later occurred in the other. The only possible reason I ever got for their development, and this was a guess at best, was that oral surgery I had as a child stretched my eustation tubes and decreased the size of them, causing exceess moisture in the middle ear. But really, who knows. Gretchen > > > > > > Hi > > > > > > As far as I know I'm the only other person on this list who has > had to deal > > > with " canal ctoma " . I've also had middle ear ctoma so I'm aware > that there > > > are a few differences between the two. As with any ctoma the > surgeon has to > > > do what is necessary to eliminate the disease otherwise it will > keep on > > > coming back. Since canal ctoma actively eats away the ear canal > walls then a > > > CWD would seem fairly inevitable. If the disease is caught early > enough and > > > still localized then treating it is less of problem. You should > be OK if the > > > only issue you have so far is mastoid invasion. Once it spreads, > canal ctoma > > > has a serious tendency to attack the facial nerve. > > > > > > There are a couple of things about this disease. One is that it > is rare and > > > therefore even the most experienced otologists don't know a great > deal about > > > it - and you can bet that there are no two cases which are > identical. The > > > other is that canal ctoma not only eats away ear canal but tends > to embed > > > itself inside the bone and from there it can spread throughout > the temporal > > > bone and resurface here and there even after the visible portions > of it have > > > been removed through surgery. At least that was my experience. > > > > > > I think you can also expect to have ear suctioning on regular > basis to begin > > > with. Not only to clean out debris from the mastoid and ear canal > but also > > > to watch for and combat any reappearance of the disease. One > thing I should > > > stress is that my experience with canal ctoma may not remotely > resemble > > > yours. I have the disease bilaterally. On one side it was pretty > mild and > > > unthreatening and on the other it was very advanced. So far I've > a long > > > struggle and several surgeries but I am winning. > > > > > > Good Luck > > > Phil > > > > > > > > > The ear specialist looked at my ear and said I have a very unusual > > > type of cholesteatoma. My eardrum is not punctured, instead the > > > cholesteatoma is growing into the mastoid from the outer ear > canal. > > > He thinks that it may be a byproduct of ear surgery I had about 20 > > > years ago to repair a perforated eardrum that I had at the time. > > > > > > I guess I'm lucky, because it was caught and I haven't experienced > > > any hearing loss or other problems. If it weren't for the > infection, > > > it may not have been discovered for a long time. The ENT is > > > recommending surgery and says it will likely be the " canal wall > down " > > > type of surgery. > > > > > > Can you share with me what to expect from this surgery, recovery > > > time, etc.? I have to admit the " canal wall down " option scares > me a > > > little. Is there any change in the appearance of the ear? Do you > have > > > to go to the ENT frequently for cleaning after the surgery? Any > info > > > you can share would be greatly appreciated. I'm sure others have > > > asked these questions before so I apologize in advance. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > -- > > > No virus found in this outgoing message. > > > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > > > Version: 7.1.408 / Virus Database: 268.13.17/505 - Release Date: > 27/10/06 > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 27, 2006 Report Share Posted December 27, 2006 Hi Diane. I don't know how to answer your question on how bad it is. It was my first surgery ever and before hand I was so wrapped up in loosing weight I never thought about recovery. So, much to my surprise when I came out of surgery, I was like " Oh Hell No " . The first day I was medicated so I slept through most of it. The second day was worse for me. Hard to get comfortable, no sleeping on your side, hard to sit up and get out of bed, coughing was brought to a whole new level. But on day three, I got throught two airports and car rides before I hit the safety of my own bed. Your belly is gonna hurt for two days, then it starts to get better. By the end of the first week I was sleeping on my side and doing much better. No pain no gain. God, I hate that saying. On the other hand, when I went back to get a fill, I met a girl who had surgery the day before. She was dressed and up and walking and even did her hair. I'm pretty sure she was some sort of robot or something, but I was very impressed. So yeah, it's surgery and you're gonna need to recover and yup, you're gonna be sore. Just part of the journey. But, I can tell you that from where I stand, I wouldn't change a thing. My life is my own again. I'm down 26 lbs and looking mighty fine. I didn't get to eat much at Christmas, but I lost 2.5 lbs over the weekend. That's what I'm talking about. You can do this and it's worth every pain and every hunger pain. Every day I wake up thankful I heard about the lap band and Dr. A and the crew. > > Hi, my name is Diane and I am having my surgery on 12/28. After > reading some of the posts I am worried about the 2 week period after > surgery. Is it really that bad? > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 27, 2006 Report Share Posted December 27, 2006 I haven't had my surgery yet. I'm set for the 10th of Jan and I'm having the gastric by pass, but I believe they don't call it boot camp for nothing. But remember it is only 2 weeks of your entire life. A bump in a long road to a wonderful, healthy, and sexier body so go with it and don't worry. karne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 27, 2006 Report Share Posted December 27, 2006 Hi Diane – I had surgery on 9/22/06 and I must have been one of the “lucky” ones – I had no pain after the procedure. In fact, I was afraid when they took the I.V. out of me and with it the pain medication. I thought I would be in “great” pain, but was not. I could lie on my side after a day or two, had no oozing or swelling out of the cuts and felt great when I went home. I also did not feel hungry for the first 2 weeks, however, I was very happy to be able to go on yogurt in week three and full liquids in week 4. I did begin to get hungry in week 3 – I think because I was healing and also I was getting more active. I think the biggest help to keep from feeling hungry is lots of water, popsicles, and keeping busy – whether taking a walk, clean your house, read a book, or something. I have just had my first fill and I can tell the difference from before. I only eat a few bites and am full and not hungry for several hours. Don’t worry about the first 2 weeks – each day just think – just for today. Soon the 2 weeks will be over, and you can have some variety in your diet. Congratulations on your choice and I know you will do fine. Be sure to let us know how you are doing. Rhonda DOB 9/22/06 292/259/150 From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of dlurvina Sent: Tuesday, December 26, 2006 9:28 PM Subject: New Member Hi, my name is Diane and I am having my surgery on 12/28. After reading some of the posts I am worried about the 2 week period after surgery. Is it really that bad? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 27, 2006 Report Share Posted December 27, 2006 It is for some people but it isn't difficult for everyone. Each person is different. For me I just didn't let others eat around me and I have to turn the channel on the TV when they start advertising pizza and such. I'm on week four as of today and I could have lots of things I'm not having. I am basically on the 2 weeks of clear liquids with protein shakes. But I'm not doing the yogurt and cream soups I could be having. Just remember, the 14 days doesn't have to be horrible. Prevent yourself from getting hungry by drinking something all the time. Look at it this way, drink 3.3oz 20 times daily. Keep up your protein, that will head off hunger. > > Hi, my name is Diane and I am having my surgery on 12/28. After > reading some of the posts I am worried about the 2 week period after > surgery. Is it really that bad? > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 27, 2006 Report Share Posted December 27, 2006 She must have been a Stepford Surgical Patient. All kidding aside others do better and worse. I'm hoping I'm one of the good ones. I'm prepared to jump out of that bed and get going walking the halls. I just hope that everone gets a chance before their surgery to realize that attitude is the most important. so I hope when I hit the board and whine someone will remind me to get my attitude in the right place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 27, 2006 Report Share Posted December 27, 2006 Diane, I am one of the oldies on this board. Many people think that you tend to forget those first two weeks and that we oldies try to gloss over that period. Well, I am here to tell you that all of us remember! There is really no way to forget those weeks! I hate to say it, but, it really is pure hell. HOWEVER, knowing that during those two weeks you are preparing for the journey of a lifetime makes it worth the frustration, hunger, sadness, and every other emotion you will feel during that time. It is a time for your body to regain a better level of health. I honestly think that if I had not gone through those two weeks of clear liquids that I may not be as healthy as I am now. I had been bombarding my body with toxins for so many years that had created my obesity that now my body was getting a much deserved break. Yeah, I was hungry. Yeah, I was missing my best friend (food). And yeah, I was somewhat emotional due to all of the feelings I was having about surgery, a little discomfort, so many tv commercials about food, all those smells of food when you go anywhere. But, I did it and SO CAN YOU. 14 days from start to the next phase which is much, much easier. The key to survival is stay busy. I would take as little time off of work as possible so your mind stays busy and occupied. The down time is what kills you! When you get hungry, eat more popsicles and overload yourself with water. No, the first two weeks are horrible but tolerable because of the excitment just around the corner! Keep in touch on this board. That is what it is for....SUPPORT! We all have to help each other! Jenni Currie DOB 2/23/06 247/231/152/145dlurvina <dlurvina@...> wrote: Hi, my name is Diane and I am having my surgery on 12/28. After reading some of the posts I am worried about the 2 week period after surgery. Is it really that bad? __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 27, 2006 Report Share Posted December 27, 2006 thanks, I have been using the Medifast Shakes, and they are not real good, and they are not clear. > > > > Hi, my name is Diane and I am having my surgery on 12/28. After > > reading some of the posts I am worried about the 2 week period after > > surgery. Is it really that bad? > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 27, 2006 Report Share Posted December 27, 2006 Thanks for responding, I have had my gall bladder removed so I know about the pain. I am just worried about the foods we can and cannot eat.- -- In , " wendyelam81 " <welam@...> wrote: > > Hi Diane. I don't know how to answer your question on how bad it is. > It was my first surgery ever and before hand I was so wrapped up in > loosing weight I never thought about recovery. So, much to my > surprise when I came out of surgery, I was like " Oh Hell No " . The > first day I was medicated so I slept through most of it. The second > day was worse for me. Hard to get comfortable, no sleeping on your > side, hard to sit up and get out of bed, coughing was brought to a > whole new level. But on day three, I got throught two airports and > car rides before I hit the safety of my own bed. Your belly is gonna > hurt for two days, then it starts to get better. By the end of the > first week I was sleeping on my side and doing much better. No pain > no gain. God, I hate that saying. On the other hand, when I went > back to get a fill, I met a girl who had surgery the day before. She > was dressed and up and walking and even did her hair. I'm pretty sure > she was some sort of robot or something, but I was very impressed. So > yeah, it's surgery and you're gonna need to recover and yup, you're > gonna be sore. Just part of the journey. But, I can tell you that > from where I stand, I wouldn't change a thing. My life is my own > again. I'm down 26 lbs and looking mighty fine. I didn't get to eat > much at Christmas, but I lost 2.5 lbs over the weekend. That's what > I'm talking about. You can do this and it's worth every pain and > every hunger pain. Every day I wake up thankful I heard about the lap > band and Dr. A and the crew. > > > > > Hi, my name is Diane and I am having my surgery on 12/28. After > > reading some of the posts I am worried about the 2 week period after > > surgery. Is it really that bad? > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 27, 2006 Report Share Posted December 27, 2006 wow thats great, this post system is all new to me I just love how everyone responded. thanks again.- -- In , " Rhonda Olsen " <olsenr@...> wrote: > > Hi Diane - I had surgery on 9/22/06 and I must have been one of the " lucky " > ones - I had no pain after the procedure. In fact, I was afraid when they > took the I.V. out of me and with it the pain medication. I thought I would > be in " great " pain, but was not. I could lie on my side after a day or two, > had no oozing or swelling out of the cuts and felt great when I went home. > > > > I also did not feel hungry for the first 2 weeks, however, I was very happy > to be able to go on yogurt in week three and full liquids in week 4. I did > begin to get hungry in week 3 - I think because I was healing and also I was > getting more active. I think the biggest help to keep from feeling hungry > is lots of water, popsicles, and keeping busy - whether taking a walk, clean > your house, read a book, or something. I have just had my first fill and I > can tell the difference from before. I only eat a few bites and am full and > not hungry for several hours. > > > > Don't worry about the first 2 weeks - each day just think - just for today. > Soon the 2 weeks will be over, and you can have some variety in your diet. > Congratulations on your choice and I know you will do fine. Be sure to let > us know how you are doing. > > > > Rhonda > > DOB 9/22/06 > > 292/259/150 > > > > _____ > > From: > [mailto: ] On Behalf Of dlurvina > Sent: Tuesday, December 26, 2006 9:28 PM > > Subject: New Member > > > > Hi, my name is Diane and I am having my surgery on 12/28. After > reading some of the posts I am worried about the 2 week period after > surgery. Is it really that bad? > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 27, 2006 Report Share Posted December 27, 2006 HAHA!!! I forgot about that already!!! Waking up, I mean. I was exactly the same way. I was so focused on the band I didn't really consider pain or recovery issues much. I woke up and thought, WTH??? HOLY CRAP THIS HURTS! When I woke up Dr. A was standing over the bed in recovery and I yelped that it HURT! He said I was just given meds before I woke up and to give them time to start working. The hell with that! I wanted something ELSE!! Within moments the nurse was giving me something else. That was the most pain of the entire ordeal. Just waking up and it was resolved in moments. From then on it was just sore. Not a biggie. I really think it was the shock of going to sleep and feeling fine and waking up and something hurt. But again... it was short lived... minutes at best. And I am a pain weenie, a big 'ol pain weenie. So for anyone that hasn't had the surgery yet you don't get narcotics because honestly, you don't need them. For a Lap Band it's just sore, not absolute pain. There is a difference. -- In , " wendyelam81 " <welam@> wrote: ....I was so wrapped up in loosing weight I never thought about recovery. So, much to my surprise when I came out of surgery, I was like " Oh Hell No " . ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 27, 2006 Report Share Posted December 27, 2006 Oh my, well I guess you would know about pain then. I'm not sure I will ever elect surgary again. Well, the food situation the first two weeks pretty much sucks. No way to sugar coat it for you. I actually didn't do too bad with it. It was ok. I sure was thankful for cream soup though. I had popsicles at work and I had a thermos of chicken broth with me at all times. It was just a matter of getting through those two weeks so I could reclaim my life. I was ready for it. I was in this for the long haul, so I think that's what got me through those two weeks. You just have to go in there ready and willing. I just had plain old chicken broth from a can but I have since read some other suggestions. Lot's of people get different kinds of clear soup and strain the solids out in order to have a different taste. I wish you good luck and you will do just fine. Remember this: I'm 3 months out, looking back it was by far the best decision I've ever made and I wouldn't change a thing. I can actually see myself again. I feel good when I walk into a room. I don't look hideous in this years Christmas pictures. That right there, is priceless. I am so thankful for this chance to live again. DOB 9/25/06 241/214.5/160 2 fills > > > > > > Hi, my name is Diane and I am having my surgery on 12/28. After > > > reading some of the posts I am worried about the 2 week period > after > > > surgery. Is it really that bad? > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 27, 2006 Report Share Posted December 27, 2006 Yes!!!! Exactly. You're making me laugh right now. Boy, that just brought me right back to the recovery room. > ...I was so wrapped up in loosing weight I never thought about > recovery. So, much to my surprise when I came out of surgery, I was > like " Oh Hell No " . ... > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 27, 2006 Report Share Posted December 27, 2006 Karne I agree with you. Just a bump in the road. When you have a baby you have a lot of pain but you don't dwell on it. When you see the baby you get on with life and take care of the baby and we have to take care of our bands like it is our baby because it is a very precious thing to most of us. Shirley magnoliamouth <karenostrom@...> wrote: I haven't had my surgery yet. I'm set for the 10th of Jan and I'mhaving the gastric by pass, but I believe they don't call it boot campfor nothing. But remember it is only 2 weeks of your entire life. Abump in a long road to a wonderful, healthy, and sexier body so gowith it and don't worry.karne __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 28, 2006 Report Share Posted December 28, 2006 Diane, One thing I found that helped me the 1st 2 weeks was...If at all possible...STAY OUT OF THE KITCHEN...If your married, ask your husband if he'll fend for himself and if he says no...Then make him ...I understand if you have kids especially small ones who can't fend for themselves then you may have too...But keep it simple...The temptation to eat will be very very strong and before you know it everything will look good even spinach...But remember it's only 2 weeks out of your life, you can do this...We're here to help you... J Currie <giftedtch@...> wrote: Diane, I am one of the oldies on this board. Many people think that you tend to forget those first two weeks and that we oldies try to gloss over that period. Well, I am here to tell you that all of us remember! There is really no way to forget those weeks! I hate to say it, but, it really is pure hell. HOWEVER, knowing that during those two weeks you are preparing for the journey of a lifetime makes it worth the frustration, hunger, sadness, and every other emotion you will feel during that time. It is a time for your body to regain a better level of health. I honestly think that if I had not gone through those two weeks of clear liquids that I may not be as healthy as I am now. I had been bombarding my body with toxins for so many years that had created my obesity that now my body was getting a much deserved break. Yeah, I was hungry. Yeah, I was missing my best friend (food). And yeah, I was somewhat emotional due to all of the feelings I was having about surgery, a little discomfort, so many tv commercials about food, all those smells of food when you go anywhere. But, I did it and SO CAN YOU. 14 days from start to the next phase which is much, much easier. The key to survival is stay busy. I would take as little time off of work as possible so your mind stays busy and occupied. The down time is what kills you! When you get hungry, eat more popsicles and overload yourself with water. No, the first two weeks are horrible but tolerable because of the excitment just around the corner! Keep in touch on this board. That is what it is for....SUPPORT! We all have to help each other! Jenni Currie DOB 2/23/06 247/231/152/145dlurvina <dlurvina > wrote: Hi, my name is Diane and I am having my surgery on 12/28. After reading some of the posts I am worried about the 2 week period after surgery. Is it really that bad? __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 3, 2007 Report Share Posted January 3, 2007 Hi , and welcome to the group. I've been on Lexapro for over a month now and I'm not having any side effects. I think it helps, as I don't cry all the time anymore, and I'm easy to get along with. Crying for no reason and hostility, anger, etc. are signs of depression. Lexapro is an SSRI, which means more seratonin gets to the brain. Seratonin is important and if you don't have enough, you feel bad. I'm glad my doctor put me on it. Colleen cathysim1017 <catherin_skinner@...> wrote: I just signed up tonight & want to say Hello. I just sent the Cymbalta vs Lexapro message. It is nice to find people to talk about this subject. It seems the drs. use patients for guinee pigs. He tells me " try this and see me in 4 weeks " . My friend at work believes the pills are just a band-aid & don't really fix anything so she won't take anything.My feeling is stuff happens in life you have no control over.If meds help you get back on track, it seems worth it to try. Thank you for listening, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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