Surgery, Gleevec, and Amy

[Guest guest]

Hi first let me say, I am excited for Amy getting to have her

surgery. I have low potassium levels because of my Gleevec. I am

also a lot older with multi health problems. For two years I was on

2 different water pills with 20 MEQ potassium. I never had a problem

with the potassium until I went on the Gleevec. I am not blaming the

surgeon or having the surgery to live a healthier life. I would do

it again if I had to. But my body is unable to fight the problem

with my potassium drops and the Gleevec isn't helping. Now they have

me on Magnezium/potassium, potassium K-lite that dissolves in water

to help keep me from dropping so low. I would still recommend the

gastric bypass, and I tell people about it everytime I see someone

who could benefit from it. I am thrilled I had the surgery. I get

my 3 month weigh-in done on Thursday. It's 2 weeks late, but being in

the hospital will make appointments be scheduled later.

I want Amy to experience the thrill that I have had just seeing the

pounds and inches disappear. She's been on Gleevec longer and she'll

be okay. I had only been on it for 4 months when I had the surgery.

Amy has my full support where this surgery is concerned. I am here

for her, I just wanted her to know that the Gleevec has been know to

drop potassium levels. It has nothing to do with heart problems. My

heart works great, but even without my having to take a water pill

ever so often, the potassium still can and does drop. But I know the

signs when it happens. I do get regular potassium panel blood work

every week just to be safe.

The last two days have been great. The only fluid I have at the

moment is in my left foot where an IV had to be put as my port wasn't

able to be accessed. My veins aren't strong enough to hold an IV

needle so it blew. But I have no weakness from the potassium

dropping. Everything is going good since being given magnezium. It

keeps the potassium from dropping.

Y'all have a great day. I'm off here to get ready for Knoxville. I

need to have my left Kidney checked. I have two stones that are just

sitting there. Always, Kathy