hello from new/old member and 5+ year update

[Guest guest]

Hello,

I've rejoined this group after having ended all my yahoo group

memberships last year...can't remember why i did it, but here i am

rejoining!

I just wanted to do a quick post as a 5+ year update...it's a bit late

as my 5year anniversary was November 11th. I did a 3+ year update and

for the most part, my weight has held steady since I was 2 years post

op. I started out at 274 and am now 126 lbs. - and minus one leg.

Last year I contracted Necrotizing Fasciitis (http://www.nnff.org/),

otherwise known as flesh eating bacteria, and in the process lost my

right leg through amputation at the hip. I spent 6 weeks in the

hospital and was quite lucky to live through the whole ordeal. We

have no idea how i managed to catch the virus, i'm a serious

germophobe...but i did, and there were no outward signs to indicate

the problem, I was just sick with a high temp, delirium and leg pains

for about 5 days before it became intolerable and I made my way to the

hospital.

The whole thing seemed like a fluke, but my husband was convinced that

somehow my immune system was compromised by the DS - and I was more

susceptible. I don't know if that's true or not, I don't notice

anyone on the boards posting that they seem to be more prone to

viruses. But it may be something you all want to keep in mind just in

case. I happen to think I'm just unbelievably lucky ;> and i managed

to catch such a rare disease. In any case, I disregarded the pains in

my legs because I thought it was a symptom of my calcium

deficiency...so just fyi.

Life goes on, I went back to work three months after my hospital stay

and for the most part, everything else is normal. Last month I had

surgery to correct a small sinus at the site of my amputation, and I

decided to bite the bullet and get rid of some excess skin as well. I

had an extended tummy tuck and breast lift/reduction and it feels

great to move around without all that extra junk!

I just want to wish you all a happy and healthy new year.

My heart also goes out to Salzar for her loss.

Best Regards,

Gil

Dr. Keshishian

Nov. 11, 2001

Then: 274 lbs. bmi 48 (?)

Now: 126 lbs.