Hello everyone

[Guest guest]

Hi a!!!

I'm so sorry you lost your hubby!! That just stinks!!

It looks like you are doing a great job on your weight loss. It is

good to see you posting hang in there!!!

BIG HUGS!!!

>

> My God has it been like forever since I have been here..sorry to

> have went AWOL for soooo long but am sure you all will understand.

> My wonderful husband of only 5 short years was diagnosed with lung

> cancer back in April of past year went through chemo/radiation was

> very ill through it then seemed to get better for a coupld of

months

> till a cancer cell broke loose and went to his brain..they detected

> over 12 brain tumors in Nov and we went through more radiation to

> shrink them. he was having sever headaches till they were shrunk.

> He then lived for 1 3/4 months after the last treatment. He wanted

> to be in Illinois when he passed and wanted to be buried there as

> well. He was borna nd raised a Mainer, but feel in love with

> Illinois..lol..us flatlanders grew one him. We moved back to

> Illinois and got moved into our new home after the 1st of the year.

> My loving hubby lost his battle on Jan 23, 2006 at 11;45pm. he is

> now with the Lord and a much better place. He is sadly missed by me

> and I will always hold him dear in my heart.

>

> I am plugging away at my weight loss..had wls/rny laporscopic

> 06/06/2005 in Augusta,Me. I have lost over 100# to date and have

> went froma tight 24 to a very loose fitting 13 jr..WOOHOO would

> never have thought I could get that size..lol.was a size 15.16 in

> high school and that was my goal. My goal weight was to be at least

> 1# lighter then my hubby which would have been 164 at his healthy

> weight!

>

> I do have some problems with foods. Meat in particular makes me

sick

> to stomach. There are not too many foods I can eat that do not make

> me ill, but meat is the worse. I do ahve an appointment with a wls

> here I Illinois on March 30th and hope he can shed some light on

> what is causing the problem. The Doctor I will be seeing is a Dr

> Hammer..my new PCP here has recommended him and I pray he is good.

> It is hard to find a wls who will take you as a patient after

> another dr has preformed the wls, but I am blessed that he has said

> he will take me.

>

> I have had totally knee replacement surgery on left knee past Sept

> and it doesn;t seem to be doing so good either..will have to go see

> a orthopedic doc for that one after io get my wls problems taken

> care of.

>

> I am sure I am in need of taken more vitamins.mineral.iron,calcium.

> I have kind of let myself go while hubby was ill and I had him at

> home taking care of him. But now know it is time to take care of me!

>

> I will try to get here to the site more often and keep you undated

> on what is going on with me. I have added a couple of new pics in

> the photo area..1 of the newer me! In case anyone is

> interestd..lol..take a look at me before and now!

>

> I will close for now. And God Bless you all

> a/Illinois

> 300/168/164

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Becca,

I like both of your names....but I'm the same way, I sign my name L.

but go by Laurie. Weird

I'm in the same " place " that you are....I can no longer work and I have a

major problem with that because I've always been independent and strong and

active. No so anymore...and I was diagnosed almost 3 years ago. I also have

Psoriatic Arthritis but I think the Fibro is actually more painful. And talk

about being tired. I've always pushed myself but now some days just getting out

of bed is pushing myself.

Keep asking questions because I know there are some really kind and helpful

people on this list.

We are all in this together.

I have been on Lyrica 3 times and I just can't take it. I makes me feel goofy

and extremely sleepy, I don't dare drive. So right now I don't take anything for

the Fibro. I did however start aqua therapy....excersing in the water, and it

does make it easier to move for a while. We also just got a Jaquizzi Spa and

it's GREAT!!!

Hope this helps a little

Laurie in NY

Lyn Henry wrote:

Thank you for taking the time to answer my message.

That really means alot to me..

i`m just really having trouble accepting the fact there there is alot I can

no-longer do.

I have always been a very active person and don`t know how NOT to be.

I was put on Lyrica to help control the pain but I don`t like the way I feel

when I`m taking it and I dont know what to do..

Anyhow, myname is Lyn, but I use my middle name cause iI don`t like my name..

Feel free to call me Becca cause my middle name is

Re: Hello everyone

Your not alone in being scared freewolf I was and still am.

Fear can be a healthy emotion! You feel like your looseing control well some of

us have but We regained it and are fighting this disease now w'some

success.Welcome to the group!!! I hope YOU find the Love,encouragement and

support I have found in the 5 mo. I've been a member!

May GOD Bless YOU !!! ............ . Love

freewolf12003 <freewolf12003@ yahoo.com> wrote:

Hi, let me start by saying that i just found out that I have Fibro and

I`m really scared..

In some ways its a relief to know that this isnt ALL in my head like so

many doctors have told me, but at the same time it scares me because I

feel like I`m loosing control..

I feel like a scared, lost child right now..

Is there anyone who can help me better understand this and what I can

expect?

I truly appreciate any and all help..

Thanks

1. While it is wonderful to share our experiences with everyone on the list as

to what treatments do and don't work for us, pls always check with your dr. Some

treatments are dangerous when given along with other meds as well as to certain

health conditions or just dangerous in general.

2. If you are in a difficult situation (doesn't matter what it is) pls don't be

afraid to ask for help. It is the first step to trying to make that situation

better.

3. To unsubscribe the e-mail is: Fibromyalgia_ Support_Group- unsubscribe@

yahoogroups. com

4. Also, it is not uncommon for more than one member to be feeling bad at the

same time when it comes to flares and b/c of that potentially take something

another member says the wrong way. And that includes the things that one member

may find funny (even if it's laughing at fibro itself) even though we who deal

with illness whether one such as fibro or multiple illnesses try to keep a sense

of humor.

5. Pls let's be gentle with each other, and if you are having a bad day pls let

us know so that we can do our best to offer our support.

Have a nice day everyone.

[Guest guest]

Hi Laurie,

Thanks,. I`m seeing where more and more people have had negative experiences

with Lyrica,

thats not to say that Lyrica does not work for everyone how has Fibro. I`m just

saAny how, I start aquatic therapy in ying that

maybe there should be a survey to go with it ...

Any how, I start aquatic therapy in a couple hours and theres a few thing I have

to do beforeI go..

So, I`ll be sure to write about that later..

Hope everyone is having a goos day..

Lots of Love..

Lyn ( aka Becca )

Re: Hello everyone

Your not alone in being scared freewolf I was and still am.

Fear can be a healthy emotion! You feel like your looseing control well some of

us have but We regained it and are fighting this disease now w'some

success.Welcome to the group!!! I hope YOU find the Love,encouragement and

support I have found in the 5 mo. I've been a member!

May GOD Bless YOU !!! ............ . Love

freewolf12003 <freewolf12003@ yahoo.com> wrote:

Hi, let me start by saying that i just found out that I have Fibro and

I`m really scared..

In some ways its a relief to know that this isnt ALL in my head like so

many doctors have told me, but at the same time it scares me because I

feel like I`m loosing control..

I feel like a scared, lost child right now..

Is there anyone who can help me better understand this and what I can

expect?

I truly appreciate any and all help..

Thanks

1. While it is wonderful to share our experiences with everyone on the list as

to what treatments do and don't work for us, pls always check with your dr. Some

treatments are dangerous when given along with other meds as well as to certain

health conditions or just dangerous in general.

2. If you are in a difficult situation (doesn't matter what it is) pls don't be

afraid to ask for help. It is the first step to trying to make that situation

better.

3. To unsubscribe the e-mail is: Fibromyalgia_ Support_Group- unsubscribe@

yahoogroups. com

4. Also, it is not uncommon for more than one member to be feeling bad at the

same time when it comes to flares and b/c of that potentially take something

another member says the wrong way. And that includes the things that one member

may find funny (even if it's laughing at fibro itself) even though we who deal

with illness whether one such as fibro or multiple illnesses try to keep a sense

of humor.

5. Pls let's be gentle with each other, and if you are having a bad day pls let

us know so that we can do our best to offer our support.

Have a nice day everyone.

[Guest guest]

Hi Laurie,

Don't feel bad about not being able to take Lyricia. Many people on this list

are unable to. I am one of the few that can. There are other medications you can

take for fibro but of cource because Lyrica is the only one spacifically

approved for Fibro so far it is up to the dr what to give for symptoms. Some of

my friends in my local fibro group take cymbalta and do quite well on it. I

can't take it because I take Effexor because I had a total hysterectomy when it

was found I had Uterine cancer during a routine exam. The Effexor helps with

menapause as well as depression. Work with your dr to find medications and

therapies that will help you. I find as well as oral pain meds that topical

help. I also have a tens machine and a muscle stimulator. What ever exercise

works for you is also important. I love the pool for social interaction as well

as exercise. I also try to walk at least once a day. I can only do 1.5 blocks

and use a rollator walker. I have been using stair again but find I get a lot of

muscle fatigue. When I have muscle fatigue I find I have less bladder control.

Yes those muscle become a problem too.

Oh well, the joys of fibro and the many other chronic conditions I enjoy.

Judy

---- Laurie Howe wrote:

> Hi Becca,

>

> I like both of your names....but I'm the same way, I sign my name L.

but go by Laurie. Weird

> I'm in the same " place " that you are....I can no longer work and I have a

major problem with that because I've always been independent and strong and

active. No so anymore...and I was diagnosed almost 3 years ago. I also have

Psoriatic Arthritis but I think the Fibro is actually more painful. And talk

about being tired. I've always pushed myself but now some days just getting out

of bed is pushing myself.

> Keep asking questions because I know there are some really kind and helpful

people on this list.

> We are all in this together.

> I have been on Lyrica 3 times and I just can't take it. I makes me feel

goofy and extremely sleepy, I don't dare drive. So right now I don't take

anything for the Fibro. I did however start aqua therapy....excersing in the

water, and it does make it easier to move for a while. We also just got a

Jaquizzi Spa and it's GREAT!!!

> Hope this helps a little

> Laurie in NY

>

>

> Lyn Henry wrote:

> Thank you for taking the time to answer my message.

> That really means alot to me..

> i`m just really having trouble accepting the fact there there is alot I can

no-longer do.

> I have always been a very active person and don`t know how NOT to be.

> I was put on Lyrica to help control the pain but I don`t like the way I feel

when I`m taking it and I dont know what to do..

> Anyhow, myname is Lyn, but I use my middle name cause iI don`t like my name..

Feel free to call me Becca cause my middle name is

>

> Re: Hello everyone

>

> Your not alone in being scared freewolf I was and still am.

> Fear can be a healthy emotion! You feel like your looseing control well some

of us have but We regained it and are fighting this disease now w'some

success.Welcome to the group!!! I hope YOU find the Love,encouragement and

support I have found in the 5 mo. I've been a member!

> May GOD Bless YOU !!! ............ . Love

>

> freewolf12003 <freewolf12003@ yahoo.com> wrote:

> Hi, let me start by saying that i just found out that I have Fibro and

> I`m really scared..

> In some ways its a relief to know that this isnt ALL in my head like so

> many doctors have told me, but at the same time it scares me because I

> feel like I`m loosing control..

> I feel like a scared, lost child right now..

> Is there anyone who can help me better understand this and what I can

> expect?

>

> I truly appreciate any and all help..

> Thanks

>

> 1. While it is wonderful to share our experiences with everyone on the list as

to what treatments do and don't work for us, pls always check with your dr. Some

treatments are dangerous when given along with other meds as well as to certain

health conditions or just dangerous in general.

>

> 2. If you are in a difficult situation (doesn't matter what it is) pls don't

be afraid to ask for help. It is the first step to trying to make that situation

better.

>

> 3. To unsubscribe the e-mail is: Fibromyalgia_ Support_Group- unsubscribe@

yahoogroups. com

>

> 4. Also, it is not uncommon for more than one member to be feeling bad at the

same time when it comes to flares and b/c of that potentially take something

another member says the wrong way. And that includes the things that one member

may find funny (even if it's laughing at fibro itself) even though we who deal

with illness whether one such as fibro or multiple illnesses try to keep a sense

of humor.

>

> 5. Pls let's be gentle with each other, and if you are having a bad day pls

let us know so that we can do our best to offer our support.

>

> Have a nice day everyone.

>

>

[Guest guest]

My name is Cheryl and I have never posted b4 and barely read cuz I'm

overloaded but, I feel it's time. I am currently taking 600 mg. a day

of Lyrica. Anyone else on this high of a dose? I feel the brainfog

has increased DRAMATICALLY, as if it weren't bad enough b4. I have

horrible long term and short term memory as it is...I am also taking a

lot of Tramadol too. I have gained 24 lbs. since July 30th!!!!HELP!!!!

I am also taking 10 mg. of Zyprexa!!!!I can't stop eating!!!!!I feel my

skin stretching and it hurts, as if I didn't hurt bad enough!!DUH!!!!

INSOMNIA AND EXHAUSTION rule my world!!!(No crap.) I know all of you

are in some form of hell and I'M SO SORRY!!!! I need feedback on these

meds. I need to vent.

Love and hugs,

Cheryl

[Guest guest]

I understand the appetite... but I am not on lyrica. Many people have reported

the weight gain and increased appetite. The Zyprexa will also increase your

appetite. Well, I have gained quite a bit of weight myself and I don't even

have the excuse of taking Lyrica. LOL.

Take Care

Debra V.

Cheryl wrote:

My name is Cheryl and I have never posted b4 and barely read cuz I'm

overloaded but, I feel it's time. I am currently taking 600 mg. a day

of Lyrica. Anyone else on this high of a dose? I feel the brainfog

has increased DRAMATICALLY, as if it weren't bad enough b4. I have

horrible long term and short term memory as it is...I am also taking a

lot of Tramadol too. I have gained 24 lbs. since July 30th!!!!HELP!!!!

I am also taking 10 mg. of Zyprexa!!!!I can't stop eating!!!!!I feel my

skin stretching and it hurts, as if I didn't hurt bad enough!!DUH!!!!

INSOMNIA AND EXHAUSTION rule my world!!!(No crap.) I know all of you

are in some form of hell and I'M SO SORRY!!!! I need feedback on these

meds. I need to vent.

Love and hugs,

Cheryl

---------------------------------

Don't let your dream ride pass you by. Make it a reality with Yahoo! Autos.

[Guest guest]

Hope all goes well. Glad you finally got some sleep. And sometimes we need to

" waste " a day..... most likely tomorrow will be another one.

Debra V.

Angie wrote:

Hello all,

I did get some sleep finally. Even though it was after 4am when I went to bed. I

finally settled down and slept pretty well this morning. I was too sore to get

up so I just kept rolling over and going back to sleep. We've got a storm pretty

much over us; its cool and windy although we haven't had much rain yet. It dumps

on the mountains and very often is sort of broken up when it comes over us on

its way east. Then it gathers back together and hits the mountains on the east.

But of course I feel like its raining anyway .

I figured this morning the whole point of being on disability is being able to

rest whenever I can. What a novel ide huh? My mother used to always get us up

early on weekends and stuff and tell us we were wasting the day by sleeping in.

So I have this built in guilt about wasting the day. Hey but I make good use of

the night!!! LOL...

OK I'm rambling. Again. As usual.

I'll get back to my writing a little later. I think the appeal is about

finished. I just need the rest of my medical files - which I've called about and

they just have to call me when they are ready. It's the EEOC form I'm really

struggling with; but I think I've got a good draft so far. Sometimes I have to

just get away from things for a bit and then go back with a clear head.

Well, I have to get ready to go to the lab. My daughter and I have put it off

two weeks and I want to get it done. As soon as she's home from school we're

going. So I'll be back later.

Angie

Carson City, NV; Single, five children (3 at home), 2 dogs, 5 cats, snow skiing,

camping, Harley Rider, Lone Wolf, Blue Thong Society/High Sierra Thong Snappers

member, LFA Advocate, independent, opinionated, outspoken, and open minded.

" It's always something. " ~~~Gilda Radner

http://360.yahoo.com/lovinglifeinnv

http://www.myspace.com/amkg

http://doripost.agrato.info/

http://www.facebook.com/

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/LupusSurvivorsU/

__________________________________________________________

Be a better Heartthrob. Get better relationship answers from someone who knows.

Yahoo! Answers - Check it out.

http://answers.yahoo.com/dir/?link=list & sid=396545433

[Guest guest]

Hi Tina

I'm sorry you've been disappointed again. I'm amazed that a gastric band has been suggested, although I believe it's a more common op over there than it is here. Like Joyce said, I've also lost 30lbs loads of times (shame it's always the same 30lbs!) I love your attitude and hope you keep it up for a long time to come

Love Ze xx

>> Well, I went to see the transplant team on March 18th, as many of you > know from my previous posts, and my doc said they were going to list > me. But, I found out today, that the "team" has voted against > listing me yet. It is the weight issue. I still need to lose 30 > more pounds. So now they suggested that I see the bariatric surgeon > to discuss gastric bypass and/or lapband surgery. And, to their > surprise, I refused. I will not undergo gastric bypass surgery to > lose 30 pounds! It just isn't worth it for me. Surgery is too risky > for us IPFers anyway. And, I am just too reluctant to undergo any > kind of unnecessary surgery. If I can't lose the weight, then I > suppose I will never get listed. That will be fine too. I will deal > with whatever comes my way. I am going to go for another sleep study > on Monday, April 7th and see where that leads me. I also got the > results back from my MRI. I have arthritis in my neck - thus the > pain. It doesn't explain the arm and leg numbness, but the > neurologist couldn't explain it either. He told me to let him know > if things worsen, but otherwise to just "deal with it". I am back to > pulmonary rehab next week too. I enjoy the exercise more than what I > thought I would. And, another month has passed! I am looking > forward to May to see everyone who will be able to be in San > . And, I am looking forward to May because it will be the > first month in the last 14 months that I don't have any scheduled > doctor's appointments, tests, or any kind of medical appointment! > And, our pool will go up in May. Yippee for warmer weather!!!> > God Bless,> Tina> IPF 04/07 PH 11/07 Ohio>

[Guest guest]

Tina if they are thinking surgery they're nuts. My Dr. is concerned about me doing my other caddy. She said my surgery days are OVER. So stay well.. I thought that was sweet of her. My sister had that surgery and lost over 200 lbs. She nearly died doing it but that has been 20 years ago. She is on prednisone and is putting some back on.  Please take care.  Love and Prayers, PeggyHave a God Blessed Day Tina,You made the right decision.  Good grief!  I have lost 30 pounds 30 times.  It can be done without surgery!  Sometimes the transplant docs have tunnel vision.  It will all work out for you in God's time. Hugs, Joyce D.Pulmonary Fibrosis 1997    Bronchiectasis 2004    Pulmonary Hypertension 2008  Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (Lupus, RA, Sjogren's, etc)  Rejected for Transplant 2006 .....I will not forget you.  Behold, I have engraved you on the palm of my hands.  Isaiah 49: 15-16>> Well, I went to see the transplant team on March 18th, as many of you > know from my previous posts, and my doc said they were going to list > me. But, I found out today, that the "team" has voted against > listing me yet. It is the weight issue. I still need to lose 30 > more pounds. So now they suggested that I see the bariatric surgeon > to discuss gastric bypass and/or lapband surgery. And, to their > surprise, I refused. I will not undergo gastric bypass surgery to > lose 30 pounds! It just isn't worth it for me. Surgery is too risky > for us IPFers anyway. And, I am just too reluctant to undergo any > kind of unnecessary surgery. If I can't lose the weight, then I > suppose I will never get listed. That will be fine too. I will deal > with whatever comes my way. I am going to go for another sleep study > on Monday, April 7th and see where that leads me. I also got the > results back from my MRI. I have arthritis in my neck - thus the > pain. It doesn't explain the arm and leg numbness, but the > neurologist couldn't explain it either. He told me to let him know > if things worsen, but otherwise to just "deal with it". I am back to > pulmonary rehab next week too. I enjoy the exercise more than what I > thought I would. And, another month has passed! I am looking > forward to May to see everyone who will be able to be in San > . And, I am looking forward to May because it will be the > first month in the last 14 months that I don't have any scheduled > doctor's appointments, tests, or any kind of medical appointment! > And, our pool will go up in May. Yippee for warmer weather!!!> > God Bless,> Tina> IPF 04/07 PH 11/07 Ohio>

[Guest guest]

Tina...I'm relieved you aren't going for the surgery. I considered it once. Well, maybe two/three times and each time didn't "feel right" about it.

You're right, surgery is too risky for us.

Like Joyce, I've lost 30 lbs , only 30 dozen times...gained it back. I should look like "Cher" instead of "Sher"....heehehee.

To be told to just "deal with it" seems harsh, doesn't it.

Maybe the rehab will help the arm/leg numbness!

May will come before we know it...enjoy a month of freedom.

Hello to Kaleb and hugs.

Mama-Sher, age 69. IPF 3-06, OR. Don't fret about tomorrow, God is already there!

Re: Re: hello everyone

Tina if they are thinking surgery they're nuts. My Dr. is concerned about me doing my other caddy. She said my surgery days are OVER. So stay well.. I thought that was sweet of her. My sister had that surgery and lost over 200 lbs. She nearly died doing it but that has been 20 years ago. She is on prednisone and is putting some back

on. Please take care.

Love and Prayers, Peggy

Have a God Blessed Day

Tina,

You made the right decision. Good grief! I have lost 30 pounds 30 times. It can be done without surgery! Sometimes the transplant docs have tunnel vision. It will all work out for you in God's time.

Hugs, Joyce D.Pulmonary Fibrosis 1997 Bronchiectasis 2004 Pulmonary Hypertension 2008 Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (Lupus, RA, Sjogren's, etc) Rejected for Transplant 2006 .....I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palm of my hands. Isaiah 49: 15-16>> Well, I went to see the transplant team on March 18th, as many of you > know from my previous posts, and my doc said they were going to list > me. But, I found out today, that the "team" has voted against > listing me yet. It is the weight issue. I still need to lose 30 > more pounds. So now they suggested that I see the bariatric surgeon > to discuss gastric bypass and/or lapband surgery. And, to their > surprise, I refused. I will not undergo gastric bypass surgery to > lose 30 pounds! It just isn't worth it for me. Surgery is too risky > for us IPFers anyway. And, I am just too reluctant to undergo any > kind of unnecessary surgery. If I can't lose the weight, then I > suppose I will never get listed. That will be fine too. I will deal > with whatever comes my way. I am going to go for another sleep study > on Monday, April 7th and see where that leads me. I also got the > results back from my MRI. I have arthritis in my neck - thus the > pain. It doesn't explain the arm and leg numbness, but the > neurologist couldn't explain it either. He told me to let him know > if things worsen, but otherwise to just "deal with it". I am back to > pulmonary rehab next week too. I enjoy the exercise more than what I > thought I would. And, another month has passed! I am looking > forward to May to see everyone who will be able to be in San > . And, I am looking forward to May because it will be the > first month in the last 14 months that I don't have any scheduled > doctor's appointments, tests, or any kind of medical appointment! > And, our pool will go up in May. Yippee for warmer weather!!!> > God Bless,> Tina> IPF 04/07 PH 11/07 Ohio>

[Guest guest]

Peggy...Tina...Bariatric Surgery

I agree that you don't do bariatric surgery over 30 pounds unless as a

last resort. In fact, the surgical facility I respect the most would not

do that.

However, I also wanted to balance a little bit of the talk here. As you

said Peggy " that was 20 years ago. " Gastric Bypass has come a long way.

The hospital I'm most familiar with has very few complications

performing Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB). Now, banding is

advertised and performed a whole lot more but largely for one reason and

that is its a business any surgeon can quickly get into where as bypass

requires much more education and skill.

So, don't get me wrong. I'm not encouraging anyone to go have either

surgery, particularly one with PF. Furthermore, I think doing it on

someone who has lost down to 30 lbs more to go isn't an appropriate

candidate for it. I have complete confidence Tina will get the rest of

the way down. Baylor requires a BMI of 40 or will consider 35 if there

are other health issues calling for it.

Now, I do want to present this opinion and it applies only to those who

don't have PF because I think that changes every dynamic, so it doesn't

apply to anyone here. For the person with an long term weight problem

for whom no other method has been successful, finding the best bariatric

surgical facility they can and having a bypass may make a lot of sense.

At this point the risks are quite small, however the lifestyle change

isn't to be overlooked and can be torment for some. But, you compare

this to the fact that aa BMI of over 40 shortens the average life by 20

years.

So, while I totally agree and support Tina's decision and frankly am a

bit shocked at the pulmonlogist recommending surgery to her at this

point, I do think bariatric surgery does have its place and has come a

long way at some facilities.

> >

> > Well, I went to see the transplant team on March 18th, as many of

you

> > know from my previous posts, and my doc said they were going to list

> > me. But, I found out today, that the " team " has voted against

> > listing me yet. It is the weight issue. I still need to lose 30

> > more pounds. So now they suggested that I see the bariatric surgeon

> > to discuss gastric bypass and/or lapband surgery. And, to their

> > surprise, I refused. I will not undergo gastric bypass surgery to

> > lose 30 pounds! It just isn't worth it for me. Surgery is too risky

> > for us IPFers anyway. And, I am just too reluctant to undergo any

> > kind of unnecessary surgery. If I can't lose the weight, then I

> > suppose I will never get listed. That will be fine too. I will deal

> > with whatever comes my way. I am going to go for another sleep study

> > on Monday, April 7th and see where that leads me. I also got the

> > results back from my MRI. I have arthritis in my neck - thus the

> > pain. It doesn't explain the arm and leg numbness, but the

> > neurologist couldn't explain it either. He told me to let him know

> > if things worsen, but otherwise to just " deal with it " . I am back to

> > pulmonary rehab next week too. I enjoy the exercise more than what I

> > thought I would. And, another month has passed! I am looking

> > forward to May to see everyone who will be able to be in San

> > . And, I am looking forward to May because it will be the

> > first month in the last 14 months that I don't have any scheduled

> > doctor's appointments, tests, or any kind of medical appointment!

> > And, our pool will go up in May. Yippee for warmer weather!!!

> >

> > God Bless,

> > Tina

> > IPF 04/07 PH 11/07 Ohio

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I agree with you, Bruce, that bariatric surgery has come a long way

and it is the right decision for some folks. Unfortunately, in my

experience with hospitals and surgeries, if it can go wrong, it

will. During one of my surgeries [which was supposed to be routine]

my kidneys shut down. And, during one of my surgeries [again

routine] I had a reaction to blood that was given to me and all of my

veins collapsed, causing terrible pain and reinsertion of 5 IVs. I

even had IVs between my fingers, because that is the only vein that

could be accessed. The doctor told me this was very unusual.

As for those who have successfully undergone many surgeries, I

applaud the medical care profession for those accomplishments.

However, knowing the risk vs. benefit, I will opt out of this risk.

I know how hard it is to lose weight. I've struggled with mine my

whole life. And, I know the statistics regarding obesity, because I

live with it every day. My BMI is just under 40; which is far too

high for the transplant team to consider surgery because of the post-

transplant risks. I completely understand where they are coming

from. I will have a much higher success following transplant if I go

into healthier. As you know, their stringent criteria is meant to

produce the best possible mortality following transplant. That is

why they have the age restriction, the weight restriction, the

psychological restriction, etc., etc., etc.

Once I have done all I can do, I will be able to sit back and say, " I

did all I could do. " As for me at this time, I am going to continue

to try to lose weight. Who knows, there might be some beautiful

skinny person inside just waiting to get out!

Thanks for your kindness and words of encouragement. It is always

appreciated.

God Bless,

Tina

IPF PH Ohio

> > >

> > > Well, I went to see the transplant team on March 18th, as many

of

> you

> > > know from my previous posts, and my doc said they were going to

list

> > > me. But, I found out today, that the " team " has voted against

> > > listing me yet. It is the weight issue. I still need to lose 30

> > > more pounds. So now they suggested that I see the bariatric

surgeon

> > > to discuss gastric bypass and/or lapband surgery. And, to their

> > > surprise, I refused. I will not undergo gastric bypass surgery

to

> > > lose 30 pounds! It just isn't worth it for me. Surgery is too

risky

> > > for us IPFers anyway. And, I am just too reluctant to undergo

any

> > > kind of unnecessary surgery. If I can't lose the weight, then I

> > > suppose I will never get listed. That will be fine too. I will

deal

> > > with whatever comes my way. I am going to go for another sleep

study

> > > on Monday, April 7th and see where that leads me. I also got the

> > > results back from my MRI. I have arthritis in my neck - thus the

> > > pain. It doesn't explain the arm and leg numbness, but the

> > > neurologist couldn't explain it either. He told me to let him

know

> > > if things worsen, but otherwise to just " deal with it " . I am

back to

> > > pulmonary rehab next week too. I enjoy the exercise more than

what I

> > > thought I would. And, another month has passed! I am looking

> > > forward to May to see everyone who will be able to be in San

> > > . And, I am looking forward to May because it will be the

> > > first month in the last 14 months that I don't have any

scheduled

> > > doctor's appointments, tests, or any kind of medical

appointment!

> > > And, our pool will go up in May. Yippee for warmer weather!!!

> > >

> > > God Bless,

> > > Tina

> > > IPF 04/07 PH 11/07 Ohio

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Tina

I have no doubt in you. You're really so close. I know the last 30 isn't

easy but I think the doctor who pushed for the surgery was off base and

I also think he underestimated you. It's sad that he looked at what you

had to go rather than how far you've come already. Guess he just doesn't

know you like we do.

> > > >

> > > > Well, I went to see the transplant team on March 18th, as many

> of

> > you

> > > > know from my previous posts, and my doc said they were going to

> list

> > > > me. But, I found out today, that the " team " has voted against

> > > > listing me yet. It is the weight issue. I still need to lose 30

> > > > more pounds. So now they suggested that I see the bariatric

> surgeon

> > > > to discuss gastric bypass and/or lapband surgery. And, to their

> > > > surprise, I refused. I will not undergo gastric bypass surgery

> to

> > > > lose 30 pounds! It just isn't worth it for me. Surgery is too

> risky

> > > > for us IPFers anyway. And, I am just too reluctant to undergo

> any

> > > > kind of unnecessary surgery. If I can't lose the weight, then I

> > > > suppose I will never get listed. That will be fine too. I will

> deal

> > > > with whatever comes my way. I am going to go for another sleep

> study

> > > > on Monday, April 7th and see where that leads me. I also got the

> > > > results back from my MRI. I have arthritis in my neck - thus the

> > > > pain. It doesn't explain the arm and leg numbness, but the

> > > > neurologist couldn't explain it either. He told me to let him

> know

> > > > if things worsen, but otherwise to just " deal with it " . I am

> back to

> > > > pulmonary rehab next week too. I enjoy the exercise more than

> what I

> > > > thought I would. And, another month has passed! I am looking

> > > > forward to May to see everyone who will be able to be in San

> > > > . And, I am looking forward to May because it will be the

> > > > first month in the last 14 months that I don't have any

> scheduled

> > > > doctor's appointments, tests, or any kind of medical

> appointment!

> > > > And, our pool will go up in May. Yippee for warmer weather!!!

> > > >

> > > > God Bless,

> > > > Tina

> > > > IPF 04/07 PH 11/07 Ohio

> > > >

> > >

> >

>