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Being Fixed

Mikiesboy

Entry posted by Mikiesboy

1,532 views

Not that kinda 'fixed'!

 

The last couple of months have been trying, personally, but things seem to be coming together. Let me tell you self-diagnosis can be a wonderful thing, if you're honest and like to research things.

 

So after three horribly painful attacks that involved my upper chest front and back, plenty of nausea and some vomiting, Google and I figured I had an issue with my gallbladder.

 

I put myself on a very low fat diet immediately. No more horrific painful 4 hour bouts in the middle of the night, and no more heartburn which I've had for years. A most excellent side effect!

 

After the third bout, I went to the doctor and ultrasound confirmed it is my gallbladder. Turns out it was a bit worse than first thought as one stone in there seemed bent on taking a tour toward my bile duct. The doc explained that as soooo not a good thing.

 

My doctor sent an urgent request to a local general surgeon, who gave me an appointment 1.5 months away (yes, that is our excellent health care coveted by so many). My doc said, in the meantime, if you develop a fever, turn yellow, vomit and feel very ill, go to the hospital.

 

I saw the surgeon Nov. 2. After an appointment was made for surgery, for Nov. 15. We rushed around to get blood work and an ECG done.

 

Then, I got a call that afternoon saying, 'oops the hospital bumped you, we'll try for January 5th'. Damn.

 

The surgeon had just finished telling me, the sooner the better because, things will be getting worse. And they could get much worse, the pancreas could be affected and well death was involved in there somewhere too. I know death is inevitable but, I'd like to avoid it a bit longer if I can.

 

They called me on Nov. 3 at 8:00pm to say the hospital has sorted things and I can have Nov 15 back. Be at the hospital by 7am for 9am surgery. Yay .. but I wont be surprised if they call me to change it. The receptionist put in a long day, not just for me, but I'm taking her flowers when I go back for my after surgery check.

 

Currently I have constant pain and nausea. The lovely women I work with tell me, as I run by them to barf in the mornings, on the days when I've made it to work, that's what morning sickness is like. I said to them, 'And you volunteer for that?' They are made of tough stuff.

 

As I write this I wonder if that slice of bread and strawberry jam I just ate, will remain where I put it ... I also decided to do more research. On the After surgery diet.

 

Clear liquids, broth and gelatin, then start to add back real food and fibre slowly. But the low-fat diet is likely here to stay. I've managed okay with it, and Michael has lost weight and looks amazing.

 

He said, make what you can eat and I'll eat it. You're not doing this alone. My wonderful man.

 

I have found that potatoes mashed with skim milk only, taste just fine, that 3 oz of eye of round is the right amount for me. I can live without pizza, cheese, cream, and skinless/boneless chicken thighs cooked with onion, garlic, a bit of soy sauce and touch of olive oil are delicious. Stir fries can be done with water only or a tiny bit of oil. I can eat a vegetarian sub from Subway (no cheese) on whole wheat, with a touch of lite mayo without fear of a painful attack.

 

I've read and found, that a mostly fruit and veg diet is the way to go. I eat very little meat but add lots of legumes and pulses. Eggs are a major no-no, but the whites are fine. Angel food cake I can have! Low fat replacements for fat, such as prune puree and applesauce work well.

 

You just have to admit that those low-fat brownies will not be the same, but they are a terrific option.

 

And for the foreseeable and maybe the unforeseeable future, that's what needs to happen to keep yourself healthy.

 

Everyday, I am grateful for Google and all those wonderful people who share their recipes and ideas online. It has made dealing with this health issue so much easier, than the doctor's diet sheet.

 

Thanks for reading and remember to take care of yourselves and don't ignore that pain.

 

tim

  • Like 15

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  • Site Administrator
Valkyrie
  • Site Administrator

I'm glad you have some answers and a surgery date.  I had my gallbladder out ten years ago after suffering symptoms very similar to what you are going through.  Mine became infected and inflamed from a lot of gallstones, and I didn't realize those attacks of what I thought were severe gas pains in the middle of the night were really gallbladder flare-ups. I was diagnosed because I went to the doctor for what I thought was the flu.  Anyway...I felt loads better after the surgery.  

 

As far as diet, you are not consigned to a low-fat diet for the rest of your life because your gallbladder was removed.  I tend to eat a low carb/high fat diet (I actually lost close to 100 pounds eating that way, but regained most of it when I stopped) and don't have any issues with it.  So don't be afraid to incorporate healthy fats into your diet post-surgery.  

 

I'll be thinking of you on the 15th.  Update us with your progress when you can! :hug:  

  • Like 3
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Ashi

I hope you're fine!  Life will have a lot of changes.  I too been recently admitted to a hospital, but we shall see it as a fun experience that's part of life cycle.  :hug:  I intend to write a comedy about my hospital stay.  May your days be brighter.

  • Like 1
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Mikiesboy

I'm glad you have some answers and a surgery date.  I had my gallbladder out ten years ago after suffering symptoms very similar to what you are going through.  Mine became infected and inflamed from a lot of gallstones, and I didn't realize those attacks of what I thought were severe gas pains in the middle of the night were really gallbladder flare-ups. I was diagnosed because I went to the doctor for what I thought was the flu.  Anyway...I felt loads better after the surgery.  

 

As far as diet, you are not consigned to a low-fat diet for the rest of your life because your gallbladder was removed.  I tend to eat a low carb/high fat diet (I actually lost close to 100 pounds eating that way, but regained most of it when I stopped) and don't have any issues with it.  So don't be afraid to incorporate healthy fats into your diet post-surgery.  

 

I'll be thinking of you on the 15th.  Update us with your progress when you can! :hug:

We'll see ... if low fat means no heartburn... then I'm happy. For years I've taken meds for that and often they did little.  I do use some olive oil now and watch labels for grams of fat and weigh meats ... I'll find what works best for me.. thanks for the info Val!!  I appreciate you sharing ... it helps. 

 

xoxox tim

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Mikiesboy

I hope you're fine!  Life will have a lot of changes.  I too been recently admitted to a hospital, but we shall see it as a fun experience that's part of life cycle.  :hug:  I intend to write a comedy about my hospital stay.  May your days be brighter.

Thanks Ashi .. I'd like to read that comedy... hope you're okay.  I had surgery last year (i hope not to make it an annual event!), so I sort of know what's coming. And as surgery and hospital stays go ... it was pretty good.

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Mikiesboy

Hope you have a good surgery and a prompt uneventful recovery. More love your way. Take care.

Thanks my friend. I liked the surgeon, very cool guy, took his time explaining things. So I'm as content as I can be. Love you back. And btw, I keep forgetting to tell you .. i like the new pic. 

xo

  • Like 1
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Mikiesboy

Keeping my fingers crossed and sending you lots of :hug: and warm thoughts.

Thanks Tim.. i'm sure things will be okay... thanks for your kind thoughts and words... xoxo

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Mikiesboy

Fingers toes and eyes crossed for the 15th  :hug:

Thanks Zombie .. please uncross your eyes.. I'd hate for anything to happen to you xoxoxo but I appreciate the kind thoughts 

  • Like 1
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Headstall

I pretty much knew all this already, but I'm glad to read the optimism in your post. It's always good when you finally get that answer you've been looking for. I don't need to tell you how I feel about you and Mike, do I ? XOXOXO  :hug:  :hug:

  • Like 1
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Mikiesboy

I pretty much knew all this already, but I'm glad to read the optimism in your post. It's always good when you finally get that answer you've been looking for. I don't need to tell you how I feel about you and Mike, do I ? XOXOXO :hug::hug:

Nope Gary you don't. Usually the first 3 days of bad news.. I'm down or need to lick my wounds, but then I come around and face whatever it is. Mike is being so supportive. Things are good, just like when we first got together.. xoxox
  • Like 2
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Hunter Thomson

Keeping you in my thoughts, especially the day of the surgery. Your optimism will help you recover more quickly, I'm sure, and I hope your recovery is quick and without complications.

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Mikiesboy

Keeping you in my thoughts, especially the day of the surgery. Your optimism will help you recover more quickly, I'm sure, and I hope your recovery is quick and without complications.

Thanks Hunter .. much appreciated ... i'm hoping i'll be able to do some writing.. hope you're well.. saw your post about teaching.. it's great news!!

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MrM

This will be a very good thing. Everyone I've known who has had their gallbladder out when it goes bad feels SOOO much better. 

 

Much love Mikiesboy. I look forward to your recovery.

  • Like 1
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Mikiesboy

This will be a very good thing. Everyone I've known who has had their gallbladder out when it goes bad feels SOOO much better. 

 

Much love Mikiesboy. I look forward to your recovery.

Thank you so much ... it's good to hear that.  I appreciate the good wishes.  I'm outta likes so :heart: 

 

much love returned 

 

tim xoxo

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glitteryantlers

All woman in my family had their gallbladder removed. I have lots and lots of small stones, the surgeon said I was stone rich :-D

 

Both my grandmothers had a surgery, one of them suffered from heartburn all her life before and after her surgery, the other granny had no more problems after, she could eat whatever she wanted, very similar to the low carb high fat diet what Val mentioned. 

I have very little to complain about right now, except I don't like meat, ketchup and some herbs, mostly Italian spices. I can eat almost everything containing fat, but it mustn't be warm. 

 

I'm happy things are good between you and Mike!

  • Like 1
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Kitt

It's good they are finally fixing this for you. When they put you off till January I wanted to beat up on someone! I know things are busy in hospitals, but really? Two MORE months? Thoughts and love are with you.

  • Like 1
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Mikiesboy

All woman in my family had their gallbladder removed. I have lots and lots of small stones, the surgeon said I was stone rich :-D

 

Both my grandmothers had a surgery, one of them suffered from heartburn all her life before and after her surgery, the other granny had no more problems after, she could eat whatever she wanted, very similar to the low carb high fat diet what Val mentioned. 

I have very little to complain about right now, except I don't like meat, ketchup and some herbs, mostly Italian spices. I can eat almost everything containing fat, but it mustn't be warm. 

 

I'm happy things are good between you and Mike!

Thanks glittery ... not a big meat eater myself ... i can live happily without very much of it. My heartburn stopped when I started the low fat diet .. it is so nice not to have to take medication or antacids all the time. Maybe the two issues were related I dont know, but we'll see. Thanks for the support and insight, glittery .. gives me things to think about and try.

 

tim xo

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Mikiesboy

It's good they are finally fixing this for you. When they put you off till January I wanted to beat up on someone! I know things are busy in hospitals, but really? Two MORE months? Thoughts and love are with you.

Mike wanted to beat someone up too!  But I'm hoping they will be no more changes.. 

 

thank you Kitt for your support

 

love ya xoxoxo

 

tim

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  • Site Moderator
Reader1810
  • Site Moderator

Not that kinda 'fixed'!


 


*****


 


I know that's not what you meant, but it gave me a good chuckle...and you know what they say about endorphins flowing. :)


 

I am very very happy to hear that a "fix" is finally on your horizon. Good luck to you my friend and I hope your recovery is uneventful and quick. :hug: :hug:

  • Like 1
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Mikiesboy

Hehe, good! Glad it made you chuckle!

 

Thanks Reader. I hope it won't take too long to get over it. But whatever it is, it is. You just have to deal, right?

 

Thank you ... hugs

 

xoxo

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northie

I'm with Reader - the title made me grin.

 

I hope everything goes well, tim. Sounds as though you'll do much better without your gall bladder than with it.

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