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