I had a several dr. appointments last week. It is amazing how differently each one can view the same situation. I came away from one specialist feeling completely hopeless...but ended the day after another specialist who gave such a different opinion and my heart felt so much more peace. That day, he was talking about continuing the IV nutrition (called TPN) and some other IVs. I just felt like I needed to ask him (and basically BEG him) to just unplug me completely and allow me to try to eat on my own. The TPN had been making me violently ill and I was getting the strongest IV anti-nausea meds that there are. I just didn't feel well at all and had dropped quite a bit of weight.
Anyway...he let me get rid of the IV's and try a week with NO extra medicine...and it has been WONDERFUL! I haven't vomited even once since that day and have been able to eat. Matter of fact, I have been starving and have even had to wake up in the middle of the night for a snack. Just this week alone, I gained 8 pounds back...which was needed!!
I have the sheer joy of our wooden friend Pinocchio as he exclaimed "THERE ARE NO STRINGS ON ME!!!!!! Though I technically still have a drain...at least there are NO IV's. It was so hard to push that IV pole on the carpet around my house, plus carry a separate 15 pound back that held the TPN and pump, plus carry the wound vac unit. I felt 115 years old and just needed to unplug so that I could FEEL a bit more normal. I was worried I would crash, but wanted to try...and it worked.
Momentum has shifted and each day I am getting stronger. I still have a hole in my bowel and an open hole in my stomach that goes from the outside to the inside of my abdominal cavity. I am still very weak and tire easily, but....I can see the SUNSHINE!!!!! Mental strength is half of the battle in these cases, and I feel so much more able to carry on!
I even got to go walk around target until I almost passed out. That was my FIRST time out of the house other than the HOSPITAL in over 2 months. Yesterday, I even drove myself to an appointment. I had been so medicated and weak that I hadn't driven in months. These might not sound like much ...but to me they are HUGE LEAPS in a positive direction. I have a long way to go...but I am on my way!!!!!!!
20 comments:
That's a lot of sunshine, I'm glad it's coming your way!
Yay! You said it may not sound like much, but it DOES! The difference is huge, I can hear it in your "voice". I'm SO HAPPY to hear things are actually improving. Being able to eat on your own & getting stronger--AWESOME. Keep smiling & focusing on the sunshine.:)
Hallelujah!!! Keep those good endorphins going!!! Thank you for the spring in my step today!!!
Good for you. Sometimes you have to stick up for yourself, I'm glad it worked out! Those are huge steps in the right direction, I'm happy to hear that there is finally some good news!
Hello Sunshine!!! I am now going to listen to that song and think of you. I am glad things are looking up. Martin and I are now feeling much better so we might bring cookies your way. Keep getting stronger. Let me know if I can make or bake anything I would be glad to. Love ya Annette
oh shanda- it is sooo true! prayers by the masses bring about sooooo much good. i'll be honest. for a while there i thought things were good but when you posted last week i have been praying a couple times a day! we need each other! i am so grateful for a Heavenly Father who understands how you need to be eating by Thanksgiving!!!! Bring on the turkey! There is much to be grateful for!!! loveyou!
Hi Shanda-you are making strides every day! Randy has had to struggle with bowel perfs 2 times the last 6 months-it was an effort but he made it through. One quick memo-getting enough protein so his wound would heal was CRITICAL! He would drink ensure to supplement(but instant breakfast is good too).
The dietician told him for his height he had to have 100 gms of protein a day to heal his wound and stop breaking down precious muscle. So I imagine you won't need as much protein but it will help you heal faster-
Good luck with all you are doing-our prayers for you and your family.
Randy and Robbie
Hey...what better place to go if you can get out of the house than Target. I mean, you ARE the queen of Target bargains. Find anything good???
Oh so glad to hear the awesome news! You are on your way girlfriend! I am so glad all is going good!!:)
Now this is exactly what I wanted to hear. Sometimes we just have to do it "my way." Good News is so much better than no news. I am so happy for you. Doing things for yourself is really is really indeed a mood lifter. Glad that the Sun is coming up.
Love Great Aunt Marilyn
I think it must have been the box of Bisquick that has helped you.
We are SOOOOOOOO happy to hear that some light is coming your way! You have been so amazing I am so glad you finally have a bit a light to remind you of the good and that healing is possible! Someday soon Addie will be sitting around with her beautiful healthy mom telling stories about the old days when her mom was sick. I can't wait to hear about it! Hopefully it won't be long!
Yay....I'm happy that you can see some light at the end of the tunnel! My thoughts and prayers are continually with you!
I'm so happy for you, Shanda! So glad you're feeling better and able to eat! Keeping you in my prayers that you will only continue to get better!
That's great news!
I am friends with Shellie and Beau and found your blog several months ago through theirs. I have never commented because I didn't want to make you wary that a stranger was reading about your life.
Today as i read your last update, I just had to tell you how happpy I am for the much needed sunshine in your life. We have been praying our guts out for you and your family.
Here's hoping that YEARS of happiness are in your future!
Hooray for driving and feeling un-stringed and for Target. It made my day to hear your good news, I'll be praying the sunshine grows and grows with more good news!
This is such great news!!!! So happy for you.
THAT IS FANTASTIC!!! I have sure been thinking about you a lot lately and have continued praying and hoping that you have a speedy recovery and I keep checking to see if you have writen. I know that things are far from speedy at the moment but I am still sending all of my energy your way in hopes that it will move a little faster for you. Keep your head up. They do say that "good things come to those who wait", and I think that you have waited long enough.
Thinking of you,
Chrystal Hillis
Way to go Shanda! Way excited for you.
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