MILESTONE!

Well, I have lost 100 pounds! How awesome is that!? I can't believe that I have lost that much! That is a person! Let me tell you the coolest part! My husband- bless his heart- emailed my family and friends asking them to help me celebrate. He asked them to send cards, cash for clothes- whatever they wanted to show their support. It was so touching.

So as I sit in the hospital (yes the hospital- will explain in a minute) excited about my goal, my husband reads me his email. Then he pulls out this package of cards that he has collected. There were cards from my dear co-workers in the lab. Some chipped in together and got me a month of the local gym. One of them gave me a card from his family and a subway gift card. I got a neat skinny quilt from my sister. I thought it was great because if was perfect to cover my lap, and since I freeze at work on the weekends I thought was perfect. Then I found out that it was made with a 100 squares (I knew there had to be some meaning in it somewhere!) and my siblings all got me a necklace- an amethyst journey necklace. The signaficance there is my birthday feb so amethyst, my surgery was feb. and it has been quite the journey! I got some pumpkin scented body and hair care set, a gift certificate to the local salon for a haircut, and a gift certificate for 6 tanning sessions. I was TOTALLY surprised! I was touched by my hubby, and his creative idea and his sweet email to everyone. I was touched also by the love, care, and support of everyone. It means so much to me to have that kind of support. Thanks to everyone! and Ty! What a wonderful handful of moments reading my cards and everything. I got sweet letters too. All of it means so much to me! I asked Ty to print out his email so I had that to keep as well. He didn't get many pics and what he did get he got on his cell phone. So we will see if we can get it online somehow! He felt bad he didn't have the camera but he didn't want to wait to give me the package, and the camera was at home and we were at the hospital!

Ok- quick run down of the hospital trip- Dr (the one that will do the lapband surgeries once certified-the dr I will be working with in the clinic) tried to access my port to empty some fluid out since I was having acid reflux. He was unable to do so- later that night (wed) I show up at the emergency room in severe - I mean SEVERE- pain! I was sure it was my appendix. The dr on call had to call the lapband dr since he is the surgeon and when he showed up and saw it was me - he was so worried that he had caused it! So we did a cat scan and he put me in the hospital to get fluids, get my band emptied, and watch me! he ordered antibiotics and stomach xrays and lab tests. I still have some pain but I am feeling better. We had someone come empty my band and in the process of all of this- we have learned that the port is sitting on its side. I think - believe- that it has been that way since another dr changed it to a low profile a year ago. It totally explains the swelling and tenderness in that area. So my band is empty! And after hitting that 100 pound mark! ugh. I will be really careful and exercise and eat well (I work at both daily anyway- exercise and eating well) But the 100 pound care package will help me to stay on track! Thinking of all that love and support from everyone! and I if I go buy clothes I want them to fit and stay that way!! So- the diagnose- NONE. I have another test in the morning. A cat scan with contrast. They are going to double check on the appendix and make sure I don't have a bowel blockage. Then hopefully if the test comes back well, the dr will let me go. BUT he has been very cautious with me and caring.

What did I learn from this?! A lot actually!! First off- I learned that the reason I had c-sections is that I would never handle labor and child birth!!! If that pain is anything like Wed night- wow I am glad I had no part of that!! Why would women do that more than once!!? I am impressed by women!

But seriously- I learned that the dr is very compassionate. Let me tell you- He is a big guy- intimidating somewhat. I have never thought badly of him, mind you, but to learn that the dr you are going to be working for and telling patients "trust him he does good work" has such a tender heart and compassion is a huge plus! I learned a lot about him and the kind of dr he is (he is fairly new to our hospital) I also learned how much my co-workers are my family. I am so thankful for all of them! They have been so caring and wonderful and I couldn't ask for a better group of co-workers! The hospital administrator is such a great person! He came in several times to check on me. Then he left to go out of town for meetings and called me from there to check on me! It brought tears to Ty's eyes to see the love and care I have received. Mine too, for that matter. We are both very touched by it all!

I also think it was a great learning experience for the dr. So it all happened as it should - We learn something from everything if we stop and take time to absorb the lesson.... I am thankful this happened. Not so happy about the amount of pain I had to go through!! Or the metallic taste in my mouth from all the antibiotics... but thankful for the lessons we have all learned and the discovery of my port being in wrong so we can get it fixed.

until I blog again....