Saying Hello & My "loong" Intro - Page 2 - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

SueZ · 06-30-2009, 07:26 AM

Oh Jenn, you are so honest! I sent you a private message about having the same doctor, but now that I read your intro I realize we don't. My doc is Luis Reyes...and I will be at the McAllen Heart Hosp.
I have several of the problems you have and did the alcohol medication route, too. It isn't easy to stop. I think about it a lot...every TV spot that has a martini glass in it has me squirming.

Now that I can't have nsaids I feel very stiff and achey.
I am hoping my surgery (next week) will reduce the pain I have in my knees and ankles. I walk like a 500 pound old man. The only remark my PCP made was, "Thin people have problem knees, too." She's not a fan of weight loss surgery, is very fit, does marathons. She's one of those people who raise their eyebrows and remark, "Why can't you just lose weight on a strict diet?".. ..well, duh! Why didn't I think of that?!

Still-Just-Jenn · 06-30-2009, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SueZ

Oh Jenn, you are so honest! I sent you a private message about having the same doctor, but now that I read your intro I realize we don't. My doc is Luis Reyes...and I will be at the McAllen Heart Hosp.
I have several of the problems you have and did the alcohol medication route, too. It isn't easy to stop. I think about it a lot...every TV spot that has a martini glass in it has me squirming.

Now that I can't have nsaids I feel very stiff and achey.
I am hoping my surgery (next week) will reduce the pain I have in my knees and ankles. I walk like a 500 pound old man. The only remark my PCP made was, "Thin people have problem knees, too." She's not a fan of weight loss surgery, is very fit, does marathons. She's one of those people who raise their eyebrows and remark, "Why can't you just lose weight on a strict diet?".. ..well, duh! Why didn't I think of that?!

Luis Reyes, that's it! I'm so sorry, I don't know why I had Carlos stuck in my head, must have been someone from work. So yes, we do have the same doc! (Need to edit that.)

I miss NSAIDS for my headaches; they never did anything for my legs. I LOVE your "I walk like a 500 pound old man" remark! That's *exactly* how I feel most of the time. I do try to walk "normally" when I'm in public and bear the pain, but it's getting harder to fake it.

I lot of people do have their joint problems improve with WLS, so don't let my problems discourage you! My problems are congenital and genetic, so they really weren't weight related ... But try getting a doctor to agree with THAT one!

McAllen Heart Hospital is an excellent facility; they did my "mother's" quadruple bypass there about five years ago without complications.

Off to change that name error!

Marella · 06-30-2009, 09:14 PM

I could barely walk 10 feet without needing to sit. My knees would hurt, my back would hurt. I rarely went out. I always thought twice about participating in anything. Everything always depended on the amount of walking.

Today, over 150 pounds lighter, my knees are faring so much better. My plantar fasciitis seems to be going away. The only pain I feel there is in the AM, but throughout the day it's awesome. I no longer have to wear orthopedic shoes. Yes, I can actually wear heals.

As for walking my ability has increased from 10 feet to 1 mile. Since I quit smoking eons ago, my lungs are fine, but pre-WLS, I was still out of breath. Today, I'm not out of breath anymore. I no longer think twice about participating, I jump right in. Going shopping, crossing the parking lot, going to a fair, doing errands, or even to the Mall (1st time in like 8 years was THIS year) are no longer a 'big' deal. Life is great!

Now at night, sometimes I need a warm soak or some Tylenol (I miss Ibuprofen, too) to help with the leg discomfort, but it's just my muscles adapting, plus I'm sure, my age.

I wish for your joints to receive the relief they need. Even 10 pounds will do it. Imagine what a massive loss would do.

Crimson Kittie · 07-01-2009, 06:06 PM

((((Jenn))))

I can tell you that I lived on Aleeve. I couldn't hardly move without at least 4 to 6 a day if not more. I haven't had any since well before my surgery and now I don't even think about needing a painkiller unless I have been out doing a lot of stuff. But, then I am so excited I was able to do it that I forget about the pain

Seriously though .. each time I catch myself standing for a few minutes or walking that little bit farther I just smile and feel so good ... just a few months ago I wouldn't have been able to do it

Still-Just-Jenn · 07-06-2009, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crimson Kittie

((((Jenn))))

Thank you so much!! I really needed that, especially after this week. The dry heat in the afternoons is all right (108 right now), but as soon as the sun hits the horizon the humidity shoots up. Last night it was 93 at 8 pm, but with 70% humidity and a heat index somewhere around 105, which of course set my leg absolutely on FIRE.

I'm very happy with being able to do things I couldn't do before surgery, of course -- I LOVE being able to walk around in my classroom all day and not feel like I'm gong to die! But it didn't help my arthritis, and it's not going to in all likelihood. I'll just have to live with that.

And I know a lot of people here are concerned about my alcohol use for pain management, and yes, I abuse it on the "bad days," but I'm careful not to get out of control. It's not a transfer addiction, it's a choice that I consider the lesser of two evils. But I *so* appreciate your love and support, even if you disagree.

((((((((HUGS)))))))))