Falling tubes and losing boobs….

How’s that for a catchy title to this blog update?

I never did explain the 7 hours in the ER.  My tube had fallen out and a new one needed to be inserted.  During this procedure, which should have taken a fraction of the time, it was discovered that the tube being replaced was not properly inserted.  Seems the surgeon (my guess) had pulled it it too far during the office visit a week before and there was a lot of fluids in my abdominal cavity.  This was most likely causing all the discomfort I had been experiencing.  It also probably explained the fevers I had for almost 2 weeks.  The ER doc gave me IV antibiotics and they scanned and x-ray’d and finally sent me home.

The abdominal pain that had been plaguing me for weeks started easing almost immediately.  I still have a little discomfort at the tube insertion site (medically known as the “stoma”) but that is considered normal for a j-tube.

I completed my iron infusions and even survived a dentist visit (my teeth are great – guess it helps to not eat or drink).  My teeth barely needed cleaning.

I am actually feeling “okay” for the first time in what seems to be a long time.  I have some energy in the morning and try to get out each day just to get out and about.  By afternoon, I am starting to droop a little.  I know it is related to my nutrition being provided during the evening/night hours and simply running out of steam.  My nurse suggested that I might benefit (energy-wise) if I tube a little formula around noonish.  Makes sense since most people eat around noon.  I am going to try tomorrow.  Only downside is that doing the manual tubing, it tends to go in a little quicker and can cause some cramping.   I will report back.

I had a table at a craft show on the 15th and sold a few scarves.  It was great to receive all the compliments.  One woman gushed on and on and ended up buying 4 scarves!!!  I also received some custom orders.  I will be at a craft show on the 22nd at the Darien Sportsplex (Darien, IL) so if you are in the area – stop by and say “hello”.

I have a show in November and one in December as well.  Please check out my new creations…I amaze myself with how pretty the latest ones are and how creative I am becoming.

Now, the boob issue.  I’ve steadily been losing weight since the gastrectomy oh so many months ago.  I’ve gone down many pounds and sizes.  I am practically 1/2 the person I was before (yeah, I was a “big” girl).  One of the areas that have decreased is my breasts.  Combine weight loss with age…needless to say, my girls are keeping their eyes on the floor like two chastised puppies.  Why am I sharing this?  It is October – National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  So, become aware of your breasts (good, bad or droopy) and keep them healthy.   I have some breast cancer awareness scarves for sale – 1/2 of all sales will be donated for breast cancer research.