Going back to the hospital

Talked to the doctor this afternoon. He thinks I should check into the hospital for a couple days to try to re-hydrate me. Of course, there are no beds available, so they will give me a call when one is. I should hear from them tonight or tomorrow.

Still losing weight

I'm thinking about writing a diet book... "How to lose 30 pounds in less than a month!" I think I'll make some money off it! You know how that stomach staple thing is such a rage... just wait until folks find out how much you can loose by having your colon removed! I, however, am ready to put some of that weight back on.

Unfortunately, I'm a little off kilter. Food doesn't taste good. Sweets are SOOOOOO sweet that I can't eat them. Everything is magnified... flavors, smells... The doctor just says drink lots and eat anything you want. Even the foods I fantasize about, when I finally get it, I can't eat more than a bite. I'll call the doctor tomorrow and see what he has to say.

News flash... Barbara Perrin from Celo is coming to Chapel Hill on Sunday. I will move home then. It will be good to have someone with me for a few days. If any of y'all who know Barbara want to come visit me, that would be a good time... kill 2 birds with one stone... kinda.

Least any of y'all are beginning to feel sorry for me.. rest assured, I am doing remarkably well. Tonight, Sharon Flicker is going to pick me up and take me to our bi-monthly bridge game.

Hugs,

Jennie

Moving to Patty's for a spell....

Well, I've become totally spoiled at Maggie's, but I believe in sharing the wealth, so I am going to take Patty Kirkley up on her offer to move in to her guest bedroom for a few days. I really thought I would be able to go home, but when I went home yesterday, I was just too weak. I can't walk more than 40 feet without having to sit down and rest. My pulse has been too rapid, 126 one day, 115 the next. I'm dehydrated, but working on drinking more. I think I just don't feel safe moving home yet.... especially if we get the 2-4 inches of snow that is being called for tonight. I hope that storm isn't headed for the Capital!!!! Talk about bad timing!!!

I'll keep y'all posted. Thanks for all the well-wishes.

Jennie

135 pounds!

For those of you who knew me when I was in my 20's, you would recognize a trace of the old Jennie. I haven't weighed in the 130's since I was in my 20's. I've lost 20 pounds since going into the hospital. That would explain why when I asked my doctor about the white pasty stuff on my face, he said it was because of malnutrition. You try going for 8 days without eating anything solid, and see how you do... ;) The doctors assured me I could go for over a month without food and still survive. I didn't feel like pressing the envelope on that one. The good news is now that I can eat solid foods, I'm getting better. I'm not exactly eating huge portions, but I am eating and enjoying it. Maggie made me a wonderful roasted chicken with potatoes and carrots the first night here. It was like I had died and gone to heaven.

The biggest problem I'm having right now is being weak and occasionally dizzy. I sometimes can't walk very far without having to sit down. I need to build my stamina.

Right now, I'm planning on moving back to my house on Wednesday, Jan 21. I'm going to go there today to see what I need to get by. I am hoping to have various friends stop by and help me. I will need help going to the grocery (2 miles from my home), and lifting anything over 8 pounds. I'd even be up for a meal or two. ;) I know a lot of folks have offered to help, so I'm going to try to accept those gracious offers. I really do need some help if I am going to get through this.

Hugs,

Jennie

I'm out of here!!!!

Although I knew this day would finally come, I was beginning to doubt I'd ever see it!!!!! This morning the docs came by on rounds and said they were signing me out. I'm doing the happy dance!!!!

I don't know when I'll actually be heading out the door, but it will be sometime today. Probably this afternoon. I'm going to be staying in the visiting guest suite at Maggie Scarborough's lovely home. Boy, do I have good friends!

Thanks for all your cares, and help. I can't stop smiling!

Hugs,

Jennie

So stop the singing, already!

Okay... I know in previous updates, I've mentioned the need for Little Suzie to wake up (Little Suzie being my nickname for my small intestine, and waking up meaning starting to work), and I know some of y'all have been writing that you've been going around humming that song ever since I mentioned it, but this would be a good time to STOP HUMMING IT!!! Yes, I'm still in the hospital and Suzie is not only awake, but belting out copious quantities of fluid. Not good! I've been passing 3 liters of fluid and I should only be passing one. Apparently it is too active. :(

The yeast infection from hell is back, the thrush won't go away, and I have a urinary track infection, but the good news is I'm finally peeing on my own, and with luck I will be checking out TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Okay... that is contingent on my bag output slowing and thickening, but I remain forever hopeful that it will occur SOON!

Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers. I keep getting stronger every day!!!!

Feel the love,

Jennie

I never thought I'd look forward to JELLO!

Today was an important day. They took the surgical drain out and started me on food... if you call Jello food. I feel nauseous when I eat. I would like someone to shoot me, but no takers to date. Tomorrow will be better!

The surgeon said I will not be getting out until at least Monday...

And so it goes.

Oh... Margaret Hartley gets the angel of the month award. I'm too tired to tell y'all why..... it would take forever to list all the reasons!!!!

Hugs,

Jennie