July Trip/Surgery Update/Weight Loss Update.

Anxious, stressed, excited...a few of the emotions running through me at the moment. In less than a week I'm going to be gone for 10 days, other than hospital stays I've never been away from home that long. I'll be in Lynchburg, VA., for about 3 days then we leave and drive over 8 hours and crash in Tennessee for the night then onward to Arkansas. I can't wait for the HS (hidradenitis suppurativa) gathering, it will be so nice to see so many people who have played a active roll in my everyday life over the past few years. Internet, phone calls, mail... is all wonderful, but to finally wrap my arms around them and look them in the eyes and say thank you for being such wonderful supporters over the past years and through all my hardship is going to be nothing short of amazing. I honestly feel very sad for those who can't make it. Until a few weeks ago I didn't think I was going, and I was beyond jealous and feeling left out. So for all those who won't be there, you will be with us in spirit. I want to give a special thanks to Dale Rickwood who is just an amazing woman..I will be spending my time in Lynchburg VA with her. Thanks also, to Mechelle, who has planned the entire HS Meet and Greet weekend and providing the hotel rooms making it possible for the trip. Tanya Owen is flying to the states from Australia as we speak, she will be in VA on the 12th. Good times ahead. Now, I just HAVE to stay healthy for another week. Best I stay in a bubble, huh?

As for a surgery update. As of about 3-4 weeks ago, I'm almost completely healed, FINALLY! I have no more open flesh however I still have large holes on my stomach from scaring. It could take years for my skin to grow back, or it may never. Unfortunately the scar tissue there is starting to cause some issues. I also have a small area where the internal sutures did not dissolve and they are growing out of my body and causing pain. Nerve damage is still HORRIBLE. But as I learned with my prior surgeries that just takes a LONG time. I'm happy to be feeling a bit more like myself these days. Good timing, too. I've postponed my next surgery until the end of August, but honestly may postpone it even further. I need to have it done, but this past year has been so tough and I just need a break. I'm off all my narcotic pain meds for the first time in over 5 years. Feels good to mentally be able to focus more..but still having physical pain, and withdrawal symptoms.

I've lost 32 pounds now, which has taken me 11 weeks thus far, slow going but going none the less. I'm thrilled about it, but honestly I gained 30 pounds throughout the past year with all the surgeries and recovery time, so I'm really just now back down where I was before. I'm motivated and will continue to fight the battle of the bulge. My medicare finally kicks in on Oct. 1, 2011, and I've already been "approved" for gastric bypass. I'm going to continue to do this on my own, and if I'm steady losing weight come Oct. I will not do it, however, if I stumble I will be having the surgery. I want to get healthy once and for all. My niece and nephews deserve a healthy aunt, I want to give them more.