[Bryanna]

Hi BJ,
Just dropping in to see how you are feeling?

Also, did you get the test results back yet?

Bryanna

[BJ]

Thanks so much for thinking of me Bryanna. I haven't been up to posting much. My boss is working my butt off and I just come home and crash.

I did get the results back and I'm scheduled for surgery on Wednesday to have my gall bladder taken out. It's not working right or something and I don't need it anyway he said. At least I won't be in pain anymore and be able to eat.

That's why my boss is working me so hard. I told him I'd only be out Wednesday to Friday and be back on Monday but he's insisting I get all these projects done now. I'm working on an audit for an engineering firm and it's not due into PennDot until the 30th but he insisted I finish it before the surgery.

Thank you again for thinking of me. Hey, good news is my mouth feels better.

[Bryanna]

Hey BJ!
I'm glad to hear that your mouth is feeling better, but sorry to hear that you're going to have your gallbladder removed! Gosh, you have had alot going on recently and your demanding boss sounds like the icing on the cake!

I have had many patients who have had their gallbladder removed and the common issues that they talk about post operatively are actually about diet restrictions. The gallbladder is a useful organ (when working properly) in that it breaks down the bile acids during digestion before they enter the large intestine. Here is a link from the Mayo clinic that explains it well.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gal...emoval/AN00067

It can be a bit misleading when a doctor tells us "we don't need that organ" and life will be great once it's gone! Sometimes, we end up trading one chronic pain for another because we have no clue how this surgery will affect our lives. It may be a good idea to be "prepared" ahead of time with a cupboard full of healthy (healing) food for this type of surgery, to help avoid post operative complications.

I know you were in pain with your tooth and had no idea how to prepare for it postoperatively. So I'm just giving you a gentle reminder that this time you may want to prepare yourself for a healthy, quick recuperation!

Please keep us posted on how you are doing......... I'll keep you in my prayers for a speedy, complete recovery :-))

Bryanna

[BJ]

Yes Bryanna I'm prepared this time, I hope anyway. I just have to get my boss off my back and let me heal. Friday I was the only one there, again, and wasn't feeling well. I put my time into VPM and put 2 hours personal time. I came home and tried to sleep and the phone rang. It was my boss and he wanted to know if I'm taking my vacation in hours or days. I told him I put "personal" time in. I just don't know how much more of this job I can take. And my primary and my pdoc both said I have to get rid of some of the stress in my life. But how?

Thanks for the link. If I get that side effect it might not be all bad because I always have trouble in that area. But I know I can't get dehydrated like I did with my teeth. It wrecked havoc on my Lithium levels and I had quite a few bad days. Could be why I'm so "down" right now.

Tomorrow I have PAT testing and then just wait. My doc said if all goes well I can come home that evening. I'm just so afraid of getting sick from the anesthesia like I did with my teeth.

[Bryanna]

Hi BJ,
As far as the nausea goes......

I always tell my patients to openly express their concerns to the anesthesiologist about post operative nausea and how they want to AVOID it! The anesthesiologist can always avoid using medications that cause nausea in the first place. Meds like the narcotics morphine, demerol, vicodin, darvon and codeine. Anesthetic gases typically cause nausea and vomiting but in most cases, they do not have to be used at all. There are excellent new anti-nausea medicines including zofran and anzemet which can decrease problems. Some patients who have a strong history of motion sickness, are much more likely to have nausea after surgery. The transdermal anti-nausea patch is an excellent choice in these cases. However, perhaps the best way to prevent nausea is not to use nausea provoking medicines in the first place.

Believe me when I say........ doctors, nurses and the rest of us healtcare workers who are preparing ourselves for surgery, have no hesitation in telling the anesthesiologist to prevent post operative nausea and vomiting..... period! I even did it when my husband had knee surgery. I asked the nurse to have the anesthesiologist come up to my husband's room because #1, we wanted to meet him as he was the one who was putting my husband to sleep and #2, I made it clear that precautions were to be taken so that my husband did not have to deal with any post op nausea or vomiting. He did what we asked and my husband did great!

I agree with your doctors that you are dealing with far too much stress from this stupid boss! Perhaps in the near future, when you are feeling better, you can find a new job!

Hey, please try not to worry and keep in touch with us!

Bryanna

[BJ]

I'll be sure to tell him when I see him this morning Bryanna. I have to have blood work, a chest xray, an EKG and meet with the anesthesia people. I think I'm more afraid of that more than anything.

Perhaps in the near future, when you are feeling better, you can find a new job!

I'm due for an evaluation and a tax season bonus July 1st. I'll see how that turns out and then I'll decided. I make really good money but it's so much stress.

[Bryanna]

Hello BJ,
It's wednesday and I know you are probably resting from your surgery. I justed wanted you to find this note the next time that you visit here. I will be away at work for a couple of days and then have a wedding on the weekend, so I won't pop back in until probably Monday.

I hope all went well with your surgery today and you are resting comfortably! Wishing you a speedy and complete recovery!!

Take good care of yourself ~'.'~
Bryanna

[Bryanna]

Hey BJ,
Thinking about you and wondering how you're doing?
Please drop us a note when you get a chance.
Hope you are feeling much better!
Bryanna

[BJ]

Thanks for asking about me Bryanna. I'm doing "okay". I couldn't understand why I was feeling so crappy with nausea and vomiting. I had blood work done on Friday and Monday I was told my Lithium was way too high and I had to stop it. I think I got myself dehydrated I'm not sure.

So right now I feel sort of exposed without my Lithium. I'm afraid of becoming manic again and I'm not sure which way is up anymore so I've gone quiet. I just hate the way I'm feeling right now.

And I'm feeling a little embarrassed and unsure of myself after the faux pas I created here.

Again thanks so much. You've been such a help to me.

[Bryanna]

Hi BJ,
It's good to hear from you! I wish you were feeling better, but I'm sure in time, you will be ok. You have been through some rough times these last couple of months and perhaps this quiet time is what you need to get back on track and become well.

Please know that there is absolutely nothing to feel embarrassed about here..... faux pas do not exist in cyberland!!

I hope you feel better and stronger with each day and remember...... there are many people who care about you and wish you well!!

Keep in touch....... ~'.'~

Bryanna