Today marks 16 sweet weeks after surgery to implant the Enterra, a gastric stimulator. I have to say it has been on my mind all day long just how far I have come in these 16 weeks. Then I start to think how far I have come since this time last year. Although this path has been long and often painful emotionally and physically, as I look back I can see how every person, every doctor, every step along the way has been so crucial in my journey to this point.
I talk a lot about how there were not as many resources for me in New Mexico. This is a true statement. I lived in New Mexico for 30 years. Lived. My very first pediatrician was almost a part of our family. He referred me to my first internist when I was a preteen. She told us then that the big picture of my health would take time to come into view, but there was definitely a quirk they weren't catching. In college I was bounced around for a little while until a really great endocrinologist began chipping away at the pieces. Moving back to small town New Mexico had its share of challenges, but I will say this as firmly as I can, those small town doctors saved my life. They got me to specialists who sent me to the Mayo Clinic. That opened my eyes to realize I really needed to take this seriously. I am no immortal. Those small town doctors eventually put puzzle pieces together to refer me to Dallas for this very procedure. Then, they referred me to Johns Hopkins to be sure their plan was the right plan. So whatever little resources New Mexico had, it once again is the Land of Enchantment because a few gems saved my life.
To get to the business side, for those of you interested in my progress as well as this incredible technology behind the gastric stimulator, today is a good day. Last week I had an appointment with my surgeon/ gastroenterologist and the Enterragator. I tell my husband I am like Iron Man and the Enterragator, which helps the doctor control my stimulator, is what keeps me running. I am still working on the lingo so forgive me for not talking technically about the device and what happens at the appointments that leads to adjusting the stimulation and whatnot. I have hit a plateau since my last appointment and blog post. Not to worry though, a plateau is level not a decline! I am still worth a buck, but no more. My appetite has decreased as well as an increase in nausea and discomfort. Based on that as well as what the Enterragator told my doctor, he bumped up the stimulation just a bit once again. This is normal, as with anything in your body there is an ebb and flow that we are manually trying to keep in equilibrium. The discouraging part, I have to slow down on challenging my diet and return back to "safe foods" for a while. "Safe foods" meaning things I could eat before the procedure without too much trouble. I am welcoming the nutritious smoothies, fruit bars, and eggs...not that I ever cut them out completely, but they are again replacing more indulgent meals. I suppose if anytime is a good time, now is because they have become comfort foods for me. Autumn is perfect for comfort foods.
I am getting more used to having the device in my abdomen. The pain from the surgery is starting to lessen more and more everyday. It is still a little tender right at the site of implantation. If I do too much, my stomach muscles get sore. Bending and twisting along with certain clothing irritate it. But overall, these little inconveniences are nothing compared to what I was dealing with in the past. I rarely get a distended belly anymore. I actually feel food moving along my system in a more natural manner. Gas and regularity are not an issue. The biggest blessing is being able to eat three meals a day without feeling like I ate the entire McDonald's menu in one sitting.
Thanksgiving is coming up and everyone is wondering what I will be doing. I will gladly tell you, I will be doing the same as everyone else. I will be relaxing, spending time with family, and enjoying my son's time off from school. I will not partake in the traditional turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie meal that most Americans are accustomed to for Thanksgiving. Too many years have past with me trying to conform to a world I no longer fit in always ending with me in tears and pain for nearly a week thereafter. This year I decided to cut myself some slack. Why am I forcing down food that is only satisfying when it is on my tongue for a few short seconds? Instead, I think I will make a meal the day before to cut down on stress. I will make something that is a treat to myself as well as my family, but it will be a feast in my sense. I am sure there will be enough left-overs for me to enjoy the next day. On Thanksgiving itself, I will join family and friends for their feasts and enjoy their company with no pressure and no misery nightcap. Maybe some Thanksgiving in the future (next year?) I can enjoy the traditional meal and if not, oh well. I will make my own traditions and still enjoy life just as much as the next gal.
All in all, I can genuinely say this is my sweet 16!
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