Just Saying Howdy

[JenBayles]

I've been absent from not only the boards, but from work as well since September. A few people here know why, but I figure I might as well do a general posting for mental health reasons. I'm officially certifiable!


I've been ill and after a failed surgery in October am now in the process of making a long-term disability claim. It's nothing terminal (sometimes I wonder if that's a good thing or a bad thing) but I'll be in pain and throwing up solid foods for the rest of my life. I have abdominal adhesions (scar tissue) that obstruct my bowels. The only cure is surgery, which causes more adhesions, which leads to more surgery and a vicious circle. I've finally reached the point that I can have no more surgery unless I'm fully obstructed and it's an life-threatening emergency. So, for now I'm trying to slow the weight loss down from a total freefall. In the past few months I've gone from a size 8 to a size 0. Can't say that I recommend the method!

It's taken a while to come to terms with the whole mess, but I know I'll have joy in my life. I'm working with a pain shrink to find different ways of managing my illness so that it's only a part of my life - not the whole of my life. I have a wonderful support network in Dave and many family members here in Houston. And now I will try to get more involved here at S2K as well. I was getting far too insulated just sitting around waiting for a cure and putting the rest of my life on hold. My life won't ever be what it was before, but that doesn't mean it can't be good.

Thanks for reading, and Merry Christmas to all!

Jen

[TexasStooge]

Welcome back, Jen.

Sorry to hear about the incident on the surgery. Wishing you the best and a speedy recovery.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

[vbhoutex]

Jen, It is easy for me to sit here and write not being in your shoes. However, I know you know, as I do, both of us from experience, that the Good Lord never gives us more than we can bear. Keep the faith!!!!! I keep you in my prayers.

[arkess7]

Well I hope you find a way to manage! Just try and think positive and you will........thoughts and prayers from Ocala!!!

(BTW i used to just love Beavis and Butthead back in the day!!!!) I can just hear him saying that now!!!!!!

[Miss Mary]

Jen - I know how much you struggle each and every day. And I feel for you, b/c I struggle in my own way, but not at all to the extreme you do. I wish so much there would be an easy answer for you, so you could get back to almost or near normal. One thing I have learned in my own situation, is I can always find someone worse off than I am. And tomorrow's another day. If I've had a bad day, the next can't be so bad. It could be much better! Another thing I've learned is although we look normal on the outside (size 0 though, wow, can you drink protein shakes or high calorie ones?), we are not. Many people just will never understand that. Because their world is 'normal'. Without an obvious, physical indication someone's in chronic pain or has a chronic medical condition, there's not much to clue others in. I just give short and sweet answers if I ever have difficult questions - such as, why aren't you working full-time? Or why can't you eat Cincinnati Chili (whilst eating my Skyline baked potato and greek salad!)? I just say eh, I've had part of GI tract removed and now have to pay the price. But you my friend seem to have this all figured out and I admire your fighting spirit.

I wish you well. Merry Christmas to you and Dave.

Mary

[GalvestonDuck]

Jen, my thoughts and prayers are with you. (((((((HUGS))))))))

[Stephanie]

Just remember that we're all here for you. I'm sorry that this something that won't ever go away, but you have the right attitude as far as dealing with this on a daily basis.

Miss Mary posed a good question about the protein shakes. Have you tried them?

[Rainband]

Jen. You are in my Prayers.

[Skywatch_NC]

Jen,

Prayers and thoughts are with you and Dave.

((((HUGS))))

Eric

[tropicana]

Jen..
All the Best to you!
And Merry Christmas to you!

-justin-

[Lindaloo]

(((HUGS))) Jen! God never gives us more than we can handle.

[Dee Bee]

Jen, I'm envisioning you healthy and whole and will keep you in my positive thoughts. Remember, whatever happens to your physical being in no way diminishes the wonderful person you really are!

Diane

[JenBayles]

Thanks everyone for the prayers and well wishes. And yes, I am now the Queen of the Protein Shake!

Most of the time I have a pretty good attitude about it all, just once in a while when I get caught in a "spell" that goes on for days do I fall prey to the "why-me's". I have a wonderful support system here, not only with my family, but with my good friends and neighbors as well. When I can't get out to see them, they come by to see me. As some of you mentioned, there's always somebody worse off - ain't it the truth!

So Merry Christmas to All!

[sunny]

Regardless of what others may be enduring - your plight is hard enough! You just take care Jen - I really miss you and your help with putting the guys in their place!

Merry Christmas my friend

[streetsoldier]

"And yes, I am now the Queen of the Protein Shake!"

Do I dare? OK...

"My milk shake brings more boys to the yard
They're like
It's better than yours
D*** right
It's better than yours
I could teach you
But I'd have to charge..."

[beachbum_al]

Jen...Glad you are back. Sorry that you are having to go through this. I can and can not relate. I have crohn's and can relate to the fact that having an illness and having to deal with it can be trying. The only way I have learned to deal with it is take each day one day at a time. I will keep you in my prayers.