It's been a week since I went to the Emergency Room and was diagnosed with complicated diverticulitis.
I spent three nights in the hospital - one night in a ward where I was hooked up to all kinds of monitors and forbidden even a sip of water, and two nights in another ward where I was allowed a liquid diet, and then, gradually, real food.
Not surprisingly, my weekly Weigh-In on my Weight Watchers tracker, was awesome!
I'm home now, with a complex regimen of medications, and a strict diet to follow. I spent two days at home, then I went back to work. Frankly, I need to go back to work - I'm going to need those banked sick leave days later on.
It hasn't been that bad. I have a kind boss, sympathetic co-workers. I sometimes get tired in the middle of the day, after eating my bland and meager lunch, but other than that, I'm OK.
Today I went to see the Surgeon assigned to me. After a bout with diverticulitis, some people manage the condition with diet and antibiotics alone, but with the complications I have, surgery is the logical option. The strategy is to get my innards to the peak of health with antibiotics and diet, and then schedule the surgery.
The recovery from the surgery is about three weeks - a week in the hospital back on IV fluids, then graduating first to liquid diet and then to the diet I'm on now. Essentially - other than the new experience of having six inches of my gut snipped out, it will be a repeat of what I've gone through this week all over again.
My doctor is pleased with my progress so far. We've marked the calendar. Now, my job is to follow the directions and stay healthy.
I am so coming out of this thing a size 8.
It's a rough way to lose weight, but at least there is a silver lining in this dark cloud.
ReplyDeleteDo you already have the surgery scheduled?
Way to focus on the positive! What a drag though. Feel better, friend.
ReplyDeleteSeems an awful way to get slim!! Do hope it all goes well for you.
ReplyDeleteBeen there. I won't go into the details, but after my surgery all went well. I felt much better, changed my diet and still can eat some of my favorite foods. The road might seem long now, but remember a month is just a minuscule moment of your life. You will feel better.
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