i didn't have anything to write for a few weeks, but i thought i would put out an update on what's been happening, it's been over a month and a half now and after many non-active days and sleepless nights (there were however those drug induced nights of sleep that i love, oh so much)...i have decided to have the amputation...there are many questions that i have for doctor #6, melinda, my parents and i will meet with her, in order for her to answer said questions....i would like to wait to have the surgery until after august, which will give us time to prepare ourselves for this huge life change and to allow us to have a somewhat of a peaceful summer...there is still tons of research that i have to do and i am very overwhelmed with all of it...what i need is any suggestions anyone has, to put some weight on my fragile little bones...i thought i was eating more over the last few weeks, but when i weighed myself the other night i found that i am still losing weight...at this point, i have lost over 20lbs....for those of you who know me, that is a lot of weight for me...you should know that i am not a huge fan of sweets or dairy...(i know, what's left then?)...i am sure all you wise healthy eating folks out there can give me some advice (no soy cheese please, i have been drinking soy milk)....after my last surgery, coming out of the anesthesia was very very hard on my body....i also lost a lot of blood....i can't do much about those things (i don't think)...but i would like my physical self to be a lot healthier than it is currently, going into surgery.
6 comments:
I would suggest eating more meals...not full out meals, but just more snacks thru the day. A quick turkey sandwich...one slice of bread and meat. If you don't want the dairy, slide in some of the good fats and smack some avocado on that...that is if you like avocado. Handful of almonds with some dried cranberries....maybe a few chocolate chips...but you don't like all chocolate (I remember the great cookie debate)...go for dark. Good vitamins in that. Or....just going off the body builder thing, you might want to invest in some protein powder. But the stuff that is more for women. Make a nice fruit smoothie. I recognize this would be a challenge for you because you aren't a big eater.
ooohhh..another thing....get some light weights. That would be helpful too. Something you can do while watching tv.
protein and carbs. if you aren't feeling up to eating a lot of stuff at one time, try some of those energy bars (such as Clif bars, Luna bars, Balance bars, whichever ones are tastiest to you). i've been eating Clif bars for breakfast everyday, good stuff. you could also try trail mix. peanuts are protein but are also somewhat fatty. peanuts, m&ms, and raisins = my favorite trail mix. you could add almonds if you like them. but yeah, if you feel like a snack, grab some cold cuts (MEAT!) or keep a giant beef summer sausage stick (MORE MEAT!) in your fridge and eat it with some cheese and crackers. just some ideas... from my own daily routine. :)
a good friend of mine has a dietician for a mother. i inquired. she said to try drinking Ensure, Boost, or any nutritional supplement, especially since you've been thirsty. she will report back to me with some more info. til then... chili. :)
i vote for more frequent mini-meals. i know sometimes you say you get so busy you forget to eat, but maybe if you set an alarm for every two hours on your phone, it could be a reminder that you're supposed to have some kind of snack (peanut butter toast, pudding cups, granola, etc). that might help you to move toward the next step in gaining weight - being able to order and drink the medium sized mcdonald's milkshake instead of the virlena-sized small shake :)
Dear Virlena,
I just received your email and blog address. I read about your odysee and I must say, it sounds very familiar. I have an intimate idea of what you are going through and know how much courage it takes to get through this. It sounds like your friends and family are being supportive, and that is one of the most important dynamics of a successful recovery. Let them support you. My mistake was I felt I was too much of a burden and didn't ask for the support I needed. I believe my recovery took longer because I wanted to appear strong and didn't want to "depress people". Let people in; they want to help and it is part of their recovery over what happened to you too. Often our loved ones feel helpless - so tell them what you need.
I know you read my bio on the HDHPHELP site, but want to update you -- I just received my 6 year clearance, just has my 2 year wedding anniversary on June 10th to the most wonderful man, walk nearly every day on my prosthesis, just landed a great job with a great company, and hardly ever think about my body's "altered state." I had some wonderful mentors help me through my odysee and they told me the same - that one day, I would hardly think about my missing parts. I could hardly believe them as I was consumed by it; but now here I am - hardly ever thinking about it. Please let me be here to support you in any way you desire. I am sending my cell # to your email address - please feel free to call me anytime. I can share some ideas and tips on phantom/nerve pain, prosthetics, body image issues, depression, crazy doctors -- and all that fun stuff.
Kind Regards...
Julie (aka One Legged Jo)
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