This isn't how I wanted to lose weight...

[Fluffysmom]

So, here I am, back on a clear liquid diet.

I called my gastro's office yesterday to ask what I should be eating, since everything I've eaten causes more discomfort to go along with the pains.  I got advice from the nurse, who asked some questions, then said that she wanted to talk to Dr. B. and call me back.

A short while later I got a call telling me that I should go over to the hospital and have X-rays and blood work, and come and see Dr. B. as soon as I finished, they would send her the results STAT.

The radiology techs were nice enough to tell me that the radiologist had already read the films and there was no evidence of a perforation (yay!), then I had my blood draw and drove to Dr. B.'s office.

She examined me, told me my bloodwork was fine, said that I probably was feeling the burn from the larger polyp removal, where she also took 4 biopsies of surrounding tissue. I really reacted when she pressed on that area.  She actually used the words "full thickness burn" and told me to go to the ER if things got worse, and that I could call the office all weekend; they have doctors on call.

She also told me that I needed to be on a clear liquid diet over the weekend at least to let things heal, then I can try eating things like mashed potatoes, low-fat cream soup, blahhhh.  I told her I was a high-fiber whole wheat kind of person, and she said not right now.

The pathology was back; I got a copy.  She explained that the largest polyp was of a type that used to be considered benign, but more recent studies have shown that they can progress to cancer, especially when they are located where mine was, on the right side, at hepatic flexure.  Also if they are 10 mm or more, which mine was.  

So, long story short, I have to return for my next colonoscopy in one year.  If that's good, I'll follow up every three years.  I'll also be getting an upper endoscopy at the same time as my colonoscopy next year, since she'll do them under anesthesia and sees no reason why I should go under twice.

The ten pounds I dropped is staying off, and I may just drop some more.  It would be better without the burning pains and "living" on chicken broth, juice, jello, and tea.

I should have asked if I could start taking my supplements again, or if they would irritate my irritated colon.  I'll at least take my vitamin D gel caps.  Maybe my flaxseed oil gel caps...

Kathy

[Fluffysmom]

Thanks, Lulu.  How did you know that I was thinking about having a few bites of my chocolate frozen yogurt, lol?!?!

Thanks for the info about flax seed oil; I haven't taken it, being a little leery of the large capsule full of oil, with Dr. B. told me to avoid fat.

As for Thanksgiving, it looks like my dinner may be cream of chicken soup and mashed yams, maybe some low-fat pudding for dessert.  I'll enjoy every bite, believe me!

Kathy

[Lulu54]

Kathy,
you have had such a go with this .... I'm glad you were checked out for any hidden damage.  Stick with the clear liquids - and  don't be tempted to cheat for a few more days.  

You don't want a relapse right before thanksgiving, right?

BTW, I think I would lay off the flax seed oil - it is associated with regulating digestive health and right now your poor little system just needs a quiet rest.  

feel better -wish I could offer you more!
Lulu

[Fluffysmom]

Thank you.  I hope I feel better soon, too!  I find I'm getting a little grumpy, tired, and wimpy.  I raked a few leaves and my arms ache and don't want to do anything more, like lift my cup of broth to my mouth.

I did have some wonderful Maui Sun Tea, hibiscus-lemongrass, for breakfast; supposedly has vitamins A and C, and tastes delicious.

Lunch was broth and jello, and dinner will most likely be the same.  I ate a few Lifesavers, but that straight sugar-high fructose corn syrup made my headache worse.

Yesterday my roommate wanted to get something to eat, I went with her and ordered tea, apple juice, and jello; they had sugar free.  At least I had some good laughs with the waitress!

Just one more experience to go through, another part of my story.  

Kathy

[Guitar_grrrl]

Wow, a little insult to injury...I hope you feel better soon!
Hugs,
Guitar_grrrl

[Fluffysmom]

Thanks, Deb.  I guess I can buy some turkey broth for Thanksgiving, lol. I hope I can at least have mashed yams by then!

I e-mailed my MS nurse yesterday, told her I couldn't take Advil for 2 weeks, and why.  She wrote back and said that it was good that I'd gone in for that colonoscopy, and that I could do fine taking just tylenol for side effects.  She also said that she would talk to Dr. C., see if he had any ideas to make me more comfortable for these next two shots, and to check in with her early next week.  She's great.

Kathy

[Deb61]

I'm so sorry about what you're going through--especially since you've just started your Avonex injections.  This cannot be a good combination with the removal of polyps.  You must be feeling pretty miserable.  

I hope this is over in time for Thanksgiving.

Sending some ((((((((((healing vibes)))))))))))) from Texas to you.

Deb