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Author Topic: Surgery update  (Read 26321 times)

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Offline aztecan

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  • 36 years positive, 64 years a pain in the butt
Surgery update
« on: June 28, 2012, 01:03:19 am »
Well, I finally saw the surgeon today.

He was actually very upbeat about the whole thing. He photographed all the offending growths, felt them a bit and said he would recommend going with liposuction, if that is possible.

Sometimes, he said, the material in the hump, etc., is too fibrous for liposuction, and if it should turn out that way, he would then just slice me open and carve it out.

He also wants to try liposuction first because it is less likely to cause any serious nerve damage to the nerves running up the back of my neck. If there is damage, I most likely would lose some of the feeling in my scalp, which he jokingly called becoming a numbskull.  ;)

He will be submitting it to my insurance to find out whether it will pay for the surgery. He said he would include a letter explaining they pain and back problems the humpettes are causing.

He also said some insurance companies reject prior authorizations from plastic surgeons out of hand, but he would then appeal it if need be.

Seems like a nice doctor. Kinda cute too, in a very white, blond and excruciatingly straight way.

Just thought I would update ya'll.

HUGS,

Mark
« Last Edit: June 28, 2012, 01:05:48 am by aztecan »
"May your life preach more loudly than your lips."
~ William Ellery Channing (Unitarian Minister)

Offline BT65

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Re: Surgery update
« Reply #1 on: June 28, 2012, 04:52:35 am »
Keeping fingers crossed it will go through without any issue, Mark.
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Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: Surgery update
« Reply #2 on: June 28, 2012, 08:45:25 am »
Good luck with all of this, Mark!
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline denb45

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Re: Surgery update
« Reply #3 on: June 28, 2012, 09:02:27 am »
 Mark,  I hope your Ins. company sees this as a Long Term health problem that needs correction, and that it all works out in your favor  ;)

the slicing & carving part sounds a little risky to me, let's hope this  will only be a last ditch effort  ;)

and make sure you get ample pain management post-op  :)
"it's so nice to be insane, cause no-one ask you to explain" Helen Reddy cc 1974

Offline Jeff G

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Re: Surgery update
« Reply #4 on: June 28, 2012, 09:19:13 am »
Wishing you the best of luck Mark .
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Offline bear60

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Re: Surgery update
« Reply #5 on: June 28, 2012, 01:59:38 pm »
Hey Mark
Thats no small undertaking.....but try to think of it as cosmetic surgery.
Big HUGS


Joel
Poz Bear Type in Philadelphia

Offline Theyer

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Re: Surgery update
« Reply #6 on: June 28, 2012, 05:38:40 pm »
Wishing you all the best for this Mark , am glad to here your Doc is willing to persue the Insurance company too.
love
m
"If we can find the money to kill people, we can find the money to help people ."  Tony Benn

Offline AlanBama

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Re: Surgery update
« Reply #7 on: June 29, 2012, 06:45:47 pm »
hope you are able to get insurance's go-ahead....keep us posted

hugs Alan
"Remember my sentimental friend that a heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others." - The Wizard of Oz

Offline aztecan

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Re: Surgery update
« Reply #8 on: June 29, 2012, 09:36:35 pm »
The surgeon's office called today, asking me to come in on July 11 to see him again.

I don't know if it is good news or bad news.

Keep your fingers crossed.

HUGS,

Mark
"May your life preach more loudly than your lips."
~ William Ellery Channing (Unitarian Minister)

Offline denb45

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Re: Surgery update
« Reply #9 on: June 30, 2012, 09:11:40 am »
I want to see pic & videos of all the carving & slicing of them Buffalo humps  ;D

but all joking aside, I hope the doc has some good news next week for you Mark  ;)

Hang in there you'll find out soon enough  ;)


HUGS

Dennis
"it's so nice to be insane, cause no-one ask you to explain" Helen Reddy cc 1974

Offline jm1953

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Re: Surgery update
« Reply #10 on: June 30, 2012, 08:12:16 pm »
Good luck Mark on the surgery.  Keeping my fingers crossed for you too!

Hugs back to you,

Jeff
Positive 29 years. Diagnosed 10/1987.  Current CD 4: 720: Viral load: almost 100.  Current drug regimen, Tivicay, Emtriva, Endurant, Wellbutrin, Clonazepam, Uloric, Losartan Potassium,Allegra, Ambien, Testosterone, Nandrolone, Vicodin, Benedryl, Aspirin, lots of vitamin supplements.

Offline bear60

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Re: Surgery update
« Reply #11 on: July 01, 2012, 12:56:17 pm »
I hope your insurance isnt going to be a pain.
Poz Bear Type in Philadelphia

Offline Buckmark

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Re: Surgery update
« Reply #12 on: July 02, 2012, 10:53:53 am »
Yay!  I'm happy to hear you are making progress with this, Mark, and that you've found a doctor that is willing to work with you and your insurance company.  I hope your insurance concurs, or you'll have to open a can of whoop'ass on them!

"Life in Lubbock, Texas, taught me two things:
     One is that God loves you and you're going to burn in hell.
     The other is that sex is the most awful, filthy thing on earth and you should save it for someone you love."
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Offline LongTimeSurvivor

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Re: Surgery update
« Reply #13 on: July 02, 2012, 07:36:21 pm »
Aztecan...even if it's good news...make sure you ask about what bills you still might be liable for. I'm getting hit by medical bills from my unfortunate extended stay at the hospital. Of course, I was unconscious for the first three days so I couldn't ask if those attending me took my insurance. Apparently none do...just got a new one today for $3,000. The guy saw me three times in the ICU. Being unconscious I'll have to take his word for it.

That goes for the hospital too. That's $30,000 right now. I try not to think about it...doing my best Scarlett O'Hara...
Of course it's important. It's an email...

Offline aztecan

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Re: Surgery update
« Reply #14 on: July 02, 2012, 09:27:22 pm »
Aztecan...even if it's good news...make sure you ask about what bills you still might be liable for.

That is also a concern for me. I recently found that my deductible with my health plan jumped from $1,000 to $2,000. I would have to pay that up front and then a percentage of the total bill as well. That is assuming the insurance will pay for anything.

I find this not knowing very irritating, but I guess I have to wait and see.

HUGS,

Mark
"May your life preach more loudly than your lips."
~ William Ellery Channing (Unitarian Minister)

Offline clfritts

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Re: Surgery update
« Reply #15 on: July 07, 2012, 03:36:38 pm »
Mark, here's wishing you the best!  I've been + since 1992 and have lipodystrophy, both kinds, the loss and the gain of fat in certain areas.  My buffalo hump has been a big discomfort for me for over 10 years and causes me neck and back pain.  I don't have insurance, at least any that would cover  "preexisting" condition.  So, I feel that I'm stuck but want the best for you.

Offline deibster

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Re: Surgery update
« Reply #16 on: July 11, 2012, 01:55:16 am »
Best wishes with the insurance Mark. Sending positive thoughts your way.
hugs Deiby
Poz since Dec 1992. Meds since 1995. Disability since 2005. Constantly fighting the Lipodystrophy 'beer gut.'

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Offline harleymc

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Re: Surgery update
« Reply #17 on: July 11, 2012, 05:22:22 am »
Good luck mate, sounds like it's all moving in the right direction. Hugs

Offline aztecan

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Re: Surgery update
« Reply #18 on: July 11, 2012, 03:44:39 pm »
Further update:

I saw the surgeon this morning. My health insurance approved the surgery. I am amazed.

So, I am scheduled to go under the knife on Aug. 16.

EEP!

I will keep y'all posted.

HUGS,

Mark
"May your life preach more loudly than your lips."
~ William Ellery Channing (Unitarian Minister)

Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: Surgery update
« Reply #19 on: July 11, 2012, 05:24:45 pm »
That is great news for you!
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline LongTimeSurvivor

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Re: Surgery update
« Reply #20 on: July 11, 2012, 07:12:53 pm »
Good to hear your insurance company approved the surgery. You'll be a new man. Well, sort of new.

Don't know if you've had surgery before but it's a breeze. The hard part is the after. I always try to see if I can catch when I'm hit with the stuff. Never can...one minute I'm trying to sense it, next I'm becoming conscious and then open my eyes with it being hours or in that recent case, days, later.

In any case, keep updating what's going on. Good luck.
Of course it's important. It's an email...

Offline denb45

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Re: Surgery update
« Reply #21 on: July 11, 2012, 07:16:13 pm »
Wow Mark , well , I'm glad it was approved, hope the Ins. deductible isn't that big  ;)


Hugs

Dennis  :)
"it's so nice to be insane, cause no-one ask you to explain" Helen Reddy cc 1974

Offline Jeff G

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Re: Surgery update
« Reply #22 on: July 11, 2012, 11:09:05 pm »
Great news Mark !
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Offline bear60

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Re: Surgery update
« Reply #23 on: July 12, 2012, 12:54:21 pm »
Hi Mark
Great news that the proceedure was approved.  I am wishing you all the best.


Joel
Poz Bear Type in Philadelphia

Offline BT65

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Re: Surgery update
« Reply #24 on: July 12, 2012, 01:21:08 pm »
Good news Mark!
I've never killed anyone, but I frequently get satisfaction reading the obituary notices.-Clarence Darrow

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Offline wolfter

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Re: Surgery update
« Reply #25 on: July 13, 2012, 05:51:20 am »
Best of luck Buddy!  See you in 2 weeks. 
Being honest is not wronging others, continuing the dishonesty is.

Offline aztecan

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Re: Surgery update
« Reply #26 on: July 19, 2012, 12:35:52 am »
I just read through the packet the surgeon gave me to prepare for the event.

I will have to stop all of my supplements, or at least most of them. I will have to ask about the fish oil.

I also will have to stop the daily aspirin and the Naproxen I take for my joint aches.

It's only for three weeks or so, which shouldn't be that bad.

But I also am required to have someone stay with me the first 24 hours after the surgery.

That could be a problem.

Most of my friends work, so they can't stay with me. My family lives hundreds of miles away.

I really don't know who I could ask.

i think the requirement is overkill, especially since it is not that major a surgery.

Harumph!

HUGS,

Mark
"May your life preach more loudly than your lips."
~ William Ellery Channing (Unitarian Minister)

Offline nixsmail

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Re: Surgery update
« Reply #27 on: July 19, 2012, 12:51:37 am »
the 24 hour period i think is to serve two purposes, the first is to make sure that you don't have any problems after anesthesia, throwing up while asleep, heart issues, etc. and i think that the second one is preventative on the doc/anesthesiologist part so they don't get sued if something does happen. i've had several surgeries and had to be under and every time they said that same thing, finally asked one cooperative doc and he indicated the above two reasons. made sense to me. but i also found that after about 4 to 6 hours after surgery i was feeling fairly normal and sent my "caretaker" home. one time i did use a service that provides short term babysitting for people in this situation and if i remember right it wasn't cheap but not expensive either.
09/05/07 Officially diagnosed +4yrs at the time
11/06/07 CD4 624 (18%) VL 43,200
05/04/09 CD4 272 (15%) VL 521,190
06/10/09 CD4 127 (13%) VL 626,376 Started Truvada/Prezista/Norvir
07/15/09 CD4 849 (20%) VL 379
09/09/09 CD4 594 (21%) VL 68
01/28/10 CD4 706 (23%) VL 127
05/27/10 CD4 655 (22%) VL 322
07/29/10 CD4 750 (22%) VL 220
10/22/10 CD4 669 (23%) VL 65
12/27/10 CD4 720 (24%) VL 270
03/08/11 CD4 644 (23%) VL 631
07/27/11 CD4 694 (23%) VL <20
03/09/12 CD4 601 (20%) VL UND
11/07/12 CD4 693 (23%) VL UND
04/17/13 CD4 559 (23%) VL UND
11/07/13 CD4 846 (24%) VL UND
03/28/14 CD4 869 (24%) VL UND

Offline nixsmail

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Re: Surgery update
« Reply #28 on: July 19, 2012, 01:04:50 am »
ps forgot to tell you good luck with the surgery i hope that it will do what you want it to.
09/05/07 Officially diagnosed +4yrs at the time
11/06/07 CD4 624 (18%) VL 43,200
05/04/09 CD4 272 (15%) VL 521,190
06/10/09 CD4 127 (13%) VL 626,376 Started Truvada/Prezista/Norvir
07/15/09 CD4 849 (20%) VL 379
09/09/09 CD4 594 (21%) VL 68
01/28/10 CD4 706 (23%) VL 127
05/27/10 CD4 655 (22%) VL 322
07/29/10 CD4 750 (22%) VL 220
10/22/10 CD4 669 (23%) VL 65
12/27/10 CD4 720 (24%) VL 270
03/08/11 CD4 644 (23%) VL 631
07/27/11 CD4 694 (23%) VL <20
03/09/12 CD4 601 (20%) VL UND
11/07/12 CD4 693 (23%) VL UND
04/17/13 CD4 559 (23%) VL UND
11/07/13 CD4 846 (24%) VL UND
03/28/14 CD4 869 (24%) VL UND

Offline Ann

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Re: Surgery update
« Reply #29 on: July 19, 2012, 06:05:57 am »
the 24 hour period i think is to serve two purposes, the first is to make sure that you don't have any problems after anesthesia, throwing up while asleep, heart issues, etc. and i think that the second one is preventative on the doc/anesthesiologist part so they don't get sued if something does happen. i've had several surgeries and had to be under and every time they said that same thing, finally asked one cooperative doc and he indicated the above two reasons. made sense to me. but i also found that after about 4 to 6 hours after surgery i was feeling fairly normal and sent my "caretaker" home. one time i did use a service that provides short term babysitting for people in this situation and if i remember right it wasn't cheap but not expensive either.
ps forgot to tell you good luck with the surgery i hope that it will do what you want it to.

Nixsmail, I understand you meant well, but as someone who was only diagnosed in 2007, you are not permitted to post in the Long Term Survivor's forum. Only members who were diagnosed before 1996 are permitted to post here.

Please make sure you read this forum's Welcome Thread. Please also read any other Welcome threads - they appear stickied at the top of some forum's index pages. They often contain posting guidelines that pertain to that particular forum. Also read the main Welcome Thread in the Living forum - it governs the whole forum.

Please do not post in the LTS forum again, and thank you for your cooperation. :)

Ann
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Offline Gary S

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Re: Surgery update
« Reply #30 on: July 19, 2012, 12:04:44 pm »
Hey Mark,
   Best to you on your surgery.

   I recently had a precancerous lesion removed from my back and there was a quite a lot of bleeding. The doc asked if I was on fish oil...which I am. He said it can cause more bleeding so please check with your surgeon on his thoughts.

Offline LongTimeSurvivor

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Re: Surgery update
« Reply #31 on: July 19, 2012, 08:39:57 pm »
The reason for 24 hours is something can go wrong after they've cleared you. That was my case. All the doctors had signed off that I was good to go. I was at the point where all I had to do was wake up, have my friend come pick me up and go home...but...I didn't wake up, I stopped breathing because my vocal cords spasmed shut. If friends can stay with you, great, otherwise look into a visiting nurse service...the hospital or your doctor might know about that...or maybe find out what it would cost you to stay at the hospital. Can't hurt to ask.

Anyway, good luck, and follow instructions. I've had friends go in for surgery only to have it be canceled because they took something everyone forget to tell them not to take. Let them know everything you take to make sure it passes muster.
Of course it's important. It's an email...

Offline harleymc

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Re: Surgery update
« Reply #32 on: July 19, 2012, 10:31:25 pm »
Dear Mark, congratulations.

24 hour support post op, will make that time not only a lot safer but a lot less unpleasant. Don't try to fudge on this... I'd hate for  comments around a casket along the lines of "Mark looks so peacefull without his lumps and bumps, a pity that it was for only 20 hours."
Don't forget that it doesn't need to be the same person doing the whole 24 hours. Most folks will be happy to help out, but give them plenty of notice.

Hugs from down under

Offline Theyer

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Re: Surgery update
« Reply #33 on: July 24, 2012, 06:00:34 pm »
Gosh ,after all that worry they just agreed , great news. The complexities off the insurence world continues to amaze me. Am v.pleased for you dear Mark.
michael
"If we can find the money to kill people, we can find the money to help people ."  Tony Benn

Offline AlanBama

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Re: Surgery update
« Reply #34 on: July 25, 2012, 05:24:57 pm »
Great news honey!  I hope you can find someone to stay with you...if only I were closer! 

I am hoping that everything goes WELL with this procedure.

HUGS, Alan
"Remember my sentimental friend that a heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others." - The Wizard of Oz

Offline aztecan

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Re: Surgery update
« Reply #35 on: August 10, 2012, 12:02:17 am »
OK, it is one week and counting until I go under the knife.

I am both excited and nervous, which I guess is pretty normal.

A friend has insisted I stay with him after the surgery so he can keep an eye on me. I don't know how long I'll stay, mayby a couple of days, depending on how I feel.

I have been off my pain meds since Sunday, which my HIV doc said is probably overkill, but that is what the surgeon wanted.

I forgot how well they work. I have been creaking and groaning for a few days.

I broke down and bought some acetomenaphen, or however its spelled. It doesn't work as well, but it will do until I can go back on the Naproxen.

Anyway, it looks like its all go from here.

HUGS,

Mark
"May your life preach more loudly than your lips."
~ William Ellery Channing (Unitarian Minister)

Offline Jeff G

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Re: Surgery update
« Reply #36 on: August 10, 2012, 12:25:35 am »
I'm wishing you the best and its great to know you will have somebody looking after you .
Please keep us updated . Big Hugs ! .
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Offline J.R.E.

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Re: Surgery update
« Reply #37 on: August 10, 2012, 07:38:22 am »


Good luck Mark.  We"ll be keeping you in our thoughts and wishing you a very speedy recovery.

(((HUGS)))     Ray
Current Meds ; Viramune / Epzicom Eliquis, Diltiazem. Pravastatin 80mg, Ezetimibe. UPDATED 2/18/24
 Tested positive in 1985,.. In October of 2003, My t-cell count was 16, Viral load was over 500,000, Percentage at that time was 5%. I started on  HAART on October 24th, 2003.

 As of Oct 2nd, 2023, Viral load Undetectable.
CD 4 @676 /  CD4 % @ 18 %
Lymphocytes,absolute-3815 (within range)


72 YEARS YOUNG

Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: Surgery update
« Reply #38 on: August 10, 2012, 08:15:30 am »
Good luck, Mark -- the days before surgery can be nerve-wracking. Treat yourself to something special.
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline denb45

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Re: Surgery update
« Reply #39 on: August 10, 2012, 04:54:27 pm »
Oh just have a few scotch neat or  on rocks...............right  ;)

I forget how you like them, you showed this @ the meet & greet

but, sadly I already forgot  :-[


anywho they give good drugs, I'm sure  8)


hope it all go's well, keep us posted & updated  PLEASE ......


Hugs


DEN
"it's so nice to be insane, cause no-one ask you to explain" Helen Reddy cc 1974

Offline OneTampa

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Re: Surgery update
« Reply #40 on: August 11, 2012, 09:58:14 am »
Oh Mark,

I am thinking about you and sending you fiercely good vibes for a successful operation and flawless recovery with a very minimal dip into your pinch money.  ;D

Take care.

"He is my oldest child. The shy and retiring one over there with the Haitian headdress serving pescaíto frito."

Offline Theyer

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Re: Surgery update
« Reply #41 on: August 11, 2012, 12:56:01 pm »
Mark,

Wishing you all the best with the op, the recovery, and the finances. Its good to hear your staying with a friend afterwards. Will be checking in for your first post op post.
Lots off love to you
michael
"If we can find the money to kill people, we can find the money to help people ."  Tony Benn

Offline bear60

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Re: Surgery update
« Reply #42 on: August 11, 2012, 01:49:14 pm »
Best wishes, Mark.  {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
Poz Bear Type in Philadelphia

Offline LongTimeSurvivor

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Re: Surgery update
« Reply #43 on: August 11, 2012, 10:08:11 pm »
You should really have some fun with this...

Find an old version of "Operation" and give it to the doctor to ask him to practice before he works on you.

Or get a magic marker and mark on parts of your body..."Nope, this ain't where you're suppose to be."

Even better work up some good operating room jokes..."You know now many surgeons it takes to screw in a light bulb?..."

You'll have them rolling in the aisles and, at the same time, alleviate any pre-surgery fears you might have. Frankly, I've never worried about going under the knife. I'm out, if something goes wrong I won't know it. Besides you can only collected from suing if you die.

Hope everything goes well.

Lots of love...big hugs...

LTS
Of course it's important. It's an email...

Offline aztecan

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Re: Surgery update
« Reply #44 on: August 14, 2012, 03:07:19 pm »
OK, the anesthesiologist called and asked to meet with me.

Saw him this morning. His exact words were: "You looked bad on paper, but in p erson you look fine."

It was the whole lung thing and my being on an inhaler. Damn cigs.

Anyway,EKG was fine and all is good.

They are going to intubate me, though. Oh joy.

Makes me nervous, but I will be fine.

Just an update.

HUGS,

Mark
"May your life preach more loudly than your lips."
~ William Ellery Channing (Unitarian Minister)

Offline Buckmark

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Re: Surgery update
« Reply #45 on: August 14, 2012, 04:04:22 pm »
I'll be thinking of you, Mark.  I hope everything goes well.  And we're looking forward to the "after" photos. :)
"Life in Lubbock, Texas, taught me two things:
     One is that God loves you and you're going to burn in hell.
     The other is that sex is the most awful, filthy thing on earth and you should save it for someone you love."
- Butch Hancock, Musician, The Flatlanders

Offline denb45

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Re: Surgery update
« Reply #46 on: August 14, 2012, 08:58:21 pm »
I admire your incredible courage for doing this Surgery  ;)

I know for a fact that I couldn't do it  :-[

I have never been intubated before (never had to be put that far under)

they would never do this with all of the medications that I'm currently taking
or so anesthesiologist told me this, just last week  :-[

Mark   I'm thinking of you, and I Know everything will go well  ;)

Hugs

DEN
"it's so nice to be insane, cause no-one ask you to explain" Helen Reddy cc 1974

Offline Theyer

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Re: Surgery update
« Reply #47 on: August 15, 2012, 07:33:49 am »
You will be fine Mark and I am not surprised you feel nervous I think all off us can understand that , have you got a planned period off time off work? Hope its a good enough amount , all the best from the Orkney,s.
michael
"If we can find the money to kill people, we can find the money to help people ."  Tony Benn

Offline deibster

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Re: Surgery update
« Reply #48 on: August 15, 2012, 01:01:27 pm »
Best wishes Mark. Sending prayers your way.
Hugs deiby  :)
Poz since Dec 1992. Meds since 1995. Disability since 2005. Constantly fighting the Lipodystrophy 'beer gut.'

Prezista/Norvir, Epzicom, Cytomel, Prevacid, Coumadin, pravastatin, Fenofibrate, Remeron, Zoloft, Concerta, Flomax, Allegra180, Nasacort, Centrum, Flax Oil, Fish Oil

Offline wolfter

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Re: Surgery update
« Reply #49 on: August 15, 2012, 01:34:02 pm »
Take care buddy.  Sending special energy your way.

Greg
Being honest is not wronging others, continuing the dishonesty is.

 


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