POZ Community Forums
Main Forums => Living With HIV => Topic started by: JohnOso on February 23, 2007, 01:28:12 am
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I don't usually post much about myself....it's just the way I am.
I am having laparoscopic surgery on Monday, and I have been in a funk during the day, alternating with laying awake at night wondering about how things will work out.
Nothing too complicated, but it's really gotten me down badly in the past month. I know things will work out okay, but i'm worried about the effect on immune system.
My last CD4 two weeks ago was 178 (12%), VL <50 (one year ago it was CD4 13, 2%).
I'm not sure what i'm asking for....words of wisdom, words of comfort...
I think i'm mostly annoyed that i've let myself get into this mental state. I know stress is bad, but I can't seem to let it go.
*sigh*,
John
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Hey JohnOso,
You'll be just fine. Don't worry! You are stressing yourself too much. Try to relax and everything will be alright. I have had three different (somewhat major) surgeries in the last 4 years and I have come out just fine. I understand your concern (I won't say that I wasn't a bit concerned myself) but things will go fine. Keep us posted!
Cheo
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You are in my thoughts, John. i know having HIV throws a wrench into any "common" procedure. I seriously hope you come out of this alright.
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There is no such thing as "...nothing too complicated." Especially when it come to surgery. Especially when you have 178 t-cells. Especially if you're stresse out.
Just know your friend are here thinking of you. And we'll be waiting to hear from you next week. And thanks for letting us know.
robert
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hope it goes well, make sure to eat organic healthy food after the surgery with lots of good fat and protein
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Hey John
Sorry you're in a funk about the surgery. No worries though. I'm sure it will all go well. I'll be sending you extra good vibes and thoughts.
Let us know how it goes, OK ?
Take good care buddy.
Paul
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Hi John,
I had surgery earlier this month. It all went fine.
Lparoscopic surgery is by far less invading then normal surgery.
We will be thinking of you and sending you good vibrations.
Hermie :-*
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Hey John. Unfortunately I can well feel for you. The word 'surgery' alone starts the mind going. Add to it the ever present concern about where your cd4's are, and you have reason to feel as you do. Just know that we will have you in our minds before, during and after, waiting for the expected great update. Best, Win
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You'll be in my thoughts and hope for a rapid recovery !! I know it's hard not to worry but you'll do fine. Probably sore a couple of days but everything will go well.
Tom
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John,
I will be sending good thoughts your way. I wish you a speedy recovery!
Keep us posted.
Big Hugs
Teresa
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John, I think its only natural to feel the way you do... The doctors also know how many helpers you have got running around your system and they will be sensitive to that.. They would not do the surgery if they felt in any way you would be compromised. Lap vs incision, well that's a big plus anyday...
Best wishes and calmer thoughts.... (coming from a freakout boy) no less... ;)
Love,
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John,
keeping you in my prayers buddy.
hugs,
Alan
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John, I will be having the same procedure done this year to remove my gallbladder. I'm not going to worry about it cause I'll be under. I'm more worried about the pain afterwards. Good luck with your surgery.
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Hi John,
Even lap surgery is still surgery, and that always conjures worry, and fright. I hope your procedure is swift, and your recovery is smooth.
If I were in your place, I think i would be researching the best way to afford my own best recovery/outcome.
One thing we used to do for all of our post-op patients, was to prescribe Zinc Troques(lozenges), because zinc is a key nutrient in tissue healing. Make sure you have plenty of orange juice for your post-op period because it(calcium,VitC,VitD)boosts the effects of the Zinc.
You will be in my thoughts.
{{{John}}} hugs for you.
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((((((John))))))
I've had quite a few laparoscopic procedures done over the years and they're not too bad - far preferable to regular surgery. Hang in there! You'll be up on your feet in no time.
I'll be thinking of you - please let us know how it goes.
Hugs,
Ann
xxx
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John, in certain kinds of trying circumstances I sometimes find it comforting to think, "by this time next week this will have started to become history."
It helps. Because it affirms I am going to survive and go on along with whatever ouches may happen along the way.
Good luck to you. We'll be waiting to hear.
Cheers,
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You will be in my thoughts
(((JOHN)))
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John~~
Hey there! I'm not much when it comes to words of wisdom but I'm full of hugs. I know you will come out just fine. I will keep you in my prayers and hope you have a quick recovery...
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John , Best of luck and I wish you a speedy recovery
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John, we'll be thinking of you, and wishing you a speedy recovery. ;D
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Hello John,
Sending good thoughts your way... Wishing you the best. I had a hernia surgery ( I think it was the year before I had started on meds) Of course, I wasn't being monitored at that point. But I am sure my counts were not that good back then. You will get through this , just fine !!
Take care----Ray
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Hey John,
While laproscopic surguries are better than the old-fashioned slice and dice, I understand your trepidation.
I hate having any surgury.
I will send positive energy your way and be keeping you in my thoughts.
(((((BIG BEAR HUG)))))
Mark
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I really understand your fears about the surgery, but try not to stress, it'll make your recovery easier. Look after yourself,we're here for you
BIG HUGS
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*sigh*,
I'd be happy to come hold yer... hand. :)
-joseph
*hug*
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Good luck tomorrow. Take care and a speedy recovery
Jo
x
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good luck tomorrow, John. Hope all goes well.
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Hey John,
If it's any ease on your mind I had surgery last October. I was worried about all kinds of stuff, like would I heal properly etc. Well, I did. That had no impact on my counts that I'm aware of. I healed just fine and glad I did it now.
Your counts have improved a LOT from where you started out until now. The procedure you have mentioned shouldn't have any impact on you other than the stress.
I don't think your doctors would be wanting to do anything that would jeapordize your situation. Anyways, I came out of my deal unscathed and you will too.
Hugs,
Wesley
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To all my AM Family,
Just wanted to let everyone know that i'm back home, and doing well. I have a wretched abdominal binder in place and they ended up clipping all the hair off my lower belly and upper, well, you know... ;)! Looking at that hurts almost as much as whenever I move, lol.
We stopped at Whole Foods Market on the way back and got some nice organic fruits and salad (and mashed potatoes and clam chowder--hey, i needed comforting!!!) Also stopped by the drug store and got some vitamins and um, "stool softener" (i can tell right now, i'm gonna be like a little old lady fixated on her bowels, lol).
Last, but not least, made a run for Nob Hill Foods and bought a case of Smirnoff Ice malt liquor just to take the edge off. I know it's not kosher to drink and take the Vicodin (AND my Sustiva/Truvada/Bactrim.... ::)) But i swear i'll only drink upon occasion, Scout's honor.
Everyone at Kaiser was extremely nice, and was very respectful of my privacy (HIV-wise). I had a big discussion with the anesthesiologist about not using Versed, as it interacts with the Sustiva. He had no idea about it, and said he couldn't find anyting in the PDR....I told him, just take my word for it. ;)
They kept me halfway awake during the surgery, at one point I remember feeling intense pain when they were putting the plastic mesh in my abdomen...I ended up having 200 mcg of Fentanyl and multiple squirts of propofol during the whole thing.
Had Ron (my partner) go out to See's Candies and buy a big box of chocolate for all the nurses (hey it's like tipping your bartender, you just do it!). Never forget chocolate for the nurses! ;D
Most of all I'd like to thank all of you for helping me thru this rough spot. I was remembering all your kind words while I was lying on the table, and it helped me immeasurably.
Much love,
John (the shaved Oso)
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I'm happy to hear that it all went well.
Take good care of yourself and rest up!
((HUGS)))
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Hey, John!
I'm sorry I just now saw this thread. Glad to hear you made it through OK!
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John, if all you could think of was our kind words when you were lying, shaved down, on the table, I expect that you will be filing a complaint about the studliness of the male nurses, etc.? ;D Glad that you got through it all and I wish you a speedy, unevent filled recovery. Best, Win
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Glad to hear you are doing fine. Kaiser has been a great place for me with the whole HIV thing. I am glad they treated you nicely as well. Enjoy the eats, and take it easy on the booze, although Coronas and vicodin and Jack in the box food were like butter when I had surger 14 years ago. Still remember it. It was incredible. But those were other times...
Cheers,
rob
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John, welcome home my friend.. This is the time for you both to be doing alot of hugging, touching and most of all - loving...
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great to hear your home again. Take good care of yourself!!
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john...
I'm glad to see you got everything over and done with and in good shape. Now get some rest and relaxation in a nice stress-free environment. If you don't mind, I would like to think our thoughts and prayers might have, just might have, helped a little bit.
robert
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Dear John
No I'm not breaking up with you.... ;)
I just wanted to say I'm glad you are home and being taken care off, just take it easy and trust me the hair WILL grow back..but it WILL itch like hell for a few days.. :D
Hugs
Jan :-*
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Glad your home! Here's to a speedy recovery!
Tom
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I am sure your partner is looking very well after you.
Happy recovery! :-* :-* :-*
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Glad to hear all went well man!
Thinking of ya... Hope all is well with you.
Hugs,
Joey
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glad to hear it went well. take care and get well
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John,
I'm glad you are on the road to recovery! Sending you big hugs and lots of love....
Alan :-*
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May the hair regrowth itch be the least of your worries, and watch for the stubble burn babe!
So glad you doing Ok
x
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*hug*
-joseph