betsy
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Hi Pam,
I’ve been on anti-depressants for several years. I take 75mg zoloft along with 200mg wellbutrin. It does take a couple of weeks to see a benefit. I didn’t have nausea or drugged up feeling. I do know what you mean about feeling numb. That may or may not be the zoloft….could be a symptom of depression. I would hang in there at the lower dose and see how it goes. If the symptoms don’t lesson, call your doctor. There are many different anti-depressants to try. I could not manage without my medicine. I used to cry all day and felt such despair. Things are much better for me now. I can cope better with ups and downs. Rarely cry anymore
Hope this helps.
xxoo betsy
Hi Pam,
Hang in there and wait until the results of the new MRI. I know it’s distressing news but it could be something less serious. Sometimes the doctors get things wrong and scare the heck out of you.I’m sending you and Lauren huge hugs from Chagrin Falls.
Betsy
xxooI can appreciate your Mom’s concerns about clothing and being restricted to a different kind of wardrobe. I’ve been dealing with drainage bags for about 3 years now. I have a great collection of skirts with elastic waistbands for the summer. I use a small binder clip and clip the bag inside the skirt. I look for skirts everywhere I go and have found some really cute ones. I also treat myself to pedicures and new cute sandals. I’ve had 3 bags sometimes and I found anything with an elastic waistband will hide the bags. In the winter, I wear black yoga pants, longer sweaters. I also spend money on make up and coloring my hair, These are things I used to do without but now it really helps me feel pretty. I do miss my jeans and shorts but I’ve gotten used to it.
Also, I ask my doctor to shorten the tubes so I don’t have to deal with those long tubes. Ask your doctor about that. I can do it myself now. Its not hard at all just have to be sure to keep everything clean.
Betsy
I’ve had external drains for about 3 years now. I’ve been given different meds to help with the itching…..cholestyramine helps and I am also taking 75mg Lexapro which has really helped ease the itching. I haven’t had success with any over the counter meds or lotions but an oatmeal bath feels wonderful and helps temporarily with the itching. I think he will feel better with the drain. The risk of infection is there but in my case I had to have the drain.
betsy
Yes, I missed you too Byron! and was very worried. Sorry for the insurance coverage issues. Glad you were able to get away and go to Hawaii.
Betsy
I would do it Pam. My sister has one due to her vision and it is so helpful. She keeps telling me to get one because sometimes I’m just can’t walk too far. Its very easy to get one.
Betsy
Hi Wilma,
I don’t know if this will help in your hubby’s situation but I had fluid drained off my abdomen then was put on Lasix 1x/day. Really helped me.
Betsy
Marion is so right. Time goes by so fast. I think the anticipation and fear of the unknown is the worst part. Your mom will be given pain meds for the biopsy and port. I was just sore more than anything else from those procedures.
hugs,
betsySpeaking as a current patient, (age 52) I would want to know how serious the situation is and that the options are limited. I have been sick for the last 3-1/2 years and while I hope for the best, I have been seriously ill 2 times already and I am aware that a health crisis can come on me at any time and I could die. So, armed with this knowledge, I have the choice to make what’s left of my time living my life the way I want, without regret. My family knows my wishes after I die and I’ve talked very openly about this with closest friends. This is a great comfort to me. I have been able to open my heart more and I am full of love, given and received by so many.
There are social workers on staff at hospitals and they would probably have suggestions on how to have this discussion with your sister. I do appreciate the situation you are in and I know it must be incredibly difficult and sad. I hope my own experiences are helpful.
hugs,
BetsyI’ve had many tube changes and lots of experience with stents. My stent drains to an external bag and is not permanently placed. I get zofran and fentanyl and an antibiotic in my IV for tube changes. Fentanyl makes me semi-conscious (conscious sedation is what the hospital calls it) and keeps me from getting too anxious. I’ve tried to go without fentanyl but really didn’t like it. The noises bothered me. The worst part of these procedures for me, is having to be awake while the nurses prep me…..seems to take forever. It takes me 2-3 days to recover. I’m usually fatigued, headache and a little nauseous.
I have received red blood cells through my IV. I don’t know if that’s the same as a transfusion, but I’m assuming it is. I had no problems.
Best of luck,
betsyHi Sandie,
I had liver resection Jan. 2009 and am still cancer-free. While recurrence statistics are discouraging, not all CC patients have a recurrence…someone has to make up the small percentage number who do survive….may as well be us.betsy
I had a biopsy done as well. No problems getting a tissue sample. I haven’t used spyglass. I see you are in Columbus. Do mind sharing what hospital you are working with?
Betsy
