Debbi Bifulco Update

[Mama R]

The steriods had the same affect on me, only I had a lot of restless nights because of them, then headaches because of the restlessness and was too stubborn to take the pain meds. Once I came down from the "steriod high" things got better but it was  gradual and probably
took a couple of weeks. My Doc said it just does that to some people. Sometimes I would feel as if I am my old self and start doing stuff and even  did the gardening thing .but what I found was if I did too much then I would struggle with fatigue for a couple days after and sometimes  headaches. It has been 7 weeks past surgery and I am much better in that arena. I just can't stay consistently at my old busy active self for more than a few days without fatigue. One way or the other God's just not going to allow me to overdo it!! Your body has reacted much like mine through this event ...but then why wouldn't it, we had the same surgery... Ahh Daahh!

[Debbi]

Thanks, OhioAlso - your comments are very helpful.  I had my first headache today, which freaked me out a bit.  It probably wasn't much in the scope of things, but it was a pretty intense pain on the upper right side of my head.  I took a couple of Advil which seems to have dulled it.  I've never been one to get headaches, so of course it alarmed me.  Interesting that it may be part of the steroid withdrawal.  I feel better knowing that.

I also appreciated your comments about feeling really fatiqued for a day or so if you overdo - I am still trying to find out where that line is for me.  Wherever it is, I definitely crossed it yesterday    - because today was one of those very tired days.  I am really going to have to learn to be more patient, aren't it?   

Debbi ... holding my head...

[Jim Scott]

Debbi:

It's fascinating to read about your steady progress.  I think your fatigue is relatively normal and the steroid withdrawal seems to present a logical rationale for some of it.  I admire the fact that you challenge yourself every day.  Although you have a way to go yet, you're making slow but steady progress and certainly have the right attitude.  Thanks for helping many folks understand AN recovery a bit better, from your real-life perspective.  Your account is an invaluable addition to the forums and appreciated by many, including me. 

Jim

[Cheryl R]

Give your self time.     I am 4 weeks today from surgery.       I find if I go somewhere and gone all afternoon,then I will be tired in the eve.    It is only when you are farther out in time and then think back about how you felt at a certain time earlier that you really realize how good you are doing.         Won't be long and you'll be 4 weeks!         
                                                   Cheryl R

[leapyrtwins]

Debbi -

learning to be patient isn't easy.  I'm 46 1/2 and I still haven't learned 

Cheryl -

hard to believe you are 4 weeks post op - it seems like your surgery was just yesterday - easy for me to say 

I'm so glad you and Debbi both are doing well.

Jan

[lori67]

Cheryl,

I totally agree with you - you don't realize how much progress you've made until you look back at a few weeks earlier and realize - hey, I couldn't do this back then!

When I look back on a year ago, it amazes me the changes and progress.  And when I look back on those few pictures I allowed my husband to take of me in the hospital, I really see how much better I am now.  Man, I looked bad!!!   

Lori

[wendysig]

Debbi -
Sorry to hear today was not a good day for you.  I guess as time goes by you'll get better at gaging how much you can push yourself.  In the meantime, patience is yoru best friend.  I know it's not easy but let what your body is telling you be your guide.  Hope tomorrow is a better day.

Wendy

[Debbi]

Well, I sprung a leak last night and am off to the doctor this morning.  I put my hand up to my incision as we were laying in bed last ngiht and felt moisture and goo - eek!  Willie cleaned it all up and then phoned Dr. Roland who called us back wihting 5 minutes.  Possible I have a little infection or maybe a CSF leak - anyway, I'll know more in a few hours and will keep you posted...

Debbi - leaking in NJ...

[Mama R]

Oh, Debbi .. Sorry to hear of this complication. Keep us posted as to your progress. Prayers coming your way.

[Kaybo]

OH NO!!!!!
Well pray that it is something else entirely or at least something that is corrected easily...

Prayers coming your way,
K

[wendysig]

Hi Debbi -

I am so very sorry to hear your latest news!!!  I hope it's nothing too serious and that some antibiotics at most will clear this up for you.  I will check back later and see what's going on.  In the meantime, you are in my prayers and alll my fingers and toes are crossed for you.

Wendy

[LADavid]

Hi Debbi
I hope all goes well with the doctor today.  I know how frustrating that has to be.  I know it's easy to say -- and I don't think it will -- but please don't let this get you down.  You've had such a great attitude and have been an inspiration for those who have followed you.  There was another member of this group who had a leak several months ago and she is doing fine today.  I can't remember her forum name.  Tammi, are you still logging on?  Maybe Debbi can get in touch with you.

Anyway, I wish you the  best, Debbi.

David

[lori67]

Oh Debbi - no springing leaks!!

Hope all is well and easily fixed.  Keep us posted.

Lori

[leapyrtwins]

Debbi -

sounds like you are having a little bump in your road to recovery.  Like David suggested, don't let it get to you.  Keep your good attitude.

Hope everything works out today.  Let us know what the doc says.

Jan

[Jim Scott]

Hi, Debbi:

Just checking in to see how the leak was resolved.  I trust it was not a serious problem. 

I know you'll handle this annoying incident as you have your surgery and recovery: with aplomb. 

Jim