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Health and Safety => Health and Safety => Topic started by: Bruno of NH on April 05, 2019, 05:55:35 PM

Title: Dr appointment today
Post by: Bruno of NH on April 05, 2019, 05:55:35 PM
I had a new Dr today.
I'm on some new meds for my weight.
I made the decision to have gastric bypass surgery .
They are putting me up the list.
I'm not going to lie,Im scared 
The one I need they remove 2/3 of my stomach and all of my small intestine. 
One good thing is I can get a seat for my new mill 8)
They say I will be much smaller and won't flip the mill over riding on it. :D
My a1c went down from 10.6 to 7.3  :)
I have been fighting this all my life .
I don't want to die yet.
I want to be like Peter, YH,MM,WHD and have a great sawmill business. 
I was told in 1984 I would never make contracting long and I made it till last June.
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: lxskllr on April 05, 2019, 06:46:16 PM
Good luck! Our surveyor got the surgery, and he's been doing great; really turned his life around. There's been food related disappointments, but he's doing well for quality of life.

Here's to the rest of your life...

Skål!
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: Magicman on April 05, 2019, 07:12:46 PM
I am rooting for you Jim, whatever you do. 

Surely that are some LT40 seats among our members that are not being used.  ??  They are heavy and cumbersome so shipping might be an issue.
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: thecfarm on April 05, 2019, 08:46:32 PM
A customer had it done. I call him slim now.  ;D  He looks good.
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: Roxie on April 05, 2019, 09:03:35 PM
Wishing all the best for you. 
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: WWright on April 06, 2019, 07:20:25 AM
Good luck Bruno !!
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: Ed_K on April 06, 2019, 09:34:25 AM
 Rita's niece had it done and looked so good I didn't know who she was when she came into church one morning.
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: YellowHammer on April 07, 2019, 06:55:55 AM
That's great, you are being proactive, and taking control of your life.  You will do great, I am sure.  

There are always nerves before anything life changing, that's how we are wired.  
Wonderful news.
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: Bruno of NH on April 07, 2019, 08:04:27 AM
It's hard for me
I could stop drinking cold turkey. 
Work hard for something I want.
But I can't kick the weight thing.
I'm embarrassed I cant do it on my own.
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: thecfarm on April 07, 2019, 08:07:23 AM
Would not be the first time someone had to ask for help.
How many imes have you helped people in the past? And I bet you did not mind a bit.
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: LeeB on April 07, 2019, 08:42:41 AM
It would be embarrassing to continue on as you were, when there are solutions available, instead of seeking the professional help when it is was available. When I researched having the surgery they told me I have to loose a certain amount of weight by diet and would need to change my lifestyle. I decided if I had to do all that I would see if I could go all the way on my own without the surgery. I managed to loose almost all  i had wanted to. The real battle for me now is to keep it off. Your doctor may want you to loose some weight first too. You might find once you get started you can continue on your own without the surgery. If not, so be it. Do what it takes to improve your quality of life. Nothing embarrassing in any of that.
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: Hilltop366 on April 07, 2019, 06:06:19 PM
Everyone needs a little help sometimes, no shame in that.

(Not referring to you in particular Bruno with the following statement just my thoughts on the food situation in North America)

I think it's a tough world out there when it comes to food and the odds are against us, it seems like you can't turn on the tv or radio without being bombarded with food shows or ads (very little of it looks healthy).

Can't drive to any town without having to run the gauntlet of restaurants and coffee shops or go to any grocery store or gas bar without being tempted thousands of times with unhealthy "food" choices.

These companies have years of experience and experts in marketing to get your money because that is why they are there.

Their "food" is made to tempt you and keep you wanting more, the stuff that was a once in a while treat in the past has turned into everyday affair.

The best advise I have ever heard was really simple "Eat food, not too much, mostly vegetables"

To expand a bit, food is things that you can recognize as food (un-processed) usually found in the outside row of the grocery store very little real food is found in all the other isles its almost all corporate greed in there.

Wishing you best and admiring your resolve not to give up.
 

Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: WDH on April 07, 2019, 08:51:48 PM
Bruno,

Pulling for you. 
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: Southside on April 07, 2019, 10:03:40 PM
Bruno,

You are a fighter, I applaud you, if you were not scared you would not be honest with yourself with all of this.  You will pull through and be better for it.  I may not have been exactly in your shoes, but I have been to a place where I could not even pull up my own shorts or walk without two people helping me - it's humbling to say the least.  Yes, I joke around a lot and inject dry humor into most things - it's just who I am, and my way of dealing with life, those who know me get it. 

We all have our unfair advantages and face our challenges in life, some more than others, it's how we deal with them that identifies who we truly are.  Focus on getting through the next single second ahead of you, then repeat that one step and you will pull ahead, then one day you will be again helping others.  
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: doc henderson on April 07, 2019, 10:31:42 PM
Lots of people have changed their lives with this surgery, I hope it does that for you.
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: barbender on April 07, 2019, 10:42:57 PM
Bruno, you do what ya gotta do! Doing nothing when something is destroying you slowly is sometimes the easiest option, unfortunately. I hear what your saying, you've beat things that seem like they should be harder than this. But think about this- you can quit drinking. Completely. Get it out of the house, don't go where it's served. You can't do that with food- you have to eat eventually! I struggle with food too. I need to get my weight down before I have one of those forty-something heart attacks (my dad had his first at 47, I'm 43 now). It's tough. I know quite a few folks who've had this surgery and are doing well, keeping the weight off now for many years. You will too. Pullin' for ya'!
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: Bruno of NH on April 08, 2019, 06:34:47 AM
Thanks everyone for the kind words.
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: Bruno of NH on April 08, 2019, 06:50:29 AM
I do have one favor to ask.
I'm getting a new mill and have my tractor /forestry trailer.
If anything happens to me will someone from the FF help my family with selling my stuff , so they don't get ripped off.
Please Bruno
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: Magicman on April 08, 2019, 09:06:13 AM
It's not a pleasant thought nor task, but someone would step up to the plate. 
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: Bruno of NH on April 08, 2019, 09:25:53 AM
Thank you MM
My family member that's helping me out is worried about that
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: barbender on April 08, 2019, 09:43:17 AM
These guys have done it before👍
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: DARRELL1972 on April 15, 2019, 03:03:32 AM
Hope all is well Bruno. Keep your chin up. Were rooting for you.
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: Bruno of NH on April 15, 2019, 08:09:55 AM
I have an appointment to night with the surgeons. 
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: dgdrls on April 15, 2019, 08:42:18 PM
I hope your Dr. visit was good and positive.

Wishing you the very best

D
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: alan gage on April 15, 2019, 09:09:50 PM
Best of luck, Bruno. I'm sure it will all work out ok. Before my surgery I told myself I had no reason to worry since nothing was required of me except lay there unconscious. I'm not the one that had to cut someone's guts open and put them back together again. 

That pretty much worked but the gravity of the situation did hit me a little as I walked into that big cold operating room that looked like it was straight out of a movie. But then they had me breath into this thing and gave me a little shot in my IV and then there was nothing until I woke on the good drugs. 

Alan
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: Roxie on April 16, 2019, 09:58:06 AM
@Bruno of NH (http://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=26349) , we're all anxious to hear how you made out.  (hug)
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: Bruno of NH on April 16, 2019, 10:19:07 AM
It went well
Lots more appointments
A sleep study
It's in my insurance company hands now
It's if they will pay
Let's hope so
I'm ready
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: Bruno of NH on April 17, 2019, 04:26:16 PM
Just as everything was starting to roll.
My insurance got cancelled by a paper work mistake. 
Not on my part .
Need some meds won't have them for days now ;)
Not a good day spent all day on the phone and got no place
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: samandothers on April 17, 2019, 11:23:46 PM
Nothing to do but press on after some ranting and racing!

Sorry this went on.
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: Bruno of NH on May 26, 2019, 10:06:41 AM
I'm having to take today and Monday off.
Since the week before the Northern Project i have been working steady milling ,building, moving logs and making new products to sell.
It hit me hard yesterday the right knee just gave up around 2:00.
It bugs me because I got so much to do.
Mentally I'm feeling good.
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: lxskllr on May 26, 2019, 06:00:43 PM
Quote from: Bruno of NH on May 26, 2019, 10:06:41 AM

Mentally I'm feeling good.
You're about 90% there. Everything else is everything else. Glad you're feeling good  :^)
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: doc henderson on May 26, 2019, 06:06:41 PM
hang in there @Bruno of NH (http://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=26349) 
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: Bruno of NH on May 26, 2019, 06:22:38 PM
Thank you folks
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: Southside on May 26, 2019, 09:22:49 PM
It's good to take the time off, we all hit a wall now and then, couple days to recuperate is more productive than slugging through.   
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: Bruno of NH on July 11, 2019, 07:56:36 AM
Had a falling out with my primary care physician. 
2nd appointment in a row 2.5 hours behind.
Last Friday they brought me to the room then told me 2.5 wait.
Sorry I don't do well in small rooms for long waits.
Well my Dr got mad and cut me off on the med that made it so I could move around for work.
Can't get in to a new Dr for a month.
4 days latter I'm paying for it.
Back to worse than the tin man.Lots of milling to do.
My friend helping me won't run the tractor,I don't know if I can get in it today. Yesterday I couldn't. 
The med they cut me off cold has also made me sick.
Fun times again.
I felt better when I didn't go to the Dr's. 
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: Magicman on July 11, 2019, 08:30:17 AM
This "pain med" situation has reached a very unreasonable situation, and it was caused by druggies and abuse.  It has seriously affected the ones that really need it and it's not only there  but everywhere.  Our Daughter finally had to get a "pain pump" inserted for her back because pills are no longer available.

I wish you the best my Friend. 
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: doc henderson on July 11, 2019, 09:51:45 AM
It is very difficult and not good to stop cold turkey.  the cdc is getting involved and promoting guidelines.  providers are going to jail for over prescribing.  The pharmacy my wife works at suggests that they follow the cdc rules but they are able to use their professional judgement, but 3 have been fired already for using their judgement. States are suing Pharmacy companies like Walgreens, and pharma companies.  some of this started in the 80's when we were told to use "objective" pain scales and to "take everyone's pain seriously"  meaning you have to give narcotics if the pt. rates their pain high enough.  So medical people are unsure what to do and the government getting into the mix never helps.  i know this does not help you with your pain, but may be part of the reason your Dr. is grumpy and scared.  good luck sir.
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: Raider Bill on July 11, 2019, 11:33:54 AM
A tale of 2 friends..

Friend number 1, known him 30 years.

At one time we were very close. He took time off his life to come to Florida and help take care of me when I had the colon cancer.
He gets pain meds [percocet], Oxycontin blues, muscle relaxers [ruboxin] , xanax and ambian in what seems like a unlimited supply with prescriptions. So much that it effected our friendship to the point that I evicted him from the house he's rented from me for 6 years. The eviction was not about rent as he paid on time it was because of his drug use, the people he brought to my property, behavior, and I didn't want it on my conscious when he fell asleep, doped up in bed or recliner smoking and burn his drugged up butt to a crisp. As an aside he never drank.
That was not a pleasant eviction. It came close to becoming physical.

Friend number 2 Known him 30 years.
We've ridden tens of thousands of miles together. Those of you that have been to the Billarosa met him, 2 Tanks.

Many years ago he'd had a bad bike accident and related surgeries complete with rods in his spine, fusions, compound fractures etc this was a bad wreck. He was prescribed narcotic pain meds pretty much the same as above, a pretty big amount. He told his doc he did not want narcotics so they put him on Motrin 800 mg every 4 hours. He was a drinker

Few years back his kidneys quit, Month ago they took his kidneys out, combined they weighed 23 pounds. Each looked like a full size burnt brisket. Doc's determined the cause was too much motrin and drinking at the same time.

They sent him home from the hospital with a 7 day supply of vicodin and told him that's all he's getting. As of last week he had 4 days left after 3 weeks recovery, in pain but refusing to take any meds.

The pain pill problem got out of control so they shut it down even for the ones in need. Knee jerk reaction. Had the Docs paid more attention and saw what they were doing this wouldn't have happened IMO.

When the pill mills were up and running people were making millions a month with just a store front.
Here in Florida we were deemed the pill mill capital and had people from out of state coming here by the bus full to get pills. Food trucks and vendors set up around the mills because they had lines waiting to get in.
A doc would prescribe and right next door a pharmacy that only had pain meds would fill it. The deal was they split the script with the organizer. Guy I spoke with said he's get scripts for 360 oxy's a day from several Docs and split them 50/50 with the organizer.

Too many have died from pain meds. I'm waiting for the call about friend number 1 above.

I dunno what the fix is

YMMV
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: btulloh on July 11, 2019, 12:06:55 PM
It's complicated, that's for sure. Some bad apples don't help.

Motrin and alcohol are a bad combo and clearly stated on the labels. Not everyone reads and follows the rules. Not necessarily because they're a bad person. There a lot of tragic stories out there.

NSAID's can be very helpful but rules and warnings apply.

Bruno, I really hope things work out. Hang in there. Everyone here is with you.
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: Bruno of NH on July 11, 2019, 01:43:30 PM
I was on a pain management program .
A combo of 3 meds the one that helped most I took 1/2 what they told me to take.
One of my good friends broke his back he died of an overdose. 
My Dr praised me for how little I took to keep moving.
She was mad because I didn't wait.
I don't work well in big crowds and small rooms.
Got in the tractor loaded the log deck .
Just rained out with bad T storms.
Had all I could do to get in my truck.
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: Bruno of NH on July 11, 2019, 01:50:07 PM
I balled like a baby the day I went home with the pills.
Sheila said I moved better and wasn't as much of a grump on pain management. 
I can't believe I let it get this bad.
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: Raider Bill on July 11, 2019, 02:40:25 PM
Quote from: Bruno of NH on July 11, 2019, 01:43:30 PM
I was on a pain management program .
A combo of 3 meds the one that helped most I took 1/2 what they told me to take.
One of my good friends broke his back he died of an overdose.
My Dr praised me for how little I took to keep moving.
She was mad because I didn't wait.
I don't work well in big crowds and small rooms.
Got in the tractor loaded the log deck .
Just rained out with bad T storms.
Had all I could do to get in my truck.
They are 2.5 hours late and it's your fault.
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: Bruno of NH on July 11, 2019, 02:54:41 PM
Yes mad because I left
I have a big thing about being late
I have been 15 to 30 minutes early to everything my whole adult life.
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: Southside on July 11, 2019, 03:27:34 PM
Agreed they were in the wrong, but if you are paying the price then there is nothing wrong with a phone call to the doctor to try and clear the air. Maybe explain to her why it frustrated you so much, not an excuse but she may be slammed to the point she is not seeing the forest through the trees, we have all been there, it's hard when we are on the receiving end, especially when in pain. Just saying. 
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: YellowHammer on July 11, 2019, 04:21:26 PM
I'd go to the emergency room.

I'd explain I was in pain.  I'd explain why.  

I'd explain that I was looking for relief.  I'd expect to wait them out, as long as possible, until I saw a physician.  They are required to treat you.  

It's bad to go digitally on/off on narcotics.  I listen to
@doc henderson (http://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=41041) on this.  He is the expert.  

I'd explain to the ER doctor that I'd want an intelligent, reasonable drug reduction program, and a timely and quick referral to the most qualified Dr. or pain specialist in the near 100 miles who is available who could treat  me.

I'd report the other doctor to the AMA or whomever oversees possible malicious or negligent retribution of a patient by a physician.  

I'd do whatever I could, with a new, caring doctor, to break the cycle of painkiller narcotics, and reduce their use as much as possible.  It won't be easy, may not be possible, but it would require a physician I could respect and trust and one who would respect me as a patient who comes to them for help.    

I would go full Hammer on this.

I know you can only do what you can do, but we are with you.  



 
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: alan gage on July 11, 2019, 04:55:56 PM
Best of luck Bruno, sounds rough.

Not that it does anything to help now but whenever I make a doctor appointment I try to get it scheduled as early as possible in the day. I know that as the day goes on they're likely to run into things that put them behind so I prefer to be first in line if possible. Today I scheduled my next PT appointment for 8:00am and it's a 2 hour drive. Getting up early is a small price to pay to walk in at my appointed time with little/no waiting.

I have a friend who was a house painter and fell off a ladder, breaking her back. She can get around but needs pain control. She wants nothing to do with prescription pain meds and instead uses marijuana in various forms. It works for her.

I have a cousin who was a nurse and got hooked on opioids. I don't know the whole story but she was one of those people you never would have expected and it's pretty much turned her life upside down. Thankfully she seems to be coming out the other side now.

Alan
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: Bruno of NH on July 16, 2019, 10:29:22 PM
I'm making it around running the mill and tractor.
Not sleeping much just can't get comfortable. 
I hope I can sleep a little tonight.
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: Bruno of NH on November 16, 2019, 01:21:51 PM
Had a Dr's appointment yesterday 
He didn't like the looks of my lower legs
I ended up with these gems
For 3 weeks and no showers 
3 layer wrap Unna Boots
My new Dr is German
He asked me if I ever had Unna Boots
I thought he said winter boots I said yes I have winter boots :laugh:
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/36349/20191115_175031.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1573928066)
 
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: Magicman on November 16, 2019, 02:25:23 PM
Oh my Jim, I wish you the best with the treatment on your legs.  I had to Google Unna boot.  :P
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: Bruno of NH on November 19, 2019, 07:01:52 AM
Went back last night and had my Unna Boots changed
Lost a layer of skin off my lower right leg , didn't look good to me but the Dr said that's what they are looking for.
The new dressings burned all last night didn't get much sleep.
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: Roxie on November 19, 2019, 10:48:47 AM
Just hearing about it makes me want to cry. 
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: Bruno of NH on November 21, 2019, 06:15:32 PM
Went in tonight for another Unna Boot change lost more skin on the right leg and some on the left 
Maybe 2 more weeks  :( of this stuff.
Did stop snowing today and milled some ash,hemlock and pine
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: Stephen1 on November 21, 2019, 07:20:03 PM
sounds real ruff, but you gotta keep moving. good for you. See what happens when you get sawdust in the veins, nothing can stop you!!
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: Hilltop366 on November 21, 2019, 07:26:23 PM
Hang in there!
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: Magicman on November 24, 2019, 06:11:29 PM
I am praying for and wishing you the best Jim.
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: barbender on November 24, 2019, 11:17:26 PM
Gosh Bruno, that's a tough go. Hang in there, my prayers are with you!

I'd honestly rather see people smoking marijuana than hooked on narcotics, prescription or otherwise. I've not seen pot smokers driven to the desperate measures that people addicted to opioids are 
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: samandothers on November 25, 2019, 10:04:46 AM
Best of luck in overcoming these issues.  Keep at it best you can.
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: Bruno of NH on November 25, 2019, 04:47:11 PM
I have the visiting nurse coming 2 times a week to change my Unna Boots 
Got out today had 3 customers and milling 2 pine orders
Also putting up a cord of ash firewood for sale.
My legs looked a little better today
My feet get cold outside because they are wrapped so much.
At least the sun was out 
4" of fresh snow
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: Bruno of NH on December 09, 2019, 11:41:26 AM
Visting nurse stopped in this morning my legs are looking better.My skin is starting to repair it's self.
I'm might have to wear wraps of some sort for a while.
Been working in the cold and can't wear long John's. That makes for a long day.
I finally have a good helper.
I plan to work the mill through the winter. 
I'm hoping this will heal up.
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: Magicman on December 09, 2019, 01:27:07 PM
I'm continuing to root for you my friend.  8)
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: Bruno of NH on January 26, 2020, 10:31:58 AM
I started a new diet 18 days ago.
I'm down 31 lbs and lots of inches.
I'm setting a goal by the week.
This winter with the new mill I have been working out side almost 6 days a week.
I'm feeling better.
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: Old Greenhorn on January 26, 2020, 10:52:38 AM
 8) 8) 8) 8) YOU GO MAN!
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: samandothers on January 26, 2020, 11:02:54 AM
This is great news.  Keep it going!
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: Magicman on January 26, 2020, 03:06:05 PM
Congratulations my Friend, and Thank You for keeping us in the loop.  8)
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: Stephen1 on January 27, 2020, 09:33:23 AM
Thats great to hear! 
Title: Re: Dr appointment today
Post by: Nebraska on January 27, 2020, 07:22:39 PM
Watching, hoping and praying  for you  sounds like a great start.