- No matter how inconvenient hauling a days worth or more of my pills in my purse is... it is no where near as inconvenient and scary as having to have Blood Transfusions.
- I learned to take my damn medicine and that taking care of myself is my first priority because I can't take care of my kids if I'm dead or in the least, sick.
- Blood transfusions are VERY EXPENSIVE!!!
- I learned how much I love my family and friends and strangers that give whole blood selflessly. I had several people give blood the week of my transfusions in honor of my struggle. It makes me cry to think about their sacrifice. And even though I did not get a direct transfer of any loved ones blood, I know that their blood saved someone else's life. So if you can: GIVE BLOOD!
- I learned that since I have received blood that I can't be a donor for a number of years. But I promise when I can that I will give blood! At the minimum of 4 times!
- I also learned how much my family and friends love me! There was a huge amount of scrambling that had to be done to get my kids taken care of so I could be in the hospital for 2 days, while my husband was out of town. And Blood Transfusions can't really be scheduled or planned. So thank you to all the people who helped get me and my precious family through that!
So I faithfully take my vitamins and iron supplements daily! And my blood work shows it! On November 5th I went back to the lab and had a follow up panel of blood work done. On November 12th I got the results at my followup appointment with my Dr. My blood work was great! I had made some major improvements even since the blood transfusions. My Hemoglobin was 11.3 and Hematocrit was 35.2%. Both are still below normal but I am doing so much better!
When I had gone into the Dr back in August it was for a routine followup and to start asking some questions about getting an Abdominoplasty. But obviously my low blood counts were more important that skin removal surgery. My Dr basically told me in August that she felt I was too sick for surgery. I quickly shifted my focus and worked really hard on getting better.
But now in November I realized with my blood work looking so good that I might be able to start thinking about my other health issues that were effecting my life.... the hanging skin, separated ab muscles, and constant skin infections. So I hesitantly asked my weight loss surgery Dr. V for a referral to a reconstructive surgeon.
Much to my delight and surprise she was very supportive and excitedly told me about a brand new surgeon in Spokane that has experience in reconstructive sin removal aftr gastric Bypass Surgery. She happily referred me to Dr. Dallas Buchanan at Spokane Plastic Surgeons! And she agreed to write a letter to refer to my Insurance company once we got to that step.
I got into my car after the appointment with such a huge feeling of relief that I was crying and feeling so blessed. I called my husband and shared with him all the news. We discussed the option of skin removal surgery and thought that I should at least go in for a consultation.
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