pacemaker follow-up, 2 thumbs up

Hattie cakes, myself, and gastric pacer doc.

Hello, everyone!

Happy day to all. Despite having a stomach bug a couple of weeks ago I am continuing to see the positive effects of my gastric pacemaker, diet and lifestyle changes! Overall my nausea and vomiting is greatly improved! It has been 30 full days without nausea and vomiting. I am NOT counting the stomach bug. Why? Because I can and because what a Debbie Downer that would be. No way. Not going to count it. I refuse to let one silly little bug get in the way of my 30-day 'streak'!! Yes, I'm totally stubborn.

At the end of July I met with the surgeon who placed the pacer. He seemed very pleased with my results. I think he was in a state of shock at how different and healthy I looked. I jokingly re-introduced myself and told him he was just now meeting the 'real' Kristen! Funny how when you've recovered people sometimes finally realize just how awful you look! Ha! Everything is going so well that the appointment only lasted about 5 minutes. I spent more time taking photos, because basically he aided in changing my life so I felt a photo op was more than called for, than I did getting examined. Yiphee!

Thanks, doc, for seeing me thru what has been a very tumultuous time in our family's life. Emotionally, physically of course, and spiritually I was tapped out when I first stepped foot in to your office all those months ago. I was ready to throw the towel in. I had a palliative care team and Hospice and was lined up because the pain, dehydration, rapid lung decline, and drug-refractory nausea and vomiting were winning the fight. Not to mention that the DISAPPOINTMENT was becoming infinitely too much for me to swallow. So thank you, doc, you have a special place in our hearts.

If I'm being really honest, it was becoming too much for me to watch my husband's desperation in getting me well and his exhaustion in keeping our family afloat. Let this be a side note and shout out to my husband, Eric, who is the real warrior here. There is no way that I would have come out on the right side of this without him. Simply put, my body was too tired, my spirit was non-palpable and I physically had zero fight left. Yet Eric knew exactly when and how to step in and take control of the situation-navigating ER visits, advocating for me at the hospital, being my spokesperson. Eric is so gifted at caring for others that he miraculously seemed to know when to say when; or, rather, when I should say when. If I didn't know better I would almost say that he knows my body better than I do. Always anticipating what I need before I even know I need it. I love him with all my heart. If anyone thinks for a second that I am tough and strong and all of that, I just shake my head and think, 'if they only knew......'. Sweetie, thank God, I was hungry and ate at the shop all those years ago. ;)

Thanks to all of our warrior supporters. We have been able to make a huge dent in our medical bills. Also, I am able to get a new bed that will help me breath! The head raises up and down which sounds like no biggie; but, when you are breathing thru a coffee straw with a lead weight on your chest, it's a relief to have my head up! Hahaha! Love to you all.

Love, Kristen

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