September 19, 2006

Here is another “chapter” of my story.  After contracting the meningitis,  I continued to become sicker and sicker.  Finally I was to the point I had to go to the doctor.  After several tests, I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.  At this time (1990), I had never heard of this disease. 

I was told that there was good news and bad news about the disease.  It would not kill me was the good news.  It has no cure and I would have it the rest of my life was the bad news.  I was also told that since the virus was coming from my spinal fluid instead of my blood stream, the treatments normally used would not work for me. 

With some help of rest and medication, I began to feel better and stronger for about four months.  This was when the muscle pain and weakness were starting.  Two months later I was also diagnosed with Fibromyalgia.  This too is not deadly, but I will have the rest of my life.  It was at this time I decided I had two choices. I could either give up or fight.  I decided to fight. 

September 12, 2006

I have decided that I want to share some background information concerning my quest for bypass surgery.  I think this might help others who may be in my similar situation.  My journey has been a long and sometimes difficult one.  I will share this background in several postings so that none of us have to sit and read what seems to be a novel. 

I contracted Viral Meningitis from my infant daughter.  I had a very easy pregnancy, and worked until the day before she was born.  My daughter was 11 days early and arrived hour and 3 minutes after leaving my house.  Really, I promise this is true!!!  

She was a very healthy child when she was born, and the light of her father’s and my life.  Within the first two weeks our “picture perfect” new family came to a screeching halt.  Our daughter started becoming very sick.  We were very fortunate to live in a city with one of the nation’s leading childrens hospitals.  She was admitted five times in her first ten months of life.  One of those times she was admitted with Viral Meningitis.

My ex-husband and I were both exhausted by this point trying to work full time and take care of her.  It was my turn to stay with her and his turn to work when she was admitted with this illness.  The fabulous and most important news is she recovered adn is a happy healthy seventeen year old.   The other news is I contracted the illness from her. 

In 1990, I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia.  My life has never been the same since. Prior to 1989, I was a ”type A” personality with lots of energy.  I worked two jobs and went to college with energy left over to maintain a social life.  Post 1990, I am exhausted and my muscles are painful.  My immune system is also comprimised.  Despite my health, I continued to work full time in a management position. 

Another Step

I just received word that the LEARN class I am required to take will start soon.  Mayo will not let me schedule my surgery without proof I am in  that class.  This class will help teach me healthy eating habits for before and after the surgery.  I know this is only a tool to help with my weight loss, so a different way of eating is critical to learn for continued success.

My first blog

Hi everyone.  I am brand new to blogging, and am doing it for a college class.  When asked to choose my subject, that was fairly easy.  I am in the process of preparing for gastric bypass surgery. I am hoping to find out information and others experiences on this subject.  This has not been an easy path for me to take.  I have been determined as medically complicated obese by the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.  This has made my journey much more difficult.  I look forward to receiving any input that is offered.