Comment by Pastelpainter on December 29, 2011 at 11:26pm

Judith, I have no advice to offer but know this is scary stuff for you. Just sending a (((hug))) your way. Maureen

Comment by Gerri on December 30, 2011 at 12:28am

I relate to your concerns because I'd feel the same. The entire authoritarian male medical model throws me for a loop. The patient is secondary (or even lower) to the procedure & their procedures. They certainly aren't accustomed to PWD in tight control on diet & exercise.

Most surgeons aren't warm, fuzzy types. Hospitals are usually good about pain management because they prefer patients who are out of it & not complaining. Since they control what you'll be getting, it's different from a doc giving an Rx being cautious about pain med abuse. Pain pumps are great, if that's an option.

How long will you be hospitalized regarding meals? Your best bet is having your dear husband bring you food.

Being as specific as possible, as you're doing, is the best plan. Make sure everything you desire is written down & bring a copy with you. Anything you feel is amiss, immediately call the hospital administrator.

Adding my hugs to Maureen's.

Comment by jrtpup on December 30, 2011 at 5:40am

Still more hugs coming your way Judith! Some of the lessons I learned from having breast cancer:
I rebel against the male-dominated medical/surgical field, but there ARE some great, caring competent men. I decided at the beginning that if I ran into a doc I didn't trust, or couldn't talk with, I'd fire him/her and find someone I did trust. Despite the mind-boggling amount of research I do on anything medical, I didn't go to medical school, so (probably LOL) don't know as much as the docs.

Have an advocate at all times! When you're 'out of it', you want someone by your side who would do and say exactly what you would, if you could. Having everything in writing, as Gerri said, is important too.

It sounds as if you're on the way to talking with a hospital dietician. That seems the most important thing as far as D management. Have someone prepared to bring you meals just in case.

TAKE THE PAIN MEDS! It's really difficult to chase pain - much easier to keep it under control to start with, and affords better healing too.

Let yourself be concerned as opposed to worried. Worry is an emotion that leads to more worry. Concern leads to being pro-active, researching, etc. and is much more useful in general.

Allow others the gift of helping you. One of the biggest lessons for me! We women are wired to take care of others, not let them take care of us. It truly is a gift, when someone asks how they can help, to allow them to.

Whew, rant over! Will be sending strong thoughts to you!

Comment by BadMoonT2 on December 30, 2011 at 6:15am

Judith,
I'd like to be a fly on the wall when you have your discussion with the dietician. Hopefully you will get someone with an open mind about low carbing, but I wouldn't hold my breath. You have one thing on your side, your excellent A1C. It didn't get that way by itself! Who knows maybe the dietician will learn something from you.

I worry about this if I have to go into the hospital, but luckily my PCP has looked at my A1C and decided there must be something to low carb, as a response to T2. My hope is that he will override the dietician and let me pick and choose from the regular menu. How does your PCP feel about your diet?

The insulin drip sounds like an excellent Idea, Who knows what your body's response to all the stress and trauma will be, your surgeon seems to be on the ball, despite poor people skills.

Good luck and keep us informed about your progress through the medical system.

Comment by Doris D on December 30, 2011 at 6:34am

Judith I really have nothing to add. Just know I'm sending more {{{Hugs}}} ur way. Good luck!

Comment by Trudy on December 30, 2011 at 8:02am

I had my right knee replaced in 2000, and it was worth all the hospital problems. Before the replacement I was tired all the time and really had to force myself to take a walk. Now after all this time, it's better than my own left one. I know you're going to like your results!

Comment by acidrock23 on December 30, 2011 at 8:05am

I had surgery in October (fixing an umbilical hernia, more complicated than they thought it would be so I have a cool scar, instead of the dinky one he hoped...still not *nearly* as complex as a knee though!) and I was sort of suprised by how disinterested the hospital was as long as my BG was ok. The anesthesiologist was like "you've got a pump, aren't they great?" but neither he nor anyone else was remotely interested in watching the CGM telemetry as an adjunct to their "plan" of BG tests w/ their meter.

Comment by Judith on January 4, 2012 at 10:34pm

Dearhearts---Can't thank you enough for responses. Crazy holiday with kids here (grandson for first time ever) and also loss of a beloved elder cat.......The hugs are muchly needed. At the moment, trying to navigate The System, I am frustrated and confused......My hospital time is supposed to only be 2-4 days. And D and I are preparing a list of things like my green teas and 4-carb pitas, etc, he will have on hand. Endless lists & you are all such a help......Gerri--hospital administrator, indeed. I think my variation with Kaiser will be members services.....jrt I get the meds advice. Thank you for the reminder. The grace of receiving help is one that is difficult, but essential as we age.....Moon---I don't get to see this dietician until I am in the hospital. F*%k! My PCP is cool, but nobody cares about her input but me!.....Thanks for reassurance on insulin drip. TuD has taught me not to fear insulin, but still--I'm unconscious!.....Trudy---oh my-hope-thank you!...acid--I call my scars Warrior Marks!......Love you all!!!

Comment by Gerri on January 4, 2012 at 10:41pm

Recently lost my beloved Marlowe & share your pain. Extra snug hugs dispatched to your heart.

So much to tend to. Overwhelming & confusing, indeed! I have faith that you will navigate it all successfully. Keep focused on the goal & how life will be much improved.

Comment by Judith on January 4, 2012 at 10:47pm

Oh Gerri---it never gets easier, does it? Hugs back at you...xx000....

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