Seems like a while since I've made an update to my blog, so I apologize for the delay. I was waiting for a more significant event, but in a way I'm pleased that things have begun to seem normal. I decided to throw a few odds and ends together instead of waiting for a significant event. Normal life is more subdued; seromas and surgeries don't happen every day after all.
First I did run into a minor issue in the area of my port. I began experiencing some soreness or discomfort around the port followed by some swelling. After a few days of no improvement and it began feeling warm to the touch, I called the doctor and they had me come in. Dr. Ache examined me and probed me with a needle to see if we could drain any fluid. Fluid was minimal and we took advantage of having the needle already in to give me my second fill. She indicated that swelling around the port can be a common occurrence when your activity level increases. I certainly have been trying to up my exercise a notch, so this made sense. She also told me to keep an eye on it just in case it could be something else. I could call in and she could write a script for an antibiotic if needed. Over the weekend the swelling seemed to increase and the area became very red and warm. Also, I began to have a fever. I called on Monday and got the script and within a few days of taking the antibiotic, the swelling and redness began to subside. All told I would say it lasted about a week, so it was no big deal, but still noteworthy.
A small note on milk. On an earlier post I mentioned Skim Plus, which is a fortified skim milk with extra protein and vitamins and the taste more like whole milk. This is a great option, but there are others. If you visit the dairy section of your local grocery store, you will find many products with similar attributes. There are varieties of these fortified low fat milks, but also some complete substitutes as well. My friend Ilene made the suggestion of trying almond milk. I found a coupon and tried Almond Breeze, which came in many varieties itself including an unsweetened original and unsweetened vanilla, both of which are only 30 calories per serving. That was even less than the Skim Plus milk, yet still had the extra protein and vitamins, even more so in some instances than the Skim Plus. I've been using it ever since. Thanks Ilene. There are of course other alternatives as well including lactose free as well as many varieties of soy milk. My suggestion is to explore and find one that works for your tastes and needs. I primarily use it for the shakes and cereals and the almond milk works great for both.
I want to end with a great note and a first for me. I have begun noticing a difference in some of my clothes. They are hanging loose and some are even making me look awkward. One particular pair of jean shorts, I even turned in to Suncoast Bariatrics for their clothes room. To keep them from falling I had to tighten my belt to the point it would even create a pleat in the front. Luckily I covered it up with a shirt. This was a significant break through for me. Traditionally I would get rid of clothes because they would rip or become unwearable for being too tight or unbuttonable. Over the years I've given away bags and bags of clothes to Goodwill or the Salvation Army; all way too small as my midsection would grow and grow. Now for the first time I got rid of something because it was too big! It was only one piece, but it was a start and I'm happy to be moving in the right direction! Thank you Suncoast Bariatrics and Palms of Pasadena! This is an awesome feeling and it's all thanks to you.
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