I posted after my EGD that I was having one more test before my doctor would do the repeat Nissen and hernia repair.  That I had to pass this test in order to get the surgery.  Well I can sometimes be a blonde and forget things, like that I have NEVER passed this particular test.  But the doctors in Kansas City didn’t require me to pass it in order for the first surgery.  So when we got the results back that I have severly delayed gastric emptying and I am not a candidate for the surgery to stop the severe reflux (GERD) I was not too happy.  And to make matters worse, there are NO doctors in Omaha who even treat delayed gastric emptying, I was told I would have to go to the Mayo Clinic or back to Kansas City in order to find a doctor to treat me.  Well gee, will someone tell my insurance that for me please?  Because insurance won’t cover it… so now I am a sitting duck for the esophageal cancer to come back as there is nothing I can do to protect my esophagus from the acid erosion, which triggers the Barrett’s which in turns changes the cells in my esophagus…  We are moving soon and hopefully we will be able to find better medical care once we are outside of the state of Nebraska…

So while going through all that, I had another little fun medical issue rear it’s ugly head…. I had a gallbladder attack.  If you have had one, a real one, then you know the absolute utter shear agony and pain that one brings.  We were driving to Westroads when I started feeling sick to my stomach, by the time we got there I was feeling so bad that Pat and the girls decided to take the babies into the mall and leave me in the van to rest.  Wonderful a few moments of quiet to lay down.  Not 5 minutes after they went into the mall did I start to have the pains.  Sharp Stabbing pains that progressed to my chest feeling like it was being sat on by an elephant.  I was sure I was having a heart attack.  I couldn’t breathe and I was all alone in the van.  All I could think of was my daughters coming out to the van to find their mother dead… I finally got a hold of Pat and told him they needed to get there ASAP and get me to the hospital.  They did get there and got me to the hospital and we learned that my gallbladder was full of stones and there was one blocking the duct.

Surgery was scheduled and I was the lucky recipient of not one surgeon but two head surgeons because of my previous liver surgery.  I was warned ahead of time that they may not be able to do the surgery laprascopicly, that I may wake up with a full incision.  God was good to me and  I ended up with a partial open.  Dr Rose, my surgeon, informed me that they were pulling out to do the open when they finally found my gallbladder buried in all the scar tissue.  I was literally seconds away from another 12 inch scar across my tummy….

After a short stay in the hospital I got to come home with a drain in place.  Yeah that was fun, NOT.  Stupid thing kept getting stuck on the drawer pulls in the kitchen, and I couldn’t even sit on the couch and hold Carson or Courtney.  Thank goodness Dr Rose took that thing out a couple of days early.  Boy was that a huge relief.  I did manage to get an infection in one of the incisions that sent me to the emergency room where they started me on Levaquin, which I ended up having a reaction to three days out, so I was switched to another antibiotic that I had another reaction to….ugh is all I can say…. Some where around the 5 week mark after surgery my one incision wasn’t closing and getting bigger, my dr said it was starting to get necrotic so she sent me to the wound center where they put this wonderful silver-dine stuff on it and within 5 days it closed!

Ok I think this fills everyone in on the latest of my health and the road that is paved in bumps!

Through the first 6 to 8 weeks of her life Courtney was breastfed from me and the bottle.  I had more than enough milk to meet her daily requirements and to start freezing milk for future use.  By the time she was 6 weeks old, I had stopped freezing milk because I had 40 ounces separated out and frozen.  When we discovered that she was silently aspirating and that she had to start having all her milk thickened and in a bottle, I didn’t think that my milk supply woudl suffer. But hey what did I know, I had never had to do this before.

After a month of solely pumping, I noticed my milk supply was diminishing.  I wasn’t having let downs and I was struggling to get even 14 ounces a day.  We quickly went through the frozen supply of milk and had nothing left but some formula her Gastro gave us in case we needed to try something.  (Courtney is allergic or intolerant to cows milk – see MSPI Here We Go Again) She HATED the formula, she just decided to stop drinking it all together and would just not eat.  Well I started to freak out that my daughter was not getting enough nourishment and the research began.

I found several options to help increase my milk supply, a couple “natural” methods and one medical intervention, well pharmaceutical intervention.  So off to GNC and a call to my doctor later…. My milk supply is back, to the tune of freezing 8 ounces plus per day.  Yes I am stock piling breast milk.  If I can make sure to have enough milk to take care of her, then I will do whatever it takes.

What I did:

The natural route mixed with the pharmaceutical route -

Natural – Fenugreek and Mother’s Milk Tea – both available at GNC

I started on the Fenugreek at 2 capsules 3 times a day, nothing really happened for the first two days, but on day three I ended up in the bathroom overnight with tummy troubles.  Yeah, so I adjusted the dose for me to 1 pil twice a day and 2 pills once a day.  For a total of 4 pills per day.

Mother’s Milk tea, one cup in the morning and one cup towards the end of the day.

For more information on both of these, do a Google search and you will find a ton of information.  I am just telling you what I did.

Now for the Medical Part -

Reglan – I am taking 10mg 3 times a day – after 24 hours, I saw a HUGE increase in my milk supply.  Since Reglan does have some pretty severe side effects, if you get them, I won’t be staying on it long term, but rather switching to Domperidone.  You can get it without a prescription through several online pharmacies out of New Zealand.  Both of these drugs I have taken before at the direction of my gastro, so I wasn’t afraid to take them again.  I don’t have side effects from Reglan, but since it does cross the blood brain barrier, I feel safer taking the Domperidone.  Your OB should know about both of these drugs and be able to prescribe them for you.  I will tell you that the Domperidone is NOT FDA approved in the states and is a compound drug.  Years ago I used to have to take it and it cost an arm and a  leg in the states, but if you buy it over seas it is considerably cheaper.

Resources:

• http://www.breastfeedingonline.com/
• http://www.kellymom.com/herbal/milksupply/fenugreek.html

I know part of the problem is I am still breast feeding, and I am NOT one of those women who loses weight while nursing.  Nope not me, I am typically hungrier while nursing then I was when I was pregnant.  Now I do know I am one of those women who loses a whole mess of weight as soon as I stop nursing.  But since that is still at least 7 months or more away, I have to start doing something now.  I hate going into my closet and not having anything to wear and I refuse to buy clothes for the size now, which I will share below.  And yes I still have all my maternity clothes, and the sad thing is, they all fit funny.  My breasts are HUGE now and so none of my nice maternity tops will fit over them, or button up.  The only pair of maternity jeans that fit well, meaning they don’t fall off or they aren’t too baggy all over, are my Gap maternity jeans, which I still wear.  Patrick gives me a hard time, saying you can’t tell how much weight I have lost because I always wear big and baggy too large tops.  He is right, I do.  But they are comfortable and I enjoy hiding in them.

Here are my excuses for the next couple of months:

1. I am having surgery – See my Life As i Know It – Post
• This will require me to eat liquids and pudding consistency foods for a few weeks (not low cal here)
• I will be down for at least 2 weeks meaning no working out
2. Sleep – Rather lack there of on nights when Carson keeps us up (Courtney sleeps all night – 10 hours every night)
3. Work – I had to work on this site or that….
4. Lazy – I just want to lay here and watch tv or read or listen to a book on tape

Out of these excuses the only one I can legitimately get away with is the first one.  But in my upcoming posts, I will just simply put a number at which excuse I will try to use to justify not working out.  I hope several of you will call me on it.

The Plan:

• Eat 1200 – 1500 calories a day – Make a food diary to track my caloric intake – share it so I can be held accountable
• Workout – Cardio for 15 minutes, Strength for 15 minutes, Stretching for 15 minutes -  3 x’s a week for the first three weeks

I am choosing to be completely transparent about the whole process primarily because I think it will keep me on track, but also because I know I am not the only mom trying to get her pre-baby body back.  So I am going to share the numbers, which I still can’t believe I am going to do.  But after all they are just numbers and the only person whose opinion on my size and shape that truly matters to me is Pat’s and I know he loves me and thinks I am beautiful.  I kid with him though, that he has too because I gave him two babies.  But in all honesty (ha ha ha), I know he still finds me beautiful, (well when I am showered at least – mom of toddler and baby humor) – and I know that if I never lost another ounce he would still think I am beautiful.  This is for me, I want to get back to my shape and size because I feel better physically and emotionally when I am thinner and in shape.  If anyone reading this blog is trying to lose weight and get in shape for reasons other than your own happiness then you are doing it for the wrong reasons.

So here we go:

Me Before Cancer 2001

Me Before Carson and Courtney

Pre Cancer – 150 pounds – Size 8 – 10

Pre Carson and Courtney – My Goal -

• Moved to Omaha at 165 pounds size 10
• Got pregnant with Carson at 175 pounds size 10-12, larges were baggy and XL were for sleeping in

Now:

• Weight – 190 pounds
• Size – 14 – XL are baggy enough 2XL’s are great for hiding in

Pregnant with Carson – End weight 232

Pregnant with Courtney – End Weight 221

And Today

……well I have been living with the pain for about 8 months now and the misery of having the Nissen suddenly seems so completely worth it.  Yeah it sucks not eating real food for a few weeks.  If I get to have it done laprascopically then it mean 4 – 5 more small incisions on my abdomen (hoping they can do it like before again).  It means pain, but I just don’t remember it hurting as bad as my current erosive esophagitus from my GERD.  So, I go in Thursday for my gastric emptying test, and as long as that comes out all clear, we will go meet with the surgeon to talk about a repeat Nissen.  What sucks, I am currently taking Reglan for increasing my milk supply, read my I Almost Lost My Super Power post, but it is for gastric emptying, so I have to go off of it starting Monday.  I am really hoping it doesn’t affect my supply adversely.

Some of the basics on GERD, Barrett’s, and a Nissen Fundoplication:

GERD – (from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gerd/DS00967)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive disease that occurs when stomach acid or, occasionally, bile flows back (refluxes) into your food pipe (esophagus). The backwash of acid irritates the lining of your esophagus and causes GERD signs and symptoms.

Signs and symptoms of GERD include acid reflux and heartburn. Both are common digestive conditions that many people experience from time to time. When these signs and symptoms occur at least twice each week or interfere with your daily life, doctors call this GERD.

Most people can manage the discomfort of heartburn with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications. But for people with GERD, these remedies may offer only temporary relief. People with GERD may need stronger medications, even surgery, to reduce symptoms.

Barrett’s Esophagus – (from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002128/)

Barrett’s esophagus is a disorder in which the lining of the esophagus (the tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach) is damaged by stomach acid and changed to a lining similar to that of the stomach.

Nissen Fundoplication – (from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fundoplication/MM00791)

Fundoplication is a surgical procedure used to treat stomach acid reflux. During fundoplication, the top part of your stomach — called the fundus — is folded and sewn around the lower esophageal sphincter, a muscular valve at the bottom of your esophagus. This reinforces the lower esophageal sphincter, making it less likely that acid will back up into the esophagus. If you have a hiatal hernia, it can be repaired at the same time. Your surgeon may also tighten the hiatus, the opening in your diaphragm through which the esophagus passes.

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But for this week I am going to be heading out for these deals, and remember I make a master list, take the whole thing to WalMart and price match there.  Now our WalMart no longer requires you to bring the sale ad with you, but I have found that if I keep them in the van, I can run over to Target, which is across the street from WalMart, and get the items that WalMart may have been out of or doesn’t carry.  You should call your local Wally World and ask them their policy on price matching.

Of note – several of this weeks deals I will end up at the store where it is on sale, because either Wal Mart doesn’t carry it or the flavors I want I know WalMart doesn’t have.

So here is my list – I will add the coupons I have from the Sunday papers to this list later today after I go through them and match them all up.

Fareway:

• Swanson Chicken and Beef Broth 14.5 oz cans $0.50
• Nabisco Snack Crackers $1.88
• Birds Eye Steamfresh Vegetables 12oz $0.88

Bag n Save:

• Ritz Crackers 11 – 16oz $1.67
• Coke or Pepsi Products 12 packs $2.75
• Idaho Russet Potatoes 10# bag $2.99
• Budlight 24 cans $15.99

Super Saver:

• M&M’s 12.6oz $2.38
• Hershey Kisses 10 – 11oz $2.68
• Sara Lee Pies $2.98
• Best Choice Butter $1.88
• Kraft Cream Cheese $0.98
• 7up Products 2 liter bottles $0.77

No Frills:

• Roberts Sour Cream 16oz $0.98
• Roberts Egg Nog $1.48
• Gold Medal Flour $1.98
• Pillsbury Crescent Rolls or Cinnamon Rolls 8 -13.9oz $1.67 – - plus printable coupon
• Hoss Avocados $0.77

Bakers:

• Kroger Value Russet Potatoes !0# $1.99
• General Mill Cereals, Treats or Cereal Bars $1.99 – - plus printable coupon
• 75¢ off when you buy any ONE BOX Cocoa Puffs® cereal
• 75¢ off when you buy any ONE BOX Golden Grahams® cereal
• $1.00 off two boxes Chex cereals
• Aim or Closeup Toothpaste 6oz $0.88
• I can’t Believe It’s not Butter 8-16oz $1.99 – - plus printable coupon
• Pillsbury Grand Biscuits $1.65 – - plus printable coupon

HyVee:

Thursday and Friday 2 Day Sale Price Match Items:

• Cottonelle 9 big rolls $3.99
• Tony’s Crisp Crust Pizza $0.69
• 7up Products 6pack 16.9oz bottles $1.88

Regular week long sale items:

• Cool Whip $0.69
• Stove Top Stuffing $1.19
• Blue Bunny Ice Cream $2.99 (plus my $1 off coupons from a product display three weeks ago) if want a $1 off then join their iscream team – https://www.bluebunny.com/iScreamTeam/Login.aspx
• Blue Bonnett Sticks $0.77

Ok that is the list for this week, now I am off to match up my coupons and see how much lower I can get these items, and which items I need to add to the list because I have coupons for them… see you later tonight!

Sale ads kind of sucked for great deals this week.  I am expecting better sales in the next two weeks, so my shopping list was short.

No Frills -

• Angel Soft 12 Count double roll – $4.99
• Pillsbury Grand Biscuits 12 – 16.3 oz 3/$5.00 – - plus coupons from several Sunday papers as well as a printable coupon
• Land O Lakes Egg Not – $1.88

Bakers -

• Powerade – $0.59
• Quilted Northern 12 count – $5.99
• Kellogs Brand Cereal 10 – 17oz Boxes – $1.99 plus many coupons from Sunday papers and exclusive coupons for signing up at their site – http://www2.kelloggs.com/

Fareway -

• C & H Sugar 4# bag – $1.88 – plus coupons from October and November Sunday Papers + sign up at their site for more coupons – http://www.chsugar.com/consumer/subscribe.php
• Ragu – $1.50
• Spaghetti O’s – $0.60 plus this printable coupon for $0.50 off of 5 cans
• Bar S Hot Dogs – $0.88 – plus $1.00 off two packages coupons from the Sunday paper
• Green Giant Steamers 12oz bags – $0.98

Super Saver -

• Gold Medal Flower – $1.88
• Green Giant canned Veggies – $0.58

Bag N Save -

• Pillsbury Family Size Brownie – $0.79
• Pringles – $0.99 – I bought 12 of these as I use them in the kids Christmas gifts (more after Christmas on that)
• Gerber 2nd Foods two packs – $0.88

To Print and clip coupons and free samples from home, please visit these links:

Coupon Network Coupons

Coupon.com Coupons

Redplum Coupons

Saving Star Coupons

You can view the original tutorial here – http://www.infarrantlycreative.net/2011/04/wrist-key-chains.html

Materials:

• Two strips of fabric 13″ long and 2.75″ wide
• One strip of interfacing 12″ long and .75″ wide
• One purse clip
• Coordinating Ribbon 4″
• Coordinating Thread

First, cut your fabric so that you have a strip of each material that measures 2.75 (2 and 3/4) inches by 13 inches. Cut 1 strip of your fusible interfacing to measure .75 inches by 12 inches.

Iron both strips of coordinating fabrics a 1/4 of an inch down both sides with the right-side of the fabric face down on your ironing board.

When both fabrics have been ironed, fold the material in half length-wise and iron. Be careful to match the edges up nicely.

Take your strip of fusible interfacing and place it evenly between your two coordinating fabrics. I make sure the folds of each ironed fabric are on opposite sides.

Iron these together. This will temporarily fuse the top and bottom materials together so they are easier to sew, and will make your keychain a little sturdier.

Now sew along both edges of the key chain. I sewed mine fairly close to the edge which was about an 1/8 inch seam.

Now, take your purse clip and slide it onto the key chain. Be sure that the clip is on top of the material you want to be on the outside of your key chain. Place the two raw edges so that one is overlapping the other one about 1/4 of an inch (or to the fusible interfacing).

Sew these together using a zig-zag stitch several times back and forth so that it does not come apart.

Take your strip of 4 inch ribbon and burn the edges with a lighter or a match to seal it so they do not unravel. Do this very carefully! Move the purse clip around the key chain until the seam is about 1/4 to 1/2 an inch above the clip. Take the ribbon and wrap it around the area where the two ends have been sewn together. Tuck both ends of the ribbon to the inside of the key chain.

Pin in place and sew the top and bottom of the ribbon. I changed my thread color so it matched the ribbon and was less noticeable. Remember to reinforce your seam. I went over it twice so it will hold up.

And now you are all done!

Supplies:

• One Roll of Tulle – 12 – 25 yards
• Pre-Made Headbands  or One Roll of head band ribbon (not sure what else to call it) – see picture
• A Ruler and A Pair of Scissors

Depending on how long you want your tutu, cut your strips of tulle.  Be sure to double the size of the desired length.  For Courtney I wanted her tutu’s a little long, so I went for 10″, which meant that I cut 20″ strips, roughly 15 strips – it all depends on how “fluffy” you want your tutu.Next you will take one tulle strip and stick it in one of the holes in the headband, pull through until it is even and knot.  For thinner tutu’s pull one strip of tulle through every other hole going in a straight line all the way around.  For a thicker tutu, you can pull through every hole in a straight line or even do multiple lines.

Variations include multi- color tutu’s.  Just alternate your color choices as you pull through.  There you go, so simple and so cute!

Note – If you decide to use the head band ribbon material instead of pre-made headbands, then cut to desired to size and take a ribbon and weave the two pieces together.