Ruth Anne Benziger's Blog, page 12

Happy Father’s Day

Change of Plans: A Health Update

I waited months to meet the local surgeon all to find out that she’s not taking my case because she doesn’t feel comfortable doing it. I don’t blame her given she’s never done surgery on anyone with an ostomy. There is also a lack of specialty surgeons at my local hospital. I appreciate her looking at my case but now there will be major changes. I’ll have to remain on a liquid diet longer than I thought I would. So, I’ll have to travel 3.5 hours to a hospital that does have specialists and a place that is prepared to handle my medical circumstances.

I’m beyond annoyed and a little sad. It’s not her fault and not anyone’s fault. It’s just that my medical situation is complex, to say the least. I feel like I’ve been sick for so long and I wish it would end. I’ve had 8 surgeries in my life and am facing another 2. I’m so beyond done with hospitals and doctors. I really wanted to try and stay local for this surgery. I hate traveling and I hate being away from my kids. I also have to start the bariatric process all over with their office.

This means that the many months that I have been with Dr. Gomez, my weight loss doctor won’t count in the new clinic. I feel like I’m going backward. I worked really hard on keto and now I’m going into a new clinic with new specialists and have to start from scratch. I’m hoping that since I’ve been on the liquid diet for 4 weeks, I won’t have to meet with the nutritionists as long as many others will and can bypass that headache.

The only positive is that all my surgeries were done at UNM and that brings me comfort. They have all my lab history, know what happens with anesthetic, and the surgical office knows everything about my medical past. I won’t have to sit there and explain what I’ve been through. My medical file is huge and having to explain it over and over to new doctors is tedious and takes forever.

However, I have to prepare for the next little while to take lots of trips there and back. Let me tell you, I hate it. I’m not big on trips and I always get anxiety when I know I’m headed to UNM hospital. Too many weeks spent there, too many bad memories.

I meet with Dr. Bock, the bariatric surgeon on July 2. I also meet with a nutritionist that day too. I’m hoping to get this process started as soon as possible.

I saw Dr. Reinhold, my Gastroenterologist, today. We scheduled an endoscopy for July 8.

I’ve lost some weight but not as much as I’d thought it would.

I’ll update after I meet with Dr. Bock.

Until next time,

Annoyed and cranky me.

Favorite TV Shows Right Now and What’s Got Me Hooked

Each Friday I’ll be talking about my favorite TV shows and what has got me hooked on them.

Show #1 Handmaid’s Tale. Read to find out why I like it and why I keep watching.

The Handmaid’s Tale

Margaret Atwood wrote a dystopian novel years ago about the republic of Gilead, a totalitarian state. In the novel, the main character’s name is Offred, who is a handmaid in Gilead and forced to provide children for the commanders and their baron wives. The novel discusses issues like women in a patriarchal society, individuality, women’s rights, birth rates, and how women are prohibited to read, write, or travel without a male counterpart.

When I first began watching the show, I liked that it stayed pretty close to the book. I love when the show and the book coincide and don’t linger too far past the plot. When it does, often it changes completely and I’m disappointed. This show did not disappoint me in the least.

The set and cast of characters are phenomenal, the plot and acting keep the audience engaged, and our emotions are extremely tangled each episode.

What’s got me hooked? The reality of the situation. In many places in the world, as Atwood stated, things like this have happened. It could also be a warning of what could come in the future. I think that the story is so traumatizing, sad, and angering that I can’t help but root for June and see what happens next.

I am fully invested in their stories and want the best for the women who were oppressed for many years. I want to advocate for the children and I especially want to punish the men and people in power for their roles.

My favorite character is June because despite what she’s been through, she tries to protect others. When she can’t, she’s not afraid to make the hard choices even when it hurts.

I’m watching the new season and it is so heart-wrenching to watch her struggle to adjust from a traumatic past. I won’t give away spoilers, but you are in for a lot of emotion and story. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

A follow-Up visit with PCP

I went in today to follow up with my doctor since being put on a liquid diet. We discussed sugar intake. Luckily, I’ve gotten my sugars down to a minimum and he is happy with my progress. I’ve lost 15 pounds of water weight and an additional 5 pounds on top of that. So, I’m happy with that progress. I definitely feel it in my clothes.

Other than checking my sugars 96 after my breakfast, he just told me that I’m doing what I am supposed to do. He also said that I won’t see him again until pre-op when I’m approved for surgery.

As I stated before I have a new patient orientation and I meet with the weight loss surgeon in the 16th of the month. I also see my GI that day and will request an endoscopy.

Short and simple meeting with them and I’m happy with the progress I’m making.

Book Review: Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology by Leah Remini

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • An eye-opening, no-holds-barred memoir about life in the Church of Scientology, now with a new afterword by the author—the outspoken actress and star of the A&E docuseries Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath

Leah Remini has never been the type to hold her tongue. That willingness to speak her mind, stand her ground, and rattle the occasional cage has enabled this tough-talking girl from Brooklyn to forge an enduring and successful career in Hollywood. But being a troublemaker has come at a cost.

That was never more evident than in 2013, when Remini loudly and publicly broke with the Church of Scientology. Now, in this frank, funny, poignant memoir, the former King of Queens star opens up about that experience for the first time, revealing the in-depth details of her painful split with the church and its controversial practices.

Indoctrinated into the church as a child while living with her mother and sister in New York, Remini eventually moved to Los Angeles, where her dreams of becoming an actress and advancing Scientology’s causes grew increasingly intertwined. As an adult, she found the success she’d worked so hard for, and with it a prominent place in the hierarchy of celebrity Scientologists alongside people such as Tom Cruise, Scientology’s most high-profile adherent. Remini spent time directly with Cruise and was included among the guests at his 2006 wedding to Katie Holmes.

But when she began to raise questions about some of the church’s actions, she found herself a target. In the end, she was declared by the church to be a threat to their organization and therefore a “Suppressive Person,” and as a result, all of her fellow parishioners—including members of her own family—were told to disconnect from her. Forever.

Bold, brash, and bravely confessional, Troublemaker chronicles Leah Remini’s remarkable journey toward emotional and spiritual freedom, both for herself and for her family. This is a memoir designed to reveal the hard-won truths of a life lived honestly—from an author unafraid of the consequences.

My Thoughts

I have to say that Leah is very brave for facing the organization and standing up for herself. I’ll admit, I watched her show before reading her book. I didn’t know anything about the “church” she was a part of and was educated while reading this book. Very interesting and it seems she had a really hard life. I’m glad that her family left with her and that she has a support system. I do feel bad for the family and friends that she had to leave behind. Brave of her to speak out and to want justice for others.

Bariatric Seminar Scheduled

After meeting with my weight loss specialist, she informed me that she will be mailing out a liquid diet according to weight loss surgery standards.

So, I should be receiving that soon.

I also got my seminar date

June 16!

In the morning, I will be a part of the seminar online. Seminars are required to give patients the information that they need. I’ve done this with another doctor’s office, but it never hurts to get more info and to see how they do their program.

I’ve heard from others that what is required includes an EKG, Endoscopy, Sleep Study, Labs and Psych Evaluation.

I’ll find out what is required of me when I meet with her one-on-one the same day of the seminar. I don’t have to worry about the sleep study because I sleep with a CPAP at night. So, that illuminates that. I just have to get a compliance letter.

The same day of the seminar and one-on-one with my surgeon, I have an appointment with my gastroenterologist. I will ask him that day to order the endoscopy and to clear me for surgery, which he had done so before. So, that is covered.

Waiting

I’m excited to get this party started and get on with this whole process. I’m starting week 3 of the liquid diet. I gained a little bit of weight because I was intaking too much protein, but the numbers have started going down again.

I’ve lost some weight and look forward to losing more. It’s just a waiting game and things are going in the right direction.

Until next time,

Ruth Anne

June Books TBR

As stated before, I have been getting into the swing of reading and reviewing again. So, I’ve compiled a list of books that I want to read for the month of June.

FIERCE: How Competing For Myself Changed Everything by Aly RaismanThe Kindest Lie by Nancy JohnsonThe Lost Apothecary by Sarah PennerThe Hunting Wives by May CobbThe Last Thing He Told Me by Laura DaveMalibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

What books do you plan to read this month?

Let me know!

Meeting With My Weight Loss Doctor

After the meeting with the dietician, I immediately called my weight loss doctor for a follow-up. Luckily, she was able to get me in this morning.

History with Dr. Gomez

I’ve been seeing Dr. Gomez for the last 8 months. I was on Keto for so long and got really committed and good at eating healthy. Unfortunately, I didn’t lose much weight on the diet. She’s been with me every step of the way.

Ketogenic History

If you’ve been following me for any amount of time, you’ve seen the recipes and meals that I’ve posted on social media on my keto journey. It took time to figure out all the nutrients and all the foods that are on the good list and on the not so good list.

Medications

For now, I’ve been taken off all of my medications. It is to ensure that the medications don’t get stuck and cause a blockage.

Appointment Today

We discussed my liquid diet and she said I was intaking too much protein. So, I have been given better instructions on how to manage that. I have been given information that makes me so happy. The surgeon here in Cruces has agreed to take my case. So, I will get to stay close to home and not have to travel a million miles to Albuquerque and I won’t have to start all over again in terms of dietitians and such. I should be hearing something soon from them. That takes some stress off of me.

My Thoughts/Feelings

I’m relieved. Dr. Gomez helped me out and gave me some good advice. She’s always been on my side and she’s working hard to get me the surgery that I need. So, I’m happy with the progress and I’m happy with the direction this is headed in.

Goals

Keep sugar out of the equation as much as possible.

Keep protein to 60g a day

Increase calories by adding healthy fats to foods

Follow up with GI and ask for an endoscopy

Follow up with Bariatric Surgeon here.

Meeting with the Dietitian

Update on this crazy journey of mine. Today I met with a dietitian.

History of Illness

If you are new to this or don’t know what has been going on, I’ll summarize.

On Saturday, May 23, I went to the ER with what I thought was an ileostomy blockage. I’ve had a few and thought this would be no different. Well, I was wrong. They did some blood tests, took a CT scan, and asked some questions. They determined I have a parastomal hernia that causes blockages. The surgeons at UNM can’t operate on anyone with a BMI over 35 because they have a policy and because it is too risky. Things like anesthesia and bleeding risks are the reason for this policy.

Parastomal Hernia

I was told that I would have to get weight loss surgery, which was the next step in my weight loss journey. I was on the Ketogenic diet for 8 months. I met with Dr. Gomez at Mountain View Wellness Center. She was amazing and helpful. Even though I was following the diet consistently, I was told some patients struggle to lose weight. So, after looking at my health issues, risks, and options, we decided the next step would be surgery. So, this news to see the surgeon wasn’t new nor was it unwarranted. I’m just under 5′ 3 and I weigh 290 lbs. I’m obese and have been most of my adult life. Needless to say that my BMI is not under 35.

Me

So, I have been put on a liquid diet until I can see the weight loss surgeon in Albuquerque. My appointment with Dr. Bock is on July 2. Until then, my doctors are trying to manage my situation. My primary, Dr. Rosales, referred me to the dietician to make sure that I’m not losing weight too quickly and ensuring my nutrients are balanced.

Some options (I do sugar free)

If you need to go way back, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease in 2016. I had been dealing with symptoms for two years before getting with the right doctors. Once I did, there was a world of information, tests, medications, side effects, weight gain and loss, procedures, and surgeries. To date, I have had 8 surgeries in my life. Aside from the two C-sections that resulted in my beautiful children, the rest were due to my illness.

Examples of issues

I don’t have a gallbladder, colon, rectum, or anus. All of these organs were removed due to my Crohn’s disease. It left me with a permanent ileostomy bag. I manage it quite well, most of the time. This hernia obviously has thrown a wrench into the mix.

Today’s Appointment

Today, I met with Dr. Mendoza at Memorial Medical Center. Let me tell you, he tried to help me but there wasn’t anything he could really do. Other than tell me the nutritional facts on foods, which I already know how to read, and tell me that I’m already doing what I can do, it was a pretty pointless meeting. I have to drink keto shakes for breakfast (I’ve been doing so for some time). I drink 3 ensure drinks a day. I’m to eat an avocado a day (for calories). I can have cottage cheese, unsweetened apple sauce, diluted cranberry juice, and almond and oat milk. That, ladies and gentlemen, will be my diet for some time.

My Thoughts/Feelings

I’m frustrated. I won’t lie, it is extremely frustrating to not be able to eat. I have to limit my activity because of standing for too long drains me. I can’t lift anything and that can be annoying. I have to have others help me do simple things. I hate feeling helpless and I hate feeling like my journey with Crohn’s is going right back to what it was. I know there is no cure, but being in remission was nice. I have to come to terms with the fact that I’m not in remission anymore, there are complications, and I have to deal with what comes next.

Goals

I am trying to hit 1,000 calories or more on the liquid diet (It’s hard!).

I’m to avoid sugar as much as possible (Not so hard).

I am to follow up with my doctor and won’t have to see Dr. Mendoza again unless I lose another 20 pounds in two weeks.

I’ll keep you updated on what comes next.

Ruth Anne

Book Review: Legacy by Nora Roberts

#1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts presents Legacy, a new novel of a mother and a daughter, of ambition and romance, and of a traumatic past reawakened by a terrifying threat…

Adrian Rizzo was seven when she met her father for the first time. That was the day he nearly killed her—before her mother, Lina, stepped in.

Soon after, Adrian was dropped off at her grandparents’ house in Maryland, where she spent a long summer drinking lemonade, playing with dogs, making a new best friend—and developing the stirrings of a crush on her friend’s ten-year-old brother. Lina, meanwhile, traveled the country promoting her fitness brand and turning it into a billion-dollar business. There was no point in dwelling on the past.

A decade later, Adrian has created her own line of yoga and workout videos, following in Lina’s footsteps but intent on maintaining creative control. And she’s just as cool-headed and ambitious as her mother. They aren’t close, but they’re cordial—as long as neither crosses the other.

But while Lina dismisses the death threats that Adrian starts getting as a routine part of her daughter’s growing celebrity, Adrian can’t help but find the vicious rhymes unsettling. Year after year, they keep arriving—the postmarks changing, but the menacing tone the same. They continue after she returns to Maryland and becomes reacquainted with Raylan, her childhood crush, all grown up and as gorgeously green-eyed as ever. Sometimes it even seems like the terrifying messages are indeed routine, like nothing will come of them. Until the murders start, and the escalation begins…

My Thoughts

I love me a good mystery. This book didn’t disappoint.

Adrian Rizzo’s world is rocked upside down when she answers the door to a monster, her father. He tries to kill her, in a fit of rage. It takes her years to get over it and to grow into who she is.

Adrian faces many struggles in life and I love her determination. She doesn’t give up. That is her strength. Even when she’s getting threats from a stranger, she doesn’t let it get her down.

In defiance or in her sheer will to make a name for herself, she works hard to solidify her career. In her success, she’s a family girl at heart. No matter what is going on she has her friends and her family.

I loved the characters, the storyline, and the amazing journey that Adrian goes through.

The romantic relationship is with Raylan a man who has seen his own shades of hardship. They compliment each other, settle each other, and support one another. The friendship they have is strong.

The mystery in the book was entertaining and attention grabbing. It made wonder through the entire story who the villain was. I was pleasantly surprised to find who it was and their motivations. The story ends in such a way that ties all the ends together.

Nora didn’t disappoint and I’m so happy to have gotten to read the Advanced Reader copy of this book. It was amazing. I award it:

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