That is great Shell! It is always good to say good bye any of the meds we have to take.

That is awesome Shell. I had to wean off Ambien after being on it for two months. Withdrawl from meds can really stink. It took me 6 months to wean off my anti-depressant but I have been off it for a couple of months now and I am doing great.

Speaking of 4 years, April 1st will be 4 years from my perforation and subsequent near death experience. How far you and I have come eh?

Tricia, the really strange thing is that apart from waking up a few more times than normal and having some really weird dreams the first couple of nights I can't say I've had any withdrawal symptoms. I have had none of those horrible sweats, no racing heart or flu-like feelings, no feeling light-headed or ill... nothing! I was fully expecting it to be like I had when I was weaning off the narcotics but (so far) it's been a breeze! I am still feeling fine and sleeping well and it's now 10 days since I've taken any sleeping meds.

I am so glad that you are doing well now that you are off the anti-depressants. I still take Amitriptyline but it's a very low dose that I was put on for my neck pain and Fibromyalgia so I'm a little loath to come off it because it keeps my pain at bay. Oh to be able to be totally drug free.....

Thanks again guys for all the encouragement.

Shell

quote:

having some really weird dreams the first couple of nights I can't say I've had any withdrawal symptoms.

Sometimes those weird dreams can be fun
Good luck on your ear surgery...hope everything goes well
Take care
David

Shell, it was a doddle! It took about an hour, they took 300 g fat and 290 g skin, and I was home 2 hours later. As for pain, I've had period pains worse than this! The bandage came off today so now I have to tape the scars every day for 3 months, and wear super-strength granny knickers day and night for 3 weeks, day only for 2 weeks after that- So far so good!
Wishing you very easy and uncomplicated op on the 4th. I'll be thinking of you :0)

So glad it went well for you Soph. Don't you just love those Granny Knickers? Never mind, you'll soon be wearing that thong!

Thanks everyone.

Shell

Shell,

Congrats on the meds! I haven't been taking anything for a year now (except Fosamax) and it's great.

Good Luck Monday! Keep us posted.

Jim

great news .!

Shell, I am so happy for your success. When did we all meet at Judy's? I have lost track of the years!
I don't see our group photo and I have e mailed Bill about it.
Best to Frank and so glad you stay with us!

Holly, it was September 2005. Doesn't time fly? I have copies of all the photos if you need them. I did have a link to the j-pouch party pics but for some reason it brings up a thread from the end of last year now. Perhaps Bill has had to delete the thread it was in to make more space for the boards.

Thanks again for the support and the good vibes etc for my op on Monday. I really appreciate everyone's kindness.

Shell

Hi Shell,
Just wanted to wish you a realxing weekend before your op on Monday. I'm crossing fingers, toes, eyes and anything else crossable.

I came out of hospital yesterday. My ear operation apparently went ok and my surgeon is pleased with the result.

I had a really bad night in hospital though. Despite the packing in my right ear I was still kept awake by 2 of my room mates snoring and a third kept shouting out in her sleep. Plus my ear was really throbbing.

Last night I slept like a baby. Best night's sleep I've had in ages. I think that's because I was sleeping on my good ear and so couldn't hear Frank snoring!

The ear is still very painful and I have a 2 inch scar at the back of it. The swelling is making my ear stick out at a very strange angle and for some reason I have lost my sense of taste. Also I have a constant loud pulsing sound in my ear which is starting to really get on my nerves. I really do hope that all of these symptoms are only temporary.

The packing has to stay in place for 3 weeks so I am going to be deaf for a while yet. There is some dissolving packing inside the ear to support the graft from the underside of the eardrum while the outer packing gives support from the outside.

Anyway, thanks again to all you lovely folks for all your support and kind words. I really appreciate it.

Shell

Shell, I'm glad you're home and doing well. I hope this is the last surgery for you forever!
You've had enough.
Happy healing!