Candi Ramos

Looong time no write...

2009-08-28T13:09:00.000-07:00

WOW! How fast time flies...I can't believe it has been over 4.5 months since my last entry. Well to catch you up on a few things I have been good. My health on the other hand has been a little testy with me. After the surgery, there seemed to be some looming complications that I thought would work itself out. However, to my dismay they didn't. On Monday, August 17th my doctor informed me, after my second colonoscopy in less than 6 months, that I have Crohn's. It is an autoimmune disorder that affects the intestines- basically digestion. I am assuming that everything with my appendix was related to the Disorder, but wasn't really pursued until after the surgery was complete. I have been researching on the internet about Crohn's and find that it is manageable and there will just be times when things happen. It is so interesting because I am such a control freak and with this there is some control, but at times there is very little I can do. This will definetely teach me more patience and to ask for more help when needed.

I am still in denial; oh, the doctors must be wrong. I don't have Crohn's! I am too young, too healthy and don't have all the symptoms. Well I guess bloodwork, years of experience and two colonoscopies later, I am learning to accept this as part of my life now. I have found a great website, www.ccfa.org, that has so much info about Crohn's and Colitis. Check it out!

I am still going to the DR from Sept 6-13 and going to enjoy a little R & R. I will write and take pics and post for all to see.

We'll my lunch break is almost over. paz afuera. - C

Recovery

2009-04-07T11:56:00.000-07:00

So. today is the first day since thursday when i had my appendectomy that I feel ok. I had it laproscopically. They say it is much less invasive than doing an incision on the right side, but it still takes a while to recover. So for those who have never had surgery or an appendectomy I will take you through what I went through...

My surgery was scheduled for 730am so I arrived at 6am. They gave me a sedative right before I went it so I dont remember any of the surgery. I know they made three wholes, one in my belly button where the camera went and two other ones where the tools went in. It lasted for about an hour and 15/30 minutes. not really sure about the length of time in surgery obviously cause I was out like a light. After I came to about 10 am or so, again details kind of fuzzy, i was in a lot of pain. not just on my abdomen but in my chest and shoulders. They say this is normal because they give you carbon dioxide in surgery. The carbon dioxide causes soreness in the chest and shoulders. So basically I was sore and in pain everywhere throughout my body. Fun stuff...I don't want to ever do surgery again. Maybe it's too soon for me to comment on this because I am still in pain and hurt...i'll let you know again in a few months when I am training for my half marathon.

After I returned from surgery they can't discharge you until you pee. So we waited and waited and waited and waited. I was the first to go into surgery and it was looking like I would be the last to leave. Nurse Ivy called the doc at 4pm and said to give it another hour or so. So exactly at 458pm I peed. I went home had more pain than i had throughout the day. called the on call resident who basically said i needed more pain medicine. I had pain pills...percocet, lortab, any of that can not do. about 15 minutes later my percocet and prescription ibuprofen finally kicked in and i could sleep. I had to take the percocet every four hours for three days. Now, I am on tylenol.

I have been sleeping for most of the day and night until today. I am going to the surgeon because I have a rash on my abdomen. Had it since Friday but it didn't itch or really spread so I called yesterday and they told me to come in.

I just want this to be all be done. I can't wait until I fell normal again. Until I have desire to shop, eat, cook, run, do pilates...I just want to feel more positive again, like me. I'll keep you posted.

LA

2009-03-28T05:48:00.001-07:00

I currently am in Los Angeles for a recruitment conference. It is beautiful weather and am glad I have a change of pace from being in SLC. Although I would like to be feeling better...I am still taking antibiotics, Ibuprofen for the pain and some other stuff that helps with naseau. I find that I feel good in the morning and lousy in the afternoon and evening. Anyways....the appendix will come out on Thursday, April 2.

So, I just finished reading Steve Harvey's book, Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man. I loved it! I think he hits the nail right on the head. There are some really good things that he mentions about men that I knew but didn't know how to say it. He puts it so simply.

I am almost done painting my house. I have completed the downstairs. All that is left is my bedroom, the two upstairs bathrooms and the hallway. upstairs. Yeah! I'll post pics as soon as I start feeling better.

Update

2009-03-15T13:41:00.001-07:00

Ok, sorry I didn't get to this sooner. I don't have internet at my house. The biopsy came back as an infection. In order to be 100% sure they put me on antibiotics for ten days and prescription dose ibuprofen for the pain. Thursday I will do another CT and have an appointment with the surgeons in the afternoon. If the mass resolves itself, we know for sure it was an infection and they will do a surgery to remove my appendix. If the CT scan still shows the mass, then we have to figure out what it is and still do surgery to remove it. Either way, I'm having an operation.

Today, I feel ok. I threw up this morning after taking my medicine. I was feeling nausua all night, despite taking the IBU. I have found that if I take the IBU it helps, I feel less pain, less abdominal bloating etc. But something is making me nautious (however you spell it). Without the IBU I still feel the same as before I went into the hospital, just more weak (I think for the meds).

I look outside and try to imagine running. The cool breeze on my face, the rythmn of my pace as my feet alternate hitting the ground. My music in my ears. The world as I know it, gone for that hour. Oh, how I long for that. It's been three years since I've gone without exercising for this long. My body is craving it.

Right now all I feel like eating is saltine crackers, apple juice and carrots(and that is pushing it). I'm gonna try to go back to work tomorrow. I'm trying to take it slow. I just wish I had my energy like I used to. Hopefully soon....

Not my best moment

2009-03-11T04:09:00.000-07:00

As I sit in the University Hospital early this morning I think of all the things I want to do when I leave. I am craving white rice and tuna, well done steak, chicken, feta cheese, rice and beans, pozole, chicken enchilada...um...I think anything besides a "clear fluid diet."

I was admitted on Monday night. After 9 days of feeling bloated, abdominal pains, nasau and not being able to do pilates or run because I hurt too much, I decided to see my doctor. The gas x and fiberone were not doing the trick.

I arrived at my appointment on 850am on Monday, March 9. The PA that saw me thought it could be IBS or an ulcer but wanted to send me to do a CT Scan because my abdomen was so tender. Meanwhile, I feel ok. My pain is at about a 2. I felt guilty for not going to pilates again. After the bloodwork I ate something so that I could take the CONTRAST. Contrast is a fluid that you take 2 hours before you do a CT SCAN. It allows the radiologists to see the insides. It is milk-like only thicker and fruitier. It wouldn't have been so bad with just one but you have to do two...The contrast hurt me. Drinking it and after my pain was at an 8 or 9.

At about 530, I receive a call from my doctor saying that the CT SCAN showed something with my appendix and that I needed to get to the ER. I thought, weird...I don't have symptoms of appendicitis..vomiting, doubled over in pain. But I thought well it would explain a lot of my abdominal pain.

I get to the ER and the Docs are puzzled. They comment that I am smiling and laughing, not typical signs of someone who might be getting an appendectomy. Luckily, I had my med student friends with me who could "translate" everything. A surgery doc came in, talked with me and said that he wanted to look at my "interesting" CT SCAN. I thought and questioned out loud, interesting, what does that mean? Him and one of the residents mulled over it for a while, sought another opinion of another doc (who according to the med students is the "God of Medicine.") that made me a little nervous but my friends reassured me that they probably just want to make sure they do this right and with carefulness. Anytime surgery is involved they want to know 100% that they are doing the right thing.

After the doctors consulted, the surgeon who admitted me came in to let me know what was going on. He said that he thought it best to not do an appendectomy rather admit me to do a colonoscopy the next day to make sure. Again, I was nervous but felt better with my friends guiding me through this process.

I was admitted to 6 North and of course with an anticipated colonoscopy going to the bathroom was on the horizon. I was supposed to drink a gallon of Go Lightly which flushes you out. By the end you are just pooping like water. It sucks. BTW you can mix the Go Lightly with clear liquids like sprite or clear juice.

I went in for my colonoscopy in the early afternoon around 130. They give you some milk amnesia so you don't remember anything, pain meds and a sedative. I slipped into sleep and woke up during it. I remember it hurt, I tried seeing the image cause I really wanted to see the procedure and I remember asking what that was on the screen. I just wanted them to walk me through it. They quickly gave me more pain meds and I slipped away into unconsciousness (not sure if that is the correct term). Afterward, they told me my Blood Pressure (BP) went really low and that my body doesn't like pain meds all that much. Yes, that is correct. I don't do pain meds, rarely do I do advil. I remember when I got my wisdom teeth out I took the pain meds as prescribed. I dreamed of flying vacuums and shortly after wakening up, I went a bought a vacuum. So, yes, me and pain meds do not get along.

The GI Fellow let me know what they found. She said that they found a cecum mass and took a sample and are doing a biopsy stat. They still haven't ruled out appendicitis or really anything else. I remain "interesting."

My med school friends came by to offer some comfort with all this medical jargon...they do a great job at that. They at least offer more information that I am getting from the docs. I understand though. How are the docs supposed to tell me anything when they don't even know what is going on with me? the GI Fellow seemed concerned.

I am updating my parents on what is going on, but I don't want my mom to worry. She cried when I told her I was going in for my appendix so I could only imagine what she would do now. My mom doesn't do well with the unknown.

At the end of the day another doc came in. I asked if they ruled out appendicitis and he said no, not yet and that they really had to wait for the pathology results to give me a definite answer.

Whatever happens, happens, right. It could be nothing, it could be something. I am healthy, strong, stubborn and will come out just fine, whatever it is. (Funny thing: when my doc said I might have IBS I was more concerned with that than when they said it could be my appendix. Know why? Well, with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) you have watch your diet very carefully and two of the triggers for IBS are chocolate and caffeine- yes my two loves, chocolate and Dr. Pepper. How would I be able to give those up?)

So last night I had a fever of 101. They gave me tylenol and it came right down. I am doing ok, probably at about a 6. I just want some REAL GOOD FOOD!

2009-01-12T16:58:00.000-08:00

Okay so those pics are really hard to look at because they are not right side up...sorry. I'll do better next time.

2009-01-10T09:32:00.000-08:00

I have realized that many have been absent from my life for a while and may not know some of the major things that have happened in the past while. So I think this post will be dedicated to updating you all on my life. First, I just recently completed two Master's degrees in Public Administration and in Healthcare Administration from the University of Utah. (my goal to have a free or low cost clinic is still within me and to get a PhD but we'll just have to see when that all works out). Since December 2006, I have been working at the University of Utah School of Medicine as the director of Diversity and Community Outreach. Our mission and goals are to recruit, support and retain students underrepresented in medicine; women and people of color (minority groups). Disparities and inequities still exist and I strive everyday to help eliminate those inequities from part of the medical field. I love it!!!

I have posted some pics as well...my bro Josh and Nyssa (his daughter). She is so so cute...for halloween she was a Jedi...she loves both trucks, cars, transformers, Star Wars, my little pony, disney princesses, phantom of the opera...she just had brain surgery too last Thanksgiving (Nov 2008) and she is doing well. A one legged bird I saw in San Antonio, Texas last November...The Alamo...my protein drink stuff...and my pilates machine. I realize that some of these are not right side up...i can't figure out how to rotate them??? Once I do I will change them, if not I can't figure out how to cut them out either so you are stuck with them like this...he he.

2009-01-06T17:17:00.001-08:00

I have some pics of my place being built...check them out. my kitchen, my stairs, my garage...ill post more of the finished product soon.

2009-01-05T15:40:00.000-08:00

First weekend of 2009

So it was the first weekend of the new year. And it couldn't have started better...the U of U football team beat Alabama in the Sugar Bowl...commentators were stunned and shocked as were Bama fans. It was a proud day for Utah. And then Saturday I found out that my maternal grandmother passed away. It is a sad day for my mom. She lost her dad 7 and half years ago, now her mom. The funeral is in Houston on Wednesday and I can't find any flights less than $1000 that would get me there in a timely manner.

Well, on a better note...I've decided that this Facebook thing is kinda neat. I have been able to find long lost friends and reconnect. (I don't have my pics up yet, of course, on here or there but they will be coming soon.) It is interesting to see that many of my friends are married with SEVERAL kids. I feel old and yet young at the same time. I admire their strength, dedication and patience to those little ones. I hope to be there someday, but maybe a dog will suffice.

My house decorations are coming along. I have yet to decide what colors to paint the living room, hallways, kitchen, masterbedroom and bathrooms. No, that is not the entire house, just the majority. And I can't decide if I want to put a big tv in the livingroom/kitchen area???

My exercise/eating healthy program of course is going well. I don't have to do much tweaking as I already eat fairly well and exercise 6 days/week. For anyone wanting any tips on exercising/reforming your body I have one word:PILATES. It works for both men and women. I have seen my core shrink like it hasn't been in YEARS. I have much more defined muscles, not bulk-longer, leaner muscles. And this is coming from someone who LOVES to sweat and work hard. I'm telling you, give pilates three months and you'll be hooked. I know it is expensive. I am lucky enough to work at a university where they offer 50 minutes classes MWF 16 weeks at a rate of $150. That comes out to less than $3.50/class. And the instructors are all dance graduates and have been doing pilates since they began dancing. I also have a pilates machine...awesome! It cost about $350 and well worth it.

Eating at least 1200 calories is important for everyone, if working out you must eat more, unless you want to lose weight. Then you have to figure out how much you want to lose (1-2lbs/week is recommended, depending on current weight) or maintain and determine the amount of calories you need. There is a fantastic website, myfooddiary.com, that cost $9/month which is an excellent program to keep track of eating and helps explain everything your body needs and why. Love it. There are some free ones too that I am trying right now, but I honestly like the myfooddiary.com better. It is much more user-friendly and comprehensive. My goal is to burn 500 calories a day so that I can lose about 1lb/week. I eat lots of protein, make most of my meals, love steaming veggies, especially aspargus, salmon and cooking chicken. I drink protein drinks either for breakfast or dinner. What is nice about those is they are filling and have no calories!!!(at least the one I buy.) Some things that have worked for me, going organic or as close to it as possible. I make my own bread, eat fresh fruits or at least frozen ones that have no added sugar and I also haven't kicked my two bad, bad habits...dr. pepper and pillsbury chocolate chip cookies. I am not sure if I will...i think those keep me grounded, you know always having a goal to work toward. If I didn't have those I would be too skinny...(yeah, right...he, he.)

So as some of you know and may have guessed I am in hyper mode to get more fit and eat healthy, why you may ask??? Well in March I am taking a vacation to the Dominican Republic and want to look hot in my swimsuit. No, don't think I'll post fotos. If anyone is interested in perhaps coming with me let me know...my parents have an all-inclusive time share that they are giving to me (hence the reason I am going it is inexpensive) and it will basically only cost me airfare and maybe $50 for the week. ALL INCLUSIVE. HOT. BEACH. BEAUTIFUL. AMAZING COUNTRY. FOOD. DRINKS. ME. What else could you want in a vacation????

Anyway...take care. I'll update this soon again.

Friday, January 2, 2009

2009-01-02T13:04:00.000-08:00

New Adventure
So it is 2009...Yippee!!! And what better way to begin the new year with a win (hopefully) from my alma mater's football team (University of Utah). And of course I made New Year's resolutions. Each year I make resolutions that are accomplishable so this year I am going out on a limb...doing the unthinkable and setting a resolution that may not be attainable. What is it?! You ask...well here they are, and try to guess.

1. Pay off my car
2. Save more than I ever have in a year.
3. Finish decorating, painting, arranging my house.
4. Find a partner (boyfriend, potential husband).
5. Look into getting a dog.
6. Lose more weight and inches in order to fit into my bikinis awesomely.
7. Learn to cook pozole y tamales.
8. Learn to snowboard.
9. Vacation in the Dominican Republic.

Well, if you picked number four, you are right...ding, ding. That is no easy task, especially for someone as difficult as me. So if any of you know of any GREAT guys, let me know.

Don't worry, I'll post pics soon.