Health & Other Issues and properly caring for reptiles right now.....

[dakski]

I am having major abdominal surgery in October.

IF everything goes well, and that's a big IF given many factors, I won't be able to lift anything heavy - like a big snake - for a month.

Katie (@sunshinewalker) is going to be helping with the reptiles as I will not be doing much bending, lifting, or reaching either.

Very nervous about it and worried about the crew. If things do not go well, it is an even bigger issue.

Additionally, the reptiles are not going to be Katie's number 1 priority as she has her own health issues and will be helping me.

I plan to reach out to some folks in the area, but it seems someone I was talking to about helping with the reptiles has become unresponsive. Our Dogsitter is good with reptiles and used to work in a zoo and can help as well.

I will also feed all the snakes prior to surgery as that's not something Katie wants to do - especially the bigger snakes. They will be fine for 3-4 weeks +/- anyway.

Anyway, thought I'd share.

Hope everyone is well in BP.net land!

[Bogertophis]

Wow, that's a lot to be thinking about- so sorry that you have to go thru this, but at least you have some help lined up & more time yet to make sure the bases are covered. I hope all goes well & that you'll make a realistically "speedy" recovery. As you said, the snakes should be fine for a bit, but you'll be sore for quite some time, & even if you want to do more, please do listen to your doctors so you heal up right. I guess you won't be "trick or treating" this year-

[richardhind1972]

Hope all goes well with the surgery Dave, fingers crossed you'll back up and running before you know it

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[dakski]

Quick update as I've been mostly MIA for a while now.

My surgery didn't really happen. I had a lung issue when I was put under anesthesia and almost died. They never opened me up or anything close as they had bigger issues to deal with.

We have since figured out both the cause and the fix for that issue, but the close call scared everyone. I have been advised to lose a lot of weight to heighten the probability of success for the particular operation needed (abdominal surgery) both from a surgical perspective and helping the lung issue. I am about 40% towards my goal weight and probably 50%+ towards where I want to be for surgery.

The issue is still there and I need to address it sooner rather than later. However, losing weight is buying me some time and helping the issue a little. I am being closely monitored and if things get worse, will have no choice but to proceed with the surgery. For now, I am able to do basic exercise (walking mostly) and have changed my food intake dramatically.

NO sugar, almost NO processed foods, barely eating anything but healthy home cooked meals (Katie is amazing in this regard and is taking great care of me), and have drastically reduced calorie intake while upping healthy food intake.

I have lost weight before, but it is very difficult on the meds I am on, especially prednisone. I am also not getting any younger. These drastic changes are making a big difference and I am losing about 1-2 pounds a week now.

The prognosis is good, if not better, as my mass shrinks. However, still very nerve racking and work has been crazy.

Hence, not updating or writing on here much.

All the reptiles are fine. I am doing a pretty good job of keeping up with them despite the chaos. I just haven't posted much.

Thank you for all the kind words. I think I'll be okay and will update as I get closer to next surgery attempt.

Be well and Happy New Year!

[Bogertophis]

So happy to hear from you again- it has been a while, & I've been aware of your health challenges. I don't envy you trying to lose weight but I'm glad your doctors are looking out for your health so that what they need to do will be successful, so keep up the healthy food habits & exercise as prescribed. We want you with us for a very long time- & so does your human & animal family.

[EL-Ziggy]

Happy New Year brother! It’s good to see you online! I’m praying for your healing, good health, and wellness! You got this bro!! Give Katie, the family, and the critters all my best! Peace and Blessings!!

[Armiyana]

That's already a huge accomplishment!
And yeah...that diet is so frustrating sometimes... I have roommates that will come home with delicious looking carbs while I'm sipping a meal replacement. I'm doing the same after having a very large hiatal hernia repair and gastric bypass for my severe GERD. Also did the same as you were going to with the feeding of the snakes prior to sx. The small dogs who were used to me picking them up were very confused by the sudden rejection. ;_;

It starts getting easier the longer you stick with it! And it's totally worth it in the end. I hope that you can get to your goals and safely get through the rest!