u/redneckified420

I had open surgery two weeks ago tomorrow, and I feel amazing. Obviously being cautious and taking it easy but I feel great. I get the staples out on Tuesday and I’ve been off pain meds for about 5 days. It could be that I just didn’t realize how miserable I actually was now that I have some relief. But I feel much better than I expected after reading and doing as much research as I did. I’m sleeping better than I probably ever have. My anxiety is almost completely gone. The number of seemingly unrelated symptoms of this condition are crazy now that they are gone. But I’m grateful for the relief. It took a year and a half to get a diagnosis but it was worth it.

I’ve been lurking this page for a while. I suspected that I had MALS about 6 months ago and after having the nerve block be successful I am having open surgery the 28th of this month. I’m going to be 39 on October 12 and I’m pretty sure this has been affecting me my entire life. I’ve always just felt like shit. Always tired. Tons of gi issues. First colonoscopy at 14 but got told it’s just ibs. I had great insurance as a kid But my dad had a stroke and went on social security when I was 17 so I didn’t get the healthcare access a lot of people did to catch this young. And then working blue collar my whole life hasn’t provided much insurance wise either. I finally got sick enough I couldn’t work and qualified for marketplace with no premium and have an amazing primary care doctor who figured this out. I’ve lost over 100 pounds in the last 18 months without trying. I lost five in a week. I’m 6’5 and wonder if height plays a role? I’m just glad to finally figure it out. I’ve been so miserable for so long. Open surgery. Local surgeon. The healthcare system sucks where I live except for this one specific thing thank god. I’m ready for some relief. I have a farm and run an agricultural services and consulting business and need to know what the time frame to get back to work is. I also need to know if I’ll be able to recover enough to go elk hunting in Idaho next fall because I have to put in for my tag now and if I’m not going to be able to hike 20 miles in the mountains next fall I need to know. Haha. Any other advice would be appreciated as well.