Today's update: Kevin's numbers continue to improve albeit slowly. They DID figure out the source of the infection (the lining of his abdominal cavity) and are now treating that. If that infection clears up it might be what my liver needs to jump start repairs, but he is still listed on the deceased donor registry for the next available deceased liver.
My first follow up appointments are tomorrow. I'll have labs drawn, meet with my surgeon, meet with my donor advocate, and meet with the psychiatrist. We're going to arrive early enough for me to get the labs and then go visit Kevin.
I also have a stack of thank you cards for the nursing staff on my recovery ward we'll drop off before we go over for my appointments. We'll drop them off and go. I'm hoping they'll clear me to do a couple of days of work from home - not because I really want to work for my boss (who has not checked in on me, sent a card, or sent any sort of acknowledgment along that I'm gone. She did text me to ask about dates for my calendar for next school year but no "how are you doing?".) but there are a couple of easy graphic design jobs I was written into at the state level that will be nice additional income for the summer and because it's the state they'll need the clearance letter that says I can work from home as I deem appropriate. Fingers crossed for a good appointment overall.
I have to do the "Person, Woman, Man, Camera, TV" test with the psych again tomorrow - here's hoping I do better than TFG.
Todays updates: they told me two things never happen at the 2 week follow up:
1). We don’t clear you to drive
2). We don’t release you to virtual visits going forward.
today I was cleared to drive and told all my remaining visits can be virtual.
all of my numbers are way up - most being where they should be around the 4-5 week mark. I was expecting average and am apparently an Advanced Placement donor instead taking the accelerated course. I’ll get my clearance to work from home on a limited basis and ad I see and feel fit next week. Honestly could not be happier about my recovery.
Kevin's update: his body is slowly improving. They found the source of his infection and are now treating it directly. If they get that under control they see no reason my liver shouldn’t also finally be able to shoulder its burden. There will come a point where his numbers might be good enough to knock him off the deceased donor list. (He can always end up back on it if the need arises). Honestly we’re all pulling for mine to do what we all know it can do. Slow improvement is improvement and once that infection is under control …
the sun is shining and it’s a beautiful day - I’m glad I at least got to get a little fresh air in between 3 hour car rides. Kevin’s wife is doing well and will continue to keep us updated as part of her first wave of updates. I’m hopeful for some above average news for Kevin soon!
@dannyboy All good news! The body is an amazing healer, given time and rest (and the right meds)!
So glad to hear things are going in the right direction.
@dannyboy This is a new level of wonderful news. I thought Kevin was going to need a new liver, and now, your news shows a seemingly miraculous direction where your liver may work for him after all. You must all be feeling so much relief right now. And his wife and children must also be reassured. Thank you for letting us know.
@jeanne-mayell right now it’s like his family has two insurance policies. Mine and the deceased donor list. If a deceased donor becomes available 10 minutes from now mine is gone to be replaced with the new one.
But - his numbers are improving albeit slowly. If they reach a certain point he’s off the deceased donor list - at least temporarily. A continued improvement is the best course to hope for because it doesn’t involve someone else dying.
Either way it’s a win for him and that’s all I’ve ever really wanted for him - to be able to start living at long last. So grateful to all of you for the light and love! He’s going to be “birthed” soon I can feel it!
@dannyboy, my money is (and if you read my posts & pay attention to wording) and always has been on Collin. The Little Liver That Could. Collin is a Scottish masculine name perfect for a bold and mischievous soul. Collin can also be a variant of the French Colin, and means "victory of the people." I'm happy that Collin has a back up-just in case. Insurance can ease stress for all. You know where I stand in either event.
Your check-up is wonderful news, and I'm sure it makes your other half and the twins happy to know you are doing much better than they expected.