Surgery went well, the facility and staff were terrific. I eschewed the twilight anesthesia so I could watch--the doc kindly explained what he was doing and what we were looking at so, while it wasn't "fun," it was a bit of an adventure.
Thank you for the positive energy.
I wanted to return to this space and give my first update in a good long while on outcomes from this past spring - for those of you who followed the story in real time. For those of you who are new - you can travel back through this thread starting in August of last year and see the journey for yourself.
I received a text from K, my liver recipient today while between meetings at a school. Electing as I usually do to respect the school’s “no cell phone” policy, I used my laptop to text him back and say I’d call him on my way home.
K had his follow up appointment today. His bloodwork looks great. His kidney function is great. His liver is nearly perfect now - the first time they’ve told him numbers that are in the line of “normal human” instead of “get a transplant now!” - he’s looking and feeling better every day. It was a wonderful call to hear his voice and hear how happy and healthy he is - pretty much for the first time since I’ve known him. Even 17 years ago when he ushered at our wedding he was plagued by the mystery illness he wouldn’t receive a diagnosis for until a few years ago. Could not be healthier.
While I’ve made the joke to my transplant team that I’d be back as soon as I find a needy kidney recipient (it’s apparently an easier surgery for the donor and we’ve already established that I’m missing that part of my brain that tells me not to promise my organs to other humans) I have unfortunately gained about 25 pounds which puts me out of range to donate right now. Which is good because I haven’t met the human that needs me yet. I’m going to regroup after the holidays and get back to my transplant weight by my 1 year follow up in April. It’s just healthier. But I also deprived myself of all joy and happiness from Thanksgiving to Christmas last year by being the only human on the planet to lose 5 pounds in that 6 week period of time, so I’ve earned a little festivity this winter. Any light anyone wants to send my way for that journey would be wonderful :-)
@dannyboy Great news about K! How satisfying for you to be a part of that journey. I pray K continues to get stronger and healthier. Enjoy your indulging, and then get back at the part of losing the extra pounds, says me who needs to do the same.🙄
I see my new specialist Friday and not a moment too soon. Acid has been washing up into my throat. Hoarse again, ears heart, throat hurts. Had a low grade fever last night and today. I don't know how much longer I can go on like this.
A misdiagnosis from a PA and advice from my GP to use my nebulizer multiple times a day set up the perfect storm for GERD. It's bad. And he scared me with the rare auto immune disorder talk. My friend scared me with her vocal cord cancer story.
I do feel positive about this doctor. I am keeping my vision in my mind. I am praying that I will have what I need when I need it.
@ghandigirl GERD, yuck. I've been dealing with the same thing lately, big time.Popped up pretty quickly too. Pretty much under control now. I'm sending you healing vibes, so you can be over all of this and get on with being pain free.
I'd appreciate a good thought for low back pain and spasm relief. Recuperating from a C-section was less painful, and I had 3!
I started that medical journey a week ago to seek relief, wish me luck!
Take care everyone!
Pat
Has anyone heard from @baba? I'm a bit concerned that she hasn't posted for some time. I hope she's okay.
Hi @tgraff66 I’m ok. I have just been dealing with a series of family emergencies and deaths since the middle of the year and have not had much peace or space to do much of anything other than deal with those. I hope to be in a state of mind to start up again in the new year. Thanks for checking on me and all the best to you.