Clinic Visit

Not much new - this week's clinic visit:

The incision is healing great
They added medication to slow Ron's racing heartbeat
Ron gained a couple of pounds (YAY!)
He'll continue to come in weekly for blood draws........but he doesn't have another clinic visit for 6 weeks.
They will see him less and less for the first year - then once a year for the rest of his life.
Ron is doing wonderfully!

Ron needs several procedures: hernia repair, cataract surgery, colonoscopy and dental work - all that has to wait until after his 6 month post transplant date.

Here's a photo of Ron and our pre-transplant coordinator, Cindy Quinn - yes, she's our favorite person.  She was always there for us - talked me down off the ledge several times while we were waiting for 'the call'.  We love you Cindy!

Ron spent the afternoon with Oliver



Some Firsts

Ron's life on this side of liver transplant:

Ate a steak (he was protein 'starved' pre-transplant due to 'brain fog' caused by protein)
Worked a few half days last week (haven't told his doctor this yet)
Cut half the front yard on his riding lawn mower
Went to the grocery store several times
Took the dog to the vet
Enjoying life again
Sleeps at night
Happy

The Best Medicine

Clinic Visit

Ron had a clinic visit today and had his incision staples removed.  He said it didn't hurt.  (Thanks Carolyn)

Ron is anxious to go back to work - I think (I know) it's too early and so does the doctor - she said maybe a couple of weeks. 

Ron is feeling well - very little pain, sometimes tired, and needs a nap in the afternoon....not sleeping well at night.  They addressed his blood pressure issue - put him back on bp medication.

Ron needs to put on more weight - we were told it will take him a good year to gain weight and muscle mass. 

We are thankful.

Birthday

Today is my 54th birthday.

Ron and I spent many months not knowing when or if he was going to receive a new liver.  End Stage Liver Disease, that's exactly what it is - the end; you know I can't get over that.  I don't know how long I'll have to talk about almost losing Ron - but I have to - I guess although I was well aware and fighting and caring for him; the deep emotional part of me was in total denial.

Moments of pure panicked clarity rang in my ears, and I went through the scenarios of 'what ifs'; I think it was subconsious self preservation.  I tried to picture my life without Ron; it was a hazy picture, it was a surreal picture.

I went through all those stages - you know - those stages: fear, anger, denial....blah, blah, blah - it was like riding a monsterous rollercoaster, in the dark, in the rain, and alone.  I went through these emotions (and still do) more often than not.

So you wonder why now - I mean, shouldn't I be happy about Ron's transplant?  I am thrilled and grateful - but something quiet inside - whispers reminders of the loss that could have befallen me and our family.  It's wrapped tightly around me, like a second skin - I want to shed it, to rip it away, to wish it away, pray it away - but as if it has a life of it's own - it won't leave me - it's not time yet.

So today is my birthday and we shared one more special 'today' - 'together'.

On that note - goodnight my friends.

Quiet Weekend

As Ron feels stronger and clearer he has more and more questions about the transplant, and his health overall.  He told me he doesn't remember any of the time between the transplant (Feb. 3) and a couple of days before he was finally released from the hospital,  after the bile duct surgery (Feb. 23).  I'm glad he doesn't remember.

It's been a quiet weekend - and I love it.  No medical emergencies or trips to the hospital........that means the world to us.

We are thankful.

Appointments

Ron had a clinic appointment yesterday:

Transplant Clinic
Bloodwork (no news yet)
Staples come out next week
He lost yet MORE weight - he's down to 135 (that's 20lbs since the surgery)
Suggested 'grazing' - (ladies, wouldn't that be fabulous - if someone told you to graze all day?)
He can drive short distances - no interstate - like up to the corner store

Diabetes Clinic
Ron has had a terrible time with super low blood sugar - 22, 26, 32.......
Changes in insulin units

He's doing better   :-)

1 month ago

One month ago, at this very moment, Ron was on the operating table receiving his new liver.  One month ago, a family was planning a funeral.  Those are the facts.  Because of the way things lined up, our lives met, crossed and were changed forever.

I've been thinking about the letter we'll 'try' and write - the letter to the donor's family.  The transplant team suggests waiting for 3-6 months before contacting the family.  What can we say?  I know I'm searching my heart for the words.

We are grateful.