There are some lighter moments in this whole transplant journey. Today both Jen and I had clinic and labs, so all three of us bundled up and hit the HOV lanes at 6:45 am on I66. They drew blood and we individually met with Anne, our post-tranplant nurse.
It was time for some of my staples to come out, so she took maybe 8 out, replacing them with glued-on steri-strips.
Then it was off to IHop for breakfast, then to Staples for some printer supplies, then off to Borders to add to my reading pile of books.
As I may have mentioned before, my GI tract has not completely adjusted to all the new meds, and it's been active, to say the least. And as I walked the isles at the bookstore, the pancake breakfast caught up with me and it was time for a beeline to the restroom.
It was at this point that I found out that Anne had perhaps used too much glue, or it hadn't dried yet when I pulled up my pants at the dr's.
My undershorts were glued on.
After the panic attack subsided, I managed to peel them off the incision, and go about my business. Laughing only hurt.
But it was funny all over again when I related to Michelle and Jen. She also hurt laughing.
gc
Monday, November 23, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Words of Wisdom
Today, Michelle and I went down to the Vienna Art show to see it, and then pick up her award winning painting. It didn't sell (largely because she priced it not to sell), and she was happy about that because she wants to enter it into other shows.
We visited with one of the ladies there who was also exhibiting, and who had met Jen Friday night. Michelle introduced me as the other half of the operation.
The woman made an interesting comment that could be taken a couple of different ways, and I'm going to slightly rewrite what she said.
"Be nice to you kids. You never know when you might need one of their parts."
I couldn't agree more.
gc
We visited with one of the ladies there who was also exhibiting, and who had met Jen Friday night. Michelle introduced me as the other half of the operation.
The woman made an interesting comment that could be taken a couple of different ways, and I'm going to slightly rewrite what she said.
"Be nice to you kids. You never know when you might need one of their parts."
I couldn't agree more.
gc
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Recovery is blowing me away,...
Thinking that yesterday was turning point for both Glenn and Jen, in this recovery process.
Jen went with me to the artist reception last night, she looked cute in her 60s mod dress and her new smokey eye shadow. We only stayed for an hour, by then she was pretty worn out. Haven't checked with her yet, but hoping she's not paying too high of penalty today for last night foray.
Glenn is moving very well this morning, good color, and standing straighter than he has, since receiving his 8 inch incision. He and his transplant coordinator, are still tweaking his meds, to regulate his lab numbers, but so far, things are looking good.
We are so fortunate, that everything is progressing this well.
Jen went with me to the artist reception last night, she looked cute in her 60s mod dress and her new smokey eye shadow. We only stayed for an hour, by then she was pretty worn out. Haven't checked with her yet, but hoping she's not paying too high of penalty today for last night foray.
Glenn is moving very well this morning, good color, and standing straighter than he has, since receiving his 8 inch incision. He and his transplant coordinator, are still tweaking his meds, to regulate his lab numbers, but so far, things are looking good.
We are so fortunate, that everything is progressing this well.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Award winning
This time the news is about Michelle. This week she entered one of her most recent projects in the Vienna 40th Treasury of Art Show. This is a juried show, judged by Fredric Briggs, who has twice been named the top watercolorist in the U.S.
She was notified yesterday that not only was the piece accepted in the show, it received an Honorable Mention award!
Tonight, she and Jen, who is recovering quite well, got dolled up and went to the artist reception in Vienna, where she was supposed to get a one-on-one critique from Mr. Briggs, as well as rub elbows with other northern Va. art illuminati. She was really tickled with the award, particularly because she said that watercolor-expert judges are hardest judges on their own media. I wanted to go as well, feeling much better today, but we thought that rubbing elbows was just too much close contact for someone on immunospressive therapy right now.
So congratulations Michelle!
gc
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Setting records
The last couple of days are starting to set into a rhythm, with recording status, going to clinic, taking meds and checking in with nurses. Jen and I are both still pretty sore, both still on painkillers, but trying to wean ourselves off. Jen has been having strange dreams with her Percocet, so called the nurse today for a different one.
I did labs on Monday, and the transplant nurse called back Tuesday with results. All my numbers are in range, and my renal function is now at 1.3, which is just exactly the same as Jen's before she went into the hospital. Coincidence?
Aetna's transplant nurse also called today to check in to see how we were doing. She was also calling to confirm that I checked out last Friday. After confirming, she said that she's been doing this job for 8 years, and she's never heard of another patient getting released by Dr's. to go home in three days.
I hope that we're not going to pay the price for that. So far, all our numbers are right on for where we should be in recovery. My biggest challenge is eating and drinking enough. The meds change the taste of food, don't have much of an appetite yet with the pain, still am kind of swollen in the abdomen, which only time will fix, so not lots of room for a full pizza. Plus I have to drink at least 2 liters of fluid a day, and that is somewhat a challenge as well.
Jen said today that she finally got up the nerve to look at her incisions. While she was under the impression that laproscopic surgery would only leave three small incisions, seems that one, about 4 inches long, doesn't fall into the "small category". We went for a walk today down the street, did about a couple of blocks, and I did a separate one this morning, so we are starting to get around better. It was slow going, and I was winded when I got back, but we made it. Jen even went out shoe shopping yesterday, so she's doing much better.
Tomorrow is another lab and clinic, so we'll see how we're progressing again.
I did labs on Monday, and the transplant nurse called back Tuesday with results. All my numbers are in range, and my renal function is now at 1.3, which is just exactly the same as Jen's before she went into the hospital. Coincidence?
Aetna's transplant nurse also called today to check in to see how we were doing. She was also calling to confirm that I checked out last Friday. After confirming, she said that she's been doing this job for 8 years, and she's never heard of another patient getting released by Dr's. to go home in three days.
I hope that we're not going to pay the price for that. So far, all our numbers are right on for where we should be in recovery. My biggest challenge is eating and drinking enough. The meds change the taste of food, don't have much of an appetite yet with the pain, still am kind of swollen in the abdomen, which only time will fix, so not lots of room for a full pizza. Plus I have to drink at least 2 liters of fluid a day, and that is somewhat a challenge as well.
Jen said today that she finally got up the nerve to look at her incisions. While she was under the impression that laproscopic surgery would only leave three small incisions, seems that one, about 4 inches long, doesn't fall into the "small category". We went for a walk today down the street, did about a couple of blocks, and I did a separate one this morning, so we are starting to get around better. It was slow going, and I was winded when I got back, but we made it. Jen even went out shoe shopping yesterday, so she's doing much better.
Tomorrow is another lab and clinic, so we'll see how we're progressing again.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Another day, another found pain,...
Not a good night for Jen last night. Her plan was to sleep on the recliner but around 11:30 she decided that she couldn't take anymore of Steve's snoring, "we care givers are starting to wear down" so got up and went to her apartment to sleep on that recliner. Before you boo Steve, they made that decision, based on the fact that our puppies would wake her up at 6 something in the morning, and she wasn't going to like that.
We attempting to search out alternative sleeping arrangements for this evening,... she powered napped in our bed this afternoon, which was high and firm enough that she was able to climb out of. Mind you, it's a struggle but she can do it.
So this is the tentative plans, she'll sleep in her own bed this evening, with phone and all needed items surrounding her, Steve will probably start out at her place, then come down here and pass out on the couch,
Never thought I would say, I miss our 5 bedroom house in Utah, but those rooms would really come in handy now.
Glenn and Jen are both moving better, recovery will be slow, but we're adjusting. Taking Glenn into his first of many to come, transplant clinic check-ups. Mondays and Thursdays, for two weeks, then once a week for the follow up month, then once every two weeks, finally once a month for???
Can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to driving down Hwy. 66 during rush hour!
We attempting to search out alternative sleeping arrangements for this evening,... she powered napped in our bed this afternoon, which was high and firm enough that she was able to climb out of. Mind you, it's a struggle but she can do it.
So this is the tentative plans, she'll sleep in her own bed this evening, with phone and all needed items surrounding her, Steve will probably start out at her place, then come down here and pass out on the couch,
Never thought I would say, I miss our 5 bedroom house in Utah, but those rooms would really come in handy now.
Glenn and Jen are both moving better, recovery will be slow, but we're adjusting. Taking Glenn into his first of many to come, transplant clinic check-ups. Mondays and Thursdays, for two weeks, then once a week for the follow up month, then once every two weeks, finally once a month for???
Can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to driving down Hwy. 66 during rush hour!
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Breakfast anybody,...
Glenn got the breakfast that he's been talking about for months now,.. Avocado toast, "potassium thing" shock out his meds, brushed his teeth, and took a shower. Then he rested.
Jen did the slow walk to her house and up the stairs with Steve's assistance, picked out needed items, "who knew the engagement ring was a needed item" of fresh socks and Jammie's, did the slow torturous walk back down the stairs and into our house. Then she rested.
Everything is right with the world.
Jen did the slow walk to her house and up the stairs with Steve's assistance, picked out needed items, "who knew the engagement ring was a needed item" of fresh socks and Jammie's, did the slow torturous walk back down the stairs and into our house. Then she rested.
Everything is right with the world.
First night home
Getting up this morning after the first night home led me to realize that I failed to do the necessary full research into the background and behavior's of Jennifer's kidney. As Jen so clearly pointed out this morning, "what did you think, an young girl's kidney feeding an old man's bladder." My god that kidney can put out the juice. I was up and down all night long. I didn't notice it in the hospital when hooked up to the catheter, but in manual mode, yikes. I only can hope that the output was a remnant of all the IV flushes that I was getting, and not a permanent situation.
Still, we're all glad to be home from the hospital. This morning, I celebrated with a breakfast that included avocado toast and bananas, both banned foods for me for the past several years. I can now eat away. Only things now permanently banned is sushi, raw oysters, uncooked meats and eggs. And we'll have to be extra careful with washing fresh fruits and vegetables.
Next was organizing all the meds that I now have to take. I got 14 bottles in the box that they gave me in the hospital. Many are only for the first month or so, and I should drop down to 4-5 meds after I get stabilized. I also have to record BP, temp, and weight twice daily, and add up the total fluids in and out each day in a journal. This will serve, along with the labs, as an early warning sign for any rejection events.
Monday, we're back in at the transplant center at 8:30 for biweekly tests and checkups. Michelle will now get to experience rush hour traffic on the beltway the rest of us have. Staples and stitches come out in a week or so. I got a pretty mean 8 inch incision in my lower groin area that makes it quite an experience to get up and in and out of bed, so it's going to be a while until I'm fully mobile again. A small price to pay.
We're just extremely glad that this has all gone so well so far, and that we're already home after 3 days at the hospital.
Still, we're all glad to be home from the hospital. This morning, I celebrated with a breakfast that included avocado toast and bananas, both banned foods for me for the past several years. I can now eat away. Only things now permanently banned is sushi, raw oysters, uncooked meats and eggs. And we'll have to be extra careful with washing fresh fruits and vegetables.
Next was organizing all the meds that I now have to take. I got 14 bottles in the box that they gave me in the hospital. Many are only for the first month or so, and I should drop down to 4-5 meds after I get stabilized. I also have to record BP, temp, and weight twice daily, and add up the total fluids in and out each day in a journal. This will serve, along with the labs, as an early warning sign for any rejection events.
Monday, we're back in at the transplant center at 8:30 for biweekly tests and checkups. Michelle will now get to experience rush hour traffic on the beltway the rest of us have. Staples and stitches come out in a week or so. I got a pretty mean 8 inch incision in my lower groin area that makes it quite an experience to get up and in and out of bed, so it's going to be a while until I'm fully mobile again. A small price to pay.
We're just extremely glad that this has all gone so well so far, and that we're already home after 3 days at the hospital.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Midnight at Cruickshank Arms,..
Loved the teaser Glenn wrote? He'll wait until tomorrow to come home, take it easy on Michelle. ha!
Jen made the decision to come home at 4:00 this afternoon, and all Glenn needed was the nod from her, and he started packing his bags. Whoa big boy,.. if he thought I was going to drive in rush hour traffic, he had another guess coming. Both of them settled down, did their last round of meds, we did have a slight snafu getting both released at same time and wheel chairs organized, but were home by 9:30.
Glenn arranged his meds then went to bed, like a good man. Jen on the other hand went to bed, but decided the "climb out" to go potty was more pain than what it was worth, so she is spending the night on recliner/couch. Steve decided he was staying there also, so got them situated and I'm going to bed, it's now 12:06, and I'm one pooped puppy. Night all
Jen made the decision to come home at 4:00 this afternoon, and all Glenn needed was the nod from her, and he started packing his bags. Whoa big boy,.. if he thought I was going to drive in rush hour traffic, he had another guess coming. Both of them settled down, did their last round of meds, we did have a slight snafu getting both released at same time and wheel chairs organized, but were home by 9:30.
Glenn arranged his meds then went to bed, like a good man. Jen on the other hand went to bed, but decided the "climb out" to go potty was more pain than what it was worth, so she is spending the night on recliner/couch. Steve decided he was staying there also, so got them situated and I'm going to bed, it's now 12:06, and I'm one pooped puppy. Night all
The Friday Report
Spending Friday the 13th in a hospital is generally not a good sign, but for Jen and I, a good day. We're both rapidly improving, and they are starting to unplug us from all the IV's, catheters and monitoring devices that have us tethered to our beds and to the wall.
This is really a round-the-clock treatment program, designed to get you in and out as fast as good medicine allows. We have been poked and prodded just about every hour of the day. Today started at 1 am with the nursing assistant coming in to check blood pressure, temp, pulse and oxygen saturation. At 3, they drain the collected urine. At 4, they replace the Ringers IV that we both get to push fluids though our kidneys. At 5 am, they pull blood samples for the lab, and take more BP and temp measurements (this is every 4 hours).
We try and sleep around this, but I can only find one spot, what with tubes coming out my neck, arms and bottom, that is halfway comfortable.
At 5:30, I decided that I might as well get up, so did, went over to Jen's -- she was up too, and we did a couple of laps around the corridors. At 7, they come around with breakfast -- Jen was on to solid food, but I was still on broth, jello, tea and apple juice.
Dr. Piper came by at 8, after reviewing my morning labs. He has said that the best that a kidney would function at 2-days post-transplant was a creatinine level of 1.8. I turned in a 1.9, and he was really happy. All other labs were right on the mark, and he said that if I really wanted, could go home today. He also said I could go onto solid food, so I went over to Jen's room and raided the peanut butter and cracker stash that Michelle had put there.
By noon, they had pulled all of Jen's tubes, and she was now untethered. I had one more 4 hour treatment of an infusion of Thymo globulin (some how rabbits are involved in the manufacture), which fools my immune system into not going after the new kidney.
The post-transplant coordinator stopped by with a big box of meds, and she went through those. They think of everything, and rather than kick you out of the hospital with a shopping list of meds, go ahead and fill the first month, so that you don't have to mess around stopping at the pharmacy. I have 14 different meds now that I'll take in the first month, but most will taper off in a month, leaving me with just a couple of anti-rejection drugs, for life.
Jen is still pretty sore, on painkillers, and is thinking about staying one more night, so if she does, I will too, just to keep her company. Wouldn't be right to scoot home with my new kidney and leave her stuck at the hospital. And I think that Michelle's in no big hurry to becoming a nurse for two high-maintenance whiners.
I must say, though, now three days into this, that it was not as bad as we both expected it would be. We know there will be some rough patches ahead, but right now, this went as well as we and the doctors could have anticipated. And we have to thank all the support of friends, family and co-workers who have helped and made this possible.
gc
This is really a round-the-clock treatment program, designed to get you in and out as fast as good medicine allows. We have been poked and prodded just about every hour of the day. Today started at 1 am with the nursing assistant coming in to check blood pressure, temp, pulse and oxygen saturation. At 3, they drain the collected urine. At 4, they replace the Ringers IV that we both get to push fluids though our kidneys. At 5 am, they pull blood samples for the lab, and take more BP and temp measurements (this is every 4 hours).
We try and sleep around this, but I can only find one spot, what with tubes coming out my neck, arms and bottom, that is halfway comfortable.
At 5:30, I decided that I might as well get up, so did, went over to Jen's -- she was up too, and we did a couple of laps around the corridors. At 7, they come around with breakfast -- Jen was on to solid food, but I was still on broth, jello, tea and apple juice.
Dr. Piper came by at 8, after reviewing my morning labs. He has said that the best that a kidney would function at 2-days post-transplant was a creatinine level of 1.8. I turned in a 1.9, and he was really happy. All other labs were right on the mark, and he said that if I really wanted, could go home today. He also said I could go onto solid food, so I went over to Jen's room and raided the peanut butter and cracker stash that Michelle had put there.
By noon, they had pulled all of Jen's tubes, and she was now untethered. I had one more 4 hour treatment of an infusion of Thymo globulin (some how rabbits are involved in the manufacture), which fools my immune system into not going after the new kidney.
The post-transplant coordinator stopped by with a big box of meds, and she went through those. They think of everything, and rather than kick you out of the hospital with a shopping list of meds, go ahead and fill the first month, so that you don't have to mess around stopping at the pharmacy. I have 14 different meds now that I'll take in the first month, but most will taper off in a month, leaving me with just a couple of anti-rejection drugs, for life.
Jen is still pretty sore, on painkillers, and is thinking about staying one more night, so if she does, I will too, just to keep her company. Wouldn't be right to scoot home with my new kidney and leave her stuck at the hospital. And I think that Michelle's in no big hurry to becoming a nurse for two high-maintenance whiners.
I must say, though, now three days into this, that it was not as bad as we both expected it would be. We know there will be some rough patches ahead, but right now, this went as well as we and the doctors could have anticipated. And we have to thank all the support of friends, family and co-workers who have helped and made this possible.
gc
Shank-3
Know about the drip hanging on the end of the nose (B Farmer has noticed also) but now you say "gas" is a family trait. My this family is one that just gives and gives! LOL
Chores done here at home, leaving now to visit my invalids.
Chores done here at home, leaving now to visit my invalids.
Pass the beans,....
Oh, this husband of mine, you got to love him.
He called "bright and early" to share the joy on passing gas! Good news, happy as a pig in mud for him, just wished he would have waited for another couple hours before waking me, but guess sleep is over-rated!
He and Jen did an early morning stroll at 5, then went back to bed. Jen is feeling much better today, pain is diminishing, but keeping the pain meds close at hand. She did request a chick-fillet and diet coke for lunch today, so that's a positive step.
No word yet if Glenn's gets solids today instead of broth.
He called "bright and early" to share the joy on passing gas! Good news, happy as a pig in mud for him, just wished he would have waited for another couple hours before waking me, but guess sleep is over-rated!
He and Jen did an early morning stroll at 5, then went back to bed. Jen is feeling much better today, pain is diminishing, but keeping the pain meds close at hand. She did request a chick-fillet and diet coke for lunch today, so that's a positive step.
No word yet if Glenn's gets solids today instead of broth.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Day after,...
Today was much easier on everyone except Jen, she's hurting. Removing kidney endoscopically does eliminate an incision so she'll heal faster and of course its less invasive, this procedure is when they blow the tummy up with gas, so surgeon has room to work and move things around, unfortunately lots of time the gas causes great discomfort and pain the next day. That's where we're at. Although when I left this evening, she was resting easier, pain was reduced, and she's off all IVs, but still has catheter. I have serious doubts that Jen will make it home tomorrow as doctor predicted.
Glenn on the other hand, might make it home before her, he's doing great. Scooting down the halls, bobbing in to visit Jen, checking out all photographs and paintings on wall, quizzing nurses on all meds being given, and checking out what was on the daily menu, but mostly complaining about not getting solid food. Nurses are on strict orders, when he starts passing gas, they'll start passing him real food.
Glenn's still on all IVs and catheter, but is really restricting himself on pain meds as much as possible. Must be the Baptist in him, reduce all of life's grand pleasures.
Going to bed now, pretty exhausted. Goodnight all
Glenn on the other hand, might make it home before her, he's doing great. Scooting down the halls, bobbing in to visit Jen, checking out all photographs and paintings on wall, quizzing nurses on all meds being given, and checking out what was on the daily menu, but mostly complaining about not getting solid food. Nurses are on strict orders, when he starts passing gas, they'll start passing him real food.
Glenn's still on all IVs and catheter, but is really restricting himself on pain meds as much as possible. Must be the Baptist in him, reduce all of life's grand pleasures.
Going to bed now, pretty exhausted. Goodnight all
more numbers,...
Doctor Piper checked in with Glenn today, said that surgery was the best possible outcome. Glenn's creatinine level yesterday morning was 7.5, in less than 12 hours it was 3.5
Incision looked good so he's taking dressing off today, Piper said bandages are highly over rated and dressing was for salads,... oh what a jester he's turning out to be.
Glenn is in high spirits, no headaches, pain being a 4 when lying still but climbs to a 7 when sitting up and moving about.
Jen on the other hand is at a 7 and climbs to a 10 when she moves, so according to results, she pretty much having textbook results also. All materials we've read, said donor will be the sorest and that's what is happening. Poor Jen, but please know that Glenn realizes the sacrifice you've done. I love you.
Incision looked good so he's taking dressing off today, Piper said bandages are highly over rated and dressing was for salads,... oh what a jester he's turning out to be.
Glenn is in high spirits, no headaches, pain being a 4 when lying still but climbs to a 7 when sitting up and moving about.
Jen on the other hand is at a 7 and climbs to a 10 when she moves, so according to results, she pretty much having textbook results also. All materials we've read, said donor will be the sorest and that's what is happening. Poor Jen, but please know that Glenn realizes the sacrifice you've done. I love you.
Glenn's numbers
Just talked with Glenn, his blood pressure is 111/78 which is EXCELLENT, temp is normal, and he's happy about the catheter, because he would be exhausted getting out of bed every time this new kidney made water. LOL
He and Jen did two laps together around the nursing floor this morning already, but neither one would call it a race.
Glenn still has tubes coming out of arms, legs and according to Jen, the one in the neck is really grossing her out. Jen is tethered to her bed by tubes also, but some of them will be taken out this morning, her voice sounds low and sexy, due to the breathing tube used during surgery, which causes her throat to hurt, needless to say. our conversation was cut short.
Wet and rainy here today, just what I love to drive in, woo hoo! Probably scared the pooh out of Steve last night on the ride home, but going with the thought that we're now even, on his scaring the hell out of me on the drive to Philly. ha ha ha!
8:00 am
He and Jen did two laps together around the nursing floor this morning already, but neither one would call it a race.
Glenn still has tubes coming out of arms, legs and according to Jen, the one in the neck is really grossing her out. Jen is tethered to her bed by tubes also, but some of them will be taken out this morning, her voice sounds low and sexy, due to the breathing tube used during surgery, which causes her throat to hurt, needless to say. our conversation was cut short.
Wet and rainy here today, just what I love to drive in, woo hoo! Probably scared the pooh out of Steve last night on the ride home, but going with the thought that we're now even, on his scaring the hell out of me on the drive to Philly. ha ha ha!
8:00 am
What the Heck,....
OK thought I would get to sleep-in some this morning, but dogs had a better idea, at 6:00 am straight up, Miss Phoebe needed to go outside. She's 10, so in dogs years she's about my age and it's obvious that her bladder isn't any stronger than mine. LOL
And not sure why the time-line on this blog registers 4 hours later than actual time, and keep forgetting to ask Glenn about it. Will take his computer in today so Glenn can get techno fix if he feels up to it.
Driving in around 9:30 today, after some of the 66 traffic has lighten. Steve stayed at Jen's last night, well actually he and Duncan stayed there. Anyway, he'll be working until 4:00, then drive to hospital for the afternoon shift, but quite sure the two lovebirds will be talking on phone between now and then.
Gordon spent numerous hours with Steve and I yesterday, ... ran errands, played cards, and general cheerful chatter that keeps one from going nuts while waiting. He'll be popping in today bringing Jen her Starbucks, as promised.
If you want to get a card to Jen or Glenn, it would be best if you mailed it to the house, Madson or Cruickshank, 2014 Youngs Drive, Haymarket VA 20169, Jen's carriage house address is the same as ours. I posted their hospital telephone numbers on yesterdays blog if you want to reach them by phone.
Believe it or not, both Steve and I are doing fine, yesterday was long but we're both made it through and came out the other side stronger. Many thanks to everyone for their love, prayers and support.
And not sure why the time-line on this blog registers 4 hours later than actual time, and keep forgetting to ask Glenn about it. Will take his computer in today so Glenn can get techno fix if he feels up to it.
Driving in around 9:30 today, after some of the 66 traffic has lighten. Steve stayed at Jen's last night, well actually he and Duncan stayed there. Anyway, he'll be working until 4:00, then drive to hospital for the afternoon shift, but quite sure the two lovebirds will be talking on phone between now and then.
Gordon spent numerous hours with Steve and I yesterday, ... ran errands, played cards, and general cheerful chatter that keeps one from going nuts while waiting. He'll be popping in today bringing Jen her Starbucks, as promised.
If you want to get a card to Jen or Glenn, it would be best if you mailed it to the house, Madson or Cruickshank, 2014 Youngs Drive, Haymarket VA 20169, Jen's carriage house address is the same as ours. I posted their hospital telephone numbers on yesterdays blog if you want to reach them by phone.
Believe it or not, both Steve and I are doing fine, yesterday was long but we're both made it through and came out the other side stronger. Many thanks to everyone for their love, prayers and support.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Excellent News,..
Today was one very long day, but what a outcome!
Jen and Glenn went through surgery with flying colors, both of them are hurting as you may expect, but already on the road to recovery. Jen seemed groggy for a long time, but by 6:30 she was eating Jello, drinking clear broth, and getting some wise cracks in.
The Kidney (yup that's with a capital K) immediately started producing urine, Glenn blood pressure went from EXTREMELY HIGH this morning to 127 over 73, which is excellent, and his color was pink and healthy. Creatinine level was already working it's way down. Only side effect that Glenn noticed so far,was this over powering urge to go shoe shopping but otherwise he thought he was fine.
Hospital again is, Inova Fairfax, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church VA,22042
Jen is due home Friday, room number is 785 and #703-776-2785
Glenn is due home on Saturday, room number is 784 and #703-776-4784 BUT DON'T SEND HIM FLOWERS, because of his immune system, flowers can't be accepted.
They are down the hall from each other, so Jen thought for her first stroll this evening, she'd pop her head into her dad's room and say hey.
I'm going to bed now, just wanted to give update. Don't hesitate to call them, know they'll want to hear from you.
Jen, I'm so blessed to have you as my daughter, and if I haven't mentioned it, you are marrying a very good man. Steve, thank you for being there, not sure how I would have made it through today without you.
Jen and Glenn went through surgery with flying colors, both of them are hurting as you may expect, but already on the road to recovery. Jen seemed groggy for a long time, but by 6:30 she was eating Jello, drinking clear broth, and getting some wise cracks in.
The Kidney (yup that's with a capital K) immediately started producing urine, Glenn blood pressure went from EXTREMELY HIGH this morning to 127 over 73, which is excellent, and his color was pink and healthy. Creatinine level was already working it's way down. Only side effect that Glenn noticed so far,was this over powering urge to go shoe shopping but otherwise he thought he was fine.
Hospital again is, Inova Fairfax, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church VA,22042
Jen is due home Friday, room number is 785 and #703-776-2785
Glenn is due home on Saturday, room number is 784 and #703-776-4784 BUT DON'T SEND HIM FLOWERS, because of his immune system, flowers can't be accepted.
They are down the hall from each other, so Jen thought for her first stroll this evening, she'd pop her head into her dad's room and say hey.
I'm going to bed now, just wanted to give update. Don't hesitate to call them, know they'll want to hear from you.
Jen, I'm so blessed to have you as my daughter, and if I haven't mentioned it, you are marrying a very good man. Steve, thank you for being there, not sure how I would have made it through today without you.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Tuesday evening,...
Roughly 12 hours when we'll be leaving here to go to the hospital. Jen packed her overnight bag, Glenn still needs to decide what he's going to take, otherwise all that's left is the waiting game.
Everyone here is moving on little sleep, seems all the bogeymen do their best work at night, and proves impossible to sleep with "what ifs" poking into your brain.
Jen has eliminated all surgery talk,... good, bad or indifferent. Tears just too close to the surface.
Strange, when I signed onto this over 27 years ago, little did I know that it would be my daughter who would be the one to save Glenn's life. Very proud of her, but wish I would have been the match. Difficult enough going through this with my husband, unbearable thinking about Jen. Tomorrow will be a long day.
Everyone here is moving on little sleep, seems all the bogeymen do their best work at night, and proves impossible to sleep with "what ifs" poking into your brain.
Jen has eliminated all surgery talk,... good, bad or indifferent. Tears just too close to the surface.
Strange, when I signed onto this over 27 years ago, little did I know that it would be my daughter who would be the one to save Glenn's life. Very proud of her, but wish I would have been the match. Difficult enough going through this with my husband, unbearable thinking about Jen. Tomorrow will be a long day.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Another Day Closer,...
Driving to the Transplant Center this morning with Jen was,... God awful early, left the house at 6:01 am but still took us until 7:05 to go 20 some odd miles. Thank goodness we could speed along at 40 mph in the HOV lane instead of the other poor schmucks! Going with the thought that it was good practice for Wednesday, except for the fact we'll need to leave the house at 4:45 AM.
Both Jen and Glenn get to go immediately back to bed, granted its a hospital bed but a bed never the less, while poor Steve and I get to sit on a straight back chair, and pat their hands and say sweet comforting things, all the while dying to say, move over and let me catch a couple winks.
Thinking we have everything lined up, have house in a somewhat shape, most yard work completed, dog sitter in place, fridge stocked and pantry filled. Tell the truth, we've all been too busy to dwell on the what ifs, and have set our minds and thoughts that all will be fine. As Glenn's mentor would say,...Make it so Scotty!
Both Jen and Glenn get to go immediately back to bed, granted its a hospital bed but a bed never the less, while poor Steve and I get to sit on a straight back chair, and pat their hands and say sweet comforting things, all the while dying to say, move over and let me catch a couple winks.
Thinking we have everything lined up, have house in a somewhat shape, most yard work completed, dog sitter in place, fridge stocked and pantry filled. Tell the truth, we've all been too busy to dwell on the what ifs, and have set our minds and thoughts that all will be fine. As Glenn's mentor would say,...Make it so Scotty!
Friday, November 6, 2009
Take a deep breath,.....
This morning at 10:00, Jen got a call from Kimberly, our transplant coordinator, giving her some disturbing news. They have a problem with the samples of blood they took this week and had sent to John Hopkins. Of course they don't tell you what the problem is, encouraging us to worry and fret for the next 4 days. woo hoo!
They want Jen back at the transplant center by 7:00 am Monday, so they can draw more blood, no mention of how many vials she'll have to fill again.
Needless to say, she's in tears thinking the worst, and all Steve and I can do is try to comfort her.
She wants me to with her while they do another draw. Was thinking she wanted me there for a shoulder to lean on, until she mentioned that with two in the car, she'll be able to drive in the HOV lane. Giggle or cry, our only two options.
Glenn is being the truly amazing through all this,.... even keel and steady as ever, keeping us all grounded through this ordeal. I chose so wisely marrying him.
They want Jen back at the transplant center by 7:00 am Monday, so they can draw more blood, no mention of how many vials she'll have to fill again.
Needless to say, she's in tears thinking the worst, and all Steve and I can do is try to comfort her.
She wants me to with her while they do another draw. Was thinking she wanted me there for a shoulder to lean on, until she mentioned that with two in the car, she'll be able to drive in the HOV lane. Giggle or cry, our only two options.
Glenn is being the truly amazing through all this,.... even keel and steady as ever, keeping us all grounded through this ordeal. I chose so wisely marrying him.
The world of the weird,
As Glenn as he was rushing out of the house this morning, my parting words were,.... eat nothing healthy today, only fried foods with lots of sugar!
Seems Glenn got his numbers back on the many vials of blood they took this week and his potassium is at a dangerous level, another .3 points and they won't be able to do surgery. All fruits and vegetables are a no-no for him, yucky artery clogging gunk is what's on this week menu. Stress, what stress?
Thank y'all on your comments and kind words, know that we'll be fine and will muddle our way through this.
Something totally off the surgery subject, Jen and Steve celebrated their first date anniversary last night, dinner at their favorite restaurant in Warrenton, Tapas and Mojitos. And they did discuss catering menu with owner, so we might want to review what Ricky Riccardo and Lucy's standard dinner fare was!
Seems Glenn got his numbers back on the many vials of blood they took this week and his potassium is at a dangerous level, another .3 points and they won't be able to do surgery. All fruits and vegetables are a no-no for him, yucky artery clogging gunk is what's on this week menu. Stress, what stress?
Thank y'all on your comments and kind words, know that we'll be fine and will muddle our way through this.
Something totally off the surgery subject, Jen and Steve celebrated their first date anniversary last night, dinner at their favorite restaurant in Warrenton, Tapas and Mojitos. And they did discuss catering menu with owner, so we might want to review what Ricky Riccardo and Lucy's standard dinner fare was!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Hospital Information
Inova Fairfax Hospital, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church, VA 22042
(Map and interactive directions)(Campus map) 703-776-4001
Above is information on Hospital where Glenn and Jen will be calling home for a couple days. If everything goes in our favor, Jen should be released on Friday and Glenn on Saturday, which just amazes us, but after they said, hospitals is where people go when suffering from flesh-eating-bacteria, will we understand the rush.
In fact with swine flu running rampant, the visitor hours are very restricted in hours and number of visitors, and the first sneeze or cough, and that person will be escorted to the door. But saying that, both Jen and Glenn will need your positive thoughts, so hopefully you'll sign on as a follower to Glenn's blog and leave messages so he knows your out there! Also included the phone number, if you want to reach us at the hospital, for whatever reason.
Steve and I will cover blog, the first couple days, but quite sure Glenn will take over by Saturday at the latest!
This weekend will be devoted to last minute preps,... grocery shopping, house cleaning, laundry, setting up doggy care, filling med, hotel reservations by hospital, etc., etc., etc.
Jen will be restricted from driving for two weeks, and Glenn doesn't get his driving privileges back for four to six weeks, which means I'll be playing chauffeur for a while. Both of them are hating that, something about me being such a bad driver, and guess I make them nervous when I talk about my double vision. Whiners!
(Map and interactive directions)(Campus map) 703-776-4001
Above is information on Hospital where Glenn and Jen will be calling home for a couple days. If everything goes in our favor, Jen should be released on Friday and Glenn on Saturday, which just amazes us, but after they said, hospitals is where people go when suffering from flesh-eating-bacteria, will we understand the rush.
In fact with swine flu running rampant, the visitor hours are very restricted in hours and number of visitors, and the first sneeze or cough, and that person will be escorted to the door. But saying that, both Jen and Glenn will need your positive thoughts, so hopefully you'll sign on as a follower to Glenn's blog and leave messages so he knows your out there! Also included the phone number, if you want to reach us at the hospital, for whatever reason.
Steve and I will cover blog, the first couple days, but quite sure Glenn will take over by Saturday at the latest!
This weekend will be devoted to last minute preps,... grocery shopping, house cleaning, laundry, setting up doggy care, filling med, hotel reservations by hospital, etc., etc., etc.
Jen will be restricted from driving for two weeks, and Glenn doesn't get his driving privileges back for four to six weeks, which means I'll be playing chauffeur for a while. Both of them are hating that, something about me being such a bad driver, and guess I make them nervous when I talk about my double vision. Whiners!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Hopefully the last pre-tests!
Today was a pretty busy day for us at the Innova transplant center. We met with our transplant coordinator Kimberly for an hour and a half. Jen has a 2-page set of instructions for pre- and post-operative care. I have a binder. Kimberly went over all the things that we have to do leading up to next Wednesday, what we can't eat, what drugs not to take, what to bring with us to the hospital, what will happen that day and in the days following.
Looks like Jen and I both may get out of the hospital on the same or close-to same day- Saturday the 14th -- if all goes well. Then I have to go back in the following Monday and Thursday for testing.
She then covered a bad-news section of the briefing for me. READER ALERT: THE FOLLOWING PARAGRAPH CONTAINS TOO MUCH INFORMATION -- READ AT YOUR OWN RISK . Seems that they put in a stent where my new kidney hooks to the bladder. It's kind of a drinking straw thing that keeps the plumbing open while it heals. Kimberly informed me that they have to remove it 6 weeks after surgery. It doesn't come out the same incision that it went in. IT COMES OUT THE ONLY OTHER PLUMBING CONNECTION TO MY BLADDER. YES THAT ONE. Seems they run a CAMERA up there (these photos will NOT be posted on the blog), then send up some sort of a gizmo like a plumber's snake and PULL IT OUT. AND I HAVE TO BE AWAKE FOR THIS. Somehow, now the surgery itself seems a pretty minor episode compared to this event. No wonder she put this under the bad news category.
After I started to breath again, then they took lots of blood -- 11 vials for Jen, 10 for me. She's also participating in a medical study -- kind of cool -- they want to study the "trimmings" from her kidney for some purpose. She had to sign all the paperwork for that. I had to get another EKG and chest xray.
I met with Dr. Piper after lunch. He went through the details of the surgery, the success factors -- meds on time, keeping appointments and labs, getting up around after surgery and staying active, good diet. He laid out some of the statistics: 7% of transplants fail within the first year, half now last up 10-15 years and the other half last longer than than. So I have pretty good odds that this will be the last one I need. He did say that the fact that I didn't have to go on dialysis is a major improvement in my odds of a successful transplant. Even a short time on that dramatically decreases the success factor.
Kimberly had said that I should be avoiding crowded places after transplant for a while, to avoid bugs. Dr. Piper sort of disagreed, saying that my highest risk of contact with bad stuff was four days in the hospital, and that even four hours at a company Christmas party, for instance, was nowhere near the risk that the hospital was. So we'll have to see how the holiday season goes.
So this weekend, Kimberly advised, should be spent getting ready -- groceries, reading material, clean the house, do chores, pay bills, all the things that you do just before a vacation, so that you don't worry about them next week. Some vacation it will be.
Looks like Jen and I both may get out of the hospital on the same or close-to same day- Saturday the 14th -- if all goes well. Then I have to go back in the following Monday and Thursday for testing.
She then covered a bad-news section of the briefing for me. READER ALERT: THE FOLLOWING PARAGRAPH CONTAINS TOO MUCH INFORMATION -- READ AT YOUR OWN RISK . Seems that they put in a stent where my new kidney hooks to the bladder. It's kind of a drinking straw thing that keeps the plumbing open while it heals. Kimberly informed me that they have to remove it 6 weeks after surgery. It doesn't come out the same incision that it went in. IT COMES OUT THE ONLY OTHER PLUMBING CONNECTION TO MY BLADDER. YES THAT ONE. Seems they run a CAMERA up there (these photos will NOT be posted on the blog), then send up some sort of a gizmo like a plumber's snake and PULL IT OUT. AND I HAVE TO BE AWAKE FOR THIS. Somehow, now the surgery itself seems a pretty minor episode compared to this event. No wonder she put this under the bad news category.
After I started to breath again, then they took lots of blood -- 11 vials for Jen, 10 for me. She's also participating in a medical study -- kind of cool -- they want to study the "trimmings" from her kidney for some purpose. She had to sign all the paperwork for that. I had to get another EKG and chest xray.
I met with Dr. Piper after lunch. He went through the details of the surgery, the success factors -- meds on time, keeping appointments and labs, getting up around after surgery and staying active, good diet. He laid out some of the statistics: 7% of transplants fail within the first year, half now last up 10-15 years and the other half last longer than than. So I have pretty good odds that this will be the last one I need. He did say that the fact that I didn't have to go on dialysis is a major improvement in my odds of a successful transplant. Even a short time on that dramatically decreases the success factor.
Kimberly had said that I should be avoiding crowded places after transplant for a while, to avoid bugs. Dr. Piper sort of disagreed, saying that my highest risk of contact with bad stuff was four days in the hospital, and that even four hours at a company Christmas party, for instance, was nowhere near the risk that the hospital was. So we'll have to see how the holiday season goes.
So this weekend, Kimberly advised, should be spent getting ready -- groceries, reading material, clean the house, do chores, pay bills, all the things that you do just before a vacation, so that you don't worry about them next week. Some vacation it will be.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Passing tests
Today was the monthly meeting with my nephrologist, Dr. Assefi, and apparently the last for a while, as he turns my care over to the transplant team next week. He said that my labs were excellent, which I found a bit puzzling. What they always seem to leave out is the obvious "all things considered" and the fact that my kidneys have failed. My kidney function test, where the normal range is .51 to 1.41, a cadaver is probably 9 and I clocked in at 8.7 wouldn't strike me as excellent. I guess what he was trying to say was that other than the obvious, I am pretty healthy. But he has done a great job managing my kidneys by drugs in the last 6 years that I've been going to him so I owe him and Porche, his nurse, a big thanks for keeping me off dialysis and ready for a transplant.
He also said that the last half dozen of his patients that had been transplanted by Innova Fairfax all went home in 4 days, rather than the 5 that we'd been told. So that was good to hear. One less day surrounded by sick people is OK by me.
Jen was in yesterday for her meetings with her surgeon. She passed all her tests and was cleared to go next week. That was also great news, she's been working very hard to get into the right physical condition to do this and she met their goals! (like there was any question -- when Jen sets her mind to something, she get it (note to Steve)).
Tomorrow is our final round of counseling and tests! This has been a long journey and we're almost there. They take another set of xrays of me, run a final EKG, pull labs, and walk us through the when/where/what of next Wednesday. Jennifer has questions ready, like, can I bring my own PJ's, can Gordon bring in Starbucks the next day. I meet with my surgeon, Dr. Piper, tomorrow as well.
gc
He also said that the last half dozen of his patients that had been transplanted by Innova Fairfax all went home in 4 days, rather than the 5 that we'd been told. So that was good to hear. One less day surrounded by sick people is OK by me.
Jen was in yesterday for her meetings with her surgeon. She passed all her tests and was cleared to go next week. That was also great news, she's been working very hard to get into the right physical condition to do this and she met their goals! (like there was any question -- when Jen sets her mind to something, she get it (note to Steve)).
Tomorrow is our final round of counseling and tests! This has been a long journey and we're almost there. They take another set of xrays of me, run a final EKG, pull labs, and walk us through the when/where/what of next Wednesday. Jennifer has questions ready, like, can I bring my own PJ's, can Gordon bring in Starbucks the next day. I meet with my surgeon, Dr. Piper, tomorrow as well.
gc
Sunday, November 1, 2009
sleep wear for Glenn
Our friend Gordon, well he started off originally as Jen's friend but now we claim him as well, was over for dinner this evening, (Jen did the cooking, potato/leek soup, fennel salad and smoked pork tenderloin for you foodies out there), and conversation turned to surgery, and what one wears during an extended stay. Jen didn't have a preference on clothing but wanted Starbucks the following morning, Glenn on the other hand, who is always cold, has some definite concerns.
Does anyone know where I can get my hands on a one piece sleeper with footies in a Man's tall? Preferably in bright yellow with duck feet,.... hood is optional.
Michelle
Does anyone know where I can get my hands on a one piece sleeper with footies in a Man's tall? Preferably in bright yellow with duck feet,.... hood is optional.
Michelle
Meeting the new in-laws
Saturday, Michelle, Jen, Steve and I drove up to Philly to meet his family for the first time (well, first time for Michelle and I). First stop was at the jeweler where they picked up her engagement ring. He went down on his knees to put the ring on Jen's finger right in the front window of the store. The owners of the shop said that's the first time anyone has proposed in the store, and we didn't have the heart to tell them that no one still has -- that this was a rerun.
After a short walk around the Constitution Hall area waiting for lunchtime, we headed over to Maggiano's Little Italy near Reading Station to meet the Frederick family. Steve's mother Rose and Joseph and Peggy and daugher Joanne with baby Olivia on board, brother Tom and Cathy. There are a welcoming and friendly family and lunch went off without a hitch.
Almost.
Did I mention that we were at Maggiano's Italian restaurant? And that the family was largely Italian and German ancestry. The lunch time conversation, over plates of ravioli, lasagna and chicken francese, included the wedding plans, and Jen was describing where the wedding was going to be, and their reception planning activities. She said that they had just found out that their favorite restaurant in Warrenton caters, and "they have the best tapas and mojitos". There were some quizzical looks around the table and Jen continued, " you know, Cuban food". That's when we heard the proverbial crickets. It seems the whole restaurant went silent. "Hey, how about those Giants", or somthing like that broke the spell and got the conversation restarted.
Later, in the car back to Washington we laughted about it, and said, well, we dodged a bullet there, better to find out now rather than at the wedding. But it was a fun day and took our minds off the coming surgeries in 11 days. Monday, Jen goes in for a day of tests, Tuesday is the appointment with my nephrologist and Wednesday is our final preoperative meetings with surgeons and transplant staff. It will be a busy week.
gc
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