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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!