Recovery Day 2 Recap

All the days are starting to run together…. I am not even sure what day of the week we are on (but I do know that today  is my sister’s birthday – Happy Birthday Betsy!  You’re a great Big Sis!)

So excuse me if I repeat the updates or miss something.  It has been hard for me to make timely updates because there is so much going on.  But here we go.

Jeremy

·         Made 6 laps around the hall

·         IV removed

·         Pain Pump removed

·         Is eating full meals

·         Pain meds were switched and he is doing great… really this has been his big turning point.  He looking and acting like his normal self with the better fitting pain medication

·         He got dressed and brushed his teeth (I am thankful for that)

·         His outer bandages were removed

·         Walked without assistance

·         Took a shower last night

·         He visited Ashley and was reunited with Jash

·         Sat through an interview and photo session

·         Got the clearance for Friday discharge

·         And got a much better night’s sleep last night

Ashley

·         Woke up on the 5^th floor!

·         Moved off the Pain Pump

·         No more need for heart and blood pressure monitor

·         Pain management under control

·         Had a BM movement

·         Was able to move to the chair

·         Was reunited with Jeremy

·         Ate full meals

·         Press interview and photos

·         Visited with LOTS of friends and family

·         Was able to get a good night’s rest

·         WALKED!!!!  This was a BIG one.  She walked a lap around the hall.

·         Accomplished goals for the day: walk laps around the floor, transition to breakthrough pain management, drink more water

·         Set recovery day 3 goals

Kidney Cutie Reunion

Today Jeremy, Ashley and Jash were reunited

    * Jash is the kidney * 

Here are pics from the beautiful moment

Jeremy on is way to Ashley

First Sight

Big Hug

Ashley so happy about seeing Jeremy

I LOVE this one!

talking about the experience 

KIDNEY CUTIES!!!!!!

Rock Star Status

Jeremy is a rock star.  As of last night he had reached all his major milestones. 
1. sitting up
2. walking
3. pee on his own (there is that word again)
4. BM (as it is called in the "business") movement
5. gas
6. pain control
7. eating liquids

He made it through the night.  He was a little uncomfortable - after surgery there is a bunch of gas in your body because they fill you with air to help move things around.  So it is typical to feel blotted and gassy after the surgery.

Being the true Jeremy he is, Jeremy got up alone several times in the middle of the night to use the bathroom (I was there but with ear plugs in).  He is already proving he can take care of himself - which is a good thing.

So by 6am he was up and feeling uncomfortable and being sick of his bed.  So we took 2 laps around the hall!  He sat in his chair for a while. and then decided it was back to bed (and I took advantage of some more sleep too). 

Around 9am the transplant surgical team came around.  They are overly pleased with Jeremy's progress!!!!!!  wooooohoooooo.  They are happy he has hit all his goals (read above) and think he is doing great.  They have switched him to solid foods, in moderation.  The IV and pain pump are going away.  We are changing oral pain killers to find a better fit.  They want him to keep up what he is doing.  And said he will be discharged tomorrow for sure!

We LOVE this good report. 

I have not been down to see Ashley yet.  Late last night she was moved to Jeremy's floor - room 5207.  I was able to spend some time with her was Jeremy was fast asleep.  They have not been able to see each other yet, but it is on the agenda for today. 

Ashley still needs to get up and walk around.  She is feeling a little weak on her feet.  Please pray for her strength and confidence as she takes those first few steps.

Thank you for going through this surgery and recovery with us.  It has been a blessing to me to share it along the way.  Through this whole experience, Jeremy and I have had such great peace and confidence. And I know that it has been God’s faithfulness that has led us through it.  We have a big God who has protected every step of the way. 

Update: Recovery Day 1

Update: It has been a busy day for Kidney Cutie. Lots of doctors and lots of visitors - now lots of sleeping.

Last night I got to spend the night in Jeremy's room, so I have been able to stay with him the whole.  We had several nurse visits throughout the night.  The transplant team arrived at 7:30am.  They gave a good report of the surgery and they are happy with how he is doing. 

From about 7:30am on we have been nonstop.  The surgical team also came up - good report.  Dr. Watson, Jeremy's surgeon dropped in to "spy" on him.  He was happy with the surgery and was glad to see him doing so well.  

My parents also arrived for a visit.  They left today, so they wanted to spend some time with Jeremy before they headed out of town.  Shortly afterward, Jeremy's parents and brother got to the hospital.  About that time my parents and I scooted up to Ashley's room.

We have a GREAT report from Ashley.  I am so very excited to say, the kidney is doing beautifully.  The kidney is producing a large quantity of urine (the main function of the kidney).  The production of urine is the first sign that the kidney is working.  I think only in this scenario is it joyous to talk about pee!  Ashley has gone from barely going to the bathroom once or twice a day…. To producing a higher than normal level of pee (which is expected after transplant).  Gradually her body will equal out as the kidney continues to function properly.  Besides all the exciting pee news, we have other great stats

Blood pressure is also directly linked to the kidneys.  Many of you remember us posting that Ashley's blood pressure had gotten really high - around 197 over something (I can't remember all the numbers people – there are just too many).  Well when she was in the hospital they were able to reduce her BP to 115 with medication and rest.  This morning her PB was 105 WITHOUT medication.  This is when we jump up and down and shout YIPPPEEEE.

And the news keeps getting better.  Ashley had developed mild diabetes some time before the surgery.  This morning they were going to give her insulin as usual, but Ashley asked them to wait 30 minutes to see how her body worked without it.  When I got up there, her sugar levels had dropped to 124 WITHOUT insulin - that is really close to a normal range.  Hallelujah, this is such great progress!

*disclaimer – don’t quote me on all these numbers.  Ashley was not awake for me to confirm.  There is so much to remember… but main thing is it is good news*

Back on our front:  Our day has been full of visits from nurses, coordinators and doctors {hence why I can’t get any updates posted}.  In addition to all that activity, Jeremy sat up in a chair for an hour or two.  He was also able to eat some clear broth.  And then around 1ish Jeremy took a lap around the hall.  He kept a really good pace (and was only smiling on the inside).  

Jeremy is in high spirits and overall doing really well.  Like I expected, he wants to try and do things himself.  Not sure how much I will even get to play nurse.  We have a few milestones to hit before we can go home, but the best thing is that he is on the mend and going to make a full recovery.  

We are still so thankful to all the surgeons and doctors that worked their magic on these two very special Kidney Cuties.  Today is a happy day.

All Smiles with the BEST anesthesiologist around!!!!  He was in the operating room with both Ashely and Jeremy. 

 More updates to come.