It's hard to believe that we are coming up on the one month anniversary since Eldon had his liver transplant. Man, how time flys.
The first week was a tough one, we were at the hospital everyday. We were either seeing a medical professional or getting lab work or having some other procedure. We were both exhausted just driving back and forth dealing with these visits. It seemed like all I did was drive Eldon back and forth to the medical appointments, care for his needs, do the laundry and do dishes. Yes, I did feel a little sorry for myself. That didn't last long. I remembered how blessed we are to be where we are now.
Since then things have gotten better. The blood work continues to improve, Eldon has little or no pain. I think he's only taken 1-2 pain pills since he's been home. The staples were removed, the last drain was removed. Eldon's vital signs remain stable and he looks great, his outlook on life is improved and now we look to see what it is the Lord has for us to do with the rest of our lives.
I will return to work on October 28th and Eldon will be able to return on January 1st, 2014. It will be great for Eldon to start to return back to his normal life. We are planning for next summer, when we will go fishing as often as possible, not because I have developed a love for fishing but, because Eldon has gone through so much and I feel he deserves this time. He was so patient for 20 months as we traveled down this pre-transplant road. He submitted to doctor visits, blood tests, additional procedures and did it all without complaint. So I can support him by going fishing, something Eldon loves to do.
We will continue to praise our Father in Heaven and His son, Jesus Christ, for watching out over us as we have walked this road. We will always be grateful for our Savior walking with us on this path and many times holding us up while we waited for this wondeful blessing, a new liver. We will also be forever grateful to all of our family and friends, who have become family, for their love and support while we traveled this road. Without their encouragement, love and support it would have been a dark and difficult road to travel.
We also look forward to see what is coming our way. The good and bad times, hopefully, we will endure them as we have done this past 20 months. We also hope that we will be able to hope those that have lost their way find their way back to God. We love you!
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Monday, October 7, 2013
The 10th Florr
After leaving ICU we were transferred to the 10th at IMC. We had a great view of the west side of the valley from Eldon's ICU room, this time we had a room on the east side of the hospital. When you would open the blinds it looked like someone had taken a huge picture of the Wasatch Mountains. Absolutely magnificent. All the staff on this floor were just as wonderful as the ICU staff. So kind and positive, not one unkind word and not one person with a bad attitude.
The staff would always ask if they could do something for us. They too didn't mind that we set up house in Eldon's room. I didn't want him to be alone. He never really had been hospitalized before and I was concerned he might feel a little scared or abandoned. I slept in his room Wednesday and Thursday night, sleep is really relative, it was broken sleep. So I ask Heather, the oldest daughter, to stay with her Dad. She slept there on Friday and Saturday night. It so helped me to be able to come and sleep. It was Sunday night that I had to leave Eldon there alone. He did just fine, I think I was more concerned than he was.
On Monday September 23rd, I went to work in the morning to attempt to do some work and get ready for Eldon coming home. The plan was initially to discharge Eldon on Tuesday. The doctor came in and said they were going to discharge him on Monday. So I was at work on Monday for about 3 hours. Finally, we left the hospital at 4PM. It took forever to get home because of traffic and when we did get home Heather was there and she was so kind to make supper. What a relief! Eldon is home and now we start moving forward on this life path we are on.
Today is October 4th, we have been home almost two weeks now. The last drain is out, the staples were taken out and he continues to get better. We had a little set back today. His Prograf is too high and his hands are showing the side effects, shaking. I think that's bothering him. Not to mention "cabin fever". The clinic called and said to cut back on his meds. The liver is working really well and they are pleased. I pray we continue to keep forward like we have so far.
We are grateful for the care and guidance that our Father in Heaven has given us. There is obviously something we are suppose to do in this life. Once, Eldon is feeling better we will need to ask the Lord how and where we can serve him and do those things we have been sent here to do.
Thanks so much for all the love and support.
The staff would always ask if they could do something for us. They too didn't mind that we set up house in Eldon's room. I didn't want him to be alone. He never really had been hospitalized before and I was concerned he might feel a little scared or abandoned. I slept in his room Wednesday and Thursday night, sleep is really relative, it was broken sleep. So I ask Heather, the oldest daughter, to stay with her Dad. She slept there on Friday and Saturday night. It so helped me to be able to come and sleep. It was Sunday night that I had to leave Eldon there alone. He did just fine, I think I was more concerned than he was.
On Monday September 23rd, I went to work in the morning to attempt to do some work and get ready for Eldon coming home. The plan was initially to discharge Eldon on Tuesday. The doctor came in and said they were going to discharge him on Monday. So I was at work on Monday for about 3 hours. Finally, we left the hospital at 4PM. It took forever to get home because of traffic and when we did get home Heather was there and she was so kind to make supper. What a relief! Eldon is home and now we start moving forward on this life path we are on.
Today is October 4th, we have been home almost two weeks now. The last drain is out, the staples were taken out and he continues to get better. We had a little set back today. His Prograf is too high and his hands are showing the side effects, shaking. I think that's bothering him. Not to mention "cabin fever". The clinic called and said to cut back on his meds. The liver is working really well and they are pleased. I pray we continue to keep forward like we have so far.
We are grateful for the care and guidance that our Father in Heaven has given us. There is obviously something we are suppose to do in this life. Once, Eldon is feeling better we will need to ask the Lord how and where we can serve him and do those things we have been sent here to do.
Thanks so much for all the love and support.
Post Transplant October 7, 2013
It's been three weeks since the surgery and two weeks since we have been home. Eldon is doing so good. He talkes his meds when he's suppose to and he follows all the instructions. We go to the hospital every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for blood tests. He can't eat until he had his blood drawn and he take his meds until then either. He's been so good about doing this. We have seen the surgery team twice since the surgery, the staples are out and the incision looks nice, well, as nice as an incision that goes clear across your abdomen can look.
He's feeling good and this is causing a problem, he thinks he can do more than he's suppose to. The doctors said to take a nap in the morning and in the afternoon. Sometimes he gets to going and he forget the naps. Like this weekend, we have Corey, Ruth, the kids (Clayton and Cheyenne) and Heather here most of the day Saturday. They helped get the outdoors ready for winter. They took down the canopy and put all the lawn chairs away, they helped prune the bushes front and back. They helped rearrange some stuff inside, Corey put two book shelves together for us. Then on top of all the work they did they cooked supper. FABULOUS!
The blood work is showing that this liver is working great. I expect we might have some little bumps in the road, they say that happens to everyone, however, I believe we will get through those as well.
This has been a path that I certainly did not expect us to walk, but it is one that has helped me learn to be more patient and accepting of things as they come. I am not one that likes to have others do for me. I believe I should be doing for myself, yet there are times when that just isn't possible. So you have to step back and let other step in to help. I will be forever grateful for all those that have stepped up and helped. They were senstive enough to know how I feel about that and yet strong enough to be there for both of us.
I give praise to a loving Father in Heaven who has helped me along this path. I didn't always get what I wanted when I wanted it but I know he was there with His arms around my shoulders guiding and directing me. I hope He doesn't leave me, I realize I can't do it without HIM.
He's feeling good and this is causing a problem, he thinks he can do more than he's suppose to. The doctors said to take a nap in the morning and in the afternoon. Sometimes he gets to going and he forget the naps. Like this weekend, we have Corey, Ruth, the kids (Clayton and Cheyenne) and Heather here most of the day Saturday. They helped get the outdoors ready for winter. They took down the canopy and put all the lawn chairs away, they helped prune the bushes front and back. They helped rearrange some stuff inside, Corey put two book shelves together for us. Then on top of all the work they did they cooked supper. FABULOUS!
The blood work is showing that this liver is working great. I expect we might have some little bumps in the road, they say that happens to everyone, however, I believe we will get through those as well.
This has been a path that I certainly did not expect us to walk, but it is one that has helped me learn to be more patient and accepting of things as they come. I am not one that likes to have others do for me. I believe I should be doing for myself, yet there are times when that just isn't possible. So you have to step back and let other step in to help. I will be forever grateful for all those that have stepped up and helped. They were senstive enough to know how I feel about that and yet strong enough to be there for both of us.
I give praise to a loving Father in Heaven who has helped me along this path. I didn't always get what I wanted when I wanted it but I know he was there with His arms around my shoulders guiding and directing me. I hope He doesn't leave me, I realize I can't do it without HIM.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
After Surgery
We started our wait at 4:15 AM, yes AM!, the waiting room lights were partially lighted and the room was quiet. Around 7AM we began to have company in the waiting room. People would come, smile at others, and usually wait by themselves. Each person having their own thoughts and concerns. Heather, Corey and I had set up our own little waiting area and we watched as people would come, the doctors would come and talk to them, then finally they would leave to meet up with their loved one who was recovering from surgery. Our breakfast that day consisted for crackers, Oreo cookies and water. I didn't feel much like eating, none of us did, we just sat and waited, silently praying for good results.
It was 1:05PM, when this man dressed in surgical greens came into the roon. He was talking to the Volunteer there and I heard him day "Where are the Auger...." before he could say family. I jumped up and said "Here we are". He lead us into a private room to let us know that Eldon had done well in surgery. The liver appeared to be functioning as expected. He informed us that a small complication presented itsself while in surgery. They had discovered a blood clot in the portal vein, this is a vital vein and without it being a strong structure, without this he would have never been allowed to have a transplant. They were able to remove the clot. The plan was to give him blood thinners to keep a clot out of the vein. He would be transported to Shock Trauma ICU and we would be able to see him soon.
Instead of waiting we went immediately to the ICU and let them that we were waiting in the waiting room. Finally at 3PM we were able to see Eldon again. He was in pain and having residual effects from the anesthesia.
The next post will be about our time in the ICU. Again, nothing has been easy and we have had our trials. Yet, we give thanks to our God above and His son Jesus Christ for standing with us as we walk this path.
It was 1:05PM, when this man dressed in surgical greens came into the roon. He was talking to the Volunteer there and I heard him day "Where are the Auger...." before he could say family. I jumped up and said "Here we are". He lead us into a private room to let us know that Eldon had done well in surgery. The liver appeared to be functioning as expected. He informed us that a small complication presented itsself while in surgery. They had discovered a blood clot in the portal vein, this is a vital vein and without it being a strong structure, without this he would have never been allowed to have a transplant. They were able to remove the clot. The plan was to give him blood thinners to keep a clot out of the vein. He would be transported to Shock Trauma ICU and we would be able to see him soon.
Instead of waiting we went immediately to the ICU and let them that we were waiting in the waiting room. Finally at 3PM we were able to see Eldon again. He was in pain and having residual effects from the anesthesia.
The next post will be about our time in the ICU. Again, nothing has been easy and we have had our trials. Yet, we give thanks to our God above and His son Jesus Christ for standing with us as we walk this path.
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Waiting for surgery
I have to tell you that sitting in a waiting room waiting for someone to get out from a major surgery is very difficult. Eldon was taken to surgery at 4:15 AM on Monday morning. The transport person told us to say our goodbyes and then she showed us to the waiting room. When we walked in the room was dimly lighted and seemed like a nice place to attempt to relax and wait. As time went on more people came into the waiting room and at one time it seemed to be pretty full. We took up spots that we thought would be out of the way. The furniture isn't too bad if you are only there for a short while but as the hours passed the seats became less friendly and the sitting part of our bodies became more uncomfortable. We watched people come and go and the more they came and went the more it became frustrating for the three of us sitting there.
It was 1PM when a man dressed in greens walked into the waiting room and I could him ask the sweet older volunteer for the Auger family. It was the surgeon. We were taking into a private consultation room and he told us about the surgery. Eldon had done really well in surgery and things were looking really well. He instructed us to go to the Shock Trauma Intensive Care Unit on the 5th floor. It might be a little bit before we could see Eldon but that is were we would be for the next couple of days. Finally a little after 3PM, we were allowed in the STICU from 504. Poor Eldon he was in so much pain and not very coherent. That first night was very difficult, he was awake frequently and the pain was 9-10 on a scale of 1-10. Tuesday morning we had so many doctors, PAs, nurses, physical therapist, pharmacists, and others to come in and check out Eldon. I was able to see the incision and I can't believe this scar, it was/is impressive. Because of the need for Heparin he was to stay in the ICU for an extra day. Seems when they got into the liver they found a major vessel had a blood clot. If they hadn't been able to transplant him the clot would have made the vessel damaged and not been able to use it. We would have never been able to have a transplant.
Tuesday night was by far more calm and sleep was possible. I did go home on Tuesday for a shower and check on Wyatt. The plan was to get him up and prepare for us to be moved to a regular room on the 10th floor, this is where all transplants come and surgical patients.
Looking forward to having some privacy. The ICU staff was wonderful. I so appreciate all that they did for us, especially for Eldon.
Later, update on Wednesday and the move to the regular room.
It was 1PM when a man dressed in greens walked into the waiting room and I could him ask the sweet older volunteer for the Auger family. It was the surgeon. We were taking into a private consultation room and he told us about the surgery. Eldon had done really well in surgery and things were looking really well. He instructed us to go to the Shock Trauma Intensive Care Unit on the 5th floor. It might be a little bit before we could see Eldon but that is were we would be for the next couple of days. Finally a little after 3PM, we were allowed in the STICU from 504. Poor Eldon he was in so much pain and not very coherent. That first night was very difficult, he was awake frequently and the pain was 9-10 on a scale of 1-10. Tuesday morning we had so many doctors, PAs, nurses, physical therapist, pharmacists, and others to come in and check out Eldon. I was able to see the incision and I can't believe this scar, it was/is impressive. Because of the need for Heparin he was to stay in the ICU for an extra day. Seems when they got into the liver they found a major vessel had a blood clot. If they hadn't been able to transplant him the clot would have made the vessel damaged and not been able to use it. We would have never been able to have a transplant.
Tuesday night was by far more calm and sleep was possible. I did go home on Tuesday for a shower and check on Wyatt. The plan was to get him up and prepare for us to be moved to a regular room on the 10th floor, this is where all transplants come and surgical patients.
Looking forward to having some privacy. The ICU staff was wonderful. I so appreciate all that they did for us, especially for Eldon.
Later, update on Wednesday and the move to the regular room.
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
It Happened, Finally! We have a new liver.
Just when we began to wonder if we would ever get the new liver it came. Sunday night, September 15th, at 9:11PM. The phone rings and it's an LDS Hospital number pops up. We are on stand-by, again! It was the 9th time we had been put on stand-by. At 10pm we just figured we will go to bed and see what happens. I had just turned off the TV and the lights around 10:30PM. It was about 10:50PM and the phone rings. Eldon and I had made an agreement if the hospital called and said to come in that he would point at the bathroom so I could hurry and take shower. So he starts pointing and I looked at him and said "Seriously?" It was our turn and the liver was coming from out of state. We were to come to the hospital immediately.
I called Heather, #1 daughter, and told her to call her siblings and to meet us at the hospital. We arrived in the parking lot at 11:23PM. We made our way to the 10th floor. Everything seemed to be happening so fast. My thoughts running through my head of how this journey began and where would it take us. I knew I had to be positive and have my emotions in control. Eldon was so scared, I couldn't act stupid now. My Mom use to say, pull up your boot straps..do what needs to get done and when it's all over you can fall apart then. She was right.
When we walked up to the nurse's desk and she asked how she could help us we told her we were the Augers and here for Eldon's transplant. Her eyes widened and her lips parted in surprise. She said he was the healthiest looking transplant patient she had ever seen. It one of those hurry up and wait things. We were taken immediately to a room, then lab work, IV, Chest Xray, EKG, then they did something they had not done before. The nurse shaved his chest hair and had him do this Hibiclens scrub. Oh good heck! this is the real thing. It's going to happen. In the back of my mind I still had this lingering doubt. Maybe they would walk in and say 'sorry, liver went else where". I mean it had happened before, numerous times before. All the paperwork was signed, the PA, Kristi, came in and went over all the details and what was going to happen. Finally, at 4AM the surgical transport person showed up to take him to surgery.
Heather had met us there and Corey was called. It was really happening. He made it from Vernal about a half hour before Eldon was taken to surgery. We said our good-byes and we will see you later. He had tears in his eyes and that really upset me. He went to surgery and we went to the waiting room.
I will write more later, right now I have some things that I need to take care of. Thanks for reading.
Just when we began to wonder if we would ever get the new liver it came. Sunday night, September 15th, at 9:11PM. The phone rings and it's an LDS Hospital number pops up. We are on stand-by, again! It was the 9th time we had been put on stand-by. At 10pm we just figured we will go to bed and see what happens. I had just turned off the TV and the lights around 10:30PM. It was about 10:50PM and the phone rings. Eldon and I had made an agreement if the hospital called and said to come in that he would point at the bathroom so I could hurry and take shower. So he starts pointing and I looked at him and said "Seriously?" It was our turn and the liver was coming from out of state. We were to come to the hospital immediately.
I called Heather, #1 daughter, and told her to call her siblings and to meet us at the hospital. We arrived in the parking lot at 11:23PM. We made our way to the 10th floor. Everything seemed to be happening so fast. My thoughts running through my head of how this journey began and where would it take us. I knew I had to be positive and have my emotions in control. Eldon was so scared, I couldn't act stupid now. My Mom use to say, pull up your boot straps..do what needs to get done and when it's all over you can fall apart then. She was right.
When we walked up to the nurse's desk and she asked how she could help us we told her we were the Augers and here for Eldon's transplant. Her eyes widened and her lips parted in surprise. She said he was the healthiest looking transplant patient she had ever seen. It one of those hurry up and wait things. We were taken immediately to a room, then lab work, IV, Chest Xray, EKG, then they did something they had not done before. The nurse shaved his chest hair and had him do this Hibiclens scrub. Oh good heck! this is the real thing. It's going to happen. In the back of my mind I still had this lingering doubt. Maybe they would walk in and say 'sorry, liver went else where". I mean it had happened before, numerous times before. All the paperwork was signed, the PA, Kristi, came in and went over all the details and what was going to happen. Finally, at 4AM the surgical transport person showed up to take him to surgery.
Heather had met us there and Corey was called. It was really happening. He made it from Vernal about a half hour before Eldon was taken to surgery. We said our good-byes and we will see you later. He had tears in his eyes and that really upset me. He went to surgery and we went to the waiting room.
I will write more later, right now I have some things that I need to take care of. Thanks for reading.
Monday, September 9, 2013
September 9th
Welllll, it happened again. On Sunday nights we sit outside with some of the neighbors, just talking and getting to know each other. Last night was no different.
EXCEPT..............as we were walking into the house Eldon's cell phone went off. He said he didn't recognise the number and I told him he should answer it.
I can always tell when it's the transplant team because he goes into this monotone type voice and his responses are "Okay" over and over again. "Alright" over and over again. He will stare into space. Valerie, the coordinator, called and told him to pack a bag, there was a liver in California, if the liver came to Utah it would be Eldon's. The coordinator said she could call us in the middle of the night or first thing in the morning. We did manage to sleep just fine, woke with the alarm, got ready for work and off we went.
Around 9AM I encouraged Eldon to call the transplant team and find out what was going on. They said the liver was staying in California. AGAIN?????? we didn't get this liver either. I hope the person who got it is so happy and I hope they live a long and happy life.
Now,when will it be our turn for real? Who knows, it will happen when it happens. I just feel so bad for my sweet little farm boy as we ride this roller coaster. He's not a roller coaster fan. So we wait, we do our best to live our lives the way we should. We make plans and do fun things to make life enjoyable. We also give thanks to our Lord above and know that He is watching out over us.
EXCEPT..............as we were walking into the house Eldon's cell phone went off. He said he didn't recognise the number and I told him he should answer it.
I can always tell when it's the transplant team because he goes into this monotone type voice and his responses are "Okay" over and over again. "Alright" over and over again. He will stare into space. Valerie, the coordinator, called and told him to pack a bag, there was a liver in California, if the liver came to Utah it would be Eldon's. The coordinator said she could call us in the middle of the night or first thing in the morning. We did manage to sleep just fine, woke with the alarm, got ready for work and off we went.
Around 9AM I encouraged Eldon to call the transplant team and find out what was going on. They said the liver was staying in California. AGAIN?????? we didn't get this liver either. I hope the person who got it is so happy and I hope they live a long and happy life.
Now,when will it be our turn for real? Who knows, it will happen when it happens. I just feel so bad for my sweet little farm boy as we ride this roller coaster. He's not a roller coaster fan. So we wait, we do our best to live our lives the way we should. We make plans and do fun things to make life enjoyable. We also give thanks to our Lord above and know that He is watching out over us.
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