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.
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