surgery day four.

Josh had a good morning and it was a possibility that he would be released. He had slept good and took a good morning walk. however, by late morning, his stomach was not feeling good. the gas pain was building and he just felt like yuck. by afternoon his stomach was so bloated - it literally pokes out and comes to a point. Severe gas pain is common with laparoscopic surgery but knowing that doesn't ease the pain any. I'll keep you posted.




Josh and Loren (his aunt). She is a nurse at the hospital across the street and she came by after her shift last night. it was a nice diversion for Josh.

surgery day three.

josh, mom and carol.



Today was a good day. Josh felt really well today. Did not need much pain med and was up and walking quite a bit. he also can get in and out of bed alone, which is impressive considering the soreness and pain in his stomach. mom did have some bleeding issues in a few incision spots but nothing too alarming.the best part of the day was having some new visitors. joe and carol came and stayed for nearly 2 hours. it was so great. carol (moms aunt) had a transplant this past august so its always good to see her doing so well now. joel cook also stopped by (cousin) and i hadn't seen him in several years, so that was great. plus we've had josh's mom and his brother johnny and his wife kaley. it is nice to have your support team! i am just hoping he didn't over-do it today. but as i sit here typing in the hospital, he is breathing nice and deeply and is sleeping soundly. 10 minutes ago i turned off my moms light and told her goodnight. i like seeing my 2 patients sleeping. it means they are comfortable and not in unbearable pain. its a good feeling.

surgery day two.

the race is on.


Wednesday february 27. Josh had a pretty rough first half of the day. he was in quite a bit of pain and just couldn't seem to get on top of it. he was itching like crazy from the pain meds and he just could not get comfortable. he felt best to be up and walking. that is also the best help to get the gas moving which is very important. the dr. ordered him a new med that he could get 4 doses of in addition to what he already had. he got his first dose in the early evening and it made the biggest difference. he was then able to enjoy the evening. he walked quite a bit, sat in moms room and visited with everyone and slept GREAT. i was so happy to see the improvement. mom had a pretty good day too. she has her pain under control and she was awake and talkative for quite a while. she also got up and walked. it was a good day.

surgery day one.

waiting for josh to be taken to surgery. wow. kind of emotional.


mom and josh before surgery.


posting pictures of day one. tuesday february 26. josh's surgery lasted 4.5 hours and moms was around 3. The kidney started working immediately upon "hook-up". When I saw josh for the first time after recovery he opened his eyes and asked how mom was and if it worked. Mom had a really hard time coming out of anesthesia but she would open her eyes and say hi and ask about josh. i think they will have a special bond now. Josh even managed to walk down to moms room late that first night. i think it was an emotional boost for them to see each other and that they were each doing well.

successful surgery

I do apologize for the delay... i haven't had my computer with me. I'll get to the point = surgery was successful and both mom and Josh are doing great. Josh had a rough day yesterday, but feeling much better today. Mom has been feeling good as well. the color is back in her face and her new kidney is working away. we are so happy and feel so blessed to have seen all of this transpire. the doctors think Josh may be able to go home tomorrow. I'll post pictures soon. I've taken them, just not downloaded them. thanks for all the thoughts and prayers. things are going so well here.

fortunes.

Tonight we had dinner at PF Changs (so tasty) with my parents and my brother Kendall. Josh and mom's fortunes were hmmm. appropriate. amazing.cool.

on the eve of transplant.

We are down in Salt Lake for the transplant surgery. We arrived Sunday afternoon where Josh and mom did their final blood cross match which came back great. Mom also had to have a chest Xray and an EKG. We then enjoyed a nice dinner out with mom, Johnny and Kaley (josh's brother and wife) at Good Wood Barbeque. (yum.) Me and Josh and mom then came back to the hotel where we enjoyed a movie together (The Ultimate Gift). Today mom had her last dialysis (yeah!!) and we had our meeting with the surgical team. We discussed the surgical process, risks, hospital stay etc. Josh and mom also received their "bowel clean-out" formulas! Josh's expected release date is Friday or Saturday, mom's is Sunday. They did inform us that Josh's kidney will be larger than what mom technically needs, so it should give her great function. We are now saying she is going to have a supercharged kidney!! As the night comes to a close and I stop long enough to really digest all that has taken place I feel so blessed. On this night, the eve of transplant I am filled with lots of different emotions.
1.excited that my mom is getting this chance to improve her life. It has been hard seeing her health so rapidly decline.
2. thankful that my husband is so caring and generous.
3. blessed that they are a match.
4. anxious to see them both come out of surgery and hear the good report.
5. loved for all the support we have received from family and friends. (a special thanks to my cousins for keeping my kids all week so i could devote all my attention to the patients- you are the best!!)