Well it's Friday already! In some ways this week have been one of the longest ever, but in many ways it has been a very short week.
Jim and Stephanie are both scheduled to be discharged tomorrow from the hospital. We are very thankful and looking forward to having each of them out and recovering outside the hospital. Jim is ready to be home so he can sleep. Hospitals are not for people that want to get some rest. Rest, is something he really needs right now, so if all goes well, he'll be in his own bed tomorrow night, Lord willing. Yesterday was a more fatigue day for Stephanie (our angel) and today was like that for Jim. They will each have "those days".
We are so thankful for all our church families and friends and family members that are bringing meals to Stephanie and her family as well as those that will be making meals for our family in the coming weeks. As a transplant recipient there is a great deal of scheduled times to take their medication. So the first several weeks we will be getting used to "our new normal", which just takes time! The blessing is that we have been compliant pre-transplant with what Jim needed to do, so post-transplant we will do the same. Just a bit new right now, especially for Jim. Things are being made easier because of all our meals for the next several weeks being prepared for us and having the visiting nurse for several visits and follow up appointments. I am also overwhelmed by the offers to "help in anyway", etc. I'm/we are more used to being the people that "make the offers" rather than accepting the offers. I am thankful that I have the opportunity to take many of you up on all your generous help. GISG.
So, if all goes as planned, and we don't see this being an issue, we will all be in our "homes" tomorrow evening. I will continue to post updates from time to time.
Again, thank you for the prayers and support! It means more than words can express.
So Blessed,
Tina
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
9.29.11
Time heals...is a saying that is proving correct this week. It is amazing to imagine that Tuesday was the transplant and today "our Angel" is continuing to improve and continues to eat solid foods, etc. Jim had a good day as well. He started the morning with a liquid diet and then was asked from a list what he wanted for a "real meal" for lunch!! Yea:-D He is now on solids and he can drink as more water, which he is VERY happy about. He continues to be more ambulatory and actually walked the "round" by himself once! He is doing well with the anti-rejection regiment/pain therapy (Praises). We are beginning to set up schedules for visits to the transplant office after he is discharge and these are all good signs of how nicely things are progressing. We continue to appreciate your prayers and comments of encouragement.
God's Hand continues to guide us through this amazing journey. We are thankful for His unwavering love for us!
~Tina
God's Hand continues to guide us through this amazing journey. We are thankful for His unwavering love for us!
~Tina
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
9.28.11 part II
Jim's progress continues to be amazing and yet somewhat overwhelming! This afternoon he walked to visit our "angel"-Stephanie after she visited with him earlier in the day. He also sat in his chair for several hours. Though we "closed" visitation for all but immediate family members, his room was filled throughout the day with the Transplant team, nurses, techs, specialists, and several other well-meaning visitors. One thing that we are enjoying is spending time with The Brown's and the Moglia families as our two "stars" continue their recovery, with visiting throughout the day.
Jim has been tolerating his medications at this point and keep praying that this path continues. He hasn't slept very well, but we are hoping with taking "our stroll around the hospital neighborhood"and stopping to visit with Bobby and Stephanie (and family), as well as sitting in the chair for a few hours, will enable him to rest, relax, and sleep (as well as anyone can sleep at the hospital) this evening.
As for visitors (immediate family excluded): I ask that you check with me, if possible, before coming to the hospital. IF, you have ANY type of allergy/cold/yucky type symptoms, PLEASE do not come to visit. I will be glad to share well wishes with Jim on your behalf. IF you do visit, it is a requirement that you sanitize your hands before getting near Jim (wife-knows-best). One of his medications reduces his ability to fight germs, so eliminating as many as we can is my way of protecting his immune system and will be our "new-normal".
Stephanie has been progressing nicely and has been able to begin solid foods this evening and has less monitors, etc. Jim continues to progress nicely as well, but he will continue to have several monitors/devices through the rest of his stay. He also had his first "meal" a liquid one this evening. We will be also having a visiting nurse for a time-period when we get home, which is something new for both of us. We saw "our transplant team" as we have fondly labeled them, since we've been together over 2 years, this afternoon and we will see them each day as a group until Jim is discharged.
We do know that he will be home before Tuesday, because we have our first appointment at the Transplant Center that morning. We appreciate you ongoing prayers and encouraging comments. We know that God is continuing to watch over both Stephanie and Jim. We are excited, thankful and grateful and look forward to sharing our experience as advocates for Kidney disease awareness and the sharing the importance of being a donor with others.
~Tina
"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:14
Jim has been tolerating his medications at this point and keep praying that this path continues. He hasn't slept very well, but we are hoping with taking "our stroll around the hospital neighborhood"and stopping to visit with Bobby and Stephanie (and family), as well as sitting in the chair for a few hours, will enable him to rest, relax, and sleep (as well as anyone can sleep at the hospital) this evening.
As for visitors (immediate family excluded): I ask that you check with me, if possible, before coming to the hospital. IF, you have ANY type of allergy/cold/yucky type symptoms, PLEASE do not come to visit. I will be glad to share well wishes with Jim on your behalf. IF you do visit, it is a requirement that you sanitize your hands before getting near Jim (wife-knows-best). One of his medications reduces his ability to fight germs, so eliminating as many as we can is my way of protecting his immune system and will be our "new-normal".
Stephanie has been progressing nicely and has been able to begin solid foods this evening and has less monitors, etc. Jim continues to progress nicely as well, but he will continue to have several monitors/devices through the rest of his stay. He also had his first "meal" a liquid one this evening. We will be also having a visiting nurse for a time-period when we get home, which is something new for both of us. We saw "our transplant team" as we have fondly labeled them, since we've been together over 2 years, this afternoon and we will see them each day as a group until Jim is discharged.
We do know that he will be home before Tuesday, because we have our first appointment at the Transplant Center that morning. We appreciate you ongoing prayers and encouraging comments. We know that God is continuing to watch over both Stephanie and Jim. We are excited, thankful and grateful and look forward to sharing our experience as advocates for Kidney disease awareness and the sharing the importance of being a donor with others.
~Tina
"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:14
9.28.11
Just a quick post! Jim was greeted this morning by Bobby and Stephanie as she started getting up and walking. Later in the morning, I also was greeted with a visit from "our angel" and her mother in Jim's room.
It looks like later today Jim will be sitting in a chair and possibly taking a walk, if he feels up to it. Jim's incision is larger than we thought, but everything is going according to what is expected and we are thankful for this. Jim's creatin level is already 2 points lower than before the transplant and this is a great sign that his "gift" kidney is working probably. Praises!! Both of them are doing great considering they had major surgery less than 24-hours ago! Jim is having some trouble sleeping, but hopefully he will do better tonight since the anesthesia is not in his system as much, if any, at this point. Our "angel", is also lacking sleep from typical hospital interferences, etc.
I hope to post more later tonight if time allows.
Thank you for the ongoing prayers and love for both families!
Tina
It looks like later today Jim will be sitting in a chair and possibly taking a walk, if he feels up to it. Jim's incision is larger than we thought, but everything is going according to what is expected and we are thankful for this. Jim's creatin level is already 2 points lower than before the transplant and this is a great sign that his "gift" kidney is working probably. Praises!! Both of them are doing great considering they had major surgery less than 24-hours ago! Jim is having some trouble sleeping, but hopefully he will do better tonight since the anesthesia is not in his system as much, if any, at this point. Our "angel", is also lacking sleep from typical hospital interferences, etc.
I hope to post more later tonight if time allows.
Thank you for the ongoing prayers and love for both families!
Tina
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
9.27.11-Transplant Day
Today began for us at 4:30, after a time of prayer with our pastor, a leader/friend from our church, we proceeded to Jim's hopsital room. Within a fast two hours he was getting ready for the transplant that we have prayed about and prepared for over the last several years, and most earnestly the past several months. Off he went to the OR.
Then the hours began longer and longer. Thankfully, there were updates on Stephanie and Jim and the progress that was being made with the transplant. Stephanie finished early afternoon and Jim was later in the afternoon. Stephanie was able to sit up for awhile already and she is now named "our Angel" rather than "our Stephanie". Our relationship was close, but today it has become something more intertwined that I cannot even express. What a sacrificial gift that we were given.
As I was able to be with Jim in the recovery room, I had the opportunity to see him receiving an ultrasound and seeing his new kidney (or as I called it) his new precious life working and allowing the fluids to flow through the proper areas. I could hardly keep my tears from rolling down my cheeks. My husband was laying there breathing on his own, holding my hand and watching this gift working in his body! Thank you God for the miracle of transplants and organ donors!
While waiting throughout the days, our family we blessed with close friends, church family and extended family members staying for most or the entire time of the two surgeries. Stephanie and Bobby's family were greeted with hugs and love and hopefully felt the gratitude and thankfulness of Stephanie's gift. We shared some laughter, some tears, some nourishment, and some prayers of praise and thankfulness.
It was a LONG DAY, but oh, what a day of life and energy. Thank you for your support in prayer and through your encouraging comments.
Looking forward to a good night's sleep for all. Please keep the prayers and thoughts coming for both Stephanie and Jim and our families.
As for visitors for Jim, Tomorrow (Wednesday) 9.28.11 we will be limiting it to only our immediate family. He had a very long day and he needs his rest and strength.
Then the hours began longer and longer. Thankfully, there were updates on Stephanie and Jim and the progress that was being made with the transplant. Stephanie finished early afternoon and Jim was later in the afternoon. Stephanie was able to sit up for awhile already and she is now named "our Angel" rather than "our Stephanie". Our relationship was close, but today it has become something more intertwined that I cannot even express. What a sacrificial gift that we were given.
As I was able to be with Jim in the recovery room, I had the opportunity to see him receiving an ultrasound and seeing his new kidney (or as I called it) his new precious life working and allowing the fluids to flow through the proper areas. I could hardly keep my tears from rolling down my cheeks. My husband was laying there breathing on his own, holding my hand and watching this gift working in his body! Thank you God for the miracle of transplants and organ donors!
While waiting throughout the days, our family we blessed with close friends, church family and extended family members staying for most or the entire time of the two surgeries. Stephanie and Bobby's family were greeted with hugs and love and hopefully felt the gratitude and thankfulness of Stephanie's gift. We shared some laughter, some tears, some nourishment, and some prayers of praise and thankfulness.
It was a LONG DAY, but oh, what a day of life and energy. Thank you for your support in prayer and through your encouraging comments.
Looking forward to a good night's sleep for all. Please keep the prayers and thoughts coming for both Stephanie and Jim and our families.
As for visitors for Jim, Tomorrow (Wednesday) 9.28.11 we will be limiting it to only our immediate family. He had a very long day and he needs his rest and strength.
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