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