2 weeks after Liver Transplant surgery

Neysa and I went to the hospital yesterday and I was able to get my bag removed. We met with Dr. Gupta and he says he wants to wait and see what the kidneys are going to do. Ideally he wants to wait 4-6 months because he feels they are making some improvement. We asked why dad was still in ICU and he said because the nurses are having to do a lot for him. Neysa agreed and assured Dr. Gupta that she can take care of dad in a regular room and we all agreed that it would be better for him mentality. So, Dr. Gupta said they would do one more dialysis and then tomorrow (today) he will be moved into a room. Neysa was able to get "special permission" to go see him for a few minutes. He appears to be doing better. 

We called this morning and were told to come to the hospital this evening. I really hope it will happen today! Dad is really wanting to get out of there.

Neysa and I have tickets to return to the US on 2/28/09. Neysa has to leave at that time because her month of May is full of weddings. I on the other hand am trying to see how much longer I can stay to support dad. We have asked Uncle Dave to come out early May and we're hoping that our trips will overlap some so we can show him the ropes. Amber is making some confirmation calls for me for parties I have in May and I'm trying to keep that in perspective. She says my first party is the 7th but I'm sure I could find someone to cover it if need be. I would rather not leave dad by himself here and with the help of flight attendants and the airlines I'm sure I will be able to fly alone. I am not able to lift much right now and will not be able to carry much of anything onto the plane by myself. 

Aunt Suzi- maybe you could check to see the availability I have to postpone my ticket? You can just send me an email. Thanks!

As far as my recovery goes- I am getting around just fine. I feel I walk with an "old lady lean" to the right side so I got an abdominal support belt to wear. It seems to help the strain on my back where I feel pain come and go. I actually slept the whole night without getting up! I find sleeping on my left side easier than anything. I can't really lay on my right side or stomach yet. I'm learning how to eat again with 1/2 the liver and wished they would have explained it to me before. I didn't realize that the liver processes all the food you eat and when you only have 1/2 the liver you can only eat 1/2 the food. (I wouldn't recommend it for a crash diet though). I would imagine it's a lot like having 1/2 the stomach. So I've been eating little snacks (meals) about 5-6 times per day.  Currently they have me on 3 medications: Oflox, Zevit and Pantocid DSR. I'm off the pain pills now!

Easter Sunday

I'm probably not going to be typing the best right now. I'm seeing a little bit of fuzziness in the words I type, but I read the blog earlier today and just had to comment on how much everything everyone said touched me! My mom said it perfectly a few days ago, maybe perhaps even at the same time I was lying in bed thinking about the cross I was carrying. The pain was a little more than I expected those first couple of days and I just had to think about how Jesus carried the cross and how it's Holy Week. My thoughts seemed to ease my pain completely.

I'm feeling pretty good most of the time and haven't needed too much pain medication. Neysa is napping and I couldn't close my eyes so I decided to type. I'm missing everyone back home. I hope everyone is spending time with their families and having a good time on this Easter Sunday. It's been really great having this time with my sister. She has taken care of every need and beyond. My back has been sore because of lying in bed and when I walk I can't really stand up straight. So there's a lot of soreness in my lower back. Her massages and constant care has really helped me improve and feel better. It's amazing how much your abs structure your body and your movements.

Dad continues to be in the ICU and they told Neysa and I today he is very susceptible for infection because of the dialysis machine and that we can't see him for a few days. We will arrange some times to talk by phone to let him know we are thinking of him. He is eating food now and they want to get him up and moving tomorrow. The doctors just came into my room and told me he is talking in sentences and he's still on dialysis. Dad was asking about his liver function and they told him it is working great. I know once they get him up and moving things will improve quickly for him.