It is now five weeks since our operations and I have been home for a month and coming along fine. A lot slower than I would have liked but the recovery is exactly as I was told to expect. It is a much slower process for the donor than the recipient.
The first couple of weeks at home were up and down with my body obviously adjusting to the loss of the kidney. Pressure on the bladder and bowels was intense. I suffered with severe abdominal cramps and sharp pains for a few days which were more vicious than the actual operation pain! Pain killers were halted within 10 days. I spent more time on the couch watching TV / Movies than in any other time of my life:)
I set myself goals for one more activity each day or so and now able to spend at least an hour in the garden a day. Been out for a couple of lovely lunches but the next day resulted in a "dressing gown" sojourn but that's nice and gives me an excuse not to do too much.
I am writing this journal because none of my previous entries have mentioned the care and attention we have both received here in Hobart. The Renal Team at the Royal and St Johns have been extremely caring and professional. The tests took about 12 months and we got to know so many fabulous people in that time.
On Sam's behalf I thank the Dialysis Unit at St Johns for the care and attention lavished on him during some difficult times. I am sure he will be sending in more scones for you guys soon, lol.
Special thanks to Dr Geoff Kirkland for his generosity and professionalism. To Sister Margaret Waters at St Johns Renal Unit for her care and sense of humour - having laughs along the way is very uplifting.
Thanks and appreciation to Terry Webster, head of Passenger Transport at the Royal Hobart who juggles so much in each day that he makes me dizzy. Our flights, accommodation and road travel were organised so efficiently - all we had to do was turn up! It so took the stress out of traveling to and fro Melbourne.
The Royal Melbourne Hospital Renal Transplant Team, Doctors, Nurses & Social Workers; a grateful and heartfelt thank you to you all.
That's it for this entry and I hope the aforementioned folk realise how important and appreciated they are for their role in our journey.
SUSAN
Friday, July 30, 2010
Saturday, July 3, 2010
POST OPERATIVE
Well I have now been out of hospital for a week and the operation will be two weeks on Tuesday.
I was operated on early in the morning but due to some blood pressure problems didn't leave recovery until about 7.30 that night. The night was obviously a blur but the first thing I woke to on Wednesday morning at 5am was Sam sitting by my bed in a wheelchair:) It was a very worrying night for all my loved ones and getting information within the hospital is almost harder than from the outside.
Wednesday was spent on and off sleeping with lots of hallucinations to keep me company, yuk. Thursday saw me struggle to the shower and more in and out sleeping pattern. We were give a fabulous green button for pain relief which meant it never wore off and kept us comfortable.
Sam was given a major dose of morphine in recovery and then given the green button which he obviously used but went into an overdose and gave everyone a big scare when they found him blue. So glad I wasn't aware of that episode.
Friday saw me fighting back and wanting out. Sitting out of bed at one stage in at least my own dressing gown etc when one of the Doctors called by and asked "where is Susan"? So bad I must have previously looked that he didn't recognise me, lol.
Sam and I spent a lot of time walking to and fro our respective rooms to visit. Movement is the key to recovery.
Saturday was release day and lunch downstairs with family and friends. My dear friend Suzy collected me and we went back to the apartment where another dear friend Fiona was waiting to take over the caring. We did lots of walking for shopping or visiting Sam back at the Hospital. Tuesday was the 7 day review which I passed with flying colours and given consent to fly home on the Wednesday. Apparently I was the earliest transplant patient to be allowed to do so.
So excited when I arrived back at the apartment to tell Fiona "we're going home" - she said I shed 20 years from my face - loved that comment, lol.
Smooth travelling saw us home mid afternoon on Wednesday. I had my first full night's sleep in months and months.
The welcome home was wonderful. It was very hard on Cameron to have to be kept in the loop by the Hospital and friends. If we had the time again he would certainly have chosen to come with me. However it was at my insistence that he "keep the home fires burning" which was less stressful for me at the time. A big house, gardens and three dogs is not easily left.
I had so many plans for when I would be "sitting up in bed" at the hospital with work to do, lap top to keep facebooking and blogging............. Guess what, none of the above, not even a flick through a magazine. Back at the apartment I half-heartedly did some entries on facebook but with no great enthusiasm. It is still taking me a while to get into the flow again.
There is still pain but a course of slow release pain killers is helping and just being home is the best medicine of all. I find that I do tire quickly and really need to take it easy which is so against my nature but I am trying to be very sensible:) My stomach and abdomen are very bloated but each days sees it go down a bit. Much like feeling pregnant, omg!
I couldn't have anyone better than Fiona to be with during this stage - cool, calm and collected. Taking no nonsense from me!!
I forgot to take my main pill last night until quite a bit later and paid for that by having a very restless and uncomfortable night, hence writing this up at 5.30am!
Sam continues to have so much energy and keeping very busy. He visits the hospital each morning at 8am for blood tests and pill taking. At this stage he is swallowing about 30 tablets in one session.
His father is caring for him in the Melbourne apartment and they were off to the football last night. It is so nice for Sam to be able to get about so unrestrictedly and he is having a good time with family and friends.
It has been a long journey (24 years, lol) and the last 8 months particularly stressful but oh so worth it to see him now. The build up to anything major is always worse than the actual event and very true in this case.
I am very very happy and and just so grateful that I was able to do this for my son.
To Debra in England and others who are contemplating organ donation, I encourage you to do so. I am always happy to answer questions or give support so do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you to all my family and friends for their support.
Love
SUSAN xx
Well I have now been out of hospital for a week and the operation will be two weeks on Tuesday.
I was operated on early in the morning but due to some blood pressure problems didn't leave recovery until about 7.30 that night. The night was obviously a blur but the first thing I woke to on Wednesday morning at 5am was Sam sitting by my bed in a wheelchair:) It was a very worrying night for all my loved ones and getting information within the hospital is almost harder than from the outside.
Wednesday was spent on and off sleeping with lots of hallucinations to keep me company, yuk. Thursday saw me struggle to the shower and more in and out sleeping pattern. We were give a fabulous green button for pain relief which meant it never wore off and kept us comfortable.
Sam was given a major dose of morphine in recovery and then given the green button which he obviously used but went into an overdose and gave everyone a big scare when they found him blue. So glad I wasn't aware of that episode.
Friday saw me fighting back and wanting out. Sitting out of bed at one stage in at least my own dressing gown etc when one of the Doctors called by and asked "where is Susan"? So bad I must have previously looked that he didn't recognise me, lol.
Sam and I spent a lot of time walking to and fro our respective rooms to visit. Movement is the key to recovery.
Saturday was release day and lunch downstairs with family and friends. My dear friend Suzy collected me and we went back to the apartment where another dear friend Fiona was waiting to take over the caring. We did lots of walking for shopping or visiting Sam back at the Hospital. Tuesday was the 7 day review which I passed with flying colours and given consent to fly home on the Wednesday. Apparently I was the earliest transplant patient to be allowed to do so.
So excited when I arrived back at the apartment to tell Fiona "we're going home" - she said I shed 20 years from my face - loved that comment, lol.
Smooth travelling saw us home mid afternoon on Wednesday. I had my first full night's sleep in months and months.
The welcome home was wonderful. It was very hard on Cameron to have to be kept in the loop by the Hospital and friends. If we had the time again he would certainly have chosen to come with me. However it was at my insistence that he "keep the home fires burning" which was less stressful for me at the time. A big house, gardens and three dogs is not easily left.
I had so many plans for when I would be "sitting up in bed" at the hospital with work to do, lap top to keep facebooking and blogging............. Guess what, none of the above, not even a flick through a magazine. Back at the apartment I half-heartedly did some entries on facebook but with no great enthusiasm. It is still taking me a while to get into the flow again.
There is still pain but a course of slow release pain killers is helping and just being home is the best medicine of all. I find that I do tire quickly and really need to take it easy which is so against my nature but I am trying to be very sensible:) My stomach and abdomen are very bloated but each days sees it go down a bit. Much like feeling pregnant, omg!
I couldn't have anyone better than Fiona to be with during this stage - cool, calm and collected. Taking no nonsense from me!!
I forgot to take my main pill last night until quite a bit later and paid for that by having a very restless and uncomfortable night, hence writing this up at 5.30am!
Sam continues to have so much energy and keeping very busy. He visits the hospital each morning at 8am for blood tests and pill taking. At this stage he is swallowing about 30 tablets in one session.
His father is caring for him in the Melbourne apartment and they were off to the football last night. It is so nice for Sam to be able to get about so unrestrictedly and he is having a good time with family and friends.
It has been a long journey (24 years, lol) and the last 8 months particularly stressful but oh so worth it to see him now. The build up to anything major is always worse than the actual event and very true in this case.
I am very very happy and and just so grateful that I was able to do this for my son.
To Debra in England and others who are contemplating organ donation, I encourage you to do so. I am always happy to answer questions or give support so do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you to all my family and friends for their support.
Love
SUSAN xx
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Counting down.....
Well, it is now Sunday evening and I am enjoying a lovely bottle of bubbles. Tomorrow morning sees us travelling to Melbourne (again).
Sam is admitted to the Royal Melbourne when we arrive. He is to have a dialysis session and all the other pre-op procedures.
I am due in at 7am on Tuesday morning. Thankfully I am being "cared" for and hand held by Fabulous Frau who will ensure I am there bright and early and who will also stop me from eating, drinking from midnight.
The operations will take place during the morning.
Next blog will be as soon as I feel up to playing with the laptop.
Thank you for your support and so many good wishes.
SUSAN
Sam is admitted to the Royal Melbourne when we arrive. He is to have a dialysis session and all the other pre-op procedures.
I am due in at 7am on Tuesday morning. Thankfully I am being "cared" for and hand held by Fabulous Frau who will ensure I am there bright and early and who will also stop me from eating, drinking from midnight.
The operations will take place during the morning.
Next blog will be as soon as I feel up to playing with the laptop.
Thank you for your support and so many good wishes.
SUSAN
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
No Kidding, again..
As a few of you would have read on Facebook, Sam has been in hospital with a blood infection. The initial worry was that it would affect the transplant but that's not the case, thank the Goddess.
He is now home but facing a few more tests this week. I am finished until the week before the operation.
Our schedule is two days in Melbourne the week prior to the operations, fly home for the weekend and back out on the Monday for the big event on Tuesday 22 June.
All going well I will be in hospital for 3 - 4 days, into our apartment (near the Royal) and home by day 10. I will be "cared for" in the apartment by my gorgeous friend Fiona who will then fly home with me to Hobart. She is not sure about the broomstick ride , lol. Trustier than some of airlines though;)
Sam stays on at the apartment for at least a month (with his Father and I am sure lots of Aunties) as he requires daily blood tests at the Hospital.
I saw a notation on our calendar last week, saying "13 more"?? He tells me now that it means only 13 more dialysis sessions.
Until the next update, thanks for being interested.
S xx
He is now home but facing a few more tests this week. I am finished until the week before the operation.
Our schedule is two days in Melbourne the week prior to the operations, fly home for the weekend and back out on the Monday for the big event on Tuesday 22 June.
All going well I will be in hospital for 3 - 4 days, into our apartment (near the Royal) and home by day 10. I will be "cared for" in the apartment by my gorgeous friend Fiona who will then fly home with me to Hobart. She is not sure about the broomstick ride , lol. Trustier than some of airlines though;)
Sam stays on at the apartment for at least a month (with his Father and I am sure lots of Aunties) as he requires daily blood tests at the Hospital.
I saw a notation on our calendar last week, saying "13 more"?? He tells me now that it means only 13 more dialysis sessions.
Until the next update, thanks for being interested.
S xx
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Tasmanian Antique Journey
Pictured here is a beautifully crafted cabinet which has a special spot in my home studio.
When we were living in Melbourne my husband (a Tasmanian) and I purchased it in Richmond, about 10 years ago. Discovered that it was made in Tasmania! Now it is back.
A Witch lives here
A bewitching addition to my beautiful home. A besom (altar broomstick) crafted by my wonderful friend, Leona, in pride of place at our front door.
Leona has crafted this made this entire piece and decorated with organically grown lavender and fairy crystals.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
The Witch's Work Space
Finally after too much procrastination, which (witch) is a word I am deleting from my vocabulary, are pictures of my gorgeous home studio in Tasmania.
Just hope this Witch can work out how to add. Mmmm, might have to consult Fabulous Frau..
Friday, April 23, 2010
GERMAN SHEPHERDS vs ENERGY MAN
Can you believe this guy. 8am arrive and ask for access to power meter for upgrade. Yes, fine. The box is ........and you are safe from the dogs. Lots of interaction across the fence, another 10 minutes etc. Then Energy Man, must have been sucked in by the blonde in the leopard leggings, decides to be a real cool ass in front of his partner and walks into the dogs' yard! Pleeese.....
I did a big run, luckily with broomstick in hand (not on it this morning) just as Flynn and Tess (the Shepherds) have snarling pieces of his shirt in mouths and Molly (lab) being the barking cheerleader. Was terrible and Energy Man saying "wow they are protective aren't they" duh....... Not a good wake up call!
These are the guys who complain about access to meters. I am going to complain about them scaring my dogs!
I did a big run, luckily with broomstick in hand (not on it this morning) just as Flynn and Tess (the Shepherds) have snarling pieces of his shirt in mouths and Molly (lab) being the barking cheerleader. Was terrible and Energy Man saying "wow they are protective aren't they" duh....... Not a good wake up call!
These are the guys who complain about access to meters. I am going to complain about them scaring my dogs!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
USE YOUR FACEBOOK WALL FOR CHALLENGES
Well it certainly worked for me. My chore today was to complete the dreaded bank reconcilations and BAS Statement. A bookkeeper I am not.
I so procrastinate over this chore and always leave it to the last minute, 3 months work in two days, ugh. This morning I posted a challenge on my Facebook Wall declaring to all that it would be completed today.
As I never like to lose face and least of all on Facebook, it worked!!! (BIG GRIN)
Now I deserve some time with my friend Chardonnay!
My next challenge will probably be :
"This Witch will do at least one hour of bookwork per week"
Off tomorrow for some final tests and 22nd June still looks like the date for the ops.
Thanks for reading,
S xx
I so procrastinate over this chore and always leave it to the last minute, 3 months work in two days, ugh. This morning I posted a challenge on my Facebook Wall declaring to all that it would be completed today.
As I never like to lose face and least of all on Facebook, it worked!!! (BIG GRIN)
Now I deserve some time with my friend Chardonnay!
My next challenge will probably be :
"This Witch will do at least one hour of bookwork per week"
Off tomorrow for some final tests and 22nd June still looks like the date for the ops.
Thanks for reading,
S xx
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
WITCH TIPS
This is the first of my collection of handy hints I am happy to share.
Being on my computer for so many hours every day the keys on my board were decidedly not clear! I did consider swapping keyboards with my son when he wasn't here but decided not to be that mean (this time).
Instead I began cleaning each key, very gently, with a "Wet One" wipe. Hey presto the muck came off very easily and I now have legible keys and a very pristine board.
I had only got away with it for so long because I am a touch typist. Any one is wasn't couldn't have used it!!
Til next time
S xx
Being on my computer for so many hours every day the keys on my board were decidedly not clear! I did consider swapping keyboards with my son when he wasn't here but decided not to be that mean (this time).
Instead I began cleaning each key, very gently, with a "Wet One" wipe. Hey presto the muck came off very easily and I now have legible keys and a very pristine board.
I had only got away with it for so long because I am a touch typist. Any one is wasn't couldn't have used it!!
Til next time
S xx
Expat Melbournians
Big day in Hobart, more tests but they all went well for me. Sam was unlucky enough to have a new nurse who really butchered his fistula (where the needles are inserted for dialysis) consequently his arm is massively bruised and very sore. He will be so grateful when dialysis is no longer required.
They have 99% confirmed that it will happen on 22nd June - now it is real (and scarier)!
Sitting here having a vino while I write and don't like the looks Sam is giving me every time there is a drink to hand (ha ha). He is already possessive of MY kidney!
I have a new friend in Hobart who I went playing with today. Deb is a Melbourne expat like me. For any Melbournians who may read this, Deb had the beautiful Le Metro store in South Melbourne until a couple of months ago. Hobart's gain when she sets up business here.
Until next time, thanks for reading.
They have 99% confirmed that it will happen on 22nd June - now it is real (and scarier)!
Sitting here having a vino while I write and don't like the looks Sam is giving me every time there is a drink to hand (ha ha). He is already possessive of MY kidney!
I have a new friend in Hobart who I went playing with today. Deb is a Melbourne expat like me. For any Melbournians who may read this, Deb had the beautiful Le Metro store in South Melbourne until a couple of months ago. Hobart's gain when she sets up business here.
Until next time, thanks for reading.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
No Kidding!
Yes, it has been a huge gap between my blogs however now that The Witch has joined Face Book and made it around that obstacle course, I am more confident with my blogging prowess.
The last six months has seen extensive testing happening as a prelude to donating a kidney to my youngest son Sam. His kidney (1) failed late last year and he has been on his own journey of preparation and coping with dialysis.
Late June this year will see the transplant procedure happen at The Royal Melbourne Hospital.
I intend to keep a record of our journey and will keep you updated here.
The reason for sharing this adventure is to encourage others to consider organ donation to improve and/or save a loved one's life.
Thanks for reading.
SUSAN xx
The last six months has seen extensive testing happening as a prelude to donating a kidney to my youngest son Sam. His kidney (1) failed late last year and he has been on his own journey of preparation and coping with dialysis.
Late June this year will see the transplant procedure happen at The Royal Melbourne Hospital.
I intend to keep a record of our journey and will keep you updated here.
The reason for sharing this adventure is to encourage others to consider organ donation to improve and/or save a loved one's life.
Thanks for reading.
SUSAN xx
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