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