These massive doses of steroids seem to be doing the trick, and the creatinine level is back down to 1.5 from a high of 2.7 on Friday! And, the incision is healing beautifully and might only require another three to four weeks of wound vac, as opposed to four to six! And, there are no clots in my legs causing swelling and shortness of breath...that's probably the steroids and me leaving my feet down too much! And, I can stop worrying about a return of the disease that got me here, since it usually gets "zapped" by all of these meds and even if it does return, it would progress at about the same rate as it did with my old kidneys...which was pretty slow!
Dr G just gets me, and explained everything according to how he knows my brain works. God bless the other docs that see me in the clinic...they are very excellent, but they don't know me or my case very well, so deliver data very differently. Plus...there is just NO EFFING WAY Goggins will let me fail. We're family now. (His words...that made me want to just kiss his face repeatedly, and I would have if Cheryl wouldn't have been there supervising.)
Speaking of...Cheryl has returned north for a few days rest and will be back on duty at the end of this week and the beginning of next, and then Rich will return, then Denise again. If I live to be a thousand years old, I will never adequately find a way to pay them back for all they've done and continue to do for me.
It's time for a nap, I think. Thank you for all of your lovely comments about my new hair. Tim Sizemore did not disappoint in any way whatsoever. In addition to being one of the most handsome men I have ever laid eyes on, he was absolutely one of the kindest, loveliest people I've ever met. Very interesting and wonderful and just so...gentle and professional. It really was a perfect experience.
Thanks for riding the kidney coaster with me, Dearies! I promise lots of twists and turns, but I've got my arms up, head thrown back, a big smile on my face, and I'm going to enjoy every minute of it!
Next stop...central line removal!
WoooooHooooo!
Woo-Hoo!!! Happy dance going on over here (in my head since my legs don't work very well and no one deserves having to lift me up off the floor for the second time today!). What fantastic news! Big hug and lots of prayers continuing!
ReplyDeleteGreat, great news! Prayers are definitely being answered. Love Dr. saying you're family and he won't let that kidney fail. That's the kind of Dr. we all want. Connie, you look fantastic in each picture. That hair cut is you....super cute. Will continue to pray for you. Love and a big hug.
ReplyDeleteWonderful news! We are all so happy for you!
ReplyDeleteSuch great news from Dr. G plus the new hairdo & cozy PJs. Quite a good week!
ReplyDeleteYay!! Yay!!! Yay!!!! Hot diggety damn!!!! I am SO happy!
ReplyDeleteAnd Ms Coni isn't kidding about the wonderful Dr. Goggins and the very (did I say VERY) handsome Tim Sizemore!!
ReplyDeleteExactly the kind of news we want to hear Coni. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteGood news, indeed! So happy to hear progress is moving on. Have a terrific week!
ReplyDeleteI'm speechless! Thanks for sharing such positive, heartwarming news with us! May the rest of your week be filled with more positive news and stitchy goodness.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to hear you're doing better! & That haircut was by one of the few who understand how your hair grows & lays down. That's why it's so perfect
ReplyDeleteWonderful news!!
ReplyDeleteOutstanding news!!
ReplyDeleteKathleen
Awesome news!
ReplyDeleteWonderful to hear such good news, Coni! A question or 2 for you....did you get 2 kidneys? For some reason, I thought only one would be needed, but, I guess it depends on the situation. Also, and you obviously don't have to answer this question, what was it that made your kidneys fail? I'm just curious because of your comment "return of the disease that got me here...since it gets 'zapped' by all these meds...." Just for my own edification.....
ReplyDeleteHi, Deborah! I was diagnosed with FSGS in 2004. That is a kidney disease that has a high re-occurrance rate, but in my case it progressed very slowly. It was discovered during a routine physical by my family doctor...blood and protein in the urine.
DeleteI received one kidney, which is all I will need for a long, healthy, happy life! He is in my lower front abdomen, and my old kidneys are still in place in the back...just hanging out providing moral support to their new little brother!
Another patient received the donor's other kidney the day before I did, so I pray he is doing as well as I am and that the family will take comfort knowing that two lives were saved by their loved one.
And you can always ask me anything!
Thank you, Coni, for your reply. Well, I learned something new today....that they will leave kidneys in when they do a transplant! I'm guessing they do that if the kidneys are not causing any other issues, but who knew?
DeleteI'm so excited for you! Hugs and prayers now and always! XOXO
You look marv o lous!!! Definitely angels here on earth. Keep your chin up!
ReplyDeleteBetween JB, Dr.Goggins, Cheryl and Denise, the Heavens have
ReplyDeletepoured angelic blessings upon you, deservedly so. That good news is answered prayers and thrilling for all of us who love
you. Relax and rest the week away until Cheryl's return and the reappearance of Mr. Wonderful. Just a thought.... any chance of seeing a picture of the handsome Mr. Sizemore..
He sounds like an irresistible package in every respect..
just thinking....
You know, I was getting ready to post a picture, but then thought that might be an invasion of his privacy somehow.
DeleteBut if you Google Tim Sizemore at one2one salon in Indianapolis, you might find a pic or two on the internets.
(I'm just saying).
Whoo hoooo! So glad to hear this wonderful news! Luv always,
ReplyDeleteMaryO
Congratulations! You have made it through and with such super news this morning I can't begin to tell you how much this posting cheered me up - been a bit down in the dumps lately! Your team, Mr JB, Denise and Cheryl have been amazing too. But you wear the crown for continuing to be yourself, holding yourself together through the darkest moments and well, you have won the battle. Happyhappyhappy news indeed! xxx
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear about all of your successes. Prayers for your continued recovery.
ReplyDeleteSo, so happy that you had a great day and that things are looking up. I looked up Mr. Sizemore's instagram and he is indeed handsome. Have a good rest of the week!
ReplyDeleteWhat is your plan on paying it forward?
ReplyDeleteWell, the first task is to make sure that I do everything I possibly can to be worthy of this incredible gift...mentally, physically, and emotionally.
DeleteNext...I want to donate a massage chair to the dialysis center for the techs and nurses to enjoy in their break room, as well as a special thank you party for keeping me alive long enough to get this transplant.
I will do something in the kidney community in my area....just not sure yet what that will be. Whether in direct support of patients, or as an advocate, volunteer, etc.
As for IU, I am writing a book for patients that will help them navigate this from a patient perspective. All of the silly little things that they can do to make this overwhelming experience more manageable.
My letter to the family will go through the proper agency, and although I am hoping to meet them someday, I understand that this doesn't always happen.
There are about a thousand other things flying through my brain, but at the moment I am 100% focused on recovery.
If you have any thoughts...I'd love to hear them, Dearie!
So happy for you, Coni! I'll keep the prayers coming.
ReplyDeleteWow good job
ReplyDeletegetting your central line out is a huge step forward
Way to go girl!
Great news on the lab result, and getting the central line out.
ReplyDeleteHallelujah!! Excellent news!
ReplyDeleteWonderful news!!
ReplyDeleteWhat fabulous news, Coni! Keep on doing what you need to do and before long you will be back at home. Thinking of you!
ReplyDeleteSo proud of you and your healing body!! So happy to hear all this great news. I hope it all continues!!! :) :) :)
ReplyDeleteGood news! And if only all of us could have the kind of MD relationship you have with Dr. Goggins! He is one in a million. I am happy things are moving in the right direction again.
ReplyDeleteConi, your Dr Goggins sounds just fabulous! Exactly like what a Dr should be! I'm so happy for you :-) Sending much love xx
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking us with you on this wild ride! This post gave me the biggest smile today. I am so happy for you!
ReplyDelete