Today I got up and came to clinic and there are some things in my labs that have the team concerned enough to admit me and see if we can straighten them out overnight.
They are aggressively pre-emptive here, and rather than take a wait and see approach, they hit it head on with everything they've got to right the spinster, as it were.
I think the term "clinic" can be confusing. Under normal circumstances, you return to the hospital after transplant a few times a week so they can lay eyes on you, make sure everything looks good blood chemistry-wise, administer fluids or extra meds if needed, check your incision (and change dressings), and generally make sure you and your new kidney are getting along.
I'll get there eventually, I'm sure. Just a few little things here and there that might need tweaking, but before I know it the visits will be fewer and fewer and I can head back to CS2 and just come down periodically.
Denise is on her way back to Lima, and Rich will be back tomorrow, so I have a quiet night of snoozing, fluids, and TV ahead. Then tomorrow we'll see what the day brings.
I could use a recommendation, though, for anybody who knows this area. For a period of time, my little motley crew of caregivers are going to leave me to my own devices, and I need a ride to clinic while they're all gone. I'm self-sufficient in the hotel, but I can't drive yet. It will amount to about four rides a week for two weeks.
Has anybody used a non-emergency medical transport company here in Indianapolis before?
I suppose that's my update for now, Dearies! You'll be happy to know that I brought my GoBag this time, so I have clean clothes and charging cords and everything I need to a lovely evening. No stitching, but with hemoglobin at 6.6 and lots of pain meds on board...I couldn't if I wanted to!
Are you well, dear friends? What's been blowing your skirt up lately? Come tell me all about it!
Everybody's different, and the first week or two post-surgery are a time of tweaking, finding out what works best for you. You have a good team. I have no idea about anything in Indianapolis though.
ReplyDeleteDear Coni,
ReplyDeleteI remember when my son had his transplant and we went every morning, early, for bloodwork and checking his incision. That lasted several weeks. Fortunately I was able to live at the hotel with him and take him to clinic for the duration. It was a month in all. We lived 5 hours from Birmingham where the transplant took place. I’m happy to say that it did get better and easier as the days went along and it will for you as well. We sing the Doxology at church every Sunday and today I was thinking of you as I sang “Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise him all creatures here below, Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts, Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.” So thankful for this chance of a better quality of life for you!
LaLani
Coni, I know God has His hand on every part of your journey! Suggestion for transportation would be uber. I used them to request rides for my brother in another state to and from many places when he had no car. I believe you can schedule rides in advance. I always requested them the day of, and generally they were picking him up within no more than 15 minutes, depending on where the driver was. Lyft may also operate in that area, but I know nothing about that company. For sure Uber was much cheaper than a cab! I know you specified non medical transport, but there may be Medicabs available paid for by Medicare that would bring you to and from your appointments. Will be keeping you and that situation in prayer!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteWhoopsie, you said non emergency medical transport! One other thought would be that your treatment team might know of potential sources!
DeleteI know it's not exactly the kind of being waited on hand and foot that we all dream of, but try to enjoy it! As you start to feel better and become more independent, you'll be back to taking care of yourself (and I'm sure that is something you are looking forward to!).
ReplyDeleteConi, Ask one of the nurses if there is a kidney transplant support group locally and perhaps they can give you information on how they got back and forth or perhaps someone who is now fully recovered would be willing to help you out???
ReplyDeleteTry this link and then select Indiana. There are several in Indianapolis.
Deletehttps://transplantliving.org/community/support-groups/
In my prayers at Mass today, Coni. Just trust.
ReplyDelete-p.
The social worker at the hospital would be happy to help I'm sure. They probably know reliable and safe transportation for you that are non-medical - like a car service, etc. Don't feel bad about asking - it's they're job and they are happy to do it for you!
ReplyDeleteConi, I Love reading your updates and having you "teach us" as your medical team gives you updates. I hope and pray for you and for your beloved JB. Hope his back is getting some much-needed rest. Thankful you have Denise to "spell" JB. Hour by hour, and praise the Lord for pain medicine! So much to look forward to, Coni!
ReplyDeleteConi, I just realized that you missed your goddaughter's wedding. The transplant is just about the best reason ever to miss it, but it still must be disappointing. I am sure you will be brought up to speed with plenty of photos, etc. Take good care of yourself.
ReplyDeleteToday is [Canadian] Thanksgiving. And I am thankful for the donor and their family that resulted in your new kidney ❤️❤️❤️ As well as for your medical and personal support teams taking good care of you.
ReplyDelete((( hugs )))
Rain! Lovely gentle rain (real rain, not just dampening) for the last day is blowing up my skirt. Not only is it badly needed, but Oh Darn that means I can't work outside, so stitching it is.
ReplyDeleteThis in-out of the clinic might seem like you're got progressing, but that means they are keeping ahead of things that can go off track. I'm glad you took your go bag this time. Bummer on missing the wedding, but I'm sure they are even happier that you got your new kidney over attending. You've gotten some good advice about rides...
Ask a nurse or the social worker about reliable and decent transportation. They should have information on hand to give you. Continuing to pray for your body's healing! Glad your care team is on top of things. Thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteSo happy to hear that things are going well. Glad to hear that they are keeping an eye on you. I don't know anything about the ridge situation, but hope you find something that works for you.
ReplyDeleteGood luck in securing that transportation...suggestions you received sound promising. Guess you will be glad to welcome JB
ReplyDeleteback and blessed be Denise for her care. Hope your stay results in added assurance and continued progress.Glad you remembered the bag of "gold" this time. Your looking pretty
perky, dear one.
There are missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who would be very willing to help you. Part of their mission experience is to provide service to people in the area. You could also call your local church for willing volunteers. Catholics are always willing to serve. Anyone in the area who is LDS, aka Mormons, would be willing to help you. Please remember that this is your time to receive help. It is hard to receive. But in receiving, we allow others to give. There are people right now in your area who are in need of the blessings to give. Your rides will be perfect for these people! You might find more perfect friendships, too!
ReplyDeleteI'm happy that your medical team is top of things every step of the way. You could ask to speak to a social worker in the hospital to see the hospital can schedule a ride to and from the clinic that is covered by your health insurance, as it's medically necessary.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn
Hope you are all straightened out and had a good nights sleep!
ReplyDelete