The last weeks have been so busy for me I haven't had time to update the blog... sorry. Medically, things are going well. the Drs are tweeking his meds and one of them has him shaking a little bit. Not his body, but his hands. So I imagine they will keep tweeking...
Today is Tuesday and Dan is going to work with me in the kitchen for a few hours to help me prep !!!! yeah! He went a couple of times last week. The first day he was ready to quit in about an hour and a half. The second time he felt great! he stayed for a couple plus hours. He still comes home and rests, but that is normal. So I imagine this week he will feel better. This week he will work the dining room from Wednesday through Saturday. Hopefully there won't be customers coughing because that could put him at risk. I guess we will play it by ear.
We will keep this blog four about a month and a half more. The three month mark is important, and after that hopefully things will be routine.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Staples out!!! Third post op visit
Dan had his third post-op visit today and the best part was that they removed his staples! Anyone who has had staples after surgery knows that days before the date when they are to be removed they become the main issue in your mind. They pull anytime you move, they hurt. So today was a good day! Dan said he immediately felt better...
We also found out the 'protocol' for the f word (flu x 2= H1N1 and seasonal). He can't have the immunizations because, in Dr. wolf's words, "it would be like giving you saline" So the plan will be to avoid crowds for at least 3 months and if someone is coughing where he is, run like hell! No, not really, but almost. He shouldn't go into the dining room a Tierra if someone has been coughing and he should go places at off times -like the movies (matinee) or Starbucks (2 pm). What that means for us is that he probably will come back to work in the kitchen first and work in the dining room on slow nights.
It was information we needed to get and it is okay. He has his future back and I got my husband for many years to come thanks to the gift Kathie gave us. It's awesome!
We also found out the 'protocol' for the f word (flu x 2= H1N1 and seasonal). He can't have the immunizations because, in Dr. wolf's words, "it would be like giving you saline" So the plan will be to avoid crowds for at least 3 months and if someone is coughing where he is, run like hell! No, not really, but almost. He shouldn't go into the dining room a Tierra if someone has been coughing and he should go places at off times -like the movies (matinee) or Starbucks (2 pm). What that means for us is that he probably will come back to work in the kitchen first and work in the dining room on slow nights.
It was information we needed to get and it is okay. He has his future back and I got my husband for many years to come thanks to the gift Kathie gave us. It's awesome!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Second Post-op visit
Dan had a follow up appointment this morning. Dr. Wolf said he is doing well, even though his creatanine was a bit higher than last Friday. Creatanine measures the waste in the body, so it is a very important number in the lab reports. Not to worry, said Dr. Wolf, they expect that it will fluctuate a bit.
One of the most important things he needs to do now (besides taking his meds on time) is drink lots of water. Dr. Wolf said that if Dan drinks coffee, he needs to add to his water consumption. So instead of 64 oz he will have to drink 74 oz plus...
Well, he has to keep that kidney working and hydrated!
We re-opened the restaurant yesterday, so I will not be at home with Dan. For now his sister Leah is here from California and next week he should be fine by himself.
He will also feel like having more visitors which will break the monotony. It's great to know that all is well!!!
One of the most important things he needs to do now (besides taking his meds on time) is drink lots of water. Dr. Wolf said that if Dan drinks coffee, he needs to add to his water consumption. So instead of 64 oz he will have to drink 74 oz plus...
Well, he has to keep that kidney working and hydrated!
We re-opened the restaurant yesterday, so I will not be at home with Dan. For now his sister Leah is here from California and next week he should be fine by himself.
He will also feel like having more visitors which will break the monotony. It's great to know that all is well!!!
Friday, September 4, 2009
First clinic appointment
We had our first clinic appointment today. Dr Wolf, one of the post transplant nephrologist- said he is doing really well. His labs were good, right were they want them to be and next week he only needs to go on Wed. The week is messed up because of Labor day but the week after that he will have to go two days.
He is sore today but that's because he sat too long yesterday. The Dr. said he needs to keep moving and sitting and that it will get better. His meds were not changed at all. Each time he goes to clinic they see if any of the meds need adjusting.
He is still not allowed to go out into the world... They will let us know when he can venture out.
Our donor is also doing very well. It's a wonderful world!
He is sore today but that's because he sat too long yesterday. The Dr. said he needs to keep moving and sitting and that it will get better. His meds were not changed at all. Each time he goes to clinic they see if any of the meds need adjusting.
He is still not allowed to go out into the world... They will let us know when he can venture out.
Our donor is also doing very well. It's a wonderful world!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
We are home
We left the hospital yesterday at 3 pm. Dan is doing well, he is walking the dog and then resting... Of course his surgery site is sore but nothing tremendous. We put all the meds in pill boxes last night. The ones that he is supposed to take in the morning didn't fit there are so many. But the truth is that we are so lucky to live in this day and age where you can have a transplant and go home in 5 days!
It was great to be home and have a full night sleep!!! He is not the only one to feel better...
I have asked a friend to post some pictures because I don't know how- so hopefully you will see some soon. I will keep updating if you will keep reading... Thanks for all the good wishes sent our way. We know that all that energy worked really really well.
It was great to be home and have a full night sleep!!! He is not the only one to feel better...
I have asked a friend to post some pictures because I don't know how- so hopefully you will see some soon. I will keep updating if you will keep reading... Thanks for all the good wishes sent our way. We know that all that energy worked really really well.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Monday's update
Dan had a rough day on Sunday, retaining a lot of liquids which was very uncomfortable. Monday has been better. They took the catheter off and he had lost a lot of all the water weight. He is walking and sitting down (which hurts more) and resting. We took a post-transplant class and learned about all the meds etc. Good news: he has no dietary restrictions!!!!yeah!! so he can have the ice cream and coke I have waiting for him at home... But I also have some good food that I cooked for him (and the donor) in the freezer. AND we get to go home tomorrow! More to come
Saturday, August 29, 2009
First post op afternoon
Dan has done really well today. He has walked the hallway twice and has been allowed to start on solid food...Great news right now is that our donor is feeling better. She hasn't eaten yet, but is also walking the halls. They did tell us that the donor's recovery is much harder that the recipient's, specially the first two-three days!
First night
Dan had a good first night, even though the nurse came every two hours to check all his numbers etc. He is being allowed clear liquids and hopefully after doctor rounds he will be up and walking a bit and maybe graduate to a full liquid diet...His pain is okay. Our donor has a light fever this morning so please send her all your positive energy!Will update after doctor's visit.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Dan's got a kidney!
On behalf of Ticha and Dan we'd like to share that Dan's transplant operation has been successful. Dan is recovering nicely and there'll be no need for him to spend time in the ICU. They are moving him to his room soon.
All of us are ecstatic and filled with joy. And, oh! so very thankful.
All of us are ecstatic and filled with joy. And, oh! so very thankful.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
The day is getting near
Dan has to check in at the hospital tomorrow Thursday at noon. I guess he will talk to the anesthesiologist, surgeon and do last minute blood work and chest x-rays. Surgery is still scheduled for 7:30 am on Friday.
After waiting all this time I keep waiting for the other shoe to fall. It seems unreal that we are finally going to get a kidney! Please check Friday pm to see how the surgery went.
After waiting all this time I keep waiting for the other shoe to fall. It seems unreal that we are finally going to get a kidney! Please check Friday pm to see how the surgery went.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
COUNTDOWN BEGINS
We feel so confident that Dan will be getting a kidney on the 28th of August that we have started a countdown. Something could still come out of the loop, but we are not thinking that way. We are also cooking and freezing food for both our donor and our home! Very exciting!
Once in the hospital i can update the blog since they have wi fi so please check here.
Once in the hospital i can update the blog since they have wi fi so please check here.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Got KIDNEY!!
Well, after two and half years and 8 potential donors, we finally have a kidney!!! A wonderful woman passed all the tests and will give Dan her kidney. The date will be August 28th. It took about three days for the good news to sink in but now we own it. WE HAVE A KIDNEY!!!
Dan has a couple of tests (X-ray, stress test) to take and hopefully he is going to pass them with flying colors and we will be at Piedmont on the 28th. I have been told that sometimes things happen and they have to cancel the transplant. Please send all your energy our way so that things run smoothly and Dan can be healthy again. And thanks to all that have prayed, chanted and sent us positive energy which helped us get to this point. Thanks, thanks.
Please keep checking in to learn how things are developing.
Dan has a couple of tests (X-ray, stress test) to take and hopefully he is going to pass them with flying colors and we will be at Piedmont on the 28th. I have been told that sometimes things happen and they have to cancel the transplant. Please send all your energy our way so that things run smoothly and Dan can be healthy again. And thanks to all that have prayed, chanted and sent us positive energy which helped us get to this point. Thanks, thanks.
Please keep checking in to learn how things are developing.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Summer is here but ...
I started this year with the hope that Dan would get a kidney in 2009. Now summer is here and we don't have a kidney yet... Of course the year is only half gone, but the process is so slow that I feel somewhat discouraged.
We do have a potential candidate that will get her physical in July and hopefully she will be healthy, healthy, healthy. It is hard to be positive and be prepared for the bad news, all at the same time. The brain plays tricks on you and you start mentally making plans about the transplant, the logistics for the business etc. and then you bring yourself down to reality. That is the reason that Dan stays a little detached from the process. The ups and downs are emotionally draining. He is getting adjusted to dealing with dialyisis while mantaining a working schedule. No easy task....
We do have a potential candidate that will get her physical in July and hopefully she will be healthy, healthy, healthy. It is hard to be positive and be prepared for the bad news, all at the same time. The brain plays tricks on you and you start mentally making plans about the transplant, the logistics for the business etc. and then you bring yourself down to reality. That is the reason that Dan stays a little detached from the process. The ups and downs are emotionally draining. He is getting adjusted to dealing with dialyisis while mantaining a working schedule. No easy task....
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Great webinar
I just watched a webinar about kidney transplantation hosted by the PKD foundation . It has 'everything you ever wanted to know about kidney transplants'. The John Hopkins doctor does a great job of explaining the wait, the benefits of live donations, etc. Then he answers questions.
If you are interested please go to http://www-waa-akam.thomson-webcast.net/us/dispatching/?event_id=e301cee92ab960ec523fdb6fc4f5d5c4&portal_id=b20ccfb37b06dc2e8d0e1573b7371e7b
If you are interested please go to http://www-waa-akam.thomson-webcast.net/us/dispatching/?event_id=e301cee92ab960ec523fdb6fc4f5d5c4&portal_id=b20ccfb37b06dc2e8d0e1573b7371e7b
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Life goes on...
Yes, we have settled on our routine. But we can't say that dialysis has not impacted our lives. Pretty much everything we do has to have in mind the fact that three days a week are pretty much shot for Dan. And we really only have Sunday off, since Mondays we go to Restaurant Depot and any other errand we may need to do (Sam's, Publix). I still go to the market on Tuesdays and then on to do prep.
One of our candidates was affected by the economic downturn and won't be able to finish testing. We have another candidate that's will be tested. We are so lucky to have had several candidates. We also got response from the article in Creative Loafing. They are all heroes!
We are doing okay hanging in there but please keep us in your thoughts!
One of our candidates was affected by the economic downturn and won't be able to finish testing. We have another candidate that's will be tested. We are so lucky to have had several candidates. We also got response from the article in Creative Loafing. They are all heroes!
We are doing okay hanging in there but please keep us in your thoughts!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Dialysis and donor news
Dan is now set on his dialysis routine. Clinic dialysis is really different from home-hemo. He still gets really wiped out and if he has to can do maye one errand after treatment but then has to come home and rest/sleep for most of the afternoon.By the time he gets to the restaurant to be the host he is starting to perk up. By the next day he feels great! He feels strong and healthy.
Our work routine is also set and working well.
We are still looking for a donor. Like I said, we have some prospects but so far no luck. So PLEASE spread the word about Dan. We really really need a kidney!!!
Our work routine is also set and working well.
We are still looking for a donor. Like I said, we have some prospects but so far no luck. So PLEASE spread the word about Dan. We really really need a kidney!!!
Friday, February 6, 2009
Long and winding dialysis road
I cannot begin to describe how intense the training for home hemodialysis is. For us, it meant waking up at 6:45 to get to the training clinic by 8, getting out anywhere from 12:30 to 2 o'clock. We have arrived at the restaurant by 12pm for 10 years, so by the time we got there from training we were stressed and behind in our prep. Danny felt better so that was the carrot at the end.
We should have been home with the machine two and a half weeks ago, but our training nurse broke her foot, so for two weeks we were just coasting.
Last Friday, after a treatment full of problems, Danny decided that the modality of home hemodialysis was not for us. It is perfect for patients with normal hours, people who work during the day and get home in the evening, have dinner and then dialyse. For us, it was constant stress. So he decided to switch to in-clinic dialysis which means that he goes Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday to get treatment.
He started in-clinic yesterday. He had to be there by 6:30 and finished by 11:45. His treatment may become shorter after a couple of tests, but for now he has to dialize for four hours.
After his treatment he felt worn out but today he feels great! We think his body will get used to this modality after a few weeks of treatment. But we are already less stressed and that's great!
We should have been home with the machine two and a half weeks ago, but our training nurse broke her foot, so for two weeks we were just coasting.
Last Friday, after a treatment full of problems, Danny decided that the modality of home hemodialysis was not for us. It is perfect for patients with normal hours, people who work during the day and get home in the evening, have dinner and then dialyse. For us, it was constant stress. So he decided to switch to in-clinic dialysis which means that he goes Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday to get treatment.
He started in-clinic yesterday. He had to be there by 6:30 and finished by 11:45. His treatment may become shorter after a couple of tests, but for now he has to dialize for four hours.
After his treatment he felt worn out but today he feels great! We think his body will get used to this modality after a few weeks of treatment. But we are already less stressed and that's great!
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