Good evening, my Stars and Angels:
Sorry for the silence, but it has been a bit of a waiting game, not too much to report. Today I changed my terminology from, "Yes, I am a freak of nature," to the less negative, "I am an enigma, always have been and may always be!
The long and short of it: At this point, the docs. are keeping me in the hospital for another day or two, maybe the remainder of the week.
The Cardiac MRI yesterday (Mon. 9.14) showed patchy inflammation in the left ventricle (LV), which is consistent with rejection. However, despite the alleviation of my symptoms from late last week (shortness of breath, sleeplessness, fatigue, slight belly bloating, etc.), the MRI showed that the LV is still not functioning properly, which is not good and not normal if rejection is truly the cause and has been sufficiently treated (Heretofore, I have had excellent, above normal LV function since transplant).
A couple of explanations: This could just be a "time lag" so to speak, and the docs wanted to give me and my LV another 48 hrs. to respond to the treatment before repeating an echo.
Could be another unknown cause (that enigma part, remember); I am baffling the extended team of 4 hospitals here (my case was discussed at this morning's weekly meeting of the "Utah affiliated solid organ transplant program.")
So, despite some additional blood testing to check for antibodies (which can create white blood cells to attack the heart, sim. to rejection), today was really just a hang out day of visiting, talking, walking, showering, and that mindless stuff.
Tomorrow (hopefully morning) I expect to have another echo to see whether the LV function has improved. Depending on the results of the echo, they may keep me in until Thurs./Fri. for another biopsy (even though the first was negative). Not sure what the course of treatment will be in the event the biopsy is negative again, or even what it will be if it were positive for rejection.
Another interesting tidbit (and a bit of peace of mind for me): the team assures me nothing I have done caused this; rejection is more common in women than men and more common in young women; I just had been lucky so far in not experiencing it. It is treatable and I expect to make a full recovery so I can be back home, playing in the sun, leaves, and snow with Pete, the boys and Maggie! It just may take some time.
In the meantime, I am talking to my heart, asking the LV to kindly ramp up back to its great function, doing my own sort of praying and positive thinking.
Understandably, the docs have put me back on higher doses of the 3 immunosuppressants (and some of the other drugs I had been off since winter (anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial meds). This means I am at higher risk for infection, so we'll be playing that safe, staying away from swine flu & other influenza, and keeping up our great hand washing routine, just doing the best we can to stay healthy. I also will have frequent follow-up care again at the U (more frequent blood tests, echos, and biopsies), for a while anyway, though I am not yet sure of that schedule.
Pete and the boys are doing as well as can be expected. Of course my dear Pete is doing an amazing job holding down the fort, dealing with the breakfasts, lunches, laundry, soccer, snacks, baths, etc, the mundane and necessary of every day life! We thank you all who have again offered (and brought) yummy dinners for their sustenance and offered all kinds of help.
Last, but not least, thank you most of all for your continued thoughts, prayers, energy, vibes, love, support -- you name it -- that you send our way!
Lots of love and peace to you all, and good night,
Em
Monday, September 14, 2009
Saturday, September 12, 2009
well, yes, another bump in the road!
Greetings to all my stars and angels:
Some of you already heard the initial news that I have been admitted to the U Hospital, again. Here is what happened, what we know and what we do not know.
I was not sleeping well last week, but that is life sometimes, right?!?
So, as scheduled, I flew to Denver Wed. afternoon for a short 2-day work conference.
Wed. night, I slept poorly, waking a lot, and developed a very stiff left neck. Also had slightly high BP Thurs. am (take my vitals even when traveling!), which was technically ok but high for me. Felt sluggish and tired and "just not right" all day Thursday, but sat through the conference and managed to muster the energy to go to an early dinner with 5 colleagues. Back to the hotel by 8:30 pm for bed, iced my stiff neck, and had a quick hot bath (luxury!). Slept until about1:30-2am, when I awoke feeling short of breath. Sat up, tried to prop self up on pillows, but just could not sleep between shortness of breath and sore neck. Shortness of breath went away when standing, but unlike a rooster or a horse, I cannot sleep standing!
Thought seriously over the next couple of hours about my options (going to an ER in Denver or skipping day 2 of conference and getting on an earlier flight home). As I did not feel my situation was emergent, I chose the latter, called United and got the first flight to SLC, departing at 8:30 am.
Arrived in SLC by 10 am, where my dear Pete met me. Called the transplant folks from the airport and went straight from there to the Hospital. They thankfully fit me in; talked/went over my symptoms, checked vitals, then did echocardiogram. Echo showed the left ventricle was weak (pumping ineffectiently), which "in 99% of such cases" is an indication that i was "in rejection." So, next came a biopsy to confirm the type of rejection (vascular or cellular) and degree (severity) (no lung puncture, thankfully!), and then admission to the hospital to begin treatment for rejection. They gave me the first of 3 IV administrations of a super steriod during the biopsy. Slept wonderfully last night, aided by adavan (sp.) (for anti-anxiety and leg tremors that apparently were a side-effect of the super steroid), a sleep aid Trazedone, and exhaustion from several sleepless nights.
So, today: Slept great. Awoke feeling better, lots better, rested and less short of breath. The pain in my neck (unlreated?) is totally gone, perhaps because of the lortab or perhaps the super steroids. I have now had 2 IV doses.
Now the crazy part: the docs got the pathology reports from yesterday's biopsy, and came by around 11 am to tell me . . . the pathology of the biopsy was negative for rejection!! Say What??? Yes, it is true. Now they and we are super baffled. We do not know what was causing my symptoms, it is possible that the biopsy results were a false negative, it is possible that the rejection is focused on the left ventricle, which was not biopsied (the right ventricle is routinely the source of biopsies, and biopsy of the left ventricle is a risky procedure they do not want to put me through, at least at this point! I will get the third IV steroid dose tomorrow, and perhaps another echo. Then on Monday, I will have a cardiac MRI to see whether there is any inflammation in the heart. I am not sure yet what inflammation means, if it is there. Another question for tomorrow.
So, they tell me the side effects of the super steroids are: emtional ups and downs ("going wacko" is what they really said!) and huge spikes in my blood sugars. I have experienced the latter, and definitely a bit of the former -downside only. Definitely emotional, almost disappointed that the diagnosis is not rejection, because, once again, "freak of nature emily" is demonstrating another freakish medical tic. I am glad I feel so much better, so maybe it really is/was rejection. They say they will also do another biopsy within the next week, late this one or early next one. I know I am so fortunate in all that I have been given, all the amazing support and love. Someone already called to bring us a meal on Monday night! I do appreciate all of that, but I am a bit frustrated at the moment as well. I was supposed to go to a conference in Albuqueque Mon.-Thurs. this week, which was an internal Solicitor's Office energy law conference, which should be great and at whcih I was presenting. I am sorry not to be attending now, mostly because I will miss seeing colleagues from all over the country who have been so kind personally and so good to work with professionally.
I wish you all wellness and peace. Please send your good prayers, energy, and love our way!!!
peace and love,
Emily
Feel free to call my cell or my room (4120). Direct # is 801.585.8369.
xoxo, Em
Some of you already heard the initial news that I have been admitted to the U Hospital, again. Here is what happened, what we know and what we do not know.
I was not sleeping well last week, but that is life sometimes, right?!?
So, as scheduled, I flew to Denver Wed. afternoon for a short 2-day work conference.
Wed. night, I slept poorly, waking a lot, and developed a very stiff left neck. Also had slightly high BP Thurs. am (take my vitals even when traveling!), which was technically ok but high for me. Felt sluggish and tired and "just not right" all day Thursday, but sat through the conference and managed to muster the energy to go to an early dinner with 5 colleagues. Back to the hotel by 8:30 pm for bed, iced my stiff neck, and had a quick hot bath (luxury!). Slept until about1:30-2am, when I awoke feeling short of breath. Sat up, tried to prop self up on pillows, but just could not sleep between shortness of breath and sore neck. Shortness of breath went away when standing, but unlike a rooster or a horse, I cannot sleep standing!
Thought seriously over the next couple of hours about my options (going to an ER in Denver or skipping day 2 of conference and getting on an earlier flight home). As I did not feel my situation was emergent, I chose the latter, called United and got the first flight to SLC, departing at 8:30 am.
Arrived in SLC by 10 am, where my dear Pete met me. Called the transplant folks from the airport and went straight from there to the Hospital. They thankfully fit me in; talked/went over my symptoms, checked vitals, then did echocardiogram. Echo showed the left ventricle was weak (pumping ineffectiently), which "in 99% of such cases" is an indication that i was "in rejection." So, next came a biopsy to confirm the type of rejection (vascular or cellular) and degree (severity) (no lung puncture, thankfully!), and then admission to the hospital to begin treatment for rejection. They gave me the first of 3 IV administrations of a super steriod during the biopsy. Slept wonderfully last night, aided by adavan (sp.) (for anti-anxiety and leg tremors that apparently were a side-effect of the super steroid), a sleep aid Trazedone, and exhaustion from several sleepless nights.
So, today: Slept great. Awoke feeling better, lots better, rested and less short of breath. The pain in my neck (unlreated?) is totally gone, perhaps because of the lortab or perhaps the super steroids. I have now had 2 IV doses.
Now the crazy part: the docs got the pathology reports from yesterday's biopsy, and came by around 11 am to tell me . . . the pathology of the biopsy was negative for rejection!! Say What??? Yes, it is true. Now they and we are super baffled. We do not know what was causing my symptoms, it is possible that the biopsy results were a false negative, it is possible that the rejection is focused on the left ventricle, which was not biopsied (the right ventricle is routinely the source of biopsies, and biopsy of the left ventricle is a risky procedure they do not want to put me through, at least at this point! I will get the third IV steroid dose tomorrow, and perhaps another echo. Then on Monday, I will have a cardiac MRI to see whether there is any inflammation in the heart. I am not sure yet what inflammation means, if it is there. Another question for tomorrow.
So, they tell me the side effects of the super steroids are: emtional ups and downs ("going wacko" is what they really said!) and huge spikes in my blood sugars. I have experienced the latter, and definitely a bit of the former -downside only. Definitely emotional, almost disappointed that the diagnosis is not rejection, because, once again, "freak of nature emily" is demonstrating another freakish medical tic. I am glad I feel so much better, so maybe it really is/was rejection. They say they will also do another biopsy within the next week, late this one or early next one. I know I am so fortunate in all that I have been given, all the amazing support and love. Someone already called to bring us a meal on Monday night! I do appreciate all of that, but I am a bit frustrated at the moment as well. I was supposed to go to a conference in Albuqueque Mon.-Thurs. this week, which was an internal Solicitor's Office energy law conference, which should be great and at whcih I was presenting. I am sorry not to be attending now, mostly because I will miss seeing colleagues from all over the country who have been so kind personally and so good to work with professionally.
I wish you all wellness and peace. Please send your good prayers, energy, and love our way!!!
peace and love,
Emily
Feel free to call my cell or my room (4120). Direct # is 801.585.8369.
xoxo, Em
Sunday, July 12, 2009
another miracle!!!
Greetings stars and angels, near and far:
I just had to briefly make a post to share most WONDERFUL news that our friend Jim is undergoing his heart transplant surgery today, as I write! He is the fabulous fellow who has been waiting 3 years + (as of June 12) for a new heart, relocated to SLC from Boise, and has been quite ill the last few months, requiring hospitalization and lots of procedures. He had congenital heart disease (similar to me -- screwy anatomy from birth), and he and his wife Kitty have been through the ringer. I am so very overcome with emotion and joy for them, their families, friends, etc.
Also wanted to let you all know that we had a very successful and fun ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY celebration on June 27. It was the first sunny Saturday of the summer, and it was really great. Lots of great people, food, and fun. And, we raised almost $2,000.00 for Intermountain Donor Services (IDS). So thanks to all who came and enjoyed and donated, and to those who could not attend but donated nevertheless!
Lots of love and peace,
Emily
I just had to briefly make a post to share most WONDERFUL news that our friend Jim is undergoing his heart transplant surgery today, as I write! He is the fabulous fellow who has been waiting 3 years + (as of June 12) for a new heart, relocated to SLC from Boise, and has been quite ill the last few months, requiring hospitalization and lots of procedures. He had congenital heart disease (similar to me -- screwy anatomy from birth), and he and his wife Kitty have been through the ringer. I am so very overcome with emotion and joy for them, their families, friends, etc.
Also wanted to let you all know that we had a very successful and fun ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY celebration on June 27. It was the first sunny Saturday of the summer, and it was really great. Lots of great people, food, and fun. And, we raised almost $2,000.00 for Intermountain Donor Services (IDS). So thanks to all who came and enjoyed and donated, and to those who could not attend but donated nevertheless!
Lots of love and peace,
Emily
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
ONE YEAR!!!!!
A bit of Red Sox Nation at Safeco Field in Seattle!A huge heart greeting to all my stars and angels out there, near and far!!
Believe it or not, one year ago today, tonight really, Pete was writing from the Univ. Hospital surgery waiting room as I was beginning the 7.5 hour heart transplant surgery!!! As he, his brother Chas, and my sister Kate stayed up that night, the surgeons and nurses were performing a miracle on me. What an absolutely amazing thing.
I am fighting back tears as I think of all of you who prayed for me, sent me love, light, energy, blessings, etc., and as I think about my donor, Tony, and his parents/family. It was both difficult and wonderful to learn of his identity, when his parents wrote me back just before Christmas. I am now comfortable enough with the fact that he gave me his heart to share this with you now. I thank Tony and his parents every day (morning and night), and I am so very grateful for this chance at life I have been given. To be sure, this last year has not been easy or all smooth sailing, but despite the bumps (even the big abdominal one 6 weeks ago!), I am still grateful.
SO MUCH MORE GRATITUDE:
First, I have to say a special thanks and love to my dearest Pete and our two crazy and wonderful boys Mason and Liam.
Another special thank you to Mom, Dad, Kate, Caroline, Christopher, Christina, Noah, and Wylie, as well as to Pete's family -- Sally, Allen, Chas, Sara, Walker, Reed, Dave, and Carol. Thank you all for your love and support these many months/years!!
Our deepest thanks and love to our Allie, and her family, as well as to Melissa and Ben and their family for all the amazing support and friendship their two families have given our family.
A big massive thanks to my doctors, nurses, PAs, MAs, technicians, etc. for all their dedication and hard work and their fantastic care of me.
I am thankful for new friends such as Kate M., who is helping me regain my energy and has taught me much in the few weeks I have known her.
Finally, I thank my colleagues and bosses at the Solicitor's Office who have been so very supportive over this last year. Thanks for giving me the time I need to heal, for picking up my slack, and for simply caring.
A request: I ask again that you direct some of your prayers, blessing, energy and light to my friend Jim Jablonski who just passed three-years of waiting for a new heart and is currently hospitalized and waiting anxiously for a new heart.
So, on this day, this week, I look back with a heart full of all kinds of emotions, and I look FORWARD to every day I am given on this earth, with a heart ready and willing to live to my full potential!!
One last note:
For those of you afar, I wanted to let you know we are having a celebration of my anniversary and fundraiser on Saturday, June 27, 2009. You did not get the evite if you are not local, but we are holding an afternoon open-house at the park one-mile down the hill from our house to celebrate my transplant anniversary and to raise funds and organ donation awareness to benefit Intermountain Donor Services (IDS), http://www.idslife.org/. IDS is the organization that really makes transplants happen (facilitates/coordinates the matching, works with/counsels donor families, etc.) in our region (there is one for every region of the National Transplant list managed by UNOS (United Netword for Organ Sharing)).
This is from the website: IDS is a "federally designated nonprofit community service organization dedicated to the recovery and transplantation of organs and tissues. IDS serves Utah, south eastern Idaho, and Western Wyoming encompassing 2.7 million residents, 79 hospitals, and 4 transplant centers. IDS performs its procurement role, combined with community awareness and education, with the following goals in mind: To provide high quality organ and tissue procurement services to the medical and public communities we serve. To educate medical professionals and the public sector on the benefits of organ and tissue donation in order to provide, in a sensitive manner, the option of donation to all individuals. To provide an organizational environment that attracts, retains, and motivates qualified employees who are dedicated to our mission, vision, and values."
Assuming you cannot attend our shindig, I wanted to invite you all to become registered organ donors in the state in which you reside, if you are not currently a donor.
Also, if you are interested in contributing to our cause, please make a check out to Intermountain Donor Services or IDS, and send to us at 7318 Pinebrook Rd., Park City, UT 84098.
IF there is anyone local who receives this posting but did not get the evite - I humbly apologize!! You ARE invited and it was simply an oversight on my part. We have invited lots of people, which is why this is an "open-house," and we do not want to exclude anyone!! Please call or email me or call Melissa Wiczek (801.419.1508) or Laura Climaco (435.659.9812) for details.
Lots of love, peace, and thanks,
Emily
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Free like a bird!
Greetings from Seattle, where, yesterday late afternoon, I flew like a bird (with the aid of Southwest Airlines) with Pete, Mason, and Liam for the first time post-transplant!
Thankfully, all my docs (cardiac transplant team and surgeons from Abdom. surgery 2 weeks ago) happily signed off on our scheduled trip to Seattle, what we call the "come full circle" trip -- As you may recall, we were supposed to come here last Memorial Day weekend 2008 but had to cancel because of my cardiac cath/diagnosis and evaluation for transplant! We are even planning on going to a Red Sox game tomorrow night! John Lester is pitching and my sister and husband think it will be a great duel between the Mariners and Sox. Oh Joy (ha, ha!). But, it WILL be joy to be in a beautiful spot in the presence of my hubby who so loves the Sox and baseball. It will be Liam's first game, Mason's 3rd I think. And Kate and Caroline love bball too! Besides yummy beer, Safeco Field even offers fried clams, sushi, garlic fries, and of course, hot dogs!
In any event, I just wanted to share the great news that I am well enough to be here, so thankful for both my excellent, healthy heart, my recovering GI system, my fantastic doctors, and my family! We went to the Seattle Aquarium this morning to witness lots of neat fish, star fish, seals, otters, coral, etc., and then we had a real heart healthy but yummy lunch at Seattle's renowned Bob's Red Mill where one dines on awesome shakes (coffee for the parents, strawberry for the boys), "boogers, and flies" (burgers and fries, as Mason has dubbed them after one of the Froggy books). Back at the Aunties' abode, Liam and I both had naps (I slept for 2 hours with the aid of Percocet - pain meds are key!), while Pete and Mason rode bikes outside. So glad to be here!!
Thanks for all your love and support, and have a great weekend all,
Em
Thankfully, all my docs (cardiac transplant team and surgeons from Abdom. surgery 2 weeks ago) happily signed off on our scheduled trip to Seattle, what we call the "come full circle" trip -- As you may recall, we were supposed to come here last Memorial Day weekend 2008 but had to cancel because of my cardiac cath/diagnosis and evaluation for transplant! We are even planning on going to a Red Sox game tomorrow night! John Lester is pitching and my sister and husband think it will be a great duel between the Mariners and Sox. Oh Joy (ha, ha!). But, it WILL be joy to be in a beautiful spot in the presence of my hubby who so loves the Sox and baseball. It will be Liam's first game, Mason's 3rd I think. And Kate and Caroline love bball too! Besides yummy beer, Safeco Field even offers fried clams, sushi, garlic fries, and of course, hot dogs!
In any event, I just wanted to share the great news that I am well enough to be here, so thankful for both my excellent, healthy heart, my recovering GI system, my fantastic doctors, and my family! We went to the Seattle Aquarium this morning to witness lots of neat fish, star fish, seals, otters, coral, etc., and then we had a real heart healthy but yummy lunch at Seattle's renowned Bob's Red Mill where one dines on awesome shakes (coffee for the parents, strawberry for the boys), "boogers, and flies" (burgers and fries, as Mason has dubbed them after one of the Froggy books). Back at the Aunties' abode, Liam and I both had naps (I slept for 2 hours with the aid of Percocet - pain meds are key!), while Pete and Mason rode bikes outside. So glad to be here!!
Thanks for all your love and support, and have a great weekend all,
Em
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
WIND "breaker"
Good evening and happy Cinco de Mayo:
You might be wondering about the title of this blog entry, but leave it to my Dad to crack me up when my abdomen been sliced open and my bowel pulleds out and "played with" -- suffice it to say, it hurts like hell! In any event, I just finished my evening meds with a shot of pain med and benedyrl (to help me sleep), so this will be short.
I am doing much better now that I have "broken wind" and had a few "movements"! I am eating again after another day of no-food, yesterday, since my belly was in lots of pain and a bit distended. so far, so good with the food. I really was incredibly relieved (no pun intended) to have finally passed gas and pooped. As I said to my sister Kate on the phone last night, "pray for poop like you have never prayed before!" It worked!
Pete kindly brought me yummy chicken noodle soup tonight. Shea brought the boys to visit in the am, and I took lots of walks and even had my first post-op shower! Mason's teacher Miss Elaine came over tonight to play with the boys and help give them supper and get ready for bed. Apparently, Mason was in complete heaven - he loves Elaine so very very much!
Yes, it sucks being here, but I am trying to rest as much as possible and heal as best as possible in this environment. I slept well last night, especially after the 1:30am wind-beaking! So, nothing more to report. Thanks to all for your "virtual" support and love and for your calls, visits, and emails.
Sleep well, and lots of love, Emily
p.s. Here are before-and after-pics of our adorable boys having received their annual buzz cut this past Saturday, curtesy of Melissa!
You might be wondering about the title of this blog entry, but leave it to my Dad to crack me up when my abdomen been sliced open and my bowel pulleds out and "played with" -- suffice it to say, it hurts like hell! In any event, I just finished my evening meds with a shot of pain med and benedyrl (to help me sleep), so this will be short.
I am doing much better now that I have "broken wind" and had a few "movements"! I am eating again after another day of no-food, yesterday, since my belly was in lots of pain and a bit distended. so far, so good with the food. I really was incredibly relieved (no pun intended) to have finally passed gas and pooped. As I said to my sister Kate on the phone last night, "pray for poop like you have never prayed before!" It worked!
Pete kindly brought me yummy chicken noodle soup tonight. Shea brought the boys to visit in the am, and I took lots of walks and even had my first post-op shower! Mason's teacher Miss Elaine came over tonight to play with the boys and help give them supper and get ready for bed. Apparently, Mason was in complete heaven - he loves Elaine so very very much!
Yes, it sucks being here, but I am trying to rest as much as possible and heal as best as possible in this environment. I slept well last night, especially after the 1:30am wind-beaking! So, nothing more to report. Thanks to all for your "virtual" support and love and for your calls, visits, and emails.
Sleep well, and lots of love, Emily
p.s. Here are before-and after-pics of our adorable boys having received their annual buzz cut this past Saturday, curtesy of Melissa!
Saturday, May 2, 2009
So lucky and thankful once again!
Greetings to all you friends and family!
First, my deepest love and thanks to my dear husband Pete for once again sticking by my side, for taking such good care of me, for letting me squeeze his hand so very tightly as I was in agonizing pain in the wee hours of Wed. night/am. As you know from Pete's posting Thursday night, I am back in the U Hospital after having had emergency surgery to unkink/unwind my colon/large intestine, which also involved removing/cutting out 17 inches of dead (necrotic) intestinal tissue! FYI, the large intestine is about 5 feet long, so I have plenty left!! According to my excellent surgeons, (Drs. John Langell and David Larsen), I was extremely lucky -- they were able to handle my twisted bowels just in the nick of time, i.e., before my colon/intestine ruptured, which would have made me septic, and having a compromised immune system . . . well, that would have been really really bad!!
In any event, despite the short-lived but extreme pain and agony of a couple of days ago, and despite having to be hospitalized, I am truly fortunate in having had life-saving surgery once again! I now fully understand why the core of the body is called the core - lots of muscles in there that are sore! And, I now have a lovely scar virtually the entire vertical length of my abdomen! The new incision starts a couple of inches below the bottom of my "heart scar," and travels for 7 or 8 inches. At the moment, the incision is actually partially still open - it is sewn shut in the center but remains open a few inches on top and bottom (the facia is sewed shut but the subcutaneous fat and skin layers are open). They did this to help ensure that I would have no infection between the fat and skin, as the abdominal area had a lot of "murky fluid" in it when they opened me up. Over the next few days, the docs will slowly close the wound by attaching steri-strips to seal the incision.
I was not allowed much fluid (other than IV fluids) until today (a bit of water/ice chips yesterday) and was not allowed to eat until today, when I began a liquid diet of applesauce, soup, juice, water. So far, so good! Now I await for some of the illustrious bowel activity (sound familiar Barb and Tom?!).
It is a bit lonely here, but thankfully Pete brought the boys to visit this morning! Of course they had fun playing with the bed's buttons and having a snack of juice and crackers. I feel terribly sad that my dear Pete has to deal with a sick wife once again, but he is strong, we are strong, and we'll make it through! And, once again, the irony of all of this is that my new heart is functioning very well. One of the Transplant Cardiologist's said to me today, "Well, your heart passed a huge stress test with flying colors!" Ain't that the truth.
Alas, I do not know much yet in terms of the recovery process, except that I will not be able to lift for a while, I will have to be off work for some period of time again, and we will need all your friendship, love, and support over the coming weeks! Thanks to all of you who have already called or sent messages - we appreciate it.
Thanks for being there for us/with us in the ongoing drama called life!
Lots of love and peace,
Emily
p.s. If you are so inclined, you can reach me on my cell, or by calling the U Hosp. at 801.585.8652 (direct line to my room 630).
First, my deepest love and thanks to my dear husband Pete for once again sticking by my side, for taking such good care of me, for letting me squeeze his hand so very tightly as I was in agonizing pain in the wee hours of Wed. night/am. As you know from Pete's posting Thursday night, I am back in the U Hospital after having had emergency surgery to unkink/unwind my colon/large intestine, which also involved removing/cutting out 17 inches of dead (necrotic) intestinal tissue! FYI, the large intestine is about 5 feet long, so I have plenty left!! According to my excellent surgeons, (Drs. John Langell and David Larsen), I was extremely lucky -- they were able to handle my twisted bowels just in the nick of time, i.e., before my colon/intestine ruptured, which would have made me septic, and having a compromised immune system . . . well, that would have been really really bad!!
In any event, despite the short-lived but extreme pain and agony of a couple of days ago, and despite having to be hospitalized, I am truly fortunate in having had life-saving surgery once again! I now fully understand why the core of the body is called the core - lots of muscles in there that are sore! And, I now have a lovely scar virtually the entire vertical length of my abdomen! The new incision starts a couple of inches below the bottom of my "heart scar," and travels for 7 or 8 inches. At the moment, the incision is actually partially still open - it is sewn shut in the center but remains open a few inches on top and bottom (the facia is sewed shut but the subcutaneous fat and skin layers are open). They did this to help ensure that I would have no infection between the fat and skin, as the abdominal area had a lot of "murky fluid" in it when they opened me up. Over the next few days, the docs will slowly close the wound by attaching steri-strips to seal the incision.
I was not allowed much fluid (other than IV fluids) until today (a bit of water/ice chips yesterday) and was not allowed to eat until today, when I began a liquid diet of applesauce, soup, juice, water. So far, so good! Now I await for some of the illustrious bowel activity (sound familiar Barb and Tom?!).
It is a bit lonely here, but thankfully Pete brought the boys to visit this morning! Of course they had fun playing with the bed's buttons and having a snack of juice and crackers. I feel terribly sad that my dear Pete has to deal with a sick wife once again, but he is strong, we are strong, and we'll make it through! And, once again, the irony of all of this is that my new heart is functioning very well. One of the Transplant Cardiologist's said to me today, "Well, your heart passed a huge stress test with flying colors!" Ain't that the truth.
Alas, I do not know much yet in terms of the recovery process, except that I will not be able to lift for a while, I will have to be off work for some period of time again, and we will need all your friendship, love, and support over the coming weeks! Thanks to all of you who have already called or sent messages - we appreciate it.
Thanks for being there for us/with us in the ongoing drama called life!
Lots of love and peace,
Emily
p.s. If you are so inclined, you can reach me on my cell, or by calling the U Hosp. at 801.585.8652 (direct line to my room 630).
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