I just wanted to update everyone with how the surgery went. Debbie (my mother in law) and I went to San Fransisco on Thursday the 28th. We arrived and had to wait a few hours because we were the 2nd surgery of the day. Finally around 11 they had us come to pre-op. Lots of family came to show support. We felt very loved. I went into surgery about an hour before Debbie to get my kidney all prepared. The nurse gave me a medicine to help me relax before getting anesthesia. I fell asleep instantly. Debbie says she got the same stuff and it didn't make her fall asleep. She actually remembers entering the operating room and she moved herself onto her own table. Apparently I'm a light weight. Good thing I don't drink. Haha. After surgery, I awoke and slightly remember being wheeled to my recovery room. When I finally really woke up. I was sick beyond belief. They had me on an IV with a narcotic called Diloted(sp?). I was so very nauseated. I couldn't move with out feeling like I was going to throw up or that my head would fall off. They tried some nausea meds (Zofram). It didn't work at all. So then they decided to change my narcotic to Vicoden. It was just as bad as the first, so then they gave me another nausea med called Regalan(sp?). Again, It didn't work. Finally after 3 days of misery, They took me off all meds and just gave me Tylenol. Yes, just Tylenol. I finally started to feel much better. I was able to eat again and they said I could go home. I was the happiest person ever. I forgot to mention that while at the hospital they made me get up and walk. I thought I was going to die. You should try walking when you feel like throwing up with every step. It was horrible. I walked to Debbie's room. She looked amazing. She used to have a yellowish color to her skin and nails and almost instantly after the surgery she turned pink. I was so happy to see that it was working. It has been 1 week today. Debbie and I are both out of the hospital and are doing pretty good. It hurts to move too much and I can't really use my ab muscles (not that I had a lot to begin with). The pain is controllable. Walking is hard but required. I actually went to Walmart to get some more Tylenol. It about killed me, but it felt nice to get out of the house. Up until today I've just been doing little walks around Gary and Debbie's driveway. I'm sure people look at me like I'm crazy. I walk like I'm 90yrs old. Haha. Everything is going to be good though. I know things will heal quickly. Debbie is doing great too. Most of her levels have dropped to a normal range and the kidney is working at a great percentage. She is slow moving like me, but we will heal and all will be well. I feel so blessed to be able to participate in such an amazing thing. Debbie is an amazing woman and she deserves the best. I pray that things will only continue to get better for her.
Here is a photo of my wounds. I think they will heal nicely. I also got a video of the surgery if anyone want to watch it. It really isn't too bad. Not a lot of blood! Thank you everyone for your prayers and concern. I've definetly felt loved. Hopefully I will feel well enough to come home soon!
