Anniversary!

Today marks the six month anniversary of my liver transplant for my familial amyloidosis. (if you want details of the transplant, click on the July, 2009 post in the right column) In many respects it has been a lot tougher than I expected, specifically the two hospitalizations for complications. There have also been many "surprises." I am a big wimp and have always been afraid of pain. Surprisingly enough, the pain associated with the transplant has been very well managed. My veins are really in bad shape. The last time I was in the hospital it was so hard to get I.V.'s started, and routine blood tests have become quite tricky.
I am so grateful (I wish there was a "stronger" word) that my kidneys are still working. More than anything I have wanted to avoid dialysis and with the bummer liver out of my body and not producing amyloid, my kidneys have improved a little bit.
The meds are hard to take with lots of side effects, but I am managing.
I'm thankful that my husband has been such a huge help. I have not heard one complaint from him. He has been a wonderful example to me and our children, I have tried to be patient and more patient, but it's hard when you are used to being the one who helps and runs things. It 's hard to be on the accepting end of pretty much everything. He's always been a good cook, but he has really stretched his wings to include laundry, cleaning the kitchen, mopping, etc., etc.
The kids and kids in law have also been champs. They have had a housecleaner over and have been ready to do anything. I have had flowers and cards and visits and many beautiful pictures from grandkids.
I'm grateful to friends for get well cards. Any time I would be feeling down, it seems like I would have a card or note in the mail. More than once Lon would catch me with tears in my eyes reading cards.
Now the big question. How will I celebrate this milestone? I've been thinking about this all week, and think I have the perfect answer. I'm going to vacuum! Yep. I've missed (?) vacuuming. It's looking good to be normal again!

Back to the Doctor

On Tuesday I went back to UCSF for a routine doctor appointment. It was great to be there and walk right past the hospital (the last two times I was there I was admitted). My blood pressure set off the alarm, but we're working on that. The big thing was adjustments to my meds. I was taking cyclosporine. It is a large capsule (actually huge), but the awful part is that it smells like skunk! Seriously. Each capsule is packaged individually in triple layer foil/plastic. They are very tricky to open. We fondly refer to it as roadkill. The replacement meds is Prograf. They are tiny capsules. I am so happy with that change.
I will have to continue weekly blood tests for three weeks and if all goes well I get to go to every other week for blood work. My veins are really beat up and sure could use the break. I don't have to go back to UCSF for four months. Works for me!

Merry Christmas

It seems like I am always a step or two behind these days. We have had a truly delightful holiday this year. We are so grateful fo family, friends, music, lights, too many goodies, but mostly for the birth of our Savior.