Day 40 in Dallas

Day 40 brought a series of milestones on Becky’s road to recovery. After receiving a new liver and kidney on day 30, and going back for a follow-up procedure on day 36, we appear to have turned a corner. We had five significant events happen today. 

1. She was taken off the CRRT (continuous dialysis).
2. She had her first HD (hemodialysis or “traditional” dialysis).
3. She passed her swallow test and was placed on a regular diet.
4. She got out of bed a couple times and spent some time sitting in a chair this afternoon. 
5. Orders were placed to transfer her from ICU to a regular room. We’re currently waiting for a bed to become available.

Becky was also taken off oxygen, and the vasopressor IV meds to maintain her blood pressure were discontinued yesterday. We’re still waiting for the kidney to “wake up.” From what I understood from the doctor this morning, it’s not uncommon for kidneys that were on ice to take 2-3 weeks or longer to start working. If there are no actual problems like rejection (which there’s no indication of so far) about 98% of transplanted kidneys will eventually start working. Until then, Becky will be on dialysis.

Those that have gotten some direct texts from me over the last couple days know that it hasn’t been all rainbows and unicorns. The last couple days were kinda rough in a few ways. For those that didn’t get those updates, here’s a summary:

• Primarily, Becky was pretty lethargic and distant Wednesday and Thursday. She was watching TV, but not really engaging. She’s had a hard time completing thoughts and focusing. Some of that is still true, but she’s at least trying to hold some conversations. That comes with its own problems. :-(
• She is still confused about the details of the situation. She knows that there is still a lot of work to do, but at the same time she’s ready to go home. I have to wonder how tonight is going to go for the nurse on duty. We’re having a hard time even having a conversation about dinner without her getting frustrated with me.
• She’s really resisting her breathing treatments and doing her breathing exercises. As much as I hate arguing with her when she’s been through so much, this is one thing I’m trying to push, but she’s pushing back just as hard or harder! Pray for both of us!
• She has a very sore and weak arm that had a clot and was made more tender when they tried to “re-wire” the line in her artery.
• We need to start working on her appetite again. She’s still on the tube feed at night, but they want her to start eating during the day. It’s harder to figure out what to get her since we’re having trouble communicating (see above).

We’re not sure what the rehab plans or timetable are yet. I suspect we’ll start having those conversations after we actually get out of the ICU and into a room.