Progress continues with two steps forward and then one step back, then two steps foward. Last night Annie was quite restless and did not fall asleep until about 1:30 am, feeling depressed and sad and worried. And after 1:30 her sleep was restless and she was up by 7 am, still a bit depressed. It seems that she is experiencing some of the side effects associated with the anti-rejection medicines, including high doses of steroids. The good news is that they will cut the steroid dose in half tomorrow, and that should diminishe some of the side effects.
Right now one of the best medicines for Annie is visitors. She had several today and she held up well and they picked up her spirits. She looks forward to seeing all of you.
Another issue for Annie is nutrition. The doctors want her to get at least 2,000 calories per day but Annie does not have any appetite. Yesterday they were talking about having to put a feeding tube down her nose into her stomach if she did not start getting more calories. So today she tried a nutrition drink that has 600 calories per serving! And much to her amazement she liked it! So she had 4 servings today (2,400 calories) and it looks like she has avoided the feedint tube, great news!
We met with the pharmasist today and the transplant coordinator. There is considerable teaching of information that Annie has to understand before she is discharged. She even has to take a quiz on her many medications to "graduate" out of here. I guess you just can't get away from school.
Today they told us that for the first month Annie has to be especially carefull about exposure to germs, and she will have to stay closer to home, but then she will be gradually able to go out more. For the first year especially she will have to be vigilent about exposure. So when you come to visit, always make sure you clean your hands with the Purell before you come into her room. We will have lots of Purell at home for you to use once she is there.
We can't begin to describe how greatful we are for all of you love, your support, and your prayers. The last two weeks have been a real rollercoaster and the support has been so amazing, and so important. God continues to bless Annie and us, and I know He is blessing each and every one of you as well, for when we draw near to Him, He draws near to us!
God bless all of you. Paul
In all your ways be mindful of him, and He will make straight your paths."
-Proverbs 3:5-6
5 comments:
I love you Annie and I can't wait until I see you!! I have a cold right now so I'm not going to be visting you just yet (but don't worry, I will)! The Miter came out at school today with YOU on the front page and it's crazy to think about how much I miss you. I'm praying nonstop and I'm very happy to know that you are doing so much better.
- Emily
Keep getting stronger Annie!
When we were trying to 'fast track' my dad out of the hospital after his transplant we experienced much of what you are going through. The medicine 'quiz' we turned into a family game - made our own flash cards and everything! To this day when my dad sorts his medicine for the week- we play the same game we did in the hospital - some of the names we have absolutely massacred, it still makes us laugh.
You are making a wonderful recovery, and I look am anxious to see you soon.
Annie, they must have made improvements to the liquid supplements. When I had jaw surgery 15 years ago, they were gross. I'm glad they got better. Bottoms up!!
Darcy
hi hhi hi hih ihihi hi hi h ih i hi h i i h ih i h ih ih ih i hi h ih i hi i h ih i hi h ihi hi h ih ihih hi h ihi hih i i i hih ih ih ih i hi h ih i h ih ih iHI HI H IH i h ih iH IHI H Ih i h ih I HI H II h ih i
hi im paul
i hopr you feel beter. GOD ROCKS
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