Almost 5 months post-op

It's been while...long time, no post. Been a bit busy but thought I'd now post an update.

I'm feeling much better than before. Almost back to my old self...yes! I understand that my recepient, Toby, is doing very well - which is super. Can't wait to see her again to catch up with everything that's been going on in her "new" life.

Best news of all since my last post is that our daughter, Kelly and her husband Carmine, announced that they are pregnant with twins! Yes!! She is due anywhere from the end of May to mid-June. Our first grandchildren...from none to two in one shot.

Sort of like...give a kidney and get a couple of grandchildren in return.
Great deal!

T plus 7 weeks

It dawned on me that in all of my previous posts to my Blog I had not mentioned the medical transplant team at NYU Medical Center. I have to say that my experience was very favorable and I was very pleased with the treatment I received - both pre and post surgery.

My kidney transplant coordinator, Min Zhou, was (and is) very friendly and helpful. To this date she continues to assist me with my requests and for that I am grateful.

My surgeon, Dr. Ahmed Fahmy, is exceptional. From his pre-op guidance, to the compassion and respect shown to my family while I was in recovery, to his post-op care, I am very grateful that Dr. Fahmy was, and is, my doctor.

The post-op staff in the ICU was also exceptional. While I cannot recall all of their names, Christine was one nurse whom my wife and I both remember as being very kind and attentive in the day immediately following my surgery.

To those I have mentioned above, and to all of those who helped me and my family through this procedure.....thank you very much.

T plus 31 days

Thanks to everyone who has read my blog. It's good to know that it has generated some interest. Thanks to Beth and Tom, Jr for posting it on Facebook. I'm hoping that it will encourage some to at least look into the possibility of donating. And it doesn't have to be a kidney.

Bone marrow/stem cell donors are needed - badly. The recent story about the young mother who needed a bone marrow transplant was very disturbing.
It seems that a call went out for possible donors and many people came in to see if they were a match. Four people actually were a match which is highly unusual. Sadly, all four of them backed out and refused to donate! Why would they do that?

Tragically, the mother died leaving behind two young daughters and a husband.

Why the hell would someone volunteer to be tested as a possible match and then, once you were selected, back out? It's not that big of an ordeal to donate bone marrow or blood cells (which is the method used most often now). It's much less invasive and painfull than kidney or liver donation; and only days to recover.

I've been on a Bone Marrow Donor list since 1994 and would do it in a heartbeat if I was a match for someone in need. Come on folks! There are lots of people out there that can use the help.

T plus 21 days

Saw several doctors yesterday at NYU. While they did not openly express any concern over the leg issue and fatigue, they did say they wanted to monitor things well into 2011, and beyond if necessary. Just in case. It's an age thing according to them; they have not had a donor my age, so I'm sort of their test case. More blood work and visits set for December.
Going to continue the heat pad routine, exercise and trying to get my appetite back. I've lost 14 lbs since the surgery. Docs said to eat what I enjoy and not to worry (for the time being) about the healthy (or lack thereof) of what I consume. They weren't too worried about the weight loss..for now.
I saw Toby (recipient) while at NYU. She looked good and said the her new found kidney was doing well. I informed her that I took great pains to prime that sucker before turning it over to her. Toby said that if she starts drinking scotch and telling bad puns (ugh), we'll both know that the kidney that used to reside in Thomas Carr is having a positive effect! Well, the "positive" part is my editorializing.

T plus 17 days

Appetite is about 60% back; but I still feel full quickly and some things don't sit right with me. Fatigue continues albeit at a reduced level. Probably goes hand in hand with the eating. Exercising and heating pad sessions help, so those will continue.
Left side stiffness has eased only slightly. Have a hard time putting on a sock on my left foot. I see the surgeon this coming Wednesday, so I hope that he can shed more light on this and why it has persisted so long after the surgery.

T plus 12 Days

Finally getting some of my appetite back. Fatigue and the sore hip area are still a concern. Now trying heating pad sessions followed by walking in the neighborhood. Feels good to get out once in a while.
My friends on the Living Donor Forum tell me that my many of my "after affects" are somewhat normal; although the hip thing is not normal.

T plus seven days

Just got back from my checkup at NYU and everything appears normal....well, normal is subjective considering whom we're talking about. Doctor says that everything that I'm experiencing is to be expected, especially given my age (nice guy, eh). He said it would take a full month or more before things got back to where they were. Oh well, just have to grin and bear it.
Saw the recipient while at NYU. She was there for her checkup as well. She told me to feel free to tell people who she is; so for now, it's Toby.
Toby looked good...a bit fatigued like me and little appetite. Sounds familiar. She happily announced that she was getting up several times during the night to pee. I never heard someone so glad to be inconvenienced like that.
My next checkup is in two weeks.