Long Week

   This has been a long week. I went in for surgery on Monday and got out of the hospital on Wednesday. I decided not to work Thursday because I was pretty beat. On Friday, Lois had her surgery and that went well. All except for all the throwing up and getting sick stuff. I spent the night with her on Friday and she groaned and whimpered all night long. I felt really bad for her. She has not had anything to eat or drink since Thursday evening so she is pretty miserable. Hopefully that will change tomorrow (Sun).
   Just hearing about what they have to do to fix a herniated stomach is unbelievable. It sounds awful and I am constantly amazed with the human body and just how much it can endure. Too bad we haven't figured out how to heal it without crossings those thresholds of pain. Lois usually has a pretty high tolerance when it comes to pain, but this surgery got the best of her. She will probably spend another night or two before they let her go home.
   I had to get some labs drawn regarding the medication I am on and my MELD was 16. Now that they've fixed me up and the blood is moving around differently, that really changed things. I am guessing when I get my new monthly labs for my UNOS update, I will have dropped down the list a bit. It is kind of a bummer, but I am okay with it. They took care of something that needed to be dealt with and could have potentially been life threatening. Wherever that places me in the transplant world, that is where I need to be. As long as I can keep on top of the encephalopathy and keep a clear head then all is well.
   Once again, thanks to everyone for all there thoughts, emails and cards. We are very blessed.

Hospital Food Sucks

   My TIPS turned out well. The recovery has sucked tremendously. I have been extremely tired, sore and nauseated. Plus my bed was a little small so I was kind of scrunched up most of the time. This was quite the experience. After I was able to move around and get out of bed I scrolled the hallways. There are a lot of sick people waiting for transplants. Hearing some of their complaints and listening to the patients who had hepatic encephalopathy was very sad. I feel miserable right now, but there is no way I could endure what these people are going through.
   Anyhow, I am home again. I will probably write later after my work week. Take good care.

   Thanks for all the notes and emails.