Its Working!

The surgery came off with very few issues, and the result is a healthy and functioning kidney! A few quick items to report:

- Creatinine is a waste product created through the body's metabolism which is eliminated by healthy kidneys. Depending on a variety of factors, a "normal" creatinine measurement is 1.2. I came into the hospital with a level of 5.8, and as of 5:00AM this morning my new kidney has cleared my creatinine down to a level of 1.9. This is one really tough kidney!

-some of the anti-rejection drugs have been a real drag. i had an unfortunate reaction to one yesterday, but we slowed down the rate it was given and it seems to have eased

-i officially meet my donor today. She and her husband are on the same floor and would like to meet. Dont tell anyone, especially HIPPA, but its no secret! Im pretty sure they know who I am too, but we will meet and visit today and we are looking forward to it.

-I thought i was ready for the poking and the prodding... i really did.... many of you can imagine that I am not a very good patient... but its been more that I expected. I currently have two IVs installed, two bracelets, a heart monitor, and an oxygen sensor. I dont like it.

-The staff has been quite supportive. Anything we need they attend to... except for my constant pleading for more sleep.. they have NOT honored that request...

-I feel so much better already.. during the course of a normal day day for the last year or so, ive been looking for a nap mid-afternoon. yesterday, even with all of the sleep deprivation, i never even yawned!

-ive got a life back, and I am so very thankful...