I can not believe how nice it is to be on this side of the transplant. Each day I am getting more strength and feeling better. (Remember the Beatle song on the Rubber Soul LP, "I have to admit, it's getting better, a little better every day .....). Well every day things are getting better!
Friday September 11, is my second birthday ; the day I got my new heart. Can not tell you much after they put me under the anesthetic. I remember someone said, "The heart will be here in 90 minutes." I remember nothing more that day.
Saturday September 12, I woke up in ICU. Still on all kinds of tubes for breathing and draining stuck in my body. I do not feel any pain from the large incision, which is weird. I can sleep again with out the use of a CPAP because the fluid behind my lungs is now gone (no more feeling like I am suffocating). I am starting to talk to family on the cell phone. I am interested in the score of the UW Huskie = U of Idaho Game.
Sunday, September 13 Tried to stand and felt like I was going to fall down. Legs are so weak it was a concern. Walked around 50 feet and was exhausted. Can not believe how weak I am. The Docs want me to eat more protein to build myself back up and help the healing process. This is still hard as I have nausea every day.
Thursday September 17. The Docs feel I could be ready to leave the hospital on Tuesday, which is 11 days after my transplant. My legs are still very weak but I am able to stand up now without help. I am down to 160 lbs. in weight. I hope this is the bottom. Eating more protein and exercise is what I need now.
The next few days Rosaline and I will get training on all of my medications and the issues with immunosuspression. After I am released from the hospital, we will be living in a small transplant housing apartment for at least a month near Seattle Pacific University. This allows us the frequent visits required to see the Doctors so they can monitor my new heart. It is a nice part of Seattle on the north base of Queen Ann Hill. Every day it is getting better.
Rick
ReplyDeleteYou are THE MAN
Take your time and get healthy
Hope to see you soon
Bob Fetterley
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGpAFpW2THw
ReplyDeleteSING ALONG EVERYONE! :P
Rick - Keely and Andrew Murdoch and I are enjoying some time together this weekend in Cashmere. I will be at the Wenatchee Salmon Festival this weekend. We are all elated with your progress. Keely & I look forward to you re-joining the committees! You know the fun never ends there! Of course a strong heart and immune system is a pre-requisite for the committee! Keep up the good work! :-)
ReplyDeleteI spent lots of time today working to open a steelhead fishery around these parts... that should make some folks happy in the Valley!
Thanks for the updates too!
Oh so good to be on this side of the transplant. I can't stop smiling when I think of the Tin Man of Wenatchee and his new heart. Heal away, Rick....Linda Bennion
ReplyDeleteThis modern day miracle has me totally amazed!! Keep up the great progress Rick! We are all pulling for you!! Hope to see you soon!
ReplyDeleteCathi