Friends and family Noel is a little over 6 weeks after having his transplant. He is doing so well. We are still going to the University 3 days a week for lab work and follow up visit with his doctor every two weeks. With being a diabetic he also is dealing with high blood sugar due to some of his medications he is taking. Doctors tell us that as his medications are being reduced his blood sugar will come down. White blood cell count a bit high (meaning a slight infection) so on 7-5-2012 a couple more pills of antibiotics a day added to the rest of what he is taking. Thank goodness no signs of rejection!
As Noel & I look back two years ago this is when he really started to show signs of the disease. He started to itch more, doctors visit & tests increased. On July 13, 2010 Noel arrived at Brett baseball game and seemed at bit disorientated. We had a bite to eat after his game and by now Noel was just not himself. He wasn't sure where he was, he dropped the cup he was drinking out of and kind of gave us a stare like he didn't know who we were. We rushed him to the IMC emergency room for which I thought he had a stroke later to find out that he had Hepatic Encephalopathy (high ammonia levels in the body). This is because the liver is not functioning and cannot filter so toxins are released in the body effecting the brain. This is the first scary experience (other than the initial diagnosis) with this disease that we had with Noel and the first of many hospital visits to follow. This is when he was introduced to the yummy medicine Lactulose. Our little Jackson would always remind his Papa if he had his Lactulose for the day. Now no more Lactulose.
A year ago Noel had already gone through a regiment of tests, shots, Dr. visits and was now preparing for his Pre-Liver Transplant Evaluation on July 13, 2011. This would in tell more tests like ct scans, ultra sounds, chest x-rays, bone density, cardio-vascular, treadmill stress test, psychological evaluation, meet with a dietitian, financial consultant, social worker, endoscopy, colonoscopy, more medicines. He also found out at this time that he had a stone in his pancreas duct that had to be removed. This would involve 5 ERCP surgery's to remove the stone over 5 months.
As you can see by the picture of Noel he is slowly getting out and getting back into the grove of the day. He tells me he's a bit antsy to get back to work but knows it will be a while. He also tells me he really misses the great people he worked with at Page Brake. They were like family to him and wish them the best.
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| Taking in a Bees Game 6/25/2012
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www.sltrib.com/sltrib/neighborhoodsouthvalley/54418657-132/liver-family-Noel-smith.html.csp
If you have anything to donate to the yard sale we are collecting anytime and can be brought to our home. We are also asking for help to man the yard sale as well and help the night before to prepare items. We are also looking for awnings to borrow so that we can put them up knowing that it will most likely be a hot day.
Thank you again family and friends for your sacrifice
P.S. Plans are under way for the Fundraiser/Dinner/Auction in August. Details of the event at a later date...
DON'T FORGET !
GET THE WORD OUT!
YARD SALE
SATURDAY - JULY 14TH
8:00AM TO 2:00PM
Dad You look GREAT!!!! Better and better everyday!!!!
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