Today Noel had his first set back since his transplant in May. For the last few days he has been a bit sluggish and not wanting to eat much. After taking his vitals Noel noticed his incision draining more than usual and it being a bit more pinkish. I called his doctor they said to go immediately to the ER because of a possible infection he may have. Well sure enough here we are in the ER and now they are telling us that he will need to be admitted for a couple of days for observation and pump him with antibiotics. They also had to cut his incision open about 3/4 of length to drain the fluid. Everything has been going so well for Noel and we have prepared ourselves for these setbacks.
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| Just passing time with the Nook while waiting for doctors in the ER...
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We are still going to the University for labs three days a week. This coming week we are headed to the U for labs & a clinic visit and was hoping to go on two a week lab visits and clinic once a month. But with this setback we are prepared for our visits to the U not to change and stay the same as it has been. We are getting to be regulars at the U. You know that when they remember your names with valet, front desk, labs, er and so on. Especially it's nice to talk with Bonnie in the cafeteria & Deanna who works in another clinic. Everyone has been so nice to work with at the University!
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| Noel, Brett, Makenzie & I took in a Bee's game last week! As you can see we are having fun but they seem to loose when we go!
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Looking back two years August 2010 Noel seems to be a bit more tired than usual. Appointments in full swing with University of Utah Transplant Clinic. Doctors confirmed to us that Noel would definitely need a liver transplant. His liver is approximately 30% to 40% gone and at least two years out for a transplant. His doctor explained that he will get fatigued easily, itching will get intense, confusion, bloating and get sicker. He also could develop cancer. Learned that the Lactulose will have to be taken right up until he his transplanted. Dumb me thought that would be something that he would only have to take temporarily knowing now how important taking this medicine can literally safe his life. Office visits really picking up at least 1-3 visits a week. MELD score 9 . . .
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Fast forward one year August 2011 finishing up with many appointments to prepare to be put on the transplant list. Met with a dietitian - low sodium, limit processed meats & cheese, fat-free or low-fat cottage cheese, fiber, cut ice-cream intake (sorry Noel I know you didn't want to hear this one), no papaya, kiwi, pineapple, grapefruit, pomegranate. Also met with a financial coordinator at the U. Doctor prescribed 1500mg of Vitamin D & Calcium daily & an osteoporosis pill, had more shots & lab work done. Had a endoscopy at Huntsman Cancer Hospital to check for signs of cancer. Signs of moderate to severe chronic pancreatitis & enlarged lymph nodes. Office visits subside for a few weeks MELD score 15 . . .
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Getting ready for another YARD SALE! Looking at August 18th, 25th or September 1st. We will keep you posted on the exact date! Still working on a exact date for our Fundraiser/Dinner/Auction. Keep up the good work on getting items for our auction!
Thank you again family & friends for everything! All your support and help through Noel's transplant journey has made our family extremely humble and very grateful for everything that we have been given. We are blessed with such great family & friends to get us through this...
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