October 1, 2012
Last week Noel had (4) visits to the University of Utah Hospital - (2) Labs, Clinic Visits (Kidney & Liver) and a Blood Transfusion.  The doctors are telling us that his Kidney's are not happy right now possibly due to the rejection meds for his Liver.  So the doctors would like Noel to have a Kidney Biopsy.  Keep in mind that he has already had a Liver Biopsy as well.

So that brings us today back at the hospital Oct. 1, 2012 bright and early for lab work and then later for a biopsy.  Noel did really well after being poked a few times.  They do this procedure first with location of kidney's with a ultra sound.  With Noel on his stomach and then giving him a local shot (he is alert the whole time) the doctor proceeds with a long needle about 6" to retrieve some tissue.  He did this 3 times each time giving the tissue to a Lab Tech to look under a microscope to make sure it was sufficient.  As I have mentioned before being at the University it is a teaching & learning hospital so for this procedure Noel had 8 doctors and nurses either helping or observing his biopsy.  Noel joked and said what about charging an admission?  

Just getting started. . .

I'm just happy to be here!  Ha!  Ha!

Biopsy in progress!
Sorry about the lighting (low lights) for the doctor to see the Ultra Sound. . .

Nap Time!  
Might as well sleep since I have to be on my back for 4 hours!
(With having a Kidney Biopsy the doctors have you stay overnight in the hospital so they can monitor you for any bleeding)

Enough of the pictures!

 The Smith's will report back at the end of the week and let you know the test results of the biopsy.  Oh forgot one more thing another test for Noel on Friday at the University.  Noel has to have a Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, or EGD for short, it is a procedure used to gain more information about his esophagus, stomach, and small intestine.  They put a small tube down his throat that is a camera to check it all out.  Sounds like fun!  Ask Noel he has had this procedure a few times. . .

"GOOD NIGHT"